HONOLULU SNORKEL FIELD GUIDE
In the Wake of Waikiki’s Turtles: Hands‑On Snorkel and Dive Conservation in Honolulu
A 3‑hour snorkeling or 6‑hour scuba program led by Ocean Alliance Project and Waikiki Dive Center that trains participants to document sea turtles and—for divers—use photogrammetry to map and monitor coral reefs.
In the Wake of Waikiki’s Turtles: Hands‑On Snorkel and Dive Conservation in Honolulu.
Join the Ocean Alliance Project and Waikiki Dive Center in Waikiki Bay for a focused marine‑conservation experience that pairs in‑water encounters with sea turtles at their cleaning stations with practical data collection; divers can extend the day with dedicated photogrammetry training to create 3‑D reef models and learn underwater photography and data‑processing techniques.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Sea turtles at their cleaning stations
Snorkelers and divers observe turtles in natural cleaning‑station behavior and gather photographic records used to identify individuals through facial‑recognition analysis—contributions that support tracking, population studies and even naming of turtles.
Photogrammetry training for divers
The diving program teaches photogrammetry—the methods for capturing and processing imagery to build detailed 3‑D models of coral and underwater topography, along with hands‑on instruction in underwater photography and data collection.
From images to conservation
Participants move beyond sightseeing: the photos and models they collect feed research workflows, improving understanding of turtle migration and reef condition and equipping volunteers with practical conservation skills.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The program unfolds as a focused fieldwork session in Waikiki Bay: briefings lead to in‑water time photographing turtles at cleaning stations for identification, and, for those on the diving track, extended instruction in photogrammetry techniques and image processing to produce reef models—an immersive blend of observation, technique and conservation purpose.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits — and who should consider other options.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Programs begin at 10:30 a.m.; the snorkeling Sea Turtle Conservationist excursion runs about 3 hours, while the scuba diving excursion—including photogrammetry training—runs about 6 hours.
Participants will document animals with underwater cameras; the programs include instruction in underwater photography and photogrammetry methods.
The experiences are led by Ocean Alliance Project in partnership with Waikiki Dive Center and take place in Waikiki Bay.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When does the program start and how long does it last?
Programs begin at 10:30 a.m.; the snorkeling Sea Turtle Conservationist program lasts about 3 hours, and the scuba diving excursion (with photogrammetry training) lasts about 6 hours.
Where do we meet and operate from?
The program is run in collaboration with Waikiki Dive Center and takes place in Waikiki Bay.
What will participants actually do in the water?
Participants photograph sea turtles at cleaning stations for identification; divers on the extended program also capture imagery for photogrammetry and learn processing techniques.
Is photogrammetry available for snorkelers?
Photogrammetry training is offered exclusively to divers as part of the diving program.
How are turtle photos used?
Underwater images are analyzed with facial‑recognition technology to identify individual turtles, contributing to research on population health and migration and enabling participants to help name individuals.
What skills will I learn during the photogrammetry training?
Divers are instructed in underwater photography, data collection for creating 3‑D models, and the processing techniques required to produce those models for conservation monitoring.