Small Group Grand Circle Island Tour: Snorkel With the Turtles

Explore Oahu’s stunning landscapes and snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles on this small group Grand Circle Island Tour. With a maximum of 28 travelers, this full-day adventure takes you to iconic attractions like Diamond Head and the Dole Plantation. Knowledgeable guides, convenient hotel pickup, and all snorkeling gear provided ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience. Enjoy Hawaii’s rich culture and natural beauty, and discover why this tour is a perfect choice for your Oahu adventure.

Key Points

• This small group tour offers a comprehensive Grand Circle Island experience, including the opportunity to snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles on the North Shore.
• The tour is highly rated, with 539 reviews and a 95% recommendation rate, and has been recognized with a Badge of Excellence.
• Tour inclusions cover snorkeling equipment, hotel pickup/drop-off, lunch, and gratuities, providing a seamless and hassle-free experience.
• The tour duration of 7:20 am to 8:00 pm allows for a full day of exploration, visiting around a dozen attractions, including Diamond Head and Dole Plantation.
• The tour is designed for those with limited time on Oahu, offering an immersive experience of the island’s top sights and activities.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The tour offers a small group Grand Circle Island experience, allowing travelers to snorkel with the Hawaiian green sea turtles.

Boasting 539 reviews and a 95% recommendation rate, the tour is recognized with a Badge of Excellence.

Over the full-day journey, guests visit around a dozen attractions, including Diamond Head, Makapuu Beach, and the Dole Plantation.

The highlight is snorkeling with the turtles on the North Shore.

This comprehensive tour is ideal for those with limited time on Oahu, providing an efficient and immersive way to experience the island’s natural wonders.

Inclusions and Logistics

This tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off from select locations.

A professional guide leads the group throughout the day, providing transportation in an air-conditioned minibus. Lunch is included, and gratuities are covered.

The maximum group size is 28 travelers, ensuring a small and personalized experience. Guests can choose to meet at a strategic pickup point in Waikiki or request direct hotel pickup.

The tour starts around 7:20 am and finishes around 8:00 pm, providing a full day of exploration around Oahu.

Pickup and Meeting Details

Guests can choose between directly meeting the tour at a designated pickup point or requesting hotel pickup within the Waikiki neighborhood.

The tour starts at 7:20 am from the northernmost location in Waikiki, finishing around 8:00 am at the south end. Meeting points are strategically spread within the Waikiki area for convenience.

• Tour pickup is available from select hotels only.
• Guests can request pickup when booking.
• The tour meets at several locations within Waikiki.
• All meeting points are within the Waikiki neighborhood.

What to Expect and Recommendations

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so appropriate dress is recommended.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a change of dry clothes in a small day bag. Having a bottle of water on hand is also a good idea.

Please be aware that the tour isn’t wheelchair or stroller accessible, and it’s not located near public transportation.

Due to availability or restrictions, some attractions may be skipped. However, you can still expect to experience the tour’s highlights, such as snorkeling with Hawaiian green sea turtles along the North Shore.

Traveler Reviews and Experiences

Overwhelmingly positive feedback from travelers highlights the tour’s strengths. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides, citing experts like Justin, Kurt, and Harry for their engaging commentary and expertise.

Notable experiences include:

• Snorkeling with turtles
• Enjoying local treats like Dole Whip and shrimp
• Seeing seals and other wildlife
• Learning about Hawaiian history and culture

While some note the perceived value for cost and limited time at certain stops, the overall consensus is that the tour provides a fantastic way to experience the island’s top sights and activities in a single day.

Exploring Diamond Head and Makapuu Beach

As the tour winds its way around the island, guests first stop at the iconic Diamond Head State Monument.

Towering 760 feet above the sparkling Pacific, this volcanic cone offers stunning 360-degree views of Honolulu and the surrounding coastline. Guests can hike the 0.8-mile trail to the summit, taking in the geological wonders and historic military fortifications along the way.

Next, the tour heads to Makapuu Beach, where powerful ocean currents and dramatic sea cliffs create a stunning natural landscape.

Travelers can stroll along the scenic overlook and watch the crashing waves crash against the shoreline.

Discovering the Halona Blowhole and Dole Plantation

Next, the tour heads to the stunning Halona Blowhole, where powerful waves force water high into the air through a natural lava tube.

Visitors are captivated by the dramatic display, as the surging water creates an impressive plume reaching up to 30 feet.

• The Halona Blowhole offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline.
• Guests have the opportunity to witness this natural wonder up close.

The tour then continues to the iconic Dole Plantation, where travelers can explore the world’s largest maze and sample the famous Dole Whip.

At the plantation, guests learn about the history and cultivation of pineapples, a staple of Hawaiian cuisine.

Snorkeling With Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles at North Shore

After exploring the captivating Halona Blowhole, the tour makes its way to the North Shore, where the highlight of the day awaits – snorkeling with the iconic Hawaiian green sea turtles.

Guests don their provided snorkeling gear and wade into the crystal clear waters, eagerly searching for these gentle giants. The turtles gracefully glide through the ocean, providing an unforgettable up-close encounter.

Guides share interesting facts about the turtles’ biology and conservation efforts. Travelers bask in the serene atmosphere, snapping photos and marveling at the turtles’ beauty before reluctantly exiting the water, memories of this unique experience etched forever.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a minimum age requirement. However, it’s recommended for children who are comfortable swimming and snorkeling, as the snorkeling activity may not be suitable for very young kids.

Are There Any Dietary Accommodations for the Included Lunch?

The tour provides a lunch that can accommodate dietary needs like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options. Guests should notify the operator of any dietary requirements when booking the tour to ensure proper accommodations.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment Instead?

Yes, you can bring your own snorkeling equipment if you prefer. The tour provides snorkeling gear, but allowing you to use your own equipment gives you the flexibility to use gear you’re comfortable with.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour?

Yes, there’s an option to upgrade to a private tour. Travelers can request a private tour, which offers a more personalized experience with a dedicated guide and flexibility in itinerary. However, this upgrade comes at an additional cost.

How Many Restroom Breaks Are Provided During the Tour?

The tour provides "several" restroom breaks throughout the day, allowing guests to freshen up at various stops along the way. The exact number isn’t specified, but the guide ensures there are ample opportunities to use the facilities.

The Sum Up

The Small Group Grand Circle Island Tour offers an unforgettable experience to explore Oahu’s stunning landscapes and snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles. With convenient hotel pickup, knowledgeable guides, and all gear provided, it’s the perfect choice for a memorable day on the island. Travelers can enjoy Hawaii’s rich culture and natural beauty, making this tour a must-do activity for anyone visiting Oahu.