Waikiki: 5-in-1 Turtle Snorkeling Trip with Shuttle Option

The main attraction here is not simply snorkeling. It is the choice of five water activities from one large catamaran, including a water slide, trampoline, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and a 20-foot jump. You can change pace whenever you like instead of spending three hours doing only one thing.

I like the roomy 65-foot double-decker boat, with two bathrooms, multiple decks, snacks, iced tea, and water. I also like the easy family appeal: the crew is friendly and reassuring, and children and adults can pick different activities without splitting up. The main consideration is that ocean conditions can remove kayaking or paddleboarding from the program, and sea life sightings are not guaranteed.

Key points at a glance

• Five activities from one catamaran: Snorkel, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, bounce on the trampoline, or use the onboard slide.
• A 20-foot jump adds a bold option: It is available for confident participants, but nobody has to take it.
• A comfortable boat base: Ocean Intrigue is a 65-foot, double-decker catamaran with two bathrooms and several places to sit.
• Useful family setup: Children under three can board free with an adult, but they cannot take part in the water activities.
• Good crew reputation: Friendly, fun guides helped families and nervous participants feel comfortable.
• Plan for conditions: Weather and safety can change the activities, and the shuttle costs an additional $20 per person.

A three-hour outing built around choice

This South Coast trip works best for people who want variety. You leave the harbor, take in views of Waikiki and the Pacific, and use the catamaran as your floating base for the rest of the outing.

The advertised five activities are snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, trampolining, and the onboard water slide. A 20-foot jump is another option for those who want a little more nerve. You are not locked into one attraction, which makes the setup especially useful for families with different energy levels.

One person can paddle while another watches from the deck. A child who is not ready for the jump can enjoy the slide or remain with an adult. Someone who wants a quieter hour can stay aboard with a drink and enjoy the coast.

The exact order and amount of time for each activity can change. The crew may adjust the program for weather, sea conditions, or safety. Kayaks and paddleboards may not be available on a particular departure, so book this for the overall boat day rather than for one guaranteed activity.

Setting out from Pier E in Honolulu

The meeting point is Pier E, Slip F-18, at 1025 Ala Moana Boulevard in Honolulu. This is the boat departure point, so allow time to find the pier and get organized before boarding.

Parking costs $4 per hour. That cost matters because the excursion lasts three hours, and you may need extra time before departure and after returning. If you are staying in Waikiki, pickup from major Waikiki resorts is available for reservations made at least 24 hours ahead, but it costs $20 per person.

The shuttle is convenient if you do not want to arrange a ride to Ala Moana Boulevard. Still, give yourself patience at pickup. The process at the Prince Hotel has been described as chaotic, so confirm the pickup details and wait in the proper place. The shuttle does not have a wheelchair lift.

Once at the pier, you board Ocean Intrigue, a double-decker catamaran measuring 65 feet. That size gives you more room than a small open boat and makes the trip feel like a proper floating activity center rather than a simple ride out to a snorkel site.

Ocean Intrigue gives you a comfortable base

A boat matters on a three-hour water outing. Ocean Intrigue has two bathrooms, which is a practical advantage for families and anyone spending a good part of the day at sea.

The double-decker layout also gives you options. You can head to the activity areas when you want action, then return to a deck for a break. The boat supplies water, iced tea, and snacks, and you can bring your own food and nonalcoholic drinks.

Food beyond the included snacks is not provided. Alcoholic drinks are also not included. If you have dietary needs or simply know you will be hungry after several water activities, pack food that is easy to carry and eat aboard. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so keep it to a small, useful day bag.

The boat trip itself is part of the appeal. You will sail along the South Hawaiian coast with views toward Waikiki and the open Pacific. This is not just transport between activities. The ride gives you a chance to dry off, look back toward Honolulu, and enjoy the setting without being in the water every minute.

Snorkeling with quality gear, but no wildlife guarantee

Snorkeling gear, life vests, and basic guidance are included. That keeps the trip simple, especially if you are visiting Hawaii without your own equipment.

The water can be beautiful, and the crew helps make the activity approachable. The strongest feedback about this outing centers on the guides being friendly, fun, informative, and good at helping people feel comfortable. That matters if you have a child, a first-time snorkeler, or anyone who feels unsure in open water.

You should keep expectations sensible about marine life. This is not a guaranteed turtle encounter, despite the title often used for the experience. You may see fish or other sea life, but conditions and location affect what appears. One participant enjoyed the water and boat but wanted to see more sea life.

That is not a reason to skip the snorkeling. It is a reason to treat it as one part of a varied boat day. If your top priority is a guaranteed turtle sighting or a very wildlife-focused outing, this may not be the best match based on the information available.

Use sunscreen before boarding and reapply as needed. Bring a camera if you want pictures, but protect it properly around the water. A towel and dry change of clothes will make the return trip far more pleasant.

The slide, trampoline, and 20-foot jump

The water slide is the most distinctive feature. It is promoted as the longest onboard water slide in Waikiki, and it gives the boat day a playful edge that a standard snorkeling trip does not have.

