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Turtle Bay Beach

4.3
·754 reviews·Watamu, Kenya

A serene North Shore Oahu escape with stunning ocean views, calm waters for snorkeling, and exceptionally friendly staff.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Enjoy live music and ambiance

CrowdMedium
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Turtle Bay Beach - Image 1

Turtle Bay Beach

Best Time

Evenings

Enjoy live music and ambiance

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene North Shore Oahu escape with stunning ocean views, calm waters for snorkeling, and exceptionally friendly staff.

4.3
(754 reviews)

"The staff are carrying this hotel on their backs, making it a paradise despite some dated elements."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Request a Quiet Room

If you're a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the bar to avoid night music noise. :zzz:

👍 Staff Make the Difference

The hotel staff are consistently praised for their cheerfulness and helpfulness. :star:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ocean View Lamu Rooms

Ocean View Lamu Rooms

Lamu Wing

Experience minimalist charm with stunning ocean vistas from these beautifully colored rooms.

Adults-Only Pool

Adults-Only Pool

Hotel grounds

A serene oasis for relaxation, perfect for unwinding away from the main activity.

Kids' Play Area

Kids' Play Area

Hotel grounds

An amazing space for children to enjoy, adding to the family-friendly atmosphere.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Island Vibe

Turtle Bay Beach offers a relaxed island escape. While many reviews praise the friendly staff and beautiful location, some note that the hotel itself could use an update. Consider this when managing expectations for a modern luxury experience.

Plan for Relaxation (and Potential Noise)

If you're a light sleeper, be mindful of potential noise from the night band, which can play until midnight. Some guests recommend requesting a room further from the bar to ensure a peaceful vacation.

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Enjoy live music and ambiance
Crowd
Medium
When
Mornings
Why
Quieter beach and pool time
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Any experience in diving in Tanzania or Kenya?

🎯 Request a Quiet Room

If you're a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the bar to avoid night music noise. :zzz:

👍 Staff Make the Difference

The hotel staff are consistently praised for their cheerfulness and helpfulness. :star:

reddit.com

Diving around Africa?

🍹 Skip All-Inclusive Drinks

Some guests found the all-inclusive alcoholic drinks to be of low quality. :wine_glass:

📶 Prepare for Weak WiFi

The WiFi can be unreliable; consider using your own data plan. :iphone:

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Request a Quiet Room

If you're a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the bar to avoid night music noise. :zzz:

👍 Staff Make the Difference

The hotel staff are consistently praised for their cheerfulness and helpfulness. :star:

🍹 Skip All-Inclusive Drinks

Some guests found the all-inclusive alcoholic drinks to be of low quality. :wine_glass:

📶 Prepare for Weak WiFi

The WiFi can be unreliable; consider using your own data plan. :iphone:

🍽️ Food is Good, Not Great

Food is generally considered good but not exceptional, with some noting it can be basic. :forkandknife:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(754 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Turtle Bay Beach is praised for its stunning location and exceptionally friendly staff who go above and beyond. Guests enjoy the beautiful ocean views, the calm waters of Kuilima Cove for snorkeling, and the family-friendly amenities. However, some visitors note that the hotel itself could benefit from modernization, and the quality of all-inclusive drinks is a common point of disappointment.

"✍️Spacious rooms well cleaned with a bathtub even though I didn’t use(just a choice)
✍️Good food not much but enough
✍️Good location
✍️Services esp from the waiters and waitresses very good infact very good
✍️Ambience and activities pretty amazing with a nice kids play area
✍️Night band very good the lady can sing really well

😩Downside
I didn’t like the night music from the bar that apparently stops at 12 midnight i found it quite loud and disturbing , beating the vacation peace esp for light sleepers , how i wish they would advise that there is night music and consider rooms that are further away.

