The Best Turtle Tours on the Hawaiian Islands
The Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles migrate more than 2,600 kilometers to reach the spot they will lay their eggs. Few places as magical as this exist in the world, and even fewer where you and your family can go on one of the fantastic Hawaii turtle tours to get a first-hand view of natures’ wonders. Eighty-five to one hundred eggs are left, and the hatchlings leave in unison across a beach that create memories to last a lifetime.
Going on a vacation in Hawaii means that there are tons of things you can do to enjoy yourself and experience the island at the same time. You might feel a little overwhelmed with all of your options, but have you considered Hawaii Turtle Tours? These awesome turtle tours let you see Hawaiian Green Sea turtles in their natural habitat while you travel around the island of Oahu along the way. There are a few great tour companies to choose from that give you this real Hawaii experience, which is why I’m here to give you reviews of these amazing custom private tours.
Here’s a brief overview of two Hawaii turtle tours:
IMAGE
TOUR
DETAILS
BEST OVERALL EXPERIENCE
Turtle Eco Adventure
- Length: 9 hrs
- Highlight: Visit around 17 Spots
- Price: $$
TURTLE AND HISTORY
Turtle Canyon Snorkeling
- Length: 3 hrs
- Highlight: Visit Oahu’s hidden Gems
- Price: $
TOUR
DETAILS
BEST OVERALL EXPERIENCE
Turtle Eco Adventure
- Length: 9 hrs
- Highlight: Visit around 17 Spots
- Price: $$
TURTLE AND HISTORY
Turtle Canyon Snorkeling
- Length: 3 hrs
- Highlight: Visit Oahu’s hidden Gems
- Price: $
Hawaii’s Best Turtle Tours – Complete Guide
So you’ve decided you want to go on one of these Hawaii turtle tours. Which tour lets you see the most turtles? Well, I highly recommend tours based on price, overall experience, and if I thought it would work out great for me. To find the perfect one for you, let’s take a look.
Touring Options
When it comes to picking out your turtle tour, there are two tours in Hawaii that really stand out above the rest: the Oahu Circle Island Tour given by Turtle Eco Adventure of Oahu, and the Oahu Hidden Gems Tour and Turtle Snorkeling. Each of these Hawaii turtle tours contain specific features within their packages, but there are some similarities between them too.
For instance, they do go to some similar locations, like Makapu’u Beach or Dole Plantation. There’s even Diamond Head, Halona Blowhole, Secret Beach, the Macadamia Nut Farm, and Chinaman’s Hat as well, with both tours stopping for lunch in Turtle Town. It’s worth noting that the Hidden Gems Tour will take you to Lai’e Point Lookout around the beautiful North Shore of Oahu to view the Ko’olau Mountains, while the Eco Adventure Oahu Circle Island Tour takes you to many turtle beach locations around the east and southeast shores of Oahu, as well as Sunset Beach on Oahu’s North Shore for more time to enjoy the sun and sand. Both are great tours for smaller children, offer lunch, and last the entire day, but depending on what you want to see, will determine which tour is best for you.
Tour #1 Turtle Eco Adventure: North Shore Hawaii Turtle Tours
Operating out of downtown Honolulu, the Turtle Eco Adventure Oahu Circle Island Tour in Oahu gives you an emphasis on the great Green Sea Hawaii turtle, but that’s not all you do. You’ll be able to sit back and relax as you’re chauffeured around and out of Waikiki so you can experience Hawaii in its fullest. As you travel around, this package lets you see lots of locations like Makapu’u Beach, Halona Blowhole, and Dole Plantation. While you travel, eat some of the most delicious seafood dishes the island has to offer!
Of course, what you’re really looking forward to are the turtles, right? Well after all the sightseeing, you’ll be able to see those turtles up close while you get the overall history of the island and culture. This company specifically is unique thanks to its close relationships with its clients, and is perfect when it comes to family-style tours. We highly recommend this great tour guide for small groups wanting a custom private adventure, since small groups help you get the most out of your experience, but if you’re single, the crew will make you feel right at home.
The best tour guide will be with you every step of the way as you visit 10 different locations, giving you some interesting cultural and historical facts as you tour for a full day and experience the island of Hawaii. People really love how comfortable each tour guide makes them feel, and how full their experience was in only one day.
