Sea Turtle Snorkel, Hawaii
Available on all Cruises

"There are sea turtles everywhere, foraging right below our feet, peaceful but fearless. Nothing about them appears passive, so thick skinned and strong. I want to be like that, wise, peaceful and perfectly equipped to deal with anything."

Our marine biologist crew sails you out to view and swim with these ancient mariners, safely for both turtles and those snorkeling. Summer months with calm beaches are the best time to snorkel the turtle reef. However as long as conditions allow, we can include the turtles in our snorkeling adventures on a daily year-round basis. Our morning encounters are typically intermixed with wild dolphin watching or swim and expert narration.

Flash - Turtle "Cleaning Station" (watch video!)

Discover coral reef areas frequented by green sea turtles and myriads of tropical fish on our snorkel tours. Look for turtles resting under ledges or swimming freely. Be especially sensitive to a resting turtle, and never grab a turtle as you could literally drown them (besides it is illegal!)!

If paid the proper respect the turtles can give you a lifetime memory. There are a couple of subtle signs to watch for when near a sea turtle that signal you may be too close for their comfort. "Yawning" type, open mouth movements or head bobbing are clues. A more deeply irritated turtle will "flipper swipe" whereas the turtle swipes a flipper over the forehead area.This is turtle-speak equal to flipping you off! Don't embarrass yourself (or be deemed insensitive) by being flipped off by a turtle, back off if you see that flipper creep up. :-)

Less subtle signs of disturbance can include sudden awakening from a sleep-like state on theseafloor, an increase in swimming speed and diving towards deeper water.

For other helpful hints... Good Turtle Watching Practices.

Hale O Honu (Hawaiian for "turtle town") is a snorkel area easily accessible for all ages and abilities. Exceptional visibility and richness of slow-moving marine life ensures a good time for all. Even non-swimmers can participate, as flotation devices are provided.

Activities below are combined to maximize your adventure. For specific details on each possibility, please click on the link below. Evening/night charters do not include time in the water, although we may very well still see the wildlife. Snorkeling on morning charters may be weather dependant, especially during winter months. While animals may still be viewed from the surface, it is not always in our best interest to get in the water... :-)

Wild Side's wildlife tours focus on education and conservation so that an Hawaiian False Killer Whale, incominginteractive relationship can be maintained in the best interest of both humans and dolphins. We strive to foster admiration and deep respect for these wonder-ful marine mammals.