Things to do nearTurtle Canyon
Turtle Canyon is a beloved snorkeling and diving destination off the coast of Honolulu, Hawaii, renowned for its resident green sea turtles, vibrant coral formations, and clear Pacific waters.
Turtle Canyon sits roughly two miles off the coast of Waikiki in the warm, sheltered waters of Mamala Bay, making it one of the most accessible open-water snorkeling sites on the island of Oahu. The site takes its name from the Hawaiian green sea turtle, known locally as honu, a species that holds deep cultural significance in Native Hawaiian tradition as a symbol of good luck, endurance, and the spirit of the navigator. These turtles have frequented the coral formations at Turtle Canyon for generations, and the consistency of their presence is what sets this site apart from other snorkeling spots along the island's coastline.
Beneath the surface, the reef supports a layered ecosystem of cauliflower coral, lobe coral, and finger coral, sheltering parrotfish, moorish idols, humuhumunukunukuapua'a, and a rotating cast of open-water species. Visibility on calm days can extend well beyond fifty feet, giving snorkelers and divers a broad, panoramic sense of the reef's depth and structure.
Most visitors reach Turtle Canyon aboard guided catamaran or motorized raft tours departing from the Waikiki shoreline, and many operators provide equipment and brief instruction on board. The surrounding waters are generally gentle enough for beginners, though conditions can shift with trade winds and swells, particularly in winter months. Above the surface, the backdrop of Diamond Head and the Ko'olau Range frames the experience with the kind of scenery that is specific to this corner of the Pacific. For anyone spending time in Honolulu, Turtle Canyon represents one of the most direct and rewarding ways to connect with Hawaii's extraordinary marine environment.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Turtle Canyon
Visit during morning hours when ocean conditions are typically calmer and underwater visibility tends to be at its clearest.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, as conventional sunscreens containing oxybenzone are banned in Hawaii to protect the coral ecosystem.
Maintain a respectful distance of at least six feet from any sea turtle you encounter, as Hawaiian green sea turtles are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Try snorkeling rather than staying on the boat surface, since the coral formations and turtle activity are most vivid just a few feet below the waterline.
Combine your trip with a visit to nearby Hanauma Bay for a full day of Hawaiian marine exploration along Oahu's southern shore.
Top tours & experiences near Turtle Canyon
Waikiki Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Cruise
Explore Turtle Canyon reefs on a Waikiki coastal cruise toward Diamond Head
Turtle Canyon Snorkel Tour From Honolulu
High-speed boat ride and guided snorkeling at Turtle Canyon
Guided Turtle Snorkel Cruise in Waikiki
Cruise on a deluxe catamaran with crew-led snorkeling support
Private BYOB Waikiki Boat Tour & Snorkeling
Customize your ocean adventure with snorkeling, wildlife spotting, and BYOB relaxation
Waikiki Ocean Playground Snorkel Cruise
Snorkel, slide, and lounge aboard a Waikiki catamaran
Dive a Bioluminescent Night Dive in Waikiki
Certified pelagic bioluminescent night dive with valet service and gear
2-Tank Shallow Reef Dive Charter From Waikiki
Two-tank shallow reef boat dive with all gear included
Honolulu Shallow Reef Dive & Snorkel Tour
Explore Honolulu’s reefs by guided dive, snorkel, or ride-along
2-Hour Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Tour
Snorkel Waikiki’s coral reefs aboard a sailing catamaran
Snorkel & Sail Turtle Canyon With Lunch in Waikiki
Sail to Turtle Canyon and snorkel with lunch off Waikiki
Turtle Canyon Snorkel & Sail Cruise From Waikiki
Snorkel Turtle Canyon reef, then sail the Waikiki coast in 2.5 hours
Private Whale Watch & Snorkel Tour in Waikiki
Spot humpbacks on a private Waikiki catamaran with optional snorkel time
Deluxe West Oahu Whale Watch with Guarantee
Relaxing afternoon sail with guaranteed whale sightings along Oahu’s west coast
Waikiki Whale Watching Sail with Skyline Views
Scenic Waikiki sail with guaranteed humpback sightings and skyline views
West Oahu Dolphin Sail with Lunch & Snorkeling
See wild dolphins, snorkel with turtles, and enjoy lunch on a 3-hour West Oahu sail
3-Hour Turtle Canyon Snorkel Sail
Snorkel Turtle Canyon’s reefs with lunch, gear, and crew support included
Waikiki Sunset Catamaran Sail
Sail Waikīkī at sunset with drinks and light bites included
West Oahu Sunset Sail with Drinks & Appetizers
Unwind on a West O‘ahu sunset cruise with panoramic views, drinks, and light bites included
2-Hour Waikiki Turtle Canyon Snorkel Sail
Sail Waikīkī and snorkel Turtle Canyon with gear, snacks, and drinks included
West Oahu Afternoon Turtle Snorkel Sail
