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

Water fun, without choosing just one activity. This three-hour South Coast outing combines snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, a trampoline, and a long onboard water slide. I especially like the 65-foot double-deck catamaran and the way its many activities work for families with different energy levels. You can snorkel quietly, paddle around, or make a loud entrance down the slide. The main consideration is that sea life sightings and some water activities depend on weather and ocean conditions.

I also like that the $115 price includes gear, drinks, snacks, and five water activities, rather than charging separately for each toy. The boat has two bathrooms, which matters on a three-hour trip. On the other hand, food and alcoholic drinks cost extra, parking is not included, and the $20 shuttle may be less organized than the boat experience itself.

Quick takeaways

• Ocean Intrigue is a 65-foot, double-deck catamaran: You get room to spread out, two bathrooms, and several places to sit between activities.
• Five activities share one outing: Snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, trampoline bouncing, and the onboard water slide are all included.
• The slide and 20-foot jump add real excitement: This is not a quiet snorkeling cruise only.
• The South Coast ride gives you open-water views: You sail along the coast with views toward Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean.
• The crew receives the strongest praise: Several recent comments single out the friendly, fun guides and their ability to help people feel comfortable.
• Sea life is not guaranteed: One recent participant enjoyed the water and boat but hoped to see more marine life, so keep your expectations sensible.

Leaving Ala Moana on Ocean Intrigue

The meeting point is Pier E, Slip F-18, at 1025 Ala Moana Boulevard in Honolulu. You will board Ocean Intrigue, a 65-foot catamaran with two decks and two bathrooms. That is a useful setup for a water outing because you are not confined to one small seating area after getting wet.

The boat itself is part of the appeal. You can take in views from the deck while the crew prepares the activities. I like this format better than a short snorkel boat that drops you in the water and brings you straight back. Here, the ride, the deck space, and the water toys all count toward the three-hour experience.

You can also bring your own food, snacks, and drinks. Water, iced tea, and snacks are included, but a proper meal is not. If you know you get hungry after swimming, pack something simple in a small bag. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so keep your belongings compact.

A shuttle is available from major Waikiki resorts for $20 per person, but you need to reserve it at least 24 hours ahead. I would allow extra time for pickup. Coordination at large hotels can be hectic, and one pickup at the Prince Hotel was described as chaotic. If you are already near Ala Moana and can manage your own transport, that may be the calmer choice. Parking costs $4 per hour.

A three-hour route along the South Coast

The boat sails along the South Hawaiian coast, giving you views of Waikiki and the Pacific. The exact order of the activities can change, and the outing does not promise a particular turtle encounter or a fixed marine-life viewing spot. Think of it as a moving water playground with snorkeling as one major part of the day.

That distinction matters. You are not booking a wildlife expedition built around guaranteed sightings. You are booking a broad, active ocean outing where you might see turtles and other Hawaiian marine life while also having plenty to do if the animals keep their distance.

The water and weather determine how the trip feels. On a calm day, you may be able to use the kayaks and paddleboards along with the snorkeling gear. If conditions change, those activities may not be available. The crew can also alter activities for safety, so keep your schedule flexible after the trip.

The boat’s multiple decks help during these transitions. You can move between active time in the water and quieter time on board. That makes the tour a good fit for families or mixed groups, since not everyone has to snorkel for three straight hours.

Snorkeling with turtles and Hawaiian marine life

Snorkeling gear and life vests are included, so you do not need to rent the basics separately. The equipment is described as top quality, and the crew is there to help you get comfortable in the water.

The turtle promise needs a little care. The trip is marketed around turtle snorkeling, but wildlife is never fully under human control. You might see turtles or other marine life, yet you should not treat a sighting as guaranteed. One participant loved the clear, beautiful water and the boat but wished there had been more sea life. That is a fair expectation to carry into the outing.

I would judge the snorkeling as one part of a larger package, not the sole reason to pay $115. If you mainly want long, quiet time watching fish, a dedicated snorkeling trip may suit you better. If you want snorkeling plus several ways to play on the water, this tour gives you more value.

Bring sunscreen and a camera, but protect your camera carefully around the slide, trampoline, and ocean entry points. You also need swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. Motion sickness prevention is specifically recommended, so consider it if boat rides have bothered you before.

Kayaks, paddleboards, and the trampoline

The kayak and stand-up paddleboard options give you a break from wearing a mask and looking below the surface. They also add a little skill and balance to the outing. You can paddle, test your footing, and enjoy the coast from a lower position on the water.

These activities are not guaranteed to operate every time. Ocean conditions may make kayaks or paddleboards unavailable. That is not a minor footnote if you are booking mainly for one of those options. Ask at the start what conditions allow, then choose your priorities early.

The trampoline adds a more playful element. It suits children and adults who want active fun rather than a slow boat ride. It also gives the group something to do between snorkeling sessions. The tour’s strongest advantage is this variety. You can move from calm observation to energetic play without changing boats or buying another ticket.

