Oahu · DOLPHIN WATCHING
Good dolphin watching tours fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Review of Oahu’s dolphin and snorkel cruise from Waikiki, with wild dolphins, turtles, lunch, a water slide, and paddle sports.
“The boat and crew is very friendly and Informs you on what is happening the sights are unbelievable and picturesque”
Cruise Oahu’s west coast for dolphins, whales, turtles, snorkeling, a Hawaiian buffet, drinks, and hotel pickup from Waikiki.
“There is no snorkeling, we didn’t see any whales or dolphins. We were very disappointed. I would not recommend this trip.”
Review of Oahu’s west-coast dolphin swim, with snorkeling, turtles, lunch, pickup details, wildlife rules, costs, and practical booking advice.
“The driver and photographer were great. The boat was ok, kind of small and old. We only had one drop for dolphins that swam off as soon as we entered the water. Then we went to a reef with turtles and never even looked for more dolphins. The food was cold and not very tasty. The driver also threatened to leave people who didn’t tip at a different location.”
Small-group Oahu dolphin safari with spinner dolphins, seasonal whales, sea turtles, reef snorkeling, lunch, and hotel pickup.
“Fun boat ride but didn’t get to snorkel with dolphins. Saw them from the boat for a couple seconds and then never saw them again. Unlucky I guess but wouldn’t try again at this price.”
Search for wild dolphins and winter whales off Oahu, then snorkel with turtles and reef fish on a small-group Waianae cruise.
“I really loved this experience! We were treated very well and felt like we benefited from being with our Captain Mandy and her experienced team. Not only did they take good care of us, they were clearly all passionate about the marine life we were seeing and interacting with. We saw tons of dolphins and were even blessed to have a rare encounter with a whale shark! I highly recommend Dolphin Excursions for anyone who wants a chance to see Hawaii’s marine life up close and personal under competent guidance.”
West Oahu catamaran cruise with dolphin watching, reef snorkeling, breakfast, lunch, drinks, hotel pickup, and stunning Leeward Coast views.
“All I will say is the crew made this one of the best Trips we’ve ever taken. Ian & I think it was mark were so helpful and extremely knowledgeable.”
Swim with wild dolphins, turtles, and reef fish off West Oahu on a three-hour boat tour limited to six people.
“This tour was amazing! We found dolphins so quickly (may not happen all the time, but we got lucky!) Obviously they do not control the animals or conditions but they did their best to give us a high quality experience. The captain/crew were amazing. Very friendly and knowledgeable. We went on a different dolphin tour last year and Aloha Ocean was so much better!! Their boat is also very comfy. Semi private tours are the way to go! Much better than a giant group. Seriously cannot recommend this tour enough!!”
Swim with wild dolphins off Oahu’s west coast, then snorkel with turtles and enjoy a waterslide, lunch, and ocean views.
“Absolutely amazing experience. We went with the whole family including a 7 and 8 year old. It was very kid friendly and they were able to participate with no problem. We got to see the dolphins and several turtles. Would highly recommend.”
Cruise Oahu’s west coast for wild dolphins, Makaha snorkeling, turtles, a 21-foot waterslide, lunch, and Hawaiian culture.
“Absolutely a fantastic trip! The entire crew was amazing, knowledgeable, helpful and most importantly- HAPPY! Travis, Gaylen, Yuji, Capt Stef- Joann- mahalo for a truly memorable experience!”
Swim with wild dolphins and snorkel with turtles off Oahu’s west coast on a small speedboat tour with meals, pickup, and ocean views.
“Tim and team were awesome! Great experience snorkeling after dolphins & other critters. We'd recommend this group to anyone!”
Sail West Oahu for wild dolphins, turtle snorkeling, an onboard lunch, and premium drinks on a relaxed three-hour catamaran tour.
“I loved it the Crew( Jack, Anna and Caden) were amazing!”
A short Oahu cruise from Kewalo Basin with Waikiki views, glass viewing ports, fish, turtles, dolphins, and possible seasonal whales.
“It was a nice boat ride but that is all it was. We seen a few fish, but that was quite a let down. We did not see turtles or dolphins.”
Swim near wild dolphins, snorkel with turtles, and ride a 21-foot waterslide along Oahu's scenic Waianae Coast.
“We had a great time. Great captain Stef and crew.”
Watch wild spinner dolphins, snorkel with honu, ride a 20-foot waterslide, and enjoy lunch and hula on Oahu’s west coast.
“I watch Whales and Dolphins in the tour. Amazing! All guides are so friendly.”
Cruise West Oahu in search of wild dolphins, turtles, whales, and tropical fish, with snorkeling, lunch, hotel pickup, and mountain views.
“For the first time, we did not see any dolphin but observed a wale and a couple of turtles. We also did not snorkel in the water because of the weather condition. But the crew was so nice and offered us another time to do the tour again. The second tour was amazing!! We saw so many dolphins and we even swam twice with them! Core memory! The crew is also so nice and funny and provide drinks and snacks. We really enjoyed it and would recommend it for sure!”
Pick a coast, a ridge or a harbour.
