This three-hour private yacht cruise offers the perfect blend of adventure and serenity. Departing from Waikiki, you’ll sail along the coast with panoramic views of Diamond Head and the Honolulu skyline, then drop anchor at a calm reef to snorkel among vibrant coral and sea life—including turtles, fish, and seasonal dolphins or whales. It’s a fully private experience for your group, with a professional crew, sanitized snorkel gear, and space to bring your favorite food and drinks aboard. Whether you're celebrating or just want to unplug, this tour is your front-row seat to Oahu’s marine beauty.
"The crew was so friendly and made the trip so memorable. We saw turtles and dolphins and the snorkeling was perfect!"
Verified Review
GUEST REQUIREMENTS
For all ages
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Relaxed sail and snorkeling
WHAT TO BRING
Sun protection, towel, snacks and beverages
CANCELLATION POLICY
Changes or cancellations must be made 14 days prior.
WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING
4.7★ from 50+ reviews on Google
Guests love the calm, easy vibe of this Waikiki sail — it feels like a private getaway just minutes from shore. Many highlight the crew’s warm hospitality, spotting turtles and dolphins right off the bow, and how spacious and clean the yacht is. First-time snorkelers appreciate that the crew makes them feel safe and comfortable in the water. Reviewers often say this is the best way to skip crowded tour boats and soak in Waikiki from a quieter, more personal angle.
"An amazing experience — great crew, beautiful boat and the best views of Waikiki and Diamond Head. Highly recommend!"
Verified Review
Duration & Schedule:
- 3 hours total
- Private charter — flexible departure times, typically morning or midday for best snorkeling conditions
Group Size & Style:
- Private sail for you and your guests (small group — max capacity depends on yacht, usually up to 6–12 people)
- Relaxed coastal cruise off Waikiki with guided snorkeling and sightseeing
What You’ll Do:
- Board your private luxury yacht at Kewalo Basin Harbor, just minutes from Waikiki
- Set sail along Oʻahu’s south shore with stunning views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach
- Watch for sea turtles, dolphins, and seasonal whales from the deck — the crew often spots them close to shore
- Drop anchor at a calm snorkeling spot away from crowds
- Gear up and snorkel with tropical fish, coral reefs, and maybe a graceful turtle or two — all gear is provided and sanitized
- Relax on deck with your favorite snacks and drinks while the crew handles everything
- Soak in ocean breezes and panoramic coastline views before an easy sail back to the harbor
What’s Included:
- Private luxury yacht with captain and crew
- Snorkeling equipment (cleaned and sanitized for each guest)
- Complimentary bottled water
- Friendly, local crew ready to help first-time snorkelers
What to Bring:
- Hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen (no spray or tinted), Towel, Camera, Your favorite snacks and drinks
Requirements & Notes:
- All ages welcome; swimming comfort recommended for snorkeling
- Bring only reef-safe sunscreen to help protect local reefs
- Parking is available but limited at Kewalo Basin Harbor — plan to arrive earlyHonolulu Sailing Co. is one of Oʻahu’s premier yacht charter companies, locally owned and operating for over 30 years. They specialize in small-group private sails along Waikiki’s iconic coastline, blending luxury and laid-back island style. Their experienced captains and crew pride themselves on offering intimate, stress-free sailing experiences — whether you’re here to snorkel with sea turtles, spot dolphins, or just relax offshore with the best views of Diamond Head.
Meet at: Kewalo Basin Harbor, Slip F23, 1125 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814
Check-in: Arrive 15–20 minutes early to meet your captain and crew at the slip. Bring your booking confirmation. Free parking is limited; paid parking is available in the harbor lot.No refunds are available once a sailing adventure has commenced. Cancelling a booking can result in cancellation fees being applied. The general cancellation policy is as follows: If you cancel at least 14 days in advance of the scheduled departure of your sailing adventure, there is no cancellation fee. If you cancel between 13-8 days in advance of the scheduled sailing adventure, there is a 50% cancellation fee. When cancelling within 7 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100% cancellation fee. In case of overnight charters, ASA Classes or special requests, an exceptional cancellation policy requiring 60 Days advance notice for a 100% refund will be applied. A cancellation Fee of $150.00 will be applied to all day charters, overnight charters, ASA Classes and Special Requests. A change fee of $100.00 may be applied to requests to change your reservation. Gift Certificates are non-refundable in all circumstances. Only Cancellations due to a NOAA Storm advisory will be rescheduled or refunded 100%.
FOLIO TRAVELOGUE
Sailing Waikiki: A Private Voyage to Swim with Sea Turtles
There’s something about watching Waikiki drift away from the deck of a sailboat that shifts your entire sense of time. The city shrinks, the shoreline softens, and suddenly the only sounds are wind, waves, and the gentle rhythm of the boat beneath your feet. That’s the magic of this private sail and snorkel tour—an invitation to pause and breathe deep.
As you cruise past Diamond Head, the crew points out playful spinner dolphins riding the wake, or—if you're lucky—breaching whales during winter months. With no other guests on board, it’s just you and your people, barefoot on the teak deck, soaking in the view with a cold drink in hand. It’s equal parts elegant and unfussy.
"The city shrinks, the shoreline softens, and suddenly the only sounds are wind, waves, and the gentle rhythm of the boat."
When the boat anchors at a calm reef, the transition is seamless. You slip into warm, clear water and suddenly you're swimming among butterflyfish and wrasses, floating quietly as a green sea turtle glides by. The reef feels alive, but peaceful—like its own underwater garden that you’ve been invited into for just a moment.
Back on deck, the breeze dries the salt on your skin as you stretch out with snacks and a view of the sun inching westward. There's no need to rush. No schedule, no microphone announcements, no crowd. Just the memory of coral and sea light, and the kind of quiet that stays with you long after you’ve returned to shore.