Anyway it was a nice stay id visit again and recommend minus the room close to the bar 😆"

Nomadke Nomadke

"Service is great, food is ok. Location is good the only problem is that this whole hotel needs some serious update work. The whole building and areas used to be nice in the 80s but not anymore. Just keep that in mind when you book"

Marty Mcfly

"Turtle Bay is an amazing place to stay. Especially because of the staff. Always cheerful, helpful and welcoming. The Lamu Rooms are amazing with a view of the ocean. Loved the color and minimalism nature of the room. The food and drinks were all really nice. Cant wait to come back. The adult pool is also a really nice feature of the hotel. Sad to leave this paradise."

Allison Lloyd

What People Like

Friendly and helpful staff
Beautiful ocean views
Calm snorkeling at Kuilima Cove

What People Dislike

Dated hotel decor
Low-quality all-inclusive drinks
Potential noise from bar

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Turtle Bay Beach is located on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. The most common way to reach it is by car, either by renting one at Honolulu International Airport (HNL) or using ride-sharing services. The drive from Waikiki is approximately 1 hour, depending on traffic. Public transportation options are limited and can be time-consuming, so a rental car is often recommended for exploring the North Shore.

Yes, Turtle Bay Beach is generally accessible. The resort offers beach access, and there are public access points as well. However, some areas might be more secluded, so checking resort maps or local signage is advisable.

If you're staying at the Turtle Bay Resort, walking is a great way to get around the immediate grounds. For exploring further afield on the North Shore, a rental car is highly recommended. Some resorts may offer shuttle services to nearby attractions.

Yes, parking is available at Turtle Bay Resort. If you are visiting the beach without staying at the resort, there are typically public parking areas nearby, though they can fill up during peak times.

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft do operate on Oahu and can take you to Turtle Bay Beach. However, availability might be less frequent on the North Shore compared to Honolulu, so it's good to plan accordingly.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Turtle Bay Beach itself is a public beach and generally does not require an entrance fee. However, if you plan to use amenities at the Turtle Bay Resort, such as pools or specific activities, you may need to be a guest or purchase day passes.

As a public beach, Turtle Bay Beach is accessible from sunrise to sunset. The resort facilities will have their own operating hours, which can be checked on their official website.

While the beach access is free, parking fees might apply in certain designated areas, especially near the resort. It's always a good idea to check local signage for any parking regulations or fees.

Yes, you can book stays directly through the Turtle Bay Resort website, or via online travel agencies like Expedia. Various room types, including bungalows and villas, are available. Reddit

There is no specific dress code for visiting the public beach. Beachwear is appropriate. If you plan to dine at the resort's restaurants, check their individual dress codes.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Turtle Bay Beach offers a range of activities, from swimming and sunbathing to snorkeling and kayaking. The resort also provides access to pools, a kids' play area, and sometimes live music in the evenings. Reddit

Yes, Kuilima Cove, located within Turtle Bay, is known for its calm waters and is a popular spot for snorkeling, especially for beginners and families. You might even spot some sea turtles! Reddit

Turtle Bay Resort has several dining options, including restaurants like Roy's at Turtle Bay. Reviews suggest the food is good but can be basic, and some guests recommend avoiding the all-inclusive alcoholic drinks. Reddit

The resort offers various accommodations, including spacious Lamu Rooms with ocean views, bungalows, and villas. Some guests have noted that the hotel may need updates, but the rooms are generally clean. Reddit

Absolutely! Turtle Bay Beach is very family-friendly, with a nice kids' play area and calm waters at Kuilima Cove, making it ideal for children to swim and play. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The ocean views from the Lamu Rooms are stunning. The beach itself, especially during sunrise or sunset, offers beautiful backdrops. Kuilima Cove provides picturesque calm waters for photography. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with the Turtle Bay Resort management and local authorities regarding any restrictions on drone photography to ensure compliance.