You slide from the catamaran into the water, then return to the boat and choose your next activity. The design lets you make the day as active as you want. You can take one turn, repeat it, or skip it completely.

The trampoline offers another low-pressure way to enjoy the water. It is a good option for people who want fun without the height of the jump. Kayaking and stand-up paddling give you a slower pace and a chance to look around from the surface, although both depend on conditions.

The 20-foot jump is for confident participants. You do not need to do it to get full value from the trip. This range of choices is one reason the outing works well for groups with mixed ages and comfort levels.

Safety takes priority over the advertised menu. The crew may change or remove an activity because of weather or water conditions. That can be disappointing if you booked mainly for kayaking or paddleboarding, but it is the sensible tradeoff on an ocean trip.

A good match for families and mixed groups

Families are the clearest audience for this outing. The boat offers enough activities to keep energetic children occupied, while adults can snorkel, paddle, watch from the deck, or take a break with a drink.

The crew has earned strong praise for being friendly and fun, and for making people feel comfortable. That is particularly useful when a group includes someone who is nervous about snorkeling or unsure about jumping from a boat.

Children under three may board free with an accompanying adult. They cannot participate in the activities for safety reasons, so an adult will need to remain responsible for them. The activity is not a drop-off program for young children.

Older children and adults have more freedom to choose. Nobody has to use the slide, jump, snorkel, or paddle. That flexibility keeps the mood relaxed, although you should still expect a lively outing rather than a quiet cruise.

If your group wants calm sightseeing with little activity, this may feel too action-focused. If your group wants a luxury sailing experience with a full meal, it also may not fit. The value here comes from variety and access to several water features in one booking.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a camera, food, drinks, and a change of clothes. Motion sickness prevention is also worth considering if you are sensitive to boat movement.

Bring only what you need. Luggage and large bags are not allowed, and wet equipment can make storage awkward. A small, secure bag is more useful than a large beach tote.

Water, iced tea, and snacks are supplied. You can bring additional food and drinks, but alcoholic drinks are not included. Keep your food simple and easy to manage aboard.

Think about sun exposure. Three hours on a boat, with time in the water and on open decks, can be tiring even when the weather feels pleasant. Sunscreen, hydration, and short breaks will help you enjoy the activities instead of trying to do everything at once.

Is $115 a fair price?

At $115 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend time in the ocean. You are paying for a three-hour boat outing plus snorkeling gear, life vests, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, a trampoline, the slide, drinks, and snacks.

The value is strongest if you plan to use several activities. Someone who snorkels once and sits aboard for the rest of the trip may find the price harder to justify. A family that uses the slide, trampoline, snorkeling area, and paddling equipment gets much more from the same ticket.

You should also add the costs that are easy to overlook. Shuttle service is $20 per person, and parking is $4 per hour. Food and alcoholic drinks cost extra, though you can bring your own food and drinks.

The reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some planning flexibility. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Check the available starting times when you book because the trip lasts three hours and your departure time may affect the rest of your day.

Who should book this boat day?

I would point families, first-time snorkelers, and groups with mixed interests toward this experience. The crew’s friendly approach, the many activity choices, and the large boat make it easier to keep everyone involved.

It also suits you if you want more than a standard snorkel excursion. The slide, trampoline, and jump give the trip a water-park feel, while the coastal ride and snorkeling keep it connected to Hawaii’s ocean setting.

I would be more cautious if your only goal is seeing turtles or other marine life. Sightings can be limited, and weather may change the activity lineup. I would also think twice if you dislike busy, active outings or need fully accessible shuttle transportation.

FAQ

How long is the Waikiki turtle snorkeling trip?

The activity lasts three hours.

Where does the boat depart?

The meeting point is 1025 Ala Moana Boulevard, Pier E, Slip F-18, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.

Is shuttle pickup available from Waikiki?

Pickup is available from major Waikiki resorts when reserved at least 24 hours in advance. Shuttle service costs $20 per person.

Is parking available?

Parking costs $4 per hour.

What activities are included?

The included activities are snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, trampolining, and using the onboard water slide. A 20-foot jump is also available.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and life vests are included.

Are food and drinks included?

Water, iced tea, and snacks are included. You may bring your own food, snacks, and drinks. Food beyond the included snacks and alcoholic drinks are not provided.

Can children under three join the trip?

Children under three can board free with an accompanying adult, but they cannot participate in the activities for safety reasons.

Can the activities change?

Yes. Activities may change because of weather or safety concerns. Kayaks and paddleboards may not be available in some conditions.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, sunscreen, a camera, food and drinks, and motion sickness prevention if needed. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want an active, family-friendly boat outing with choices. The friendly crew, roomy catamaran, slide, trampoline, snorkeling, and paddling options give you a full three hours of things to do, even if one activity is changed by the weather.

Skip it if your top priority is guaranteed turtle viewing, a quiet sail, or wheelchair-accessible shuttle service. At $115, the trip makes the most sense when you use several of its features. For a group that wants ocean time with a little splashy mischief, it offers a practical and entertaining way to spend part of a Waikiki day.