Oahu Catamaran Cruises: Our Top 12

1.Waikiki Catamaran Snorkel Sail with Lunch: Turtles Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,109 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $134Our pick

Sail from Kewalo Basin to Turtle Canyon aboard the Honu Lani, a power catamaran carrying up to 40 people. Snorkel with a guide, watch for turtles, fish, dolphins, and winter whales, then enjoy lunch and drinks on the midday cruise. Crew members may include Chris, Natalie, Greta, Joey, or Whitney.

“Crew was super friendly, always offering to bring us drinks. We took the 8 AM so I didn’t drink any of the alcoholic drinks offered, and I was driving. But they had fun tropical cocktails as well as beer. The snacks were mini bags of potato chips, so if you are taking the morning excursion, you should eat breakfast first. Water was super calm, sometimes I get motion sickness, but it didn’t bother me at all. Two other people in the boat were extremely sick, but they had actually never been on a boat before. Description says three hours, but we were back at the dock by 10 AM, so…”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Waikiki Turtle Snorkel and Sail on Hawea Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,655 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89Top rated

Meet at the Duke Kahanamoku Statue for a 2.5-hour catamaran trip to Turtle Canyon. Your crew provides snorkel gear, points out turtles, fish, octopuses, and reef life, then sails along Waikiki. Morning and afternoon departures are available, with drinks, cold brew, and granola bars included.

“Best snorkel tour! For someone who hasn’t done a snorkel tour in awhile this was perfect. The staff was excellent fun and so helpful. They all made the experience amazing. We saw 3 turtles and some fish. On the return ride tried to see whales but none some saw flying fish! Next time I come with fam I will book this tour. Smooth and way from booking to end of tour. Def worth it!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Oahu Catamaran Snorkel Tour: See Turtles 100% Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,420 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $49

Join Oahu Catamarans at Ala Moana Harbor for a two-hour Turtle Canyon trip. Captain Krash and guides such as Lucy or Shannon may lead you to green sea turtles, tropical fish, dolphins, or whales. Gear, drinks, and snacks are included, with groups capped at 28 people.

“My daughter (8) has never snorkeled and isn’t a strong swimmer (neither am I). Shannon was so patient with her - allowing her to hang on to the surfboard and taking the time to ease her tension in the water. She went above and beyond to ensure she had a great experience! Lucy and the rest of the crew were wonderful also! We felt very safe and welcomed to their family business. I’m so happy we chose this company and would absolutely recommend to anyone! If we go snorkeling again, this is company we’d choose! Thanks for everything!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Oahu Catamaran Waikiki Sunset on 40 Foot Catamaran: Food and BYOB

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 836 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $44Best value

Join Oahu Catamarans at 5:15 pm for a roughly two-hour sunset sail from Ala Moana Harbor. Expect Diamond Head views, Waikiki lights, complimentary pupus, music, and a BYOB setup for guests over 21. Captains such as Krash, Carlos, and Greg and crew members like Shannon and Lucy help keep the mood easygoing.

“Amazing sunset cruise! Crash and Shannon are truly fantastic hosts who made our entire trip smooth and wonderful.🌄”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 682 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Set out from Kewalo Basin or take paid Waikiki pickup for a two-hour Makani Catamaran cruise. Choose an afternoon or sunset departure, watch for dolphins, turtles, and seasonal whales, and enjoy one complimentary drink. Sunset trips add an Island-Style buffet and skyline views.

“We thought this was a sunset dinner cruise Only one table to sit. No narration of the area, just loud music. Did not care for the food either. The restrooms. Don't use them unless it is absolutely necessary. If you are over 55, think again before going.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Ko Olina Catamaran Sail and Snorkel with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 630 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $195

Join captains and crew members such as Todd, Matt, and Kai for a three-hour sail from Ko Olina. You’ll snorkel among tropical fish, look for turtles, dolphins, and whales, then enjoy sandwiches, snacks, cocktails, juice, and ocean views aboard a roomy 53-foot catamaran.

