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

A water slide on a sailing catamaran is not the usual reason to head out from Waikiki, but it is the memorable hook here. On this three-hour trip aboard the double-decker Ocean Intrigue, you can snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, bounce on a trampoline, slide into the water, or take a 20-foot jump.

I like the mix of active choices and easygoing boat time: you can try several water sports, or take a break on deck and enjoy the Pacific views. I also like that the crew has been described as friendly and informative, a real plus when you are getting comfortable with water activities.

One consideration: marine life is not guaranteed, and the crew may limit kayaking or paddleboarding when conditions call for it. Shuttle pickup can also take some coordination, so confirm your details before setting out.

At a glance

• Five water activities: Snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, a trampoline, and an onboard water slide, plus a 20-foot jump.
• A 65-foot double-decker catamaran: Ocean Intrigue has two decks and two bathrooms.
• Three hours on the South Oahu coast: Expect a boat outing with time for water activities and views, not a full-day cruise.
• Gear and light refreshments included: Snorkel equipment, life vests, water, iced tea, and snacks are supplied.
• $115 per person, with extras to budget for: Shuttle service costs $20 per person, and parking is $4 per hour.
• A family-friendly option with limits: Children under 3 can board free with an adult but cannot take part in activities.

Three hours aboard Ocean Intrigue

The trip starts at Pier E, Slip F-18, at 1025 Ala Moana Boulevard in Honolulu. From there, the boat heads along the South Oahu coast, with views back toward Waikiki and out across the Pacific. The sail itself is part of the appeal: you get a change of pace from the beach and a broad view of the coastline without committing a whole day.

The advertised duration is three hours. That gives you time to enjoy the boat and try the activities, but it is worth keeping expectations grounded. The supplied details do not set out a fixed stop-by-stop schedule or guarantee a certain amount of time for each activity. Weather and safety can change what is available, and kayaks or paddleboards may be held back if conditions are unsuitable.

The boat is a 65-foot, double-decker catamaran with two bathrooms. That matters on a trip built around getting wet: you have a place to sit between activities and facilities on board, rather than spending the whole outing in the water. You can bring your own food and drinks, too, though alcoholic drinks are not included.

Five ways to get wet, plus a jump

The activity menu is the trip’s biggest selling point. You can snorkel, kayak, use a stand-up paddleboard, bounce on a trampoline, or take the onboard slide. There is also a 20-foot jump for those who want a more direct route into the sea.

The variety makes this a good choice for a group with different comfort levels. One person can paddle while another tries the slide; someone who wants a quieter outing can sit out a turn and enjoy the view. You do not need to treat every activity as a challenge to complete. This is a boat trip, not a water-sports exam.

The slide is promoted as Waikiki’s longest onboard water slide. Its draw is simple: you are already at sea, and the ride takes you from the boat into the water. The 20-foot jump adds another option for confident swimmers, but it is entirely reasonable to skip it. Check with the crew about which activities are running and any safety instructions before getting started.

These activities are subject to conditions. The availability of kayaks and paddleboards can change with the weather, and all activities may be altered for safety. If you are booking mainly for a particular activity, treat it as a possibility rather than a promise.

Snorkeling and the chance to see turtles

Snorkeling is central to the tour’s appeal, and the supplied gear and life vests mean you do not need to bring your own equipment. Hawaii’s marine life is part of the attraction, but sightings can vary. One person may find the water beautiful and still wish for more sea life, so go for the ocean outing and the activity mix, not a guaranteed turtle encounter.

The name of the trip puts turtles in the frame, but no sighting can be promised from the information available. Keep your expectations flexible. The best approach is to enjoy the time in the water and regard any wildlife encounter as a bonus.

If you are new to snorkeling, the crew’s friendly, informative manner can help make the experience feel more approachable. You still need to be comfortable in the water and follow the crew’s directions. Life vests are included, and you can choose activities that suit your confidence rather than forcing yourself into the most adventurous option.

