6 Glass-Bottom Boat Trips in Hawaii Worth Booking

1.Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,192 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $46Our pick

Cruise from Kewalo Basin toward Waikiki and Diamond Head aboard the Haleiwa Queen, a 50-foot catamaran with underwater viewing ports. Austin, Sophia, and other crew members share island stories and point out sea life. Expect a one-hour, open-air trip with water, a restroom, and a chance to spot turtles, fish, dolphins, or seasonal whales.

“We had a wonderful boat tour! Austin was really great. He took the time to explain everything about the animals and sea life we may encounter. We even encountered some whales which was a plus.!”

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2.Glass Bottom Boat Tour along Oahu’s South Shore

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,575 reviews · 1 hour · from $40Best value

Join the Haleiwa Queen at Kewalo Basin Harbor for a one-hour cruise toward Lē’ahi, with views of Waikiki, Diamond Head, tropical fish, reefs, shipwrecks, turtles, and possible dolphins. English-speaking guides such as Jim, Kiko, and Amos add local stories and marine-life tips. Bottled water is provided, and you may bring your own drinks, including alcohol.

“The tour was great! We saw turtles, fish, and dolphins! The guides were great and gave great recommendations for local spots.”

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3.Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 518 reviews · 1h 30m · from $60

Sail from Honolulu aboard the 50-foot Haleiwa Queen for 90 minutes of Waikīkī views, local stories, music, and sunset light over Diamond Head. The shaded catamaran has 49 seats, a restroom, and room for your own food and drinks. Meet at slip F21 by the red Hawaii Glass Bottom Boat sign.

“The guides were great and they did fantastic job making it an enjoyable trip. The weather was a bit overcast, but I think that helped, since it was a bit cooler. We got some great tips of were to eat after too!”

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4.Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 506 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) · from $72

From Kailua Pier, ride a custom 36-foot glass-bottom boat over Kona’s reefs. Amy, Sean, or another naturalist guide explains fish, coral, Hawaiian history, and reef life as you watch through four viewing windows. The 50-minute trip suits families, young children, and anyone who wants underwater views without snorkeling.

“Awesome view of fish! Guide was knowledgeable. Said boat was hand made by her dad in their yard when she was a kid! Even our son with special needs loved it.”

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5.Waikiki Beach Glass Bottom Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 314 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $46

Board the 50-foot Haleiwa Queen at Kewalo Basin for a relaxed one-hour cruise past Waikiki and toward Diamond Head. Look through underwater viewing ports for reef fish and turtles while the crew shares Hawaiian stories and island landmarks. Crews have included friendly hosts such as Brandon, Stone, Jim, Kiko, Austin, Rob, and Captain Ford.

“Captain was great and friendly. Awesome. We had a great time sailing on the boat. The family was happy.”

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6.Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise from Waikoloa

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 257 reviews · 30 minutes (approx.) · from $50

Cruise Anaeho’omalu Bay for about 30 minutes on a small glass-bottom boat from Waikoloa. Marine naturalists point out coral, sea turtles, tropical fish, sea urchins, and the humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa. You stay dry beneath shaded seating, but boarding requires walking through shoreline water, sometimes up to knee depth.

“The staff was incredibly friendly from the lady at the hut, who gave our kids sand toys to play with before to both The Captain and the first mate, being very family, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable about fish. Could have not asked for a better glass bottom boat tour”

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