Wild Dolphin Watching and Snorkel Safari Off West Coast of Oahu
Overview
Avoid crowds on our quiet, fast, 32 foot, Coast Guard inspected vessel. We only allow 16 guests on the boat, and every seat has a great view of the animals.
The west coast of Oahu offers a unique advantage for finding a variety of marine mammals. Our lifeguard certified crew of marine biologists and naturalists with decades of experience will try to find as much as possible during your tour. Our team is honest, ethical, and genuinely eager to make the best out of your 3 hour tour.
We offer a dolphin sighting guarantee! If dolphins are not seen on your tour, we invite you to try again for free.
Snorkeling is included on all of our tours (as long as weather permits) to search for sea turtles, fish, and a variety of other marine species. During the winter months (January to March), humpback whales are seen on the Waianae Coast as well!
What's Included
- Lunch Both of our Dolphin Excursion tours include a deli style lunch with a customized sandwich and chips. Assorted non alcoholic beverages are available in a cooler on the boat, easy to access.
- Dolphin viewing
- Seasonal Humpback whale viewing (winter months only)
- Snorkel gear: mask (prescription masks available), snorkel, fins and a life vests
- Hotel transportation included on our Dolphin Excursions.
- Gratuities
- Wet suits available to rent for $10
- GoPro Rental $40.00, you keep the SD card.
Meeting and Pickup
We pick up at most hotels in Waikiki and Ko Olina. If we do not pick up at your hotel in those areas, we will give you one nearby. This is only because some hotels do not have accessibility for our vans.HOTEL PICK UP must be SET UP before 4:00 pm the day before the activity date. After hour bookings are self drive to the Waianae Boat Harbor only.
Farrington Highway
Waianae, HI 96792, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
What To Expect
Want to swim with wild dolphins? We understand that many of our guests would like to see dolphins underwater, and we will certainly do our best to accommodate! While we never guarantee that you will get in the water near dolphins on our tours, we DO GUARANTEE that you will see dolphins from the boat on our dolphin excursion time slot. If animal behavior and conditions are favorable, we will try to get you a view of dolphins underwater. Excursions are led by lifeguard certified naturalists and marine biologists with decades of experience on the Waianae Coast. We depart from Waianae Boat Harbor and travel along the scenic west coast of Oahu in search of all of the wildlife we can find, including multiple species of dolphins, whales, turtles, and fish. We follow Federal guidelines protecting these animals to make sure you observe wildlife under eco friendly, respectful standards. We will also snorkel at sites with Hawaiian Sea Turtles and tropical fish. During the winter months, we see Humpback Whales on almost every tour! Take some of the most incredible photographs of your vacation as dolphins come to visit our quiet, low to the waterline, 32 foot vessel.
Additional Info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We do not allow children under 4 years old.
- We will only be able to pick up from hotels on the early morning 7:00 am departure. Later morning 10:30 am departure is meet at harbor only.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(15)Q: minimum age for people to participate in this activity?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-5133_W0010
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.92 out of 5 stars based on 761 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (15)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Hawaii customers.
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Minimum age to board this tour is 4yrs old
Sep 2024Yes, we allow pregnant women to go on snorkeling. However, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before doing so to assess your individual health and pregnancy stage.
Jan 2022Yes, this is possible, as long as you are comfortable going into the water. All Cool Hawaii snorkeling tours adhere to strict safety regulations and have been designed to be enjoyed by all.
Your safety is our #1 priority, which is why:
- You will be wearing a flotation device at all times.
- On many tours, there is a stairway from the boat into the water so you won’t have to “jump” in!
- There are trained staff in the water and watching from the boat at all times.
For these reasons, we believe that even non-swimmers can have a wonderful time on our snorkeling trips, however, the final judgment call is yours to make. Please note we do not give refunds if you decide not to snorkel on the trip.
Oct 2021The snorkel gear we use on Cool Hawaii tours is high quality and for your protection, the equipment is sanitized after each use. However, if you feel more comfortable using your own snorkeling equipment, feel free to bring it on the tour. Please note, there is no discount for providing your own equipment and we can’t be responsible for any lost or damaged items.
May 2023As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Wild Dolphin Watching and Snorkel Safari Off West Coast of Oahu. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022First-time snorkelers can be assured of one-on-one instruction and assistance. We find introducing folks to our world very rewarding!
Oct 2021There are no legal age limits for snorkeling. We have found that age 5 or 6 is a good age to learn the basics of snorkeling, however, it’s entirely up to individuals to make the best choice for their family.
Sep 2021If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the activity start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the activity start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the activity local time (HST).
- This activity requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Lunch. Both of our