Snorkeling With Sea Turtles in Hawaii: Tips for Keeping Honu Safe
Turtles hold a special place in Hawaiian culture, representing the important connection between land and sea. Myths and legends surround the animals, who are often seen as messengers and more, and this cultural respect is expressed in hula dances, chants, and more. So it goes without saying that Hawaiians revere honu (the Hawaiian name for this species).
Commonly found basking on the sandy shores and swimming around the ocean near the islands, these peaceful creatures find their native home in Hawaii. In fact, they were here before even the Hawaiian Islands existed; they’ve graced these waters for roughly 40–50 million years. These days, however, honu are considered an endangered species, and they face a number of threats from fishing, pollution, human disturbance, and coastal development. It's now a federal offense to harm, harass, or physically touch a turtle, whether it's in the water or on the beach.
But the good news is that—thanks to conservation and preservation efforts—the honu population is growing at a slow yet steady rate. And every traveler who visits the islands has a part to play in helping their recovery. When you’re out snorkeling, surfing, or even just relaxing on the beach in Hawaii, you’re likely to come across one of these special creatures. And while those encounters will definitely be a highlight of your trip to Oahu, it’s important to keep certain things in mind to make sure your interactions are responsible and safe.
Here’s everything you need to know about snorkeling (and interacting) with sea turtles in Oahu.
Where to snorkel with turtles on Oahu
These spots will be a trip highlight.
There are turtles all over the islands, so you might encounter honu anytime you’re hanging out at the beach. However, if you’re really set on seeing a turtle, there are some popular spots where you’re almost guaranteed to find some.
Laniakea Beach, on the North Shore, is also called Turtle Beach because of the many turtles basking on the sand here, especially during the summertime, when the waves are calm. Hanauma Bay is known for its world-class snorkeling, and turtles are commonly found in these gentle waters. Turtle Canyon, by Waikiki, is where many turtles come to feed and rest; the reef is accessible by catamaran or boat. Then there's Electric Beach, on the west side of Oahu, a popular diving and snorkeling spot with plenty of marine life and sea turtles hanging about.
When to snorkel
Time your dip for maximum turtle viewing—and safety.
Good news: there’s no prime time to spot turtles, as they’re around all year. However, unless you’re going with a tour guide, make sure to check the surf report before heading out on your adventure. The last thing you want is to show up to the beach when the water is choppy or the waves are too big as there won't be many turtles about. Also, keep in mind that Oahu’s North Shore is where big surf rolls in during the winter months, and this makes the beach more dangerous. If you want to check out turtles on the North Shore, plan to visit in the summertime, when conditions are calmer.
Tips to follow
Keep yourself and the turtles safe.
Honu are protected by law, so when encountering these animals, you need to follow some rules. This will protect their population in the long run.
Always use reef-safe sunscreen when entering the water; the chemicals in many sunscreens can bleach and damage reefs.
Never, ever (ever!) touch or feed turtles. This is illegal and will cost you a fine of upwards of $1,500 (and it’s terrible for the animals themselves).
Stay 6–10 feet (2–3 meters) away from turtles whenever you see them; if you don’t, you risk stressing them out.
Don’t follow or chase turtles when you spot them in the water; this will also stress them out.
If you spot a turtle, view it from the side, if you can, leaving a clear path ahead for them to swim away when they want to. Don’t approach them head-on or swim directly above them.
Don’t make any sudden movements or loud sounds; this could scare the turtles.
How to pick a good tour company
Spend your money and time responsibly.
There are many snorkeling tour companies that promise to bring you to the best spots to view turtles, and most employ well-informed guides to improve your experience. To make sure you’re picking a company that respects aquatic life, there are a few other things you should consider, when booking.
First, make sure the guides are knowledgeable about Hawaii’s marine life, including where to view it and how to be most respectful about leaving no impact when you visit. Give the company a call to learn more about who they employ as guides.
Second, check out the company’s website to see if they mention how to safely view turtles. A good company will emphasize following the rules set by the government for a safe turtle experience.
Lastly, read the reviews of tours. This is a great way to get first-hand information about people’s experiences with the crew. If a guide has really emphasized respect for the turtles’ safety, it will likely show up in a review or two.
Find more things to do in Hawaii
Keep reading
