Home > Oahu > Snorkeling Tours

Oahu Snorkeling Tours

Name: Oahu Snorkeling Tours
Brand: Snorkeling Tours
Rating: 4.7 (89 reviews)

Snorkeling Oahu is the most popular visitor attraction.

There are 61 tours in this category. Hawaii's Leader in Affordable Tours and Discount Activities

Best Snorkeling Tours in Oahu
Here is a short list of the best Snorkeling Tours in Oahu as determined by client reviews.

Snorkeling Tours Sorted by Specific Tour

Oahu Snorkeling Tours

Snorkeling Oahu with the Best Snorkeling Tours

Many of the very best tours in the 'Snorkeling Oahu' category can be found on boats that take you to some of the most famous snorkeling locations in the world. Hanauma Bay is a prime example as it is the single most 'snorkeled' bay in Hawaii. The crystal clear waters of Kaneohe Bay provide another world class snorkel experience and of course the waters near Waikiki and the Koko Head area of Oahu are legendary. You can snorkel in areas where you can also swim with wild dolphins in the Ko'Olina and Waianae areas and don't forget the unbelievable snorkeling experiences you can have with sharks and other Pelagic fish from the deep in the waters off the North Shore. Kayak snorkeling off the coast of Kailua Bay around the Mokulua Islands top the list of exciting varieties of snorkeling adventures that are yours for the asking off the coasts of Oahu. Tom Barefoot's Tours offers a wide variety of 'snorkeling Oahu' tours and many are at discount pricing.

Finding the best snorkeling Oahu has to offer is easy because your Oahu Snorkeling Tours will take you to a wide variety of locations.

It may be difficult to decide just which Oahu snorkeling tours will be just right for you, mainly because there are so many options. Although these snorkeling tours are located all over the island, in many cases you will be able to be picked up at your Waikiki hotel or condo and taken directly to the departure point. You of course can also decide to drive your rental vehicle and then spend the rest of your day touring the island.

Here are some classic locations for snorkeling Oahu coastlines:

Many of the snorkel tour charters will depart from Kewalo Basin in Honolulu and snorkel near to Waikiki.
You can be picked up from your Waikiki hotel and driven to the east side of Oahu through the tunnels to the super clear waters of Kaneohe Bay to snorkel. A treat will be in store for you here as you will be taken to a sand bar in the middle of the bay where you can stand in ankle deep water in this submerged area that is surrounded by the ocean. If you're lucky, you might even be able to play a game of volleyball on the underwater sandbar.
Pick up is also available in Waikiki that will take you to the northwest corner of the island to snorkel in a pristine area and swim with wild dolphins.
If big fish are exciting to you, how about actually swimming with sharks in the wild. This is a major attraction on Oahu and is available on the North Shore which is also so famous for its monster surf in the winter months.
How about a kayak trip in the crystal waters of Kailua Bay about a mile off-shore to the small but beautiful Mokulua Islands. You can actually land on the islands and explore their beaches on these tours and the coral heads of the reefs in this area will be just feet under your kayak as you make this incredible journey.
Hanauma Bay is the most popular and famous snorkel spot on Oahu and snorkel tours can be arranged to take you here.
Snorkel using an amazing and adventurous Submarine Scooter out from the Koko Marina.

What types of snorkel boats are available for your Oahu snorkeling tours?

There are numerous snorkeling boats on Oahu and they come in many shapes and sizes, take you to varied locations and come with varying agendas:

Many Oahu snorkel charters are catamarans (both sailing and power) that vary in size from 37' to 65' in length and can take a maximum of 6 passengers to a maximum of 80 passenger.
Some Sailing Yachts that take you on snorkeling excursions can have amenities equivalent to a penthouse suite.
Rigid-hulled inflatables similar to zodiacs can whisk you along the Waianae coast to find the perfect snorkeling location.
Private snorkeling charters can often provide you with the best pricing for your Oahu snorkel trips depending on the size of your party.
Donned with mask and snorkel and protected by an underwater cage, snorkeling to see the array of sharks Oahu has to offer is a popular Oahu snorkeling adventure.
Snorkeling tours on Oahu can also be taken on a Kayak.

Never snorkeled before?

Snorkeling is simple, can be learned in a matter of minutes and mastered on your first outing. Snorkeling is easiest to learn with the assistance of one of the crew members on an Oahu snorkeling tour.

Here are some reasons people love snorkeling Oahu:

The ocean waters surrounding Oahu are comfortably warm, have great visibility for snorkeling (often in excess of 100 feet), and are teeming with beautiful coral formations and colorful tropical fish.
You can snorkel over fantastic spires and crevices of coral, watch for eels, starfish, rays, lobster, or even a giant ulua. Reefs like these can be found all over the island.
In addition to beautiful reefs for snorkeling, one can generally find schools of Dolphins off the leeward coast at Waianae.
Many Oahu snorkeling boat charters will also include sailing as a part of your ocean experience.
Snorkeling trips will likely include lunch, Mai Tai's and other beverages as a part of your Oahu snorkeling adventure.