Cruise the West Oahu coast for an afternoon snorkel with turtles; gear, snacks, and drinks included
2-Hour Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Tour
Guided Turtle Canyons snorkeling with gear, snacks and drinks
2-Hour Honolulu Snorkel Tour at Turtle Canyons
Snorkel Turtle Canyons with expert guides and all gear provided
Honolulu Turtle Canyons Snorkel Tour
Snorkel Turtle Canyons with in-water guidance, gear, and flotation support
Snorkel Turtle Canyon on a 28' Raft Tour
Look for Sea Turtles and Pacific Fish at Turtle Canyon
Custom Waikiki Snorkeling Charter
Shape a private Waikiki raft outing with snorkeling, swimming, wildlife watching, or a high-speed ride
Private 1.5-Hour Waikiki Sunset Cruise
Cruise Waikiki at sunset on a private high-speed boat, with time to swim
Snorkel Turtle Canyon on a Waikiki Sail Cruise
Sail off Waikiki and snorkel Turtle Canyon for tropical fish and sea turtles
Snorkel Turtle Canyon on a 1.5-Hour Waikiki Tour
Snorkel Turtle Canyon with a small group on a 1.5-hour Waikiki boat tour
Private Snorkel & Cruise in Waikiki Turtle Canyons
Book the whole boat for a private Waikiki snorkel or cruise to Turtle Canyon
Private Oahu Tour & Turtle Canyon Sail & Snorkel
Customize a 5-hour island drive, then sail and snorkel at Turtle Canyon
Private Turtle Canyon Snorkel Charter in Honolulu
Private snorkel boat charter to Turtle Canyons with flexible scheduling
Sail Waikiki At Sunset On A Private 2-Hour Charter
Private 2-hour Waikiki sail for couples, with sunset views
1.5-Hour Turtle Canyon Guided Snorkel Tour
Guided Turtle Canyon snorkel with a guaranteed sea turtle sighting
Waikiki Sunset Whale Watch Cruise
Spot humpback whales and savor a Waikiki sunset aboard a 65ft power catamaran
Guided 2-Hour Snorkel Cruise in Waikiki
Small-group Turtle Canyon snorkeling with in-water safety support
Waikiki Whale Watch Big Kahuna
Search for humpback whales off Oahu’s south shore with scenic views of Waikiki
38' Private Fishing Charter in Ko Olina
Customize a private luxury day at sea for up to 6 guests with crew from Ko Olina
Private 2-Hour Honolulu Cruise to Turtle Canyon
Cruise Waikiki to Diamond Head on a private 2-hour charter with bar and optional snorkel stop
Sunset Cruise in Honolulu
Private golden-hour adventure with swims and Diamond Head views
Kayak, Surf & Snorkel Turtle Canyon Tour
Paddle from shore to Turtle Canyon for a 2-hour kayak, surf, and snorkel lesson
Snorkel Turtle Canyon Guided Tour From Honolulu
Snorkel Turtle Canyon and spot sea life in 2 hours
Dive Waikiki Shipwrecks & Reefs in 3.5 Hours
2-tank wreck and reef diving off Waikiki with all gear included
Private Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise From Waikiki
Snorkel Turtle Canyon and sail Waikiki’s coastline on your private catamaran
Small-Group Waikiki Snorkel Tour to Turtle Canyon
Snorkel Waikiki in a small group and explore Turtle Canyons
Snorkel Turtle Canyon on a 2-Hour Waikiki Tour
Snorkel Turtle Canyon with gear included on a 2-hour boat tour
Waikiki Sunset Cruise With Turtle Canyon Swim
Cruise Waikiki at sunset with a Turtle Canyon swim stop
Swim & Sunset Cruise at Turtle Canyon in Waikiki
Cruise Waikiki at sunset with a stop at Turtle Canyon
Private Turtle Canyon Snorkel Charter From Waikiki
Private 2-hour Turtle Canyon snorkel for up to 6 guests
Explore Oahu Reefs on a 2-Tank Scuba Dive
Two-tank shallow reef dive on Oahu for certified divers
Turtle Canyon Snorkel Catamaran Cruise From Honolulu
Cruise by catamaran to Turtle Canyon for a 2-hour snorkel
Sunrise Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Cruise
Greet the sunrise and snorkel Turtle Canyon's reef with views of Diamond Head
Private Catamaran Charter in Honolulu
Sail, swim and snorkel along Waikiki on your own catamaran
3-Hour Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Tour
Look for sea turtles and explore Turtle Canyon’s coral reefs
Turtle Canyon Small-Group Snorkeling Tour
Snorkel Turtle Canyon with gear and guide instruction included
Sunrise Cruise in Honolulu
Watch dawn light up Waikiki and Diamond Head from a high-speed raft
Haleiwa Snorkel & Scuba Dive Combo Tour
Explore Hawaii’s shore-entry waters with snorkeling and scuba options for mixed-experience groups
3-Hour Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Cruise
Snorkel Turtle Canyon with gear, snacks, and a professional guide
Sunset Snorkeling Cruise at Turtle Canyon
Snorkel Turtle Canyon and enjoy sunset views of Diamond Head
Turtle Canyon 90-Minute Snorkel Cruise
Open-Water Snorkeling at Turtle Canyon With Gear Included
Waikiki Sunset Cruise
Watch the sunset along Waikiki with an optional snorkel at Turtle Canyon
Guided Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Tour
Snorkel Turtle Canyon's reef with gear and an in-water guide included
Honolulu Friday Night Fireworks Cruise
Watch Friday night fireworks from a high-speed raft off Waikiki
Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Tour From Honolulu
Snorkel Turtle Canyon’s early-morning cleaning station