Water Sports in Oahu

Snorkeling is a highlight of an Oahu trip, but many spots can be overrun with swimmers. Go out on a yacht with a small group and get access to uncrowded snorkel sites. Enjoy bottomless drinks, delicious lunch, and swimming among the tropical fish. Let your guide take care of everything you need, including professional snorkel equipment.

When visiting Hawaii, try this guided, 5-hour, small-group ocean dive from Waikiki. Climb aboard a custom dive boat and experience Hawaii's fascinating underwater world, complete with colorful coral reefs and an abundance of marine wildlife. All the necessary equipment is included. Evidence of dive certification is required from all visitors wishing to participate in a certified dive.

Learn the basics of scuba diving during a 5-hour introductory course in Waikiki. Your professional scuba instructor teaches foundational scuba skills before taking you out by boat to a dive site in shallow water. Have time to get comfortable with the equipment in the water, then follow your instructor as you scuba dive around the coral reef. You can see marine critters such as sea turtles and colorful fish, an amazing experience to add to your vacation in Hawaii.

Take a deep dive (literally) into some of Hawaii's top shipwrecks and beautiful reefs during this 3-hour diving experience near Oahu's South Shore. Depending on the weather and conditions, you'll enjoy explorations of wrecks like the Sea Tiger, at 80 to 130 feet (25-40 meters), or the combination wrecks of YO 257 and San Pedro, located at 60 to 100 feet (18-30 meters). For those interested in marine life, the sea turtles of Turtle Canyon or the hard corals of Nautilus Reef offer more great options. A guide, snacks and round-trip hotel transport from Waikiki are covered.

Go snorkeling off Oahu's North Shore on a guided snorkeling tour. You'll head out to open water from the beach for the chance to see fish, green sea turtles, and other Hawaiian marine life in their native environment. Snorkeling equipment is provided. A private option is available if you prefer a more personalized experience or need assistance in the water.

Fly over the sparkling waters of Oahu on 1-hour parasailing adventure in Waikiki. Hop aboard your 12-person boat, soaring up into the skies with one or two other people for 10 minutes. Then, spend the rest of your hour gliding across the ocean, keeping your eyes peeled for dolphins, tropical fish and sea turtles. This small-group tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off for up to 12 travelers, and offers both morning and afternoon departures.

There are snorkeling trips, and then there are snorkeling trips on a famous, 46-foot yacht with three bedrooms, three restrooms, a full kitchen, lounging areas, a fully-stocked bar, and a prepared lunch. If you're up for leaving your luxurious accommodations, follow your guide on a 45-minute tour of a reef and the wildlife that calls it home. After snorkeling, return to the yacht (not boat) and bask in the Hawaiian sun as you sail back to the marina. Snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks from the bar, and bean bags for lounging included.

Nothing is more iconic to Hawaii than surfing at Waikiki Beach. This is arguably the place where surfing was born, and the spot where watermen like Duke Kahanamoku helped introduce surfing to the world. The reason why this south facing coast is so perfect for learning to surf, is the fact that the bottom is soft, sandy, and the water is relatively shallow. During this surf lesson in Waikiki, you'll also notice the way the waves have a steady and gentle roll, which makes them far less intimidating than other waves on Oahu. Add in a long, stable board and a professional local instructor, and before you know it you'll be surfing a wave like ancient Hawaiians of old.

Ride a personal, self-propelled, electric underwater scooter through Oahu's underwater world. During this 2-hour tour, cruise past Diamond Head Crater through Maunalua Bay on a power catamaran, then dive under the surface on your scooter to see green sea turtles, schools of tropical fish and other native marine life. No experience is necessary for this guided tour; all equipment is provided.

Pre-book your beach umbrella and chair set for an easy and relaxing way to enjoy a day on Waikiki Beach. Settle in right in front of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and enjoy the beautiful views of Diamond Head and the ocean as you relax under the shade. Bathrooms are conveniently located at Duke's Waikiki restaurant and check-in is 15 minutes before your scheduled time.