Checkout Tom's Tips and Insights about Oahu Snorkeling Tours

Tom's Tips - Oahu Snorkeling Tours
Oahu snorkeling tours, just like those found on the other Hawaiian Islands, are the most popular activity on the island. There are some differences regarding the snorkel tours on Oahu however. Many of the snorkel trips found here are not exclusively snorkel tours that are designed to visit the beautiful reefs and see the colorful fish but are included with a water activity fulfilling a separate purpose. Primary among them are the snorkel tours that set out for the purpose of finding and swimming with the dolphins. You will be in the water snorkeling with the dolphins but also at some point during your trip you will generally be taken to another area simply to snorkel over the reef... read more.

Do you still have questions about Snorkeling Tours?

Snorkeling Tours Sorted by Company

Recent Reviews

Pelagic Dive Tour - Island View Hawaii

It was spectacular, exciting, wonderful and the best experience ever to swim with the sharks. Our.. Melanie and Joerg Schumacher

Waianae-Hawaii Eco - Sunrise Dolphin Snorkel - Iruka Hawaii Experiences

The Iruka Hawaii Experience team was 1st class. They were so very warm, welcoming and informative.. Natalie Taylor

Shark Cage Tour - North Shore Shark Adventures

It was fabulous! We saw 3 Galapagos sharks & felt completely comfortable in the cage. Very cool.. Jennifer Ludke

Waianae "Ko Nau Lani" Dolphin and Snorkel Sail - Hawaii Nautical on Oahu

The experience was amazing, very professional crew and very customer friendly. I give them 5 stars hands down. Andres Carvajal

AM Catamaran Snorkel Sail - Ko'Olina Ocean Adventures

Excellent service! The crew was so attentive and helpful! Sarah Hile

Dolphin Snorkel Tour- Ko'Olina Ocean Adventures

Excellent trip. Walked to marina from Aulina. Took shuttle back. Guides were interactive,.. Long Vu

Shark Cage Tour - North Shore Shark Adventures

Our Shark Cage Tour with North Shore Shark Adventures was one of the highlights of our trip... Rob Hall

Hanauma Bay Snorkel Adventure - Hawaiian Ocean Promotions on Oahu

this is a great way to see place that can be so full you can't find place to park, and have.. Bill Lander

Popoi'a Island 2.5 Hour Tour - Twogood Kayaks Hawaii

We planned this tour, but wind, rain, and high waves put a dash to that, however a quick thinking.. Bill Lander

Waianae "Sea Dreams" Scuba Diving - Hawaii Nautical on Oahu

Great time diving with this company! I was fortunate to be only one of two divers on this trip and.. carolyn larrivee

Hilton Turtle Reef Snorkel - Port Waikiki Cruises on Oahu

I'm not a strong swimmer, but Brad is 💪and he made sure I had the best experience.. Tara W

Shark Cage Tour - North Shore Shark Adventures

The shark tour was one of the major highlights of our trip to Oahu. We loved the experience, being.. Annie N

Shark Cage Tour - North Shore Shark Adventures

North Shore Shark Adventures was great. They did a very good job and was very professional. We saw.. Evelyn Puchta

Dolphin Snorkel Tour- Ko'Olina Ocean Adventures

Fantastic! Everything I hoped it would be. Stephanie Seiler

Kayak and Snorkel - Holokai Kayak Adventures

Fantastic in every way. We were a group of 8 women from around the globe. Corey, our guide, was.. April Lewis

Twin Islands Guided Tour - 5 hours - Kailua Beach Adventures

Chad as a guide deserves 5 stars. He was very knowledgeable and encouraging on this long kayak. The.. Samantha Manatt

Early Morning Dolphin Tour - Dolphin Excursions

My son and I booked an early morning dolphin excursion and ended up having a great time. Our crew.. Rusty Alger

Reef Fishing Charter - Tradewind Charter

This was the best day of our trip. Captain Paul was fantastic and everything about the tour was.. Lilla Williams

Sunrise Dolphin Turtle Snorkel - Island Princess - Waianae - Iruka Hawaii Experiences

This tour was fantastic! We absolutely loved it! We saw lots of dolphins and some turtles and other.. Karen Jensen

Submarine Scooter and Cruising - BOB's Hawaii Adventures

Amazing! Would highly recommend this excursion. Great crew - great fun! Crew was very informative.. Donna Landree

Circle Island Turtle Tour - Hawaii Turtle Tours

We were on our honeymoon in Oahu when we came across Hawaii Turtle Tours. What an amazing.. Ashlea Goolsby

