Waikiki Turtle Canyon Snorkel Tour Review: Is It Worth It?

Okay, so you’re looking for some aquatic fun in Waikiki, and the Turtle Canyon Snorkel Tour has caught your eye? That’s understandable. Getting to swim with these marine reptiles sure sounds memorable. Now, what we’re going to do is check out this outing a bit closer so you can decide if it’s seriously a good fit for your vacation.

What to Expect from the Tour, Just a Little

Basically, the Waikiki Turtle Canyon Snorkel Tour offers up the chance to, like, check out Hawaiian green sea turtles, or “honu” as they’re known locally, in their natural habitat. The tours typically run for a few hours, starting with a boat trip from Kewalo Basin Harbor or another close harbor. During that sail, that’s when you get views of Waikiki’s shoreline, so make sure you have your camera. So, very usually, the boat cruises out to Turtle Canyon, a known cleaning station for turtles – cleaning station basically being where fish actually groom algae from the turtles’ shells. Pretty cool, right?

That being said, upon arrival at Turtle Canyon, the boat will anchor, and then that is where the snorkeling starts. Most tours supply you with your snorkel gear, however you may want to, that is if you’re serious, think about bringing your own set for fit and sanitation. It’s all very cool. You’ll hop in the water, that is, after the crew gives you safety guidelines. Keep in mind that the depth around Turtle Canyon is, usually, about 10 to 30 feet, that can be subject to change depending on the tide, basically.

That being said, in the water, you’ll hopefully see these turtles casually munching on algae or getting their shells cleaned by those super important fish. These Hawaiian Green sea turtles aren’t very skittish and will probably let you see them close up, but it’s also a good idea to appreciate them from a bit of a respectful distance. Most tours also cruise by Diamond Head so everyone on board can take photographs, too it’s almost iconic.

The Small Group Experience, arguably

Now, one of the biggest perks highlighted with this excursion is that it’s a smaller group outing. With smaller groups, what ends up happening is that the boats aren’t crowded, allowing you more elbow room to maneuver around the deck. What will end up occurring, like your not banging into a load of folks as you’re, alright, making your way to the front to grab that view. Most of these companies will say, with good reason, it’s safer, and you tend to get extra attention from the crew. I mean, come on.

That is said, if you’re not great in the water, or you get edgy about open water, this is obviously a bonus. It’s, typically, a good thing when they can keep a closer watch. With fewer folks on board, the staff is able to personalize the information they provide. Or even let you in on more tips about places to see on O’ahu, that tends to be really helpful when the whole of the vacation is ahead of you. It looks good too.

Is It Worth The Money, basically?

When thinking about whether it’s worth the costs involved to check out the Waikiki Turtle Canyon Snorkel Tour, you kind of want to think about some things. Are you wanting to be assured that you will experience these creatures? Is saving a few bucks a bigger value to you, very much over more attention? Basically, that might alter the kind of feelings you end up feeling regarding your dollar allocation, in a way. So make sure you think about what means a ton to you.

Now, you want to factor in a couple of additional perks on some of the boats. Free refreshments on many of the charters. A water slide that gets folks closer to the water, so you don’t have to just leap into the Pacific if the temperature is off-putting. Arguably that really increases the overall feel of value for the experience.

Plus, really, consider the time commitment, especially with kiddos. If you choose to strike out on your own at a beachfront park, with public swimming areas, chances are there aren’t on-site lifeguards there every minute. That means that for every minute you’re there you’ll be supervising instead of enjoying yourself. Whereas the cruise company is on top of that kind of situation, more or less, already.

Snorkeling Conditions and Visibility, mostly

Okay, now here’s the truth. Turtle Canyon’s visibility can change, relying very heavily on the weather. Typically, on a clear, sun-filled day, visibility is great, and it’s extremely amazing seeing the ocean floor. But, should it rain, it’s, in a way, less ideal. Rain stirs up sediment, dropping the visibility. Should you find that your adventure date has come up during a bout of rainfall, chat with the tour company about rescheduling. Most operators will work with you if conditions, could be, impact the enjoyment.

That is said, what to keep in mind is that the Pacific Ocean can be, kind of, rough, too. That means sometimes a little current could sweep folks this way or that. Even then, a lot of companies carry flotation devices. What to do when this arises? So, it would be best to find a snorkel vest if you aren’t that great of a swimmer so you’re very sure you stay afloat.

Respecting the Turtles, very

So, as chill as these turtles seem, and how they aren’t scared when the folks visit them, it is extra super imperative to regard them and their space. That actually is what a responsible adventure company will promote. No reaching out and petting or grabbing the turtles. Even if you just plan to swim a little closer for the ‘gram, refrain from crowding them. Basically, it is illegal to hassle the turtles and can garner you a heavy fine if you are caught.

When getting closer and appreciating them from afar, never surround them. Always, very, let the turtle have an avenue for exiting an interaction with you. That way they never start getting nervous if they get cornered.

Check the Weather: Prior to booking, that is when you want to peep the weather forecast, basically.
Book Ahead: These tours often are sought after, particularly throughout peak tourist times, so booking in advance ensures your spot.
Bring Sunscreen: The Hawaiian sunlight may be quite powerful. Guard your skin!
Consider a Waterproof Camera: For shooting photos of your underwater experiences, give consideration to getting a water resistant video recorder, naturally.
Listen to the Crew: Very be sure to listen to every single little direction or recommendation from the boat crew and snorkeling guides, really. These folks typically will care regarding your health, and are professionals!

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