“Beautiful day sailing on a Catamaran. The crew was excellent; very attentive (both on the boat and in the water). We saw a pod of spinner dolphin from the boat and a few turtles while in the water. So many colorful fish. Beautiful experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Friday Night Fireworks Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 610 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $67

Sail from Ala Wai Yacht Harbor at 6:30 pm aboard Pink Sails Waikiki’s catamaran. You’ll cruise past Waikiki and Diamond Head, enjoy music, a cash bar, and a short Friday fireworks show from offshore. Captains Jamie and crew members Tyler and John have earned praise for their friendly service.

“Great experience with fun people and great music. Highly recommend doing this on a Friday for the fireworks. We had a fabulous view”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Waikiki Sunset Catamaran Cocktail Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 348 reviews · 1h 30m · from $99

Join Hawaii Nautical aboard the Hanu Lani for a 90-minute sunset sail from Kewalo Basin Harbor. Expect Diamond Head views, a full premium bar, light snacks, shaded and open-air seating, and an easygoing crew. Past crew favorites include Clay, Captain Mark, Captain Nick, and Greg.

“Great staf. Very knowledgeable and provided plenty of cocktails.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Swim with Dolphins Catamaran with Waterslide & Lunch on Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 166 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $199

Cruise from Waiʻanae along Oahu’s west coast with Iruka Hawaii Dolphin. Watch for wild dolphins, whales in winter, and sea turtles at Makaha. You’ll get snorkeling gear, lunch, snacks, drinks, paddleboards, kayaks, a floating mat, and a 21-foot waterslide. Dolphin swims are fast-paced and best for confident swimmers.

“The whole experience felt very rushed. We spent more time on the bus and boat than in the water. Worst of all, we didn't even get to swim with the dolphins, which was why we chose this tour. We were told there would be 2-3 chances to get in the water with the dolphins and that only experienced snorkelers could go in the first time. Being rookie snorkelers, we had to stay and watch the dolphins from the boat. Instead of doing more dolphin swims like they said we would, they went straight to snorkeling with the turtles. We only saw the dolphins briefly from the boat, which was not…”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Waikiki Catamaran Escape: Snorkel with Turtles & Water Sports Fun

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 157 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $120

Join Blue Ocean Snorkeling for a three-hour Waikiki catamaran trip with turtle snorkeling, kayaks, paddleboards, sea scooters, and snacks. Crew members including Dustin, Joe, Vivian, and Captain Nate help with water safety and photos. Hotel pickup may be available, but confirm it 24 hours ahead.

“There was a lot of Korean passengers, but the crew was very attentive to the American passengers. The day we went the sea was quite rough. The captain kept an eye on people that got motion sickness. He gave some chews that helped with the motion sickness. The crew on the ship all spoke English. The crew took pictures for all the Passengers. The whole crew was wonderful! I got to talk to a lot of them! Dustin was awesome! I recommend this tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Private Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling Tour in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 152 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Set out from Kewalo Basin with a private crew on a two-hour catamaran cruise along Oahu’s east coast. You can snorkel with provided gear, swim near turtles and fish, watch for dolphins and whales, play your own music, and bring drinks for the cooler. Crew members including Sam, Nick, Francisco, and Rylan are named in guest feedback.

“We had a great time - the water was beautiful, the turtles were right there and our crew helped make sure we even saw some dolphins. Perfect time with sun, snorkel and friends”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Private Sunset Catamaran Cruise in Waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

You’ll cruise from Honolulu along Waikiki and Diamond Head aboard a private catamaran for up to six people. Crew members such as Sam, Nick, Francesco, and Jake tailor the two-hour outing with snorkeling, local stories, music, refreshments, and sunset views.

“We got to snorkel with turtles and saw whales! And to finish it off with a breathtaking sunset. The crew was fun, interactive and informative. recommend 100%”

Check availability →Read our full review