Snorkeling trips at Living Ocean Tours depart daily from Kewalo Basin Boat Harbor located conveniently adjacent to Waikiki Beach. Join us for a 2 hour snorkeling excursion to Oahu’s Turtle Canyons. We also offer a 2.5 hour Deluxe Snorkel and Wildlife Cruise with beautiful snorkeling and a 2 story waterslide making it a favorite for the whole family. Our expert guides will be with you in the water to point out all the interesting marine life and lend a helping hand if needed.
We provide all equipment including snorkeling flotation vests, masks, fins and snorkels. Prior to entering the water our crew will give a brief lesson with some tips on how to use the snorkeling equipment and describe some of the marine life that we expect to see in the water.
What sets our trips apart from other snorkeling tours in Waikiki is the knowledge of our crew for our local marine life and our passion for teaching our guests how to get comfortable snorkeling while respecting our local environment. We have about a 95% success rate at finding the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles on our snorkeling trips, but you will enjoy observing and learning about many more of our local species of tropical fish, many of which are found only in Hawaiian waters. Read on for great snorkeling tips for snorkeling in Oahu.
Hanauma Bay is constantly some of the best snorkeling in Oahu for snorkelers of all ages and skill levels. The beautiful beach offers sand and grassy areas as well as some shade for relaxing. There are shallow areas on the inner reef as well as deeper areas further out with some of the best coral reefs on Oahu.
Hanauma Bay has restrooms, information desks, snorkel rentals and lockers available on the beach. “Hanauma Bay” means “curved bay” and it is well protected from wind and waves year round. Snorkeling Oahu ranks this some of the best snorkeling in Oahu on any given day.
Shark’s Cove, Oahu’s most popular North shore snorkeling site, is a must-visit snorkeling destination, especially during the calmer summer months when the ocean conditions are ideal. Shark’s Cove, part of the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District, boasts a unique underwater landscape formed by ancient lava flows, creating dramatic and picturesque scenery beneath the waves.
It’s important to note that snorkeling at Shark’s Cove is recommended only during the summer months when the waters are calm. The North Shore’s winter surf can be rough and dangerous, with high waves making the cove inaccessible. Always check local ocean conditions before heading out, and consider wearing reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate marine environment.
Electric Beach, also known as Kahe Point Beach Park, is located on the west side of Oahu near Ko’Olina. They entry to the site is from a sandy beach right next to the outflow from an electric power plant. The warm water that flows out from the pipe attracts an amazing amount of marine life. This site offers extremely clear water as long as the surf is not up.
During summer months this is one of the best snorkeling spots in Oahu due to the clear water and abundance of marine life. It is a fairly deep site with no lifeguards on the beach so it is only recommended for strong swimmers.
The Ko Olina Lagoons, a series of man-made coves along Oahu’s west side, provide a calm and safe snorkeling environment perfect for families and beginners. The lagoons are sheltered from ocean swells, offering tranquil waters year-round. Each lagoon is stocked with an array of tropical fish, making it a great place for kids to explore marine life in a controlled setting.
While the marine life might not be as abundant or diverse as in natural reefs, the lagoons offer excellent visibility and are an ideal choice for those who want to combine snorkeling with a relaxing day at the beach. Ko Olina’s resort area also provides convenient amenities such as parking, restrooms, and nearby dining options.
Located at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki, Queen’s Beach offers a unique Oahu snorkeling experience in a bustling urban setting. As part of the Waikiki Marine Life Conservation District, this area is teeming with marine life, including colorful reef fish, eels, and even occasional sightings of octopus.
While it’s easily accessible and great for beginners, the location can get busy, especially during peak tourist seasons. For the best experience, snorkel early in the morning when the water is calm and visibility is at its best. Being close to Waikiki’s amenities, it’s a convenient option for those staying in the area
Lanikai Beach on Oahu’s windward coast is a top spot for Oahu snorkeling, offering calm, clear waters ideal for beginners and experienced snorkelers. Just offshore, vibrant coral reefs host parrotfish, tangs, wrasses, and occasionally Hawaiian green sea turtles. The beach’s tranquil setting and easy snorkeling make it a must-visit destination.
Arrive early for calm waters and better visibility, as well as to secure parking near the residential access paths. Bring your own gear, as rentals aren’t available nearby. Lanikai’s stunning scenery and abundant marine life make it one of the best snorkeling spots on the island.
This is another North Shore snorkeling spot and beautiful beach. There is only a small parking lot here so as long as you get there early and find parking the beach will never be crowded. Showers, restrooms and picnic tables are available on the beach.
In the winter during a large swell this is the spot of some of the most famous big wave riding in the world. The world famous Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is held here only on years that the surf gets large enough to host the competition. The surf must be at least 20 feet Hawaiian size, meaning that the faces of the waves are 40 feet tall! Even if you cannot go snorkeling here it is definitely worth stopping by and checking out the big surf of Oahu in the winter.
