Above the Sea Tiger: Snorkeling the Shipwreck Where Sharks and Turtles Share Open Water

HONOLULU SNORKEL FIELD GUIDE

Above the Sea Tiger: Snorkeling the Shipwreck Where Sharks and Turtles Share Open Water

A semi‑private snorkel off Honolulu that puts you above the 160‑foot Sea Tiger wreck to watch turtles, dolphins, pelagics and surface sharks while learning sustainable fishing practices.

Above the Sea Tiger: Snorkeling the Shipwreck Where Sharks and Turtles Share Open Water.

Duration
1.5 Hours
Location
Honolulu
Operator
Hawaii Apex Charters LLC
Category
Snorkel
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

This small‑group snorkel in Honolulu takes you away from crowded shorelines and out to the Sea Tiger shipwreck, a dramatic 160‑foot structure that sits with its keel at roughly 75 feet. Guests slip into open ocean to float above reef and wreck, watching turtles, dolphins and pelagic fish — and, more often here than on other tours, surface sharks — while guides explain local fishing traditions and conservation work.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE WRECK

Snorkel above the Sea Tiger

The tour centers on the historic Sea Tiger shipwreck, a substantial underwater landmark that provides habitat for schooling pelagic fish and attracts larger predators — visible from the surface while you snorkel above the site.

THE EXPERIENCE

An intimate, semi‑private outing

With a maximum of six guests, the trip is intentionally small to keep encounters personal and educational — an option for travelers who want space on the water and a focused interpretation from the crew.

THE MESSAGE

Wildlife viewing paired with conservation and local fishing practices

Guides not only lead the snorkel but demonstrate and discuss spear‑fishing techniques and shark conservation, using the trip as a platform to teach sustainable practices and respect for marine life.

What the day feels like

How the trip feels

Expect a brisk, 90‑minute outing that moves from a quick dockside check‑in through a safety briefing and gear fitting, then a short transit with views of Diamond Head and Ala Moana Bowls before the boat ties to the Sea Tiger. Guests spend roughly 35 minutes in the water snorkel­ing above the wreck, scanning for turtles, sharks, dolphins and pelagic fish, then return to the vessel for a conservation talk and a Hawaiian mahalo.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip suits — and when to reconsider.

1
Small‑group seekersTravelers who prefer a more intimate, semi‑private outing will appreciate the capped guest count and focused attention from guides.
2
Wildlife enthusiastsThose wanting a higher likelihood of seeing pelagic fish and sharks — alongside turtles and dolphins — will find this site delivers more open‑ocean wildlife encounters than some nearshore options.
3
Conservation‑minded travelersGuests interested in sustainable fishing practices and shark conservation benefit from the educational component and spear‑fishing demonstrations on this tour.
4
Less confident open‑water swimmersBecause this is an open‑ocean snorkel rather than a protected bay swim, travelers who are uneasy in open water should evaluate their comfort level despite the crew's safety training and the guided nature of the trip.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The full excursion runs about 1.5 hours, including briefing, transit, a ~35‑minute snorkel window, and a post‑snorkel conservation talk.

Meeting point

The tour meets at 1739C Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu HI 96815 for check‑in and boarding.

What to bring

The operator provides snorkel equipment during the tour; guests should bring sunscreen, a towel and any personal swimwear or mask if preferred.

Group size & safety

Trips are limited to six guests, enabling close attention from the crew and a focused safety briefing covering turtles, sharks and spearfishing procedures.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Can we touch the fish, sharks, or turtles?

No. Guests must not touch marine animals; the operator requires people to observe only in order to avoid harming wildlife, a point emphasized in the conservation talk.

How close can I get to the wildlife?

State rules require staying about 10–15 feet away from turtles; the tour respects those distances and instructs guests accordingly.

I'm scared of the open ocean and sharks—what support is available?

The crew are lifeguard, CPR and First Aid certified and prioritize safety; they will help guests manage ocean anxiety and provide guidance throughout the experience.

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is approximately 1.5 hours.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The meeting location is 1739C Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu HI 96815.

What is the maximum group size?

The operator limits trips to a maximum of six guests for an intimate, semi‑private experience.