Every time my husband and I return to Oahu, our to-do list seems to get longer. Eating shaved ice here, hiking there, and so much else in between. But sea turtles always make the list.
We’ve lost count of how many times we’ve snorkeled with them now, and it still feels magical every time we go.
Since many of you loved the snorkeling with sea turtles in our Maui guide, I thought I’d put together an Oahu version. This is a beach and snorkeling spot where you can actually see turtles, whether they are swimming around in the water or lying on the sand.
So if you’re curious Where to Find Sea Turtles on OahuHere’s a list we always go back to.
Best Sea Turtle Spots on Oahu
Swim with Sea Turtles on Oahu (Useful Tips)
don’t touch sea turtles
- Sea turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act. In Hawaii, touching a sea turtle is illegal and carries a $10,000 fine. Sea turtles are considered sacred in Hawaii, so keep at least 10 feet away from them to avoid touching them.
Best time to see sea turtles
- Did you know that there is an optimal time to spot sea turtles? Snorkel with sea turtles from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This will greatly increase your chances of spotting a sea turtle. In fact, all of our sightings and encounters have occurred within that period.
Reef-safe sunscreen is a must!
Did you know that the active ingredients in conventional sunscreens are toxic to coral reef systems and marine life? Here’s a (cheap) reef-safe sunscreen that we used on our trip and it worked great. In fact, we repurchased it 3 times.
Snorkel with Oahu sea turtles (required equipment)
Make sure you have the proper snorkeling gear to ensure success while swimming with sea turtles in Oahu.
good snorkeling mask
- I purchased this mask before my trip and was very satisfied. I have seen many people using this mask and will consider purchasing it on my next trip.
- Nothing ruins an underwater party faster than a foggy mask. It may be worth spending a few extra dollars and purchasing an anti-fog spray. This is a spray I highly recommend.
Flipper is a must
- These are the flippers I have been using for the past 5+ years (I actually lived in them when I visited the Virgin Islands and would repurchase them in a heartbeat!).
- I also bought these snorkeling socks to prevent blisters and now I refuse to snorkel without them. – It’s a serious game changer!
A proper rash guard (I want to laugh, but I’m serious)
- Especially if you are someone who gets cold a lot like me, a rash guard is a must. I bought this before my trip and used it several times. Being highly rated on Amazon is another perk.
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Where to Find Sea Turtles on Oahu
#1: Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach)
location: Pohaku Loa Way, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Listen, they don’t andFor the record, don’t call it Turtle Beach for nothing! Well, they actually call it Laniakea Beach, which means “wide sky.” But big skies are only half the story here. Because sea turtles steal the show.
The shallow waves make it the perfect place to snorkel with sea turtles, regardless of your skill level. There’s a lot to see here, based on first-hand experience! In fact, the area is so well-known for Oahu’s sea turtles that volunteers walk the beaches and post signs to discourage people from getting too close to the turtles on the shore.
PS Laniakea beach gets crowded very quickly as it is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Nonetheless, even if you don’t plan on swimming with sea turtles, I highly recommend a visit as the scenery alone is worth the visit.
tip: Don’t mistake “Turtle Beach” for Turtle Bay Resort.
#2: Electric Beach
While preparing for my trip to Hawaii, many of my friends recommended that I visit Electric Beach, which is home to sea turtles. Little did we know what a treat we were in for! The waters here create perfect conditions for a variety of marine life, from angelfish to clownfish and distant spinner dolphins.
But you see, what we most wanted to see were the gentle sea turtles! Thankfully we spotted two within minutes of hitting the water. Yes. If you’re looking for sea turtles on Oahu, Electric Beach is definitely worth a stop.
Location: Electric Beach is on the west side of Oahu, about 40 minutes from Waikiki Beach.
#3: Mother Beach
In some ways, Macua Beach feels like a secret because not many people drive there. But the beach itself is breathtakingly beautiful, and photographers flock in droves during sunset. But Macua Beach is not only a great place to take great photos, but it’s also a great place to swing with sea turtles!
The clear water makes sightseeing a total breeze and the playful schools of fish are a joy to behold. The chances of seeing sea turtles increase the further offshore you go, so if you make the effort to go further out, you won’t regret it.
Sea Turtles Oahu, Best Places for Sea Turtles Oahu, Oahu Sea Turtles
#4. Haleiwa Beach
Haleiwa Beach is located just a stone’s throw from Laniakea Beach. Swimming with sea turtles on Oahu is a great place because the water is very clear and sea turtles seem to frequent these beaches.
During our visit, we spotted four turtles resting on the shore at sunrise. It was so fun to be able to play together in the water for about an hour. The water gets colder the farther you get from the coast, so it’s a good idea to wear a rash guard when swimming here.
#5. Cockroach Cove (Kaupo Bay)
Next to the famous Halona Blowhole is Cockroach Cove, another great place on Oahu to snorkel with sea turtles!
Filled with tide pools and plenty of snorkeling opportunities, Cockroach Cove is perfect for exploring. The waters in this area are not suitable for young swimmers, so snorkeling here is recommended if you are experienced. For the best snorkeling conditions, be sure to visit on a calm, clear day.
Best Place for Sea Turtles on Oahu (Honorary Award)
The five beaches mentioned above are, in our experience, the best places to find sea turtles on Oahu. That said, the five beaches below are also great places for sea turtles to live. We have seen these gentle giants on the beach below, but less frequently than on the other beaches mentioned earlier. Anyway, try your luck!
- Aki’s Beach
- Halona Beach Cove
- Kuilima Cove Snorkeling
- Olinas
- summer
Are there sea turtles on Waikiki Beach?
yes! Believe it or not. The best times to spot sea turtles on Waikiki Beach are sunrise and noon.
Since our hotel was along the coastline, we spent a lot of time walking around Waikiki Beach. During our walk we constantly saw sea turtles on the dock. Plus, while cooling off after a drink at Duke’s Bar, we came across a little guy swimming close to the shore. It was really cool!
Learn about Hawaiian turtles
Five species of sea turtles live in Hawaii. Green sea turtle (turtle Hawaiian) is most common on Oahu.
The second most common is the hawksbill sea turtle, but they are found much less frequently. The other three species tend to live in deeper water, so you’re unlikely to encounter an Olive Ridley, Leatherback or Loggerhead.
Fun facts: Leatherback sea turtles are the largest living sea turtles, weighing more than 2,000 pounds! But don’t worry, you are a thrill seeker. Green sea turtles are also quite large. See below.
Turtles eat algae (called ‘).seaweeds” in Hawaiian)
- Limu are found in abundance around Hawaiian coral reefs, making the reefs an ideal place to spot sea turtles.
- Fun facts: Sea turtles sometimes travel across entire oceans to eat limu before returning home. For example, some sea turtles migrate from Japan to Big Sur, California to eat grubs and then return home. How crazy is that?!
Sea turtles spend their entire lives in the sea
- Considering that the average lifespan of a green sea turtle is 30 to 80 years, that’s a very long time in the water!
- Sea turtles have adapted to the ocean, but they need air to breathe. It is not uncommon to see their little heads popping out of the water from time to time.
Where to see sea turtles on Oahu (post summary)
In summary, the best places to look for sea turtles on Oahu are:
- Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach)
- electric beach
- mother beach
- Haleiwa Beach
- Cockroach Beach (Kaupo Bay)
- Aki’s Beach
- Halona Beach Cove
- Kuilima Cove Snorkeling
- Olinas
- summer
Need more useful information?
We hope you have a great time snorkeling with sea turtles on Oahu!
Until next time,
Antonina
The best beach to see sea turtles on Oahu,
See more information in our Hawaii guide