PROS
CONS
- 9 hour tour
- Free transportation from select pick up locations in the Waikiki area
- Visit up to 10 locations including Makapu’u Beach, Halona Blowhole, and Dole Plantation
- Snorkeling on the North Shore of Oahu
- Green Hawaiian Sea Turtle sightings
- Snorkeling gear provided
- Lunch stop at Turtle Town in Haleiwa (Honolulu County)
- Full day tour
- Transportation from select hotels in Waikiki, Honolulu
- Lunch not included in price
PROS
- 9 hour tour
- Free transportation from select pick up locations in the Waikiki area
- Visit up to 10 locations including Makapu’u Beach, Halona Blowhole, and Dole Plantation
- Snorkeling on the North Shore of Oahu
- Green Hawaiian Sea Turtle sightings
- Snorkeling gear provided
- Lunch stop at Turtle Town in Haleiwa (Honolulu County)
CONS
- Full day tour
- Transportation from select hotels in Waikiki, Honolulu
- Lunch not included in price
“Swim with one of Earth’s oldest creatures in the beautiful blue waters of Hawaii. A Sea Turtle tour is a MUST on vacation”
Tour #2 Turtle Canyon Snorkeling (With Lunch)
Sporting a day tour as well, the Hidden Gems tour includes 10 different stops so that you can get the most out of your experience on the island. Like the North Shore tour, you get to have an amazing snorkeling experience with turtles.
In between your stops, while you’re led around by a friendly tour guide, relax in an air-conditioned bus and explore the local island comfortably. One of the best Hawaii turtle tours around, the Hidden Gems Tour guide is perfect either for couples or for those of you who are a part of large groups, since they can accommodate up to 25 people on their tour bus. They do need at least two people for a tour though. Families especially love this tour since you’re always moving and children never seem to get bored.
This tour also includes Lai’e Point, provides you with snacks, and does everything to ensure your experience goes great. As long as weather permits, you’ll be taken on an historical adventure around the whole island to see every hidden gem you can. If you want to see specific places, like the East Side of Oahu or Sunset Beach on the North Shore, custom private tours around the island are available to your liking to get the most out of your experience, especially since tour guides give you all the photos they’ve taken of you swimming with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles at the end of the day to create memories to last a lifetime.
PROS
CONS
- 9 hour tour
- Free transportation from select pick up locations in Waikiki area
- Visit up to 10 locations including Diamond Head Lookout, Halona Blowhole, Pipeline Surf Beach, and Lai’e Point (private tours available)
- Hawaiian coffee and macnut sampling along with a stop at a tropical fruit stand
- Snorkeling on the North Shore of Oahu
- Snorkeling gear provided (snorkel, goggles, fins)
- Can accommodate up to 25 guests
- Minimum of two guests for tour to commence
- Snacks provided
- Lunch stop at North Shore Shrimp Truck
- Full day tour
- Transportation from select hotels in Waikiki
- Lunch not included in price
PROS
- 9 hour tour
- Free transportation from select pick up locations in Waikiki area
- Visit up to 10 locations including Diamond Head Lookout, Halona Blowhole, Pipeline Surf Beach, and Lai’e Point (private tours available)
- Hawaiian coffee and macnut sampling along with a stop at a tropical fruit stand
- Snorkeling on the North Shore of Oahu
- Snorkeling gear provided (snorkel, goggles, fins)
- Can accommodate up to 25 guests
- Minimum of two guests for tour to commence
- Snacks provided
- Lunch stop at North Shore Shrimp Truck
CONS
- Full day tour
- Transportation from select hotels in Waikiki
- Lunch not included in price
Let’s Talk About Price
The final thing you’ve got to consider before you make your decision is price. To be honest, the prices for these two tours are quite similar. Adults pay $127 for the Eco Adventure, and only $2 more for a price of $125 on the Hidden Gems Tour. The Hidden Gems Tour is a little cheaper for children however, at a price of $103 instead of $105.
If you want to have fun doing some extra activities, it doesn’t matter what tour you choose, since you will need to bring some extra money. For instance, lunch is not included within the price, and if you want to kayak in Turtle Town during either of the tours, you’ll need an extra $20 as well. Both tours last around 9 hours and include free transportation, so try to decide based on locations rather than price.
Conclusion
I know there’s a lot to consider when it comes to choosing the Hawaii Turtle Tour that will give you the most amazing “swimming with turtles” experience you can get, but I’ve managed to narrow down the list of Hawaii turtle tours to two. Both Eco Adventure and the Hidden Gems Tour are a bit similar, including that turtle adventure you’re looking for, although they do allow you to explore other local places too. Pick the tour that’ll be great for your family and for you so you can have fun for a great price!