Of the snorkeling beginners we list, per-person prices run from $49 for Turtle Snorkeling (Includes Gear + 20' Jump) to $242 for Seabob (Super Dolphin), Snorkeling & Cruising.
The Turtle Snorkeling (Includes Gear + 20' Jump) tour by E Sea Diver is from $49 per person. Hawaii Surf Guru has 5.0 stars from 506 Google reviews. Where you stay, how long you want to be out, and whether you want an instructor in the water will narrow the choice.
What should you know before you book snorkeling on Oahu for beginners?
If you want someone with you in the water, start with the Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Tours / Lessons tour. Price matters less than that when you are new to snorkeling.
Who does it suit, and who should skip it?
Minimum age is the first filter, so check it before you compare anything else. The Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Tours / Lessons tour takes guests from 2 years old. The North Shore Snorkeling Tour takes guests from 3 years old. The Seabob (Super Dolphin) Snorkeling & Cruising tour requires guests to be at least 10 years old, so a child under 10 in your group rules it out. The Waikiki Snorkeling tour requires guests to be at least 12 years old. Families with very young children should start with the tours that take 2- or 3-year-olds.
How to choose
Start with your group size and the age limits above, since they remove some tours before price matters. If you stay in Waikiki, the Hanauma Bay Snorkeling tour is based there. If cost matters most, choose the E Sea Diver tour, which includes snorkel gear and life vests. If you have little time, choose the North Shore Snorkeling Tour, which runs 2 hours. If you want lunch in the price, choose the Wild Side Specialty Tours safari.
| Tour | Price from |
|---|---|
| Turtle Snorkeling (Includes Gear + 20' Jump) | $49 per person |
| Hanauma Bay Snorkeling | $55.99 per person |
| Grand Oahu Circle Island Tour With Snorkeling - VIP LIMITED SALE | $69.99 per person |
| Turtle Snorkeling Adventure + Guaranteed Sightings | $79 per person |
| Waikiki Turtle Snorkeling | $84 per person |
| Boat Snorkeling Tour | $84.99 per person |
| Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Tours / Lessons | $99 per person |
| Semi-Private Snorkeling Adventure | $99 per person |
How much does it cost, and what is included?
Higher prices buy more on some tours. The E Sea Diver tour includes snorkel gear, life vests, pick-up and drop-off. The Wild Side Specialty Tours Best of the West safari at $215 per person includes a small group guarantee, lunch and citizen science participation. If you want a boat to yourself, the private catamaran Keanuenue is from $649 per group and includes a USCG licensed captain and soft drinks.
What should you expect: how long it lasts and where it starts?
The North Shore Snorkeling Tour runs 2 hours and meets in Haleiwa. The Waikiki Snorkeling tour runs 2.5 hours, meets at Holomoana St and includes a professional in-water guide. The Waikiki Sunset Snorkeling & Cruise runs 3 hours and leaves from Kewalo Harbor, Pier D, Slip #112. Arrive early enough to be checked in before departure.
What are the tours to book?
- Kayaking Surfing & Snorkeling Turtle Tour, by Adventures in Paradise Oahu: from $200, 2 hours.
- North Shore Snorkeling Tour, by Ocean Outfitters Hawaii: from $110, 2 hours, meeting in Haleiwa.
- Ride Along / Snorkeling Cruise, by Hawaii Dive Center: from $99.99 per person, meeting in Honolulu.
- Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Tours / Lessons, based in Honolulu: from $99 per person, with a certified in-water instructor.
How do booking, cancellation and weather work?
The Kayaking Surfing & Snorkeling Turtle Tour gives a full refund or credit with 24 hours notice. The Grand Oahu Circle Island Tour With Snorkeling at Turtle Beach gives a full refund or credit with 48 hours notice. Book the tour whose notice window fits your plans. Ocean conditions can change a snorkel trip, and no tour here guarantees calm water or wildlife.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for snorkeling, Turtle Canyon or Hanauma Bay?
Choose the Turtle Canyon tour if you want stand-up paddleboards and kayaks offered alongside snorkeling.
How much does snorkeling on Oahu for beginners cost?
The Hanauma Bay Snorkeling tour based in Waikiki is from $55.99 per person.
How long does snorkeling on Oahu for beginners take?
The North Shore Snorkeling Tour runs 2 hours, and the Waikiki Sunset Snorkeling & Cruise runs 3 hours.
Ratings last checked October 2026.