Children under three may board free with an accompanying adult, but they cannot participate in the activities for safety reasons. That makes the outing possible for families with very young children, but the free boarding does not mean the youngest child can use the water equipment.

The longest onboard slide and 20-foot jump

The water slide is the headline attraction for many families. It is described as Hawaii’s longest onboard water slide, and you launch directly from the catamaran into the Pacific. The 20-foot jump provides another route into the water for confident swimmers and thrill seekers.

These features shift the tone from sightseeing cruise to floating recreation center. If you want a peaceful morning with little noise or movement, the slide and jump may not be your favorite part. If you want something memorable for children, teenagers, or playful adults, they give the trip a clear reason to book.

Use good judgment and follow the crew’s instructions. All activities can change because of weather or safety conditions. The most important point is not to count on every attraction operating exactly as shown in promotional photos and videos.

I would also plan your clothing around repeated water entry. A change of clothes and towel are essential, not optional extras. Sunscreen should be reapplied, especially when you are moving between the deck and the water.

What the crew adds to the day

The guides receive the most consistent praise. Recent comments describe them as friendly, fun, fantastic, and good at helping people feel comfortable. That matters on a tour with several activities because a warm crew can make first-time snorkelers and nervous swimmers more willing to try.

The crew is also responsible for explaining safety and managing the flow of activities. You may be eager to race for the slide, but clear instructions and orderly turns help keep the boat safe. The English-speaking host or greeter should be able to guide you through the setup.

The strongest praise goes to the human side of the outing, not just the equipment. That is a useful sign for families. Children may remember the slide, but you will appreciate guides who stay upbeat while helping people with masks, life vests, kayaks, and water entry.

Is $115 a fair price?

At $115 per person, the value depends on how many activities you use. The package includes snorkeling equipment, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, life vests, the slide, trampoline, water, iced tea, and snacks. If you try several of those options, the price compares well with paying for separate water activities.

The catamaran also gives you more than a basic transfer to a snorkeling site. You receive a three-hour boat outing, coastal views, deck space, bathrooms, and access to multiple water features. For an active family, that can make the price easier to justify.

The value drops if you only want to snorkel and spend most of the time sitting down. It also drops if weather removes the kayaks or paddleboards from the program. Keep in mind that food, alcoholic drinks, parking, and the optional $20 shuttle are extra.

Reserve-now, pay-later booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure make it easier to fit the tour into a changing Oahu schedule. Still, check the final meeting details carefully, especially if you are relying on hotel pickup.

Who should book this Waikiki outing?

I would recommend it most strongly to families, couples, and groups who want a busy half-day on the water. It works especially well when some people want to snorkel while others care more about the slide, trampoline, paddleboards, or jump.

It is also a good match for active adults. You do not need to be an expert kayaker or paddleboarder, but you should be comfortable with a water-based outing and changing activities.

I would be more cautious if your top goal is guaranteed turtle viewing, a quiet sailing trip, or a long, focused snorkeling session. The boat can offer marine life, but the conditions and animals set the limits. The tour’s real strength is variety.

Practical tips before you go

Arrive ready to swim, and keep your belongings small. Large bags and luggage are not allowed. Bring swimwear, a towel, a dry change of clothes, sunscreen, a camera, and any food or drinks you want beyond the included water, iced tea, and snacks.

If you are prone to seasickness, take motion sickness precautions before boarding rather than waiting until you feel unwell. The open-water setting and three-hour duration can feel long if you are uncomfortable.

Ask about the day’s conditions when you arrive. Kayaks and paddleboards may be removed for safety, and all activities can change with the weather. Think of the listed activities as the planned menu, not an absolute guarantee.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a social, active boat day with many ways to get wet. The crew’s friendly style, the large catamaran, and the mix of snorkeling, paddling, jumping, bouncing, and sliding make it a strong family choice.

Skip it if your priority is a guaranteed turtle encounter or a quiet snorkeling session with little activity around you. For everyone else, $115 is a reasonable price when you use several included features. I would reserve the shuttle early only if you need it, pack a small snack and dry clothes, and leave room in your schedule for weather-related changes.

FAQ

How long is the Waikiki 5-in-1 snorkeling trip?

The activity lasts three hours.

Where does the boat depart?

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

What water activities are included?

The tour includes snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, trampoline use, and the onboard water slide. A 20-foot jump is also available as part of the water activities.

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 and alcoholic drinks are not included.

Is a shuttle available from Waikiki hotels?

Yes. Pickup is available from major Waikiki resorts for $20 per person when reserved at least 24 hours ahead.

Are parking fees included?

No. Parking is listed at $4 per hour.

Can children under three join the boat?

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. Weather and safety conditions can change the program. Kayaks and paddleboards may not be available in some conditions.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, a camera, sunscreen, motion sickness prevention if needed, and any food or drinks you want beyond the included refreshments. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.