Mid Morning Dolphin Tour - Dolphin Excursions

I highly recommend this excursion. It was just the right amount of adventure and relaxation. Bring a towel. That's all you need. Reyna BONAPARTE

Rainforest to Reef- Bike, Sail and Snorkel Half Day - Bike Hawaii

Eland and Dave escorted us girls on a bike tour which was amazing and fun. Very professional and knowledgeable! The snorkeling was a blast! Thank you! Janet Doan

Mid Morning Dolphin Tour - Dolphin Excursions

This was probably the highlight of our Hawaiian vacation for our children. The scenery was great,.. Jared Runia

Hilton Turtle Snorkel Sail W/Lunch - Port Waikiki Cruises on Oahu

We had a wonderful experience! Stacy Smith

Kayak Adventure Package - Twogood Kayaks

This group is fantastic and friendly. Very good at what they do. I would highly recommend them. Adam Brown

Waianae "Ko Nau Lani" Dolphin and Snorkel Sail - Hawaii Nautical on Oahu

Outstanding trip, friendly knowledgeable staff, really nice lunch and plenty to eat. Whales,.. Michael Cooper

Waianae "Ko Nau Lani" Dolphin and Snorkel Sail - Hawaii Nautical on Oahu

We have been on 4 snorkeling / Dolphin cruises, and this one was the best , great drivers great.. Michael Maybee

Kayak and Snorkel - Holokai Kayak Adventures

really great trip. the two guides were great!! steve w

Picnic and Snorkel Sail - Captain Bob's Snorkeling

A bit crowded. Not too much food or drink. Beautiful scenery. Great crew. Rosemary Munafo

PM Catamaran Snorkel Sail - Ko'Olina Ocean Adventures

great time, great crew.
fish, dolphins and turtles..
smooth sailing all the way Gino Angelone

Shark Cage Tour - North Shore Shark Adventures

Everything was great. I would have stay for the day. It was the best!!! The only thing I would say, not long enough. Thanks for everything Marc-Andre Farand

Twin Islands Guided Tour - 5 hours - Kailua Beach Adventures

This tour was amazing. The views were stunning, the water was a nice workout, and our native Hawaiian tour guide was amazing. Kelley Karis

Hanauma Bay Snorkel Adventure - Hawaiian Ocean Promotions on Oahu

Beautiful water!! Snorkeling was great! The vision correction goggles were wonderful for me since.. Diane Davis

Waianae "Ko Nau Lani" Dolphin and Snorkel Sail - Hawaii Nautical on Oahu

This trip was awesome! Saw dolphins on the way out along with turtles while snorkeling. The crew.. Mike Birbeck

Waianae "Ko Nau Lani" Dolphin and Snorkel Sail - Hawaii Nautical on Oahu

The trip was a last minute add on to our vacation- and became a highlight! Far exceeded our.. Julie Ulm

Snorkel Picnic Sail 4 Hour - May 2- Sept 30 - North Shore Catamaran Charters

Loved every minute of this great tour. Captain Mark, Liam and Camilla were the perfect crew.. Vanessa Lynne

Snorkel Picnic Sail 4 Hour - May 2- Sept 30 - North Shore Catamaran Charters

Fantastic trip! Wonderful crew! Would recommend highly! wendy bokota

AM Catamaran Snorkel Sail - Ko'Olina Ocean Adventures

My daughter and I loved our adventure! The staff friendly and knowledgeable. We will be back. Patty Joy

Picnic and Snorkel Sail - Captain Bob's Snorkeling

It was the best! The host of our cruise was Mike and he and the crew were amazing!!! Trista Keller

Hilton Turtle Snorkel Sail W/Lunch - Port Waikiki Cruises on Oahu

The turtle snorkel sail with lunch was a wonderful experience for the eight of us. While I.. Michael Rothman

Picnic and Snorkel Sail - Captain Bob's Snorkeling

Great tour Marcus Beaman

Reserve the Noon Snorkel Sail with Holokai Catamaran.

Turtle Canyon Snorkel Sail PM - Holokai Catamaran

It was a great trip. Crew was great helpful and knowledgeable. The only thing I would suggest would be to provide fins. Ann Dankworth

Kayak Adventure Package - Twogood Kayaks

Awesome adventure. A. Torres

Snorkel Picnic Sail 4 Hour - May 2- Sept 30 - North Shore Catamaran Charters

Great trip. Captain & crew were fantastic. Snorkeling was ok. No fault of captain. John Hollister

Sail & Snorkel - Tradewind Charter

Excellent charter. Captain Paul was great. Our group ages were from 10 to 98!. Paul handled everything perfectly. Dick Payne

Waianae "Ko Nau Lani" Dolphin and Snorkel Sail - Hawaii Nautical on Oahu

This was a thoroughly enjoyable day on the water. The crew was friendly and knowledgeable. .. Meg McHugh

Wild Dolphin Watch with BBQ and Snorkel - Dolphin Star - Star of Honolulu

My wife and I had a blast on our tour, crew was great, food was very good, and we saw lots and lots.. John D

Kayak and Snorkel - Holokai Kayak Adventures

Friendly and knowledgeable staff, delicious bbq lunch, great kayak and snorkeling tour for beginners Allison Hepperle

Video Transcript

So this video segment is about snorkeling on the island of Oahu.

