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Dolphin Viewing and Snorkel Tour

Location: West Oahu, Oahu

Tour Highlights

Speed along Oʻahu’s remote west coast in search of wild dolphins, then dive in for the rare chance to swim beside them. Followed by vibrant snorkeling over coral reefs teeming with sea turtles and tropical fish.

  • Cruise the Waiʻanae Coast on a fast 34-ft rigid inflatable boat
  • Watch large pods of spinner dolphins performing aerial jumps and spins
  • Swim offshore with pelagic spotted, pilot, or bottlenose dolphins
  • Snorkel top West Oʻahu reefs with turtles, tropical fish, and lava formations
  • Explore multiple sites efficiently thanks to the speed and agility of the vessel

Quick Local Tip: When you’re gearing up for the pelagic dolphin swim, keep your mask on and fins ready at the rail. The captain times the drop perfectly, and staying prepped lets you slip in quietly and catch the dolphins cruising by before they change direction.

What to Expect

We begin the tour departing from the Waianae Boat Harbor in our swift and nimble state of the art 34-foot rigid inflatable motorboat. Having the advantage of speed, we then race along the scenic west coast in search of spinner dolphins. Traveling by speedboat offers the advantage of reaching multiple snorkeling and dolphin-watching spots more quickly and efficiently than a slower-moving catamaran, maximizing your time in the water and enhancing your overall adventure.

Once they are located, we take some of the most incredible photographs of your vacation as the pod of spinner dolphins come to visit you and perform their superb aerial stunts. We often see pods of 30-50 dolphins at a time. Few people have the opportunity to see these spectacular displays up close and personal!

After watching the spinner dolphins, we focus on the exhilarating experience of swimming with pelagic dolphins. Our captain will search offshore for spotted and pilot dolphins, providing our guests with an exceptional swimming opportunities. Led by an expert guide, guests will be fully equipped with gear and positioned strategically alongside the boat and guided into the water at just the right moment, allowing them to swim closely with the dolphins, including the unforgettable sight of juveniles gliding by.

Lastly, we will motor inshore to also snorkel over a tropical coral reef with Hawaiian Sea Turtles and tropical fish. Some of the possible snorkel locations, depending on conditions include:

  1. Makua Beach: Known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, Makua Beach offers a serene snorkeling experience amidst picturesque scenery and the backdrop of the towering Waianae Mountain Range.
  2. Yokohama Bay: This secluded bay at the remote western tip of Kaena Point features a pristine beach and diverse aquatic wildlife, making it a top spot for snorkelers seeking both tranquility and a rich underwater ecosystem.
  3. Makaha Reef: Renowned for its intricate lava tube formations and abundant fish species, Makaha Reef provides an immersive snorkeling adventure in one of Oahu's most consistent turtle feeding grounds.
  4. Kahe Point: Often referred to as "Electric Beach" due to its proximity to a power plant that warms the waters, the aerated
    water of Kahe Point attracts a variety of sea life, offering snorkelers close encounters with everything from tropical fish to occasional sea turtles.

Excursions are led by seasoned island naturalists with years of experience on the Waianae Coast. Viewing the dolphins is an event that is certain to make your day, if not your entire vacation!


Included

  • Lifeguard-certified crew available for snorkeling instruction and in-water support
  • Snorkel gear: mask (prescription masks available), snorkel, fins, and life vest
  • Optional wetsuit rental available at check-in
  • Two snorkel stops with opportunities to see sea turtles, reef fish, and coral formations
  • Guided pelagic dolphin swim with spotted, pilot, or bottlenose dolphins
  • Deli lunch with sandwich and chips; water and juice provided on board
  • Option to BYOB and your own food; soft cooler with ice available
  • Dry bags provided to protect personal items
  • Passive dolphin viewing practices in accordance with federal law (minimum 50-yard distance; no pursuit or following)

Duration

2.5 - 3 hours

Address

Waianae Boat Harbor - 5601 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI 96792


Cancellation Policy

NO REFUNDS for cancellations made less than 24-hours in advance. You have until 9:00 am the day before your tour date to make any cancellations. If you fail to cancel any activity and do not participate in any of your selected activities "No Show", then we reserve the right to charge the full amount of the activity to the credit card you have provided. Contact us anytime to inquire about cancellations or reschedule.