Learn how to stand-up paddleboard with a small group in the waves off Waikiki Beach during this 2-hour lesson. Go through a lesson on ocean safety and paddleboard basics on land, then hit the water to learn balance and paddle techniques. All equipment provided.

Experience the thrill of meeting sharks face-to-face in the pristine waters of Oahu on this educational, 2-hour, cage-diving adventure. See Hawaii's majestic hunters — Galapagos and Sandbar sharks in their natural environment — surrounded by the deep blue of the Big Island’s popular North Shore. Observe from the safety of a floating cage. Stay on the surface, then using a mask and snorkel, look through large polyglass windows to watch the sharks as they gracefully glide by. No scuba experience is necessary. Hotel pickup and drop-off available.

Soar 30 feet (9 meters) above the waters of Oahu with a water-propelled jetpack on this adventurous experience. After a certified instructor gives you a safety briefing and training on how to use the pack, practice walking on water, deep-water landings, elevation control and steering while enjoying views of Maunalua Bay. No experience is necessary, and observers are welcome to enjoy views of Koko Crater, Koko Head and the Ko'olau mountain range.

When visiting Oahu, experience the ultimate watersports adventure on this guided water sports seafari experience. Choose a departure time, then explore Maunalua Bay on the Southeast shore of the island. Ride on an underwater scooter, soar through the air above while parasailing and jet ski along the warm tropical waters. Then enjoy lunch at the world-famous Teddy's Bigger Burgers. Waikiki hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Get up close and personal with Hawaii's beautiful marine life during this 3-hour diving trip near Waikiki Beach. Depending on conditions and your experience, you'll visit one of three sites. Head to Turtle Canyon, a 15-30 foot (5-10 meter) dive with a wealth of local turtles. Or check out Nautilus Reef, a 30-60 foot (10-18 meter) site with beautiful Hawaiian hard corals, white tip sharks and moray eels. There's also Horseshoe Reef/Kewalo Pipe, a 40-65 foot (12-20 meter) dive with several species of eels and rays. All necessary equipment and snacks are included.

Learn how to stand-up paddle on the waves of Waikiki beach. During this 1-hour private lesson, enjoy the personalized attention of a private guide who will get you upright and paddling in no time. Get a fantastic arm and core workout and see the sights of Waikiki from your aquatic vantage point. No experience necessary, but you must be a proficient swimmer. Photo and video services are available; use of paddle board is included.

Try something new (or practice something you already love) with this 2-hour private standup-paddleboard lesson in Honolulu. Meet at Waikiki Beach to grab your equipment, and sit through a short safety briefing. Then, follow the lead of your instructor to become more familiar with the basics of standup paddleboarding before he or she sets you out on your own to ride the Hawaiian waves. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced boarder, your instructor tailors your course to your level.

Learn the tricks and techniques of one of Hawaii's most popular water sports with a private stand-up paddle boarding lesson on Waikiki Beach. During the 1.5-hour session, get an overview of equipment and balancing techniques while still on dry land, and then paddle out into the clear, warm waters of the Pacific Ocean to put your new skills into action. With the guidance of a professional instructor, you'll be standing up no time and gliding along the water's surface with ease.

Learn how to stand-up paddle on the waves of Waikiki beach with a small group of 2 to 5 people. During this 1-hour, small-group lesson, enjoy the personalized attention of an expert instructor who will get you upright and paddling in no time. Get a fantastic arm and core workout and see the sights of Waikiki from your aquatic vantage point. No experience necessary, but you must be a proficient swimmer. Photo and video services are available; use of paddle board is included.

Kayak with a master paddler from beautiful Kailua Beach to the volcanic Mokulua Islands in Kailua Bay. This 5-hour adventure takes you in a sit-on-top kayak through tranquil waters while you receive paddling tips and hear commentary from a trained naturalist. Learn about Hawaii's marine life and natural history, then have lunch on a sandy beach at Moku Nui. Here, you can hike, snorkel with green sea turtles, or play in the surf.