Spotting Sea Turtles & Snorkeling off the Waikiki Coast
Sea Turtles & Snorkeling, Hawaii Boat Tours & Waikiki in Honolulu, Oahu
When you visit the beautiful and lush island of Oahu, a turtle tour is a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours. Our small and fast boats can provide you with a unique look at our area’s wildlife and give you an unforgettable view of Oahu’s beaches, rainforests, and stunning rocky cliffs. You can also swim in the warm waters off the shores of Waikiki and view sea turtles from a different perspective.
The Sea Turtles of the Waikiki Coast in Oahu
When you make a trip to the Waikiki and Honolulu area, you want to enjoy the beautiful weather, incredible scenery, and wildlife as much as you can. Sightseeing, whether through touring, hiking, biking, or kayaking, is just one of the many things that make this area a wonderful place to visit. Sea turtles are an iconic and popular part of the Hawaiian Islands, and they can be found year-round in the shallow water off the shore. They love soaking up the sun in calm waters, and as you snorkel along the shoreline, you could very likely see one as they relax.
Sea turtles are woven throughout our area’s history and culture. They are considered sacred creatures and are thought to bring good luck, endurance, and long life. The most common turtle species you will encounter is the Hawaiian sea turtle or green sea turtle. These turtles are native to Hawaii, and they are the largest hard-shelled turtle species in the world. They can reach up to 300 pounds. There are other turtle species that inhabit Hawaii’s waters, but the Hawaiian sea turtle is the most common.
Turtle Canyon is a one-of-a-kind location off the shores of Waikiki, and it’s an ideal spot for finding these iconic sea creatures. You might also catch a glimpse of them swimming through the shallows of Waikiki Beach. This is more likely if you get to that area before it becomes crowded with people or right before sunset. For a higher chance of seeing them, we recommend one of our tours to Turtle Canyon.
In addition to green sea turtles, other turtle species you may encounter include:
Leatherback turtles. Unlike other sea turtle species, these turtles have a soft-shelled back rather than a hard shell, hence their name. These are one of the largest turtle species, and they are considered transient in Hawaii. They travel through as they migrate to and from their nesting sites in areas like Malaysia and Indonesia. They are rare to see since they tend to reside in deeper waters, but they are one of the species that can be found here.
Hawksbill turtles. These turtles are another native Hawaiian species, and they are critically endangered, with fewer than one hundred nesting females in all the Hawaiian Islands. They can be seen occasionally in the waters around Hawaii. Hawksbill turtles are one of the much smaller types of sea turtles, and they are omnivores, eating mostly sponges and occasionally jellyfish, seagrass, and sea urchins. They have a sharp, curved beak, and their shells are darker than that of a green turtle, usually brown with black markings.
If you see a sea turtle in the wild, it’s important to remain respectful and careful and keep a safe distance. Sea turtles are protected species, and it’s essential to keep at least six to 10 feet away so that you don’t startle or scare them. Never touch or chase after a sea turtle. The calmer you are when approaching a sea turtle, the better you’ll be able to view them. It’s a beautiful experience to see a sea turtle swimming through the water near you or resting on the beach.
FAQ About Sea Turtles in Oahu & Snorkeling Tours with Sea Turtles
Take a look at these FAQs to learn more about our area’s turtles and what you need to enjoy a turtle tour.
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A: Sea turtles are a fairly common sight on the shores and in the shallow waters around Waikiki. Because they often come to feed on seaweed or rest in the shallows, you can find them as you walk along the beach, swim, or snorkel in the water.
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A: As you swim, you could end up swimming with or snorkeling next to a sea turtle. Just be sure to keep a respectful distance to ensure both your safety and that of the turtle. Sea turtles are incredibly calm animals if you keep that respectful distance, but they may bite if they feel threatened.
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A: The afternoon is often the best time to see turtles, between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. The day is at its hottest then, and sea turtles like the warmer water and sand.
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A: You can see turtles around Hawaii at any time of the year, but the best time of year when they are most active is from May to October. Sea turtles prefer the warmer temperatures they get in the water and on the shore in the summer.
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A: Female hawksbill turtles return every one to five years to the beaches where they hatched to nest. They lay three to five nests per season, and each nest can contain anywhere from 130 to 160 eggs. Female green sea turtles mate about every two years and make up to six nests to lay their eggs. It’s been observed that the green sea turtles travel about 600 miles to the French Frigate Shoals to lay their eggs. If you do come across a nest on Oahu’s shores, it’s important to keep your distance to keep the nests safe and undisturbed. In 2020, nearly sixty nests were documented on Oahu’s shores.
About the Area: The Island of Oahu
Some people, especially if they’re unfamiliar with the state of Hawaii or the Oahu Island, might be confused about the differences between Oahu, Honolulu, or Waikiki and believe them to be the same. The names cannot be used interchangeably as they are entirely different locations. Here is an explanation of the various areas.
Waikiki
This area is known for being a tourist hotspot with a large concentration of resorts and for its gorgeous white beach. Waikiki is a neighborhood of the city of Honolulu, so it can be considered a part of the city. It’s known as its own location because it hosts nearly all the hotels and resorts on the island of Oahu, and it is a world-class tourist destination. Many people travel to the area for adventure and relaxation. Waikiki Beach extends for about two miles down the coast, and the beauty of the area is part of why so many tourists are drawn here.
Honolulu
This is the capital of Hawaii and the biggest city on the island of Oahu. Oahu hosts more than half the population of all the Hawaiian Islands, and much of that population is concentrated in Honolulu. The name translates to ‘sheltered bay’ in Hawaiian, and it has a natural harbor. The city is home to tourist attractions, Naval Station Pearl Harbor, many businesses, and the Hawaii state government. Honolulu stretches along the southeast side of Oahu, from south of the Ko’olau mountain range and east of Pearl Harbor.
Oahu
This is one of the eight Hawaiian Islands and is the third largest. The big island of Hawai’i, Maui, and Kauai are other islands, though most of the state’s population resides in Oahu.
Hawaii
The world’s largest island chain and the only state made entirely of islands, Hawaii is a beautiful state with an abundance of natural beauty. Only eight of the islands in the archipelago are inhabited. The scenery and geography provide an ideal environment for many different outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and more.
