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Oahu Boat Rentals & Private Charters from Waikiki

Rent the whole boat for your group, captain and crew included. Up to 40 guests on snorkeling trips and up to 45 on sunset cruises and whale watching, with no strangers on board.

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A group of guests on the bow of a Living Ocean Tours boat with Diamond Head behind them

Rent a boat in Waikiki, captain included

View of Waikiki from the upper deck of a Living Ocean Tours boat

Looking for a boat rental in Honolulu or Waikiki? When you book a private charter, the whole boat is yours, and our captain and crew take care of everything else: the route, the snorkel spots, the safety briefing and the gear. You just bring your group. All of our trips leave from Kewalo Basin Harbor, minutes from Waikiki hotels.

Choose your private trip

Every trip we run can be booked as a private charter. Pick the one that fits your group:

  • Turtle Canyon Snorkel (2 hours): our most popular trip. Snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles just off Waikiki, with all gear and snorkel guides included.
  • Deluxe Snorkel and Wildlife Cruise (2.5 hours): snorkeling, wildlife spotting and the boat's waterslide. A favorite for families with kids.
  • Waikiki Sunset Cruise (1.5 hours): cruise along Waikiki and Diamond Head as the sun goes down. Great for celebrations and company happy hours.
  • Whale Watching (1.5 hours, January to March): humpback whale season off Waikiki, with your group as the only guests on board.
  • Friday Night Fireworks Cruise (Fridays): watch the Waikiki fireworks from the water with your whole party.

Who books a private charter

Guests wearing flower leis on a Living Ocean Tours cruise off Waikiki
  • Large family gatherings: reunions, multi-generation trips and family vacations where everyone wants to be on the same boat. Grandparents can relax on deck while the kids snorkel or ride the waterslide.
  • Corporate events: team outings, client entertainment, retreats and incentive trips. A private charter gives your group a shared experience they'll talk about long after the meeting.
  • Local business boat buyouts: small local businesses rent the whole boat to treat their employees to a day on the water. It's an easy way to say thank you to your team.
  • Celebrations: birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, proposals and group getaways. Tell us what you're celebrating and we'll help make it special.

What's included

Living Ocean Tours boat with waterslide and trampoline off Waikiki
  • The whole boat for your group: up to 40 guests on snorkel trips and up to 45 on sunset cruises and whale watching
  • A captain and crew who know these waters. Think of it as renting the whole boat, with the crew included.
  • On snorkel charters: the same crew as our regular snorkel trips, with snorkel gear, an in-water snorkel guide, guides on paddleboards watching over swimmers, and a guide at the boat to help first-time snorkelers
  • Departure from Kewalo Basin Harbor, between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu (see Boat Location for parking and directions)
  • Bring your own food and drinks, or have your charter catered. You can bring your own alcohol too (see the FAQ for how that works with snorkeling).

Trade partnerships for local businesses

We love partnering with local businesses. If your company offers a service our team could use, we're open to trading a private charter for your employees in exchange. Get in touch and tell us what you offer.

How to book

  1. Tell us about your group: your preferred date, group size and which trip you'd like.
  2. Get your quote: contact us and we'll confirm availability and send a quote for your charter.
  3. Book and relax: pay in full to lock in your date, and we handle the rest. Just show up at the harbor 30 minutes before departure.
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Private charter and boat rental FAQ

How many people can come on a private charter?

Up to 40 guests on snorkel charters, and up to 45 on sunset cruise and whale watching charters. The whole boat is yours, so it's just your group on board.

Can we rent a boat without a captain?

No. Every boat rental and private charter includes our captain and crew, so you can relax and enjoy the water while we handle the boat.

How much does a private boat charter cost?

Pricing depends on the trip, date and time. Contact us with your date, group size and trip, and we'll send you a quote.

Which trips can we book privately?

Any of our trips: Turtle Canyon snorkeling, the Deluxe Snorkel and Wildlife Cruise, the Waikiki Sunset Cruise, whale watching (January to March) and the Friday Night Fireworks Cruise.

Can kids come?

Yes. Our trips welcome guests ages 3 and up, which makes a private charter a great fit for family reunions.

Can we bring our own food and drinks?

Yes. You're welcome to bring your own food and drinks or have your charter catered, and you can bring your own alcohol. For safety, once anyone on board starts drinking, the group can't do any more snorkeling or other in-water activities, so we suggest saving the adult beverages for the end of the trip.

Where do we meet?

Kewalo Basin Harbor in Honolulu. Check in 30 minutes before departure. See Boat Location for parking and directions.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Safety comes first. If we have to cancel because of unsafe weather, you'll get a refund. This rarely happens.

How does payment and cancellation work?

Private charters are paid in full at the time of booking and have a 7-day cancellation policy.

How far ahead should we book?

We suggest booking at least 4 weeks ahead to make sure you get the date and time you want.

Ready to plan your private charter?

Tell us your date, group size and favorite trip, and we'll put together a quote for your Oahu private boat charter. Or call us at (808) 436-3483.

Request a Charter Quote

Our Location

1125 Ala Moana Blvd Slip B-01, Honolulu, HI 96814

Our office is located at Ala Moana Blvd Slip B-01, Honolulu. We’re here 7-days a week to help with trips planning and operations.

info@livingoceantours.com+1 (808) 436-3483
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