Waikiki Couples Snorkel Retreat: Private Yacht Snorkel & Dolphin-Spotting
Board a private 43-foot yacht from Ala Wai Boat Harbor for a two-hour, adults-only snorkel that prioritizes small-group wildlife encounters. Expect guided reef snorkeling, snacks and cocktails, with spinner dolphins and green sea turtles often on view.
The Experience
Before You Go
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding to protect coral and avoid slippery lotion on deck.
Arrive 15 minutes early
Check in at Ala Wai Boat Harbor with time for a quick briefing and boarding; parking can be tight.
Consider seasickness prevention
If you’re prone to motion sickness, take medication an hour before departure and sit mid-boat where motion is gentlest.
Do not touch marine life
Keep distance from turtles and dolphins—no touching or chasing—to comply with regulations and protect animals.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Turtle sightings are often best slightly east of Diamond Head where deeper channels meet the reef.
- •Watch the shoreline from the return run toward Ala Wai for surfers and local longboarders—great photo opportunities without leaving the boat.
Wildlife
- •Hawaiian spinner dolphins
- •Green sea turtles (honu)
Conservation Note
Reef-safe sunscreen, no-touch policies for turtles and dolphins, and stay-off rules for certain reef zones help protect fragile coral and marine species around Waikiki.
The Ala Wai harbor area was transformed in the 1920s when wetlands were drained to create the canal and make way for Waikiki’s modern beachfront; the ocean remains integral to Hawaiian subsistence and cultural practice.
What to Bring
SwimsuitEssential
Wear under clothes for quick boarding and reboarding.
Reef-safe sunscreenEssential
Protects coral and prevents sunburn during open-ocean exposure.
Polarized sunglasses & hat
Reduces glare for spotting marine life while cruising.
Light windbreaker
Useful for cooler breezes or after getting out of the water during winter months.
Common Questions
Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes—equipment and instruction are provided and staff choose calm moorings; basic comfort in the water is required.
What wildlife will we see?
Common sightings include green sea turtles, spinner dolphins and colorful reef fish; humpback whales may appear seasonally in winter months.
Are children allowed?
This specific experience is restricted to guests 18 and older as an adults-only, couples-focused charter.
What happens if weather cancels the trip?
If weather makes the trip unsafe the operator will offer an alternate date or a full refund; check the 24-hour cancellation policy for changes.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
2 hours
Location
Honolulu, Hawaii
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Comfortable for any adult who can swim and climb a ladder; minimal exertion is required for short snorkels.
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