Turtle Canyon

Turtle Canyon is a shallow coral-reef site off Waikiki known for Hawaiian green sea turtles that frequent cleaning stations among finger-like lava-rock outcroppings, coral heads, and sandy channels. The reef structure and abundant wildlife make it popular for underwater photography and wildlife observation. Dives are shallow, typically about 15 to 40 feet, and conducted by boat from Waikiki, usually in the morning when winds and swells are minimal. Visibility is often excellent and can reach up to 100 feet on calm days, with water temperatures generally between about 75°F and 82°F. Mild currents may occur but the reef provides protection and most dives are gentle drifts along the coral ledges following the reef contours. The site is suitable for open-water certified divers under guide supervision. Divers should stay close to their group and respect dive flags due to heavy snorkeler and boat traffic, avoid swimming from shore because of currents and dense boat traffic, maintain good buoyancy to avoid contact with sharp coral or sea urchins, and never touch, chase, or feed protected sea turtles.