So just like all the other islands in Hawaii, the category of snorkeling is absolutely the largest. More people doing snorkeling on all the different boats, in all the different locations than we have in all the different categories, in any other category on the island of Oahu. So this is a big thing. Everybody wants to do it.

You can arrange for all different sizes and types of boats. You can go out of many different locations, and there are some really special things about snorkeling in Oahu that really don't exist on other islands. So let's get into just showing you a map of Oahu, and really the snorkeling locations that we have are all around the island- many different locations.

You're probably going to be staying down in this area, Waikiki or Honolulu. We do have snorkeling that leaves out of Waikiki Beach. We have out of Honolulu down here, Kohala Basin. We have boats that leave. We have boats that go out of Ko Olina, and Waianae Harbors up here, out of Haleiwa up on the North Shore, and then out of Kaneohe, the Kaneohe area, and Kailua. There will be snorkeling that goes on there. Hanauma Bay is here, a very famous snorkeling spot that you can go to. So really, all around the island there are locations where you can find snorkeling.

They go out in many different varieties. Some are half days. Some are full days. Some you are entering in off the beach. Others you are beyond boats. Of the boats, we've got various sizes of boats. We have extremely large boats, powered catamarans- a couple decks. We have Sailboats and catamarans that will take you out. We have smaller, more zodiac size, or radon size boats that are kind of speedy on the water that take smaller groups of people. There are a number of different options that you have in terms of the types of boats.

I invite you to look through the section under "Snorkeling on Oahu", on the Tombarefoot.com site, and you'll be able to see all the different choices that exist. But there are some really different ones, things that don't exist on other islands that you might be interested in.

One of those is on this area of the Waianae coast. We have excellent snorkeling, lots of reefs and coral formations with different fish, and so on. But what really takes the cake there, is that we've got dolphins. Dolphins are usually a big part of the day. We actually have boats that go out specifically for the purpose of finding the dolphins. They also do snorkeling in the reefs. So that's an extra bonus that you are going to get when you are involved in snorkeling on that coastline. That's something you are really not going to see on other islands very often. The Big Island, a little bit. You get that kind of happening there as well, but at the other islands- no.

On the other side of Kaena Point here, on Haleiwa, we ... And there is a whole section that talks about this, but we have a shark cage snorkel that's involved there. Very, very popular. Very amazing to get very close to big, giant kind of sharks, 8, 9, 10 feet. Those are quite often completely filled out with visitors, so you need to organize those in advance. Please look at the section about the shark cage dives to understand exactly what happens with those, or snorkels and what happens with those. But that's another one that we've got.

Over on this coastline, we've got really, kind of an interesting one. We have a sandbar off Kaneohe, and it lies just under the surface of the water. So we have snorkels that go out, and really, really enjoy the ... There is lot's of reef out there, fish. The coral formations are amazing. But one of the super cool things that happens with the snorkels that we have that go out there is that we usually just pull, either before or after doing some snorkeling ... We'll pull right up on the sandbar, and have lunch and so on there. You actually jump off the boat and land in kind of ankle deep water, on sand. Although, it looks like it's ... Well it is! It's completely covered with water from the sea.

One of the cool things they've done out there is they put a volleyball net up, so you can actually for a little while- while you're eating your lunch during that period of time- you can play some volleyball, which is really kind of fun in the sense that if someone were to take a picture of you, it looks like you are playing right on the surface of the ocean! Being on that sandbar, and turning around and looking at Oahu, it is really picturesque.

These are really interesting and different things that you can do in Oahu with regard to snorkeling, than you can find really on any of the other islands. And of course, Hanauma Bay down here is just world renown in terms of it's degree of popularity, underwater marine reserve, and well taken care of and protected.

Oahu has a ton of different snorkeling options, lots of different boats, lots of fun things to do. This is something that definitely should be a part of your Oahu vacation.

If you have any questions about Tours or Activities in Hawaii, just give us a call or check out Tombarefoot.com. We are here to help.

State Wide Snorkeling Tours

Hawaii snorkeling is by far the single most popular category of activities to be found in Hawaii. One reason for this is that snorkeling in Hawaii is often a component of many different types of tours found on any individual island such as many of the dolphin watches, whale watches, diving tours, raft excursions and even in some cases dinner cruises.

More Info / Buy Now