The Semi-Private Snorkeling Adventure from The Adventure Boat is from $99 per person. The 4-Hour Custom Adventure Tour from The Adventure Boat is from $995 per group and leaves from Ala Wai Harbor in Waikiki. Group size, budget and time on the water decide which one fits.
How to choose
Choose by group size first, because the Semi-Private Snorkeling Adventure is priced per person and the 4-Hour Custom Adventure Tour is priced per group. Multiply your party size by the per-person price, then compare that total with the per-group price.
| Tour | Operator | Price from | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whale Watching + Marine Life Tour | Ocean Outfitters Hawaii | $99 per person | 1.5 hours |
| Semi-Private Snorkeling Adventure | The Adventure Boat | $99 per person | - |
| Adventure / Snorkel Tour | The Adventure Boat | $625 for the group | - |
| 4-Hour Custom Adventure Tour | The Adventure Boat | $995 for the group | 4 hours |
Time matters too. Turtle Canyon Snorkel runs 1.5 hours, and so does the Whale Watching + Marine Life Tour. If you want more time on the water, the 4-Hour Custom Adventure Tour runs 4 hours, which takes up most of a half day.
Check age last, since minimums differ by tour. Minimum ages differ by tour: 3 years for the Whale Watching + Marine Life Tour and 5 years for Turtle Canyon Snorkel. If a child is younger than the minimum, choose a different tour.
How much does it cost, and what is included?
For Turtle Canyon Snorkel from Captain Max Boat Tours, the price includes an experienced snorkel guide and captain, complimentary water and local juice, high-end snorkel gear and quality life vests.
Confirm what the $99 covers, including gear and the captain, with Ocean Outfitters Hawaii before you book. Read its price beside the Turtle Canyon Snorkel price, and weigh what each one includes before you pick.
The Semi-Private Snorkeling Adventure includes equipment and a guide. If you are traveling light, the per-person options are the simpler fit, while a full group can compare the per-group prices above.
What should you expect: how long it lasts and where it starts?
Turtle Canyon Snorkel departs at 7 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM and 4:45 PM. Each trip runs 1.5 hours. Pick a departure time that leaves you time to get to the harbor before you board, and arrive a little early so you are not rushing to the boarding area.
If you are staying in Waikiki, the Ala Wai departure keeps the trip close to your hotel.
For any snorkel trip, bring a rash guard and reef-safe sunscreen.
Who does it suit, and who should skip it?
Turtle Canyon Snorkel takes guests from 5 years old.
Ocean conditions and the animals decide what you see on any whale trip, so plan the day around the trip rather than one sighting.
For a small party, the per-person Semi-Private Snorkeling Adventure fits better. A group that fills a charter may find the per-group price the better match.
What are the tours to book?
- Turtle Canyon Snorkel (Semi-Private Boat Tour), run by Captain Max Boat Tours: from $99, 1.5 hours, minimum age 5.
- Whale Watching + Marine Life Tour, run by Ocean Outfitters Hawaii: from $99 per person, 1.5 hours, meets at Haleiwa Harbor, minimum age 3.
- Adventure / Snorkel Tour, run by The Adventure Boat: from $625 per group, includes snorkel gear and a private boat.
How do booking, cancellation and weather work?
Captain Max Boat Tours gives a full refund with 24 hours notice, and gives no refund within 24 hours of departure. Ocean Outfitters Hawaii also requires 24 hours notice for a full refund on the Whale Watching + Marine Life Tour.
The 4-Hour Custom Adventure Tour gives a full refund or credit with 48 hours notice. If your dates may shift, count the notice window backward from your departure before you book.
Ocean conditions can change a snorkel or whale trip, so check the National Weather Service marine forecast the day before your trip, and again that morning.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a boat tour on Oahu take?
The 4-Hour Custom Adventure Tour runs 4 hours.
What is included with a boat tour on Oahu?
The 4-Hour Custom Adventure Tour includes snorkel gear, safety equipment, a cooler with ice, sparkling water, a captain and guide, and a private boat.
Where does a boat tour on Oahu start?
The Whale Watching + Marine Life Tour meets at Haleiwa Harbor.