A friendly crew and a family-ready setup

The crew is one of the stronger parts of the experience. They have been described as warm, fun, and informative, which matters on a trip where you may be handling unfamiliar gear or deciding whether to try a jump or slide. Their help can make the difference between a relaxed first try and an activity that feels like too much.

Families get a broad choice of things to do, and the activity mix gives children and adults options beyond snorkeling alone. Still, the age rule is clear: children under 3 may board free with an accompanying adult, but they cannot participate in activities for safety reasons. If you are bringing young children, plan for them to remain on board rather than take part in the water sports.

The boat has two bathrooms, and snacks and nonalcoholic drinks are included. Those practical comforts help make a three-hour outing easier, especially when your group wants to alternate between swimming and sitting on deck. The tour is in English.

Shuttle, meeting point, and what to bring

The meeting point is 1025 Ala Moana Boulevard, Pier E, Slip F-18, Honolulu, HI 96813. If you are staying at a major Waikiki resort, pickup may be available for reservations made at least 24 hours ahead. The shuttle costs $20 per person, on top of the tour price, and it does not have a wheelchair lift.

If you use the shuttle, make sure you have clear pickup instructions and allow time to find the pickup spot. Coordination can feel confusing, so do not assume that the bus will be waiting right outside your hotel entrance. You can also go directly to the pier. Parking is listed at $4 per hour.

Bring swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, sunscreen, and a camera. Motion-sickness prevention is worth considering if you are prone to feeling unwell on boats. You may also bring food and drinks; the tour provides water, iced tea, and snacks, but not a meal or alcohol.

Leave luggage and large bags behind, and do not bring pets. Assistance dogs are allowed. Since this is an ocean outing, pack for getting wet and keep your belongings limited to what you need.

Is $115 a fair price?

At $115 per person, the value depends on how much you want to use the boat’s activity range. The fee includes snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, life vests, the slide, trampoline, water, iced tea, and snacks. If you plan to try several activities, that package can make sense compared with booking separate water-based outings.

It is less compelling if you only want a short snorkel session or expect a guaranteed turtle sighting. You are paying for a three-hour boat trip with a choice of activities, not a wildlife guarantee or a full meal. Add $20 per person if you need the shuttle, and factor in parking at $4 per hour if you drive.

The chance to choose your own pace adds value for mixed groups. Active swimmers can cycle among the water sports, while anyone wanting a break can stay aboard. That flexibility is useful for families and friends who do not all want the same kind of outing.

Who should book this trip?

I would put this on the shortlist for families, groups of friends, and first-time visitors who want more than a standard snorkel outing. It offers several ways to get into the water, a boat ride along the coast, and a lively feature in the slide. The welcoming crew is another reason it can work well for people who want support as they try an activity.

It is a weaker fit if your main goal is a quiet sail, a long snorkel session, or a certain wildlife sighting. The activities can change with conditions, and the three-hour format is relatively compact. The slide, trampoline, and jump also make the trip more playful than restful.

Booking is flexible: you can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation up to 24 hours ahead is eligible for a full refund. If the activity mix sounds appealing and you are comfortable with the uncertainty of ocean conditions, the trip offers a practical, entertaining way to spend part of a Waikiki day.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The trip lasts three hours.

Where does the boat depart from?

Meet at Pier E, Slip F-18, 1025 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96813.

What activities are included?

You can snorkel, kayak, use a stand-up paddleboard, bounce on a trampoline, ride the onboard water slide, or take a 20-foot jump. Activities can change because of weather or safety conditions.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and life vests are included.

Are drinks and snacks included?

Water, iced tea, and snacks are included. Food and alcoholic drinks are not included, but you may bring your own food and drinks.

Does the tour include Waikiki hotel pickup?

Pickup is available from major Waikiki resorts for reservations made at least 24 hours in advance. Shuttle service costs $20 per person.

Is parking available, and what does it cost?

Parking is listed at $4 per hour.

Can children under 3 join the trip?

Children under 3 can board for free with an accompanying adult, but they cannot take part in the activities for safety reasons.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, and any motion-sickness prevention you may need. You can also bring food and drinks.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.