Private Boat Charters in Waikiki: What’s Included in the Experience?

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Oct 2

7 min read

A private boat charter in Waikiki offers a different way to experience the waters of Oahu. Instead of joining a large group tour, you can reserve the boat for your own group and choose an experience that fits your plans, whether that means snorkeling, scuba diving, watching the sunset, or simply spending time on the water.

Ocean Therapy Charters offers private charters along the Waikiki coastline for groups of up to six people. Its current private charter options include 5-hour scuba and snorkel charters, 3.5-hour and 2.5-hour snorkeling charters, a 1.5-hour snorkeling charter, and a private sunset charter. Each package includes different amenities and activities, so knowing what is included can help you choose the right option.

What Is a Private Boat Charter in Waikiki?

A private boat charter means the boat is reserved for you and your party rather than being shared with a large tour group.

Ocean Therapy Charters describes its private charters as an opportunity to enjoy the Waikiki coastline with personalized service and a smaller group. The private boat can accommodate a maximum of six passengers.

The main advantage is flexibility. Depending on the package you choose, you can spend your time snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, relaxing on the boat, or enjoying a Waikiki sunset.

Private charters can also work well for families, couples, friends, and small groups celebrating a special occasion.

What Private Charter Options Are Available?

Ocean Therapy Charters currently offers several private charter packages, with different durations and inclusions.

Private 5-Hour Scuba and Snorkel Charter

The 5-hour private charter is designed for groups interested in combining snorkeling and scuba diving.

The package includes Scubapro snorkel equipment and instruction, a swim mat, Scubapro scuba gear, two tanks per guest, and a Divemaster and/or scuba instructor. PADI eLearning material for Discovery Scuba Divers is also included.

For the trip itself, the package includes a GoPro video, sandwiches, a fruit platter, snacks, soft drinks, and a cooler with ice for guests who want to bring their own beverages.

This can be a useful option for groups that want more time on the water and a combination of underwater activities.

Private 3.5-Hour Snorkel Charter

If your group is more interested in snorkeling than scuba diving, the 3.5-hour private snorkel charter provides a shorter alternative.

The package includes top-of-the-line Scubapro snorkeling equipment and instruction, adult and child flotation vests and belts, and a swim mat. It also includes a discount for upgrading to scuba or Discovery Scuba for non-certified guests.

Light snacks, a fruit platter, pineapple, soft drinks, and a cooler with ice for BYOB are also included.

The package is currently listed with departure times at 8 a.m., 12 p.m., and 3:30 p.m., although schedules can change.

Private 2.5-Hour Snorkel Charter

For groups that want a shorter snorkeling experience, Ocean Therapy Charters offers a private 2.5-hour snorkel charter.

The package includes Scubapro snorkel equipment and instruction, adult and child flotation vests and belts, and a swim mat. Guests also receive a discount for upgrading to scuba or Discovery Scuba for non-certified participants.

Light snacks, pineapple, soft drinks, and a cooler with ice for BYOB are included.

The shorter duration can be a convenient choice for groups that want to spend some time on the water without committing to a half-day charter.

Private 1.5-Hour Snorkel Charter

The 1.5-hour private snorkeling charter is another option for smaller groups looking for a shorter ocean experience.

It includes Scubapro snorkeling equipment and instruction, adult and child flotation vests and belts, and a swim mat. The package also includes light snacks, a fruit platter, pineapple, soft drinks, and a cooler with ice for BYOB.

This option may suit visitors who have other activities planned during the day but still want dedicated time on the Waikiki waters.

Private Sunset Charter

Not every private boat experience has to involve snorkeling or scuba diving.

Ocean Therapy Charters also offers a private sunset charter for groups of up to six people. The current private sunset package includes light snacks, a fruit platter, pineapple, soft drinks, and a cooler with ice for BYOB.

The current sunset charter is listed as a 90-minute private experience departing at 5:30 p.m. The cruise provides views of the Waikiki coastline and Honolulu skyline as the sun sets over Oahu's South Shore.

This can be an option for couples, families, or friends who want a more relaxed evening on the water.

Is Snorkeling Equipment Included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included with Ocean Therapy Charters' private snorkeling packages.

The private charter page lists Scubapro snorkeling equipment and instruction as part of the snorkeling packages. Adult and child flotation vests and belts are also included.

The company's regular Waikiki snorkeling experience also provides snorkeling equipment for adults and children, along with flotation belts or snorkeling vests.

Guests should still bring personal items such as a swimsuit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, and an underwater camera if desired.

Is Scuba Equipment Included?

For the private 5-hour scuba and snorkel charter, Scubapro scuba equipment and two tanks per guest are included.

