Turtle Canyon Reef
Get face-to-flipper with Hawaiʻi’s green sea turtles at Oʻahu’s most iconic reef dive — famous for its turtle cleaning stations and colorful marine life.
Beginner-friendly dive at 30–50 ft with turtles, reef fish, and coral gardens.
Quick Facts
📍 Location: Off the coast of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi
🌊 Depth: 30–50 ft
🔦 Visibility: Up to 100 ft
🎯 Experience Level: Beginner to intermediate
🐢 Marine Life: Hawaiian green sea turtles, butterflyfish, flame angelfish, gold ring surgeonfish, reef fish, vibrant coral
Turtle Canyon is one of the most beloved dive sites in Hawaiʻi — known for its shallow depth, excellent visibility, and frequent sea turtle encounters. What makes it especially magical is the presence of cleaning stations, where turtles gather to have their shells gently cleaned by gold ring surgeonfish and other small reef fish.
You’ll drift over colorful coral heads, spot schooling fish, and possibly encounter rarities like flame angelfish or saddleback butterflyfish. It’s an ideal site for new divers, families, or those looking for a calm, marine-life-rich reef dive.
❓FAQs: Turtle Canyon Reef
How deep is Turtle Canyon?
📏 The site ranges from 30 to 50 ft, making it perfect for beginners and intermediates.
What marine life will I see?
🐠 You’ll likely encounter:
Hawaiian green sea turtles
Gold ring surgeonfish at cleaning stations
Reef fish, flame angelfish, saddleback butterflyfish, and vibrant corals
What’s the visibility like?
👀 Visibility can reach 100 ft, with the best conditions typically in summer months, though it’s diveable year-round.
Is this a good first-time dive?
✅ Yes! Calm waters, high visibility, and shallow depth make Turtle Canyon one of the best beginner-friendly dives on Oʻahu.
Is gear included?
🧰 Yes — Dive Oʻahu provides all standard scuba gear, and instructors give full briefings.
💡 Optional: Bring a flashlight for spotting details in coral heads.
When’s the best time to dive Turtle Canyon?
🌞 With year-round warm water (75–80°F), Turtle Canyon is great any time — just check with Dive Oʻahu for updates on conditions and marine activity.