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best lighting for photography, with softer light and fewer crowds. Golden hour before sunset is particularly magical. Instagram

The expansive beach, the unique rock formations along the coastline, and the vibrant sunsets are iconic photo opportunities. The resort's architecture also offers some interesting shots. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a polarizing filter for vibrant skies and water. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Turtle Bay Beach is a fantastic choice for families. The Kuilima Cove area is perfect for little ones, offering calm, shallow waters ideal for swimming and beginner snorkeling. Reddit The dedicated kids' play area ensures they have plenty of fun and entertainment. Parents can enjoy the beautiful beach while keeping an eye on their children in a safe environment. Reddit

While the resort's food is generally good, consider ordering off the menu rather than relying solely on all-inclusive drink packages, which have received mixed reviews. Reddit Requesting a room away from the main entertainment areas can also ensure a peaceful night's sleep for the whole family. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While Turtle Bay Resort can lean towards a higher price point, visiting Turtle Bay Beach itself is free, making it an accessible option. Reddit To save money, consider packing your own snacks and drinks, as resort dining can add up. Reddit Look for deals on accommodations through sites like Expedia or explore Turtle Bay Villas VRBO for potentially more budget-friendly private rentals. Reddit

Focus on enjoying the natural beauty and free activities like swimming and beachcombing. If you opt for the resort, be mindful of the advice to skip the all-inclusive alcoholic drinks, which are often seen as poor value. Reddit

couples

Turtle Bay Beach offers a romantic escape with its stunning ocean views and serene atmosphere. Book a Lamu Room for a beautiful ocean vista and enjoy the tranquility of the adults-only pool. Reddit Evenings can be spent enjoying the live music or a quiet stroll along the beach. Instagram

For a more intimate dining experience, consider a reservation at Roy's at Turtle Bay. Reddit While some reviews mention the hotel needing updates, the natural beauty and the dedicated staff create a charming and memorable setting for couples. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Turtle Bay Resort's Accommodations

Turtle Bay Resort offers a range of lodging options, from the well-regarded Lamu Rooms known for their ocean views and minimalist design, to bungalows and villas. While many guests praise the cleanliness and spaciousness of the rooms, some reviews indicate that certain areas of the hotel could benefit from modernization. Reddit If you're sensitive to noise, it's advisable to request a room situated further from the resort's entertainment venues, as the night band can play until midnight. Reddit

Despite potential updates needed, the staff consistently receive high marks for their cheerful, helpful, and welcoming service, often described as carrying the hotel. Reddit This dedication to guest satisfaction can significantly enhance the overall experience, even if the decor is not cutting-edge. For those seeking a more secluded experience, exploring the Turtle Bay Villas VRBO or Turtle Bay Condos might offer alternative private accommodations. Reddit

Dining and Drinks at Turtle Bay

When it comes to dining at Turtle Bay Beach, the resort offers several options, including Roy's at Turtle Bay and Roy's Beach House. Reviews suggest the food is generally good, providing enough variety for a pleasant stay, though some guests describe it as basic and occasionally lacking in taste or temperature. Reddit

A point of caution from several visitors is regarding the all-inclusive alcoholic drinks, which are often described as being of low quality and served in undesirable glassware. Reddit If you enjoy a good cocktail or wine, it might be worth considering ordering à la carte or exploring off-resort dining options. The night music from the bar is also a factor to consider; while enjoyable for some, it can be loud for light sleepers, prompting recommendations to book rooms further away. Reddit

Activities and Relaxation

Turtle Bay Beach is more than just a beautiful stretch of sand; it's a hub for both relaxation and activity. Kuilima Cove is a standout feature, offering calm, protected waters perfect for snorkeling, especially for beginners and families. Reddit Visitors often report seeing sea turtles here, adding a magical element to the experience. Beyond snorkeling, the beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the picturesque North Shore scenery. Instagram

For families, the kids' play area is a significant draw, ensuring younger guests have plenty of entertainment. Reddit Adults can find their own slice of paradise at the adults-only pool, a tranquil spot to unwind. The resort also features a night band that provides live music, contributing to the lively evening atmosphere. Reddit While the resort itself offers many amenities, the surrounding North Shore provides opportunities for exploring other beaches and local attractions, making Turtle Bay a great base camp. Reddit

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