The package also includes a Divemaster and/or scuba instructor. PADI eLearning material for Discovery Scuba Divers is included for guests participating in the applicable experience.

If your group includes people who are not scuba certified, confirm the appropriate program and requirements with the charter company before booking.

Ocean Therapy Charters also offers separate Discover Scuba Diving and PADI certification programs for eligible participants.

What About Food and Drinks?

Several private charter packages include refreshments.

Depending on the package, these can include:

Light snacks
Fruit platter
Pineapple
Sandwiches
Soft drinks
Water
Cooler with ice

The 5-hour scuba and snorkel charter includes sandwiches, a fruit platter, snacks, soft drinks, and a cooler with ice for BYOB. The shorter snorkeling and sunset packages have different food and drink inclusions.

Because inclusions can vary by package, check the specific charter you are booking rather than assuming every option includes the same refreshments.

Can You Bring Your Own Drinks?

The private charter packages include a cooler with ice for BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own beverages.

If you plan to bring food or drinks, it is still a good idea to confirm any current rules with the charter company before your trip.

How Many People Can Join?

Ocean Therapy Charters' private charter options have a maximum capacity of six people.

This makes the experience suitable for small groups that want to stay together rather than being placed on a large sightseeing boat.

For families, this can also make planning easier because the entire group can share the same charter experience.

Is a Private Charter Good for Families?

Private charters can be a convenient choice for families because the boat is reserved for the group.

Ocean Therapy Charters' private snorkeling packages include both adult and child flotation vests and belts. Its website also lists a minimum age of four for snorkeling, with basic swimming skills required.

Parents should consider each child's swimming ability, comfort in the ocean, and the specific requirements of the selected activity before booking.

For scuba diving, age and certification requirements are different. For example, Ocean Therapy Charters currently lists Discover Scuba Diving for participants ages 10 and older.

What Can You See From the Boat?

A private charter gives you the opportunity to experience the waters around Waikiki from a different perspective.

Depending on your selected activity, you may spend time near reefs or snorkeling areas where Hawaiian marine life can be found. Ocean Therapy Charters' snorkeling experience visits Turtle Canyon and other reefs where guests may see Hawaiian green sea turtles and other marine life.

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so it is best to view them as a possible part of the experience rather than an assured encounter.

What Should You Bring?

The company recommends bringing several basic items for its snorkeling excursions.

Consider packing:

Swimsuit
Towel
Reef-safe sunscreen
Underwater camera
Comfortable clothing for before and after the trip
Personal medications if needed

For BYOB packages, you may also bring your preferred beverages and use the onboard cooler with ice.

The exact items you need can depend on the charter and activity, so follow the instructions provided when booking.

Safety and Professional Supervision

Safety is an important part of any ocean activity, particularly when snorkeling or scuba diving.

Ocean Therapy Charters states that safety is a priority and that its staff includes certified lifeguards, PADI instructors, Divemasters, or registered nurses.

For snorkeling, the company notes that guests must have basic swimming skills and that the experience is lifeguard supervised.

Scuba participants have additional requirements depending on whether they are certified divers or beginners.

Before booking, make sure everyone in your group understands the activity requirements and is comfortable participating.

Which Private Charter Should You Choose?

The best package depends on what your group wants to do.

If you want a combination of scuba and snorkeling with several hours on the water, the 5-hour private scuba/snorkel charter provides the most extensive package.

If snorkeling is your main priority, the 3.5-hour, 2.5-hour, or 1.5-hour private snorkel charters provide different durations.

If you are mainly interested in relaxing and watching the sunset, the private sunset charter offers a dedicated evening experience without requiring an underwater activity.

Why Choose a Private Boat Charter in Waikiki?

A private charter allows your group to enjoy the boat together without sharing the experience with a large tour group.

You can choose an activity that matches your interests, spend time with your own group, and enjoy a more personalized experience along the Waikiki coastline.

Whether your plans involve snorkeling, scuba diving, or watching the sunset, Ocean Therapy Charters offers several private options designed for groups of up to six people.

Final Thoughts

A private boat charter in Waikiki can be a flexible way to experience Oahu's coastline with family or friends. Ocean Therapy Charters offers several private options, ranging from short snorkeling trips to a 5-hour scuba and snorkel charter, as well as private sunset cruises.

Depending on the package, inclusions can include Scubapro snorkeling or scuba equipment, instruction, flotation gear, swim mats, refreshments, a cooler with ice for BYOB, and professional supervision.

Before booking, review the exact package details, activity requirements, departure time, and current pricing. Choosing the right charter comes down to how much time you want on the water and whether your group prefers snorkeling, scuba diving, or a relaxing sunset cruise.

For a small group looking to experience Waikiki from the water, a private charter offers the opportunity to make the day your own while exploring the ocean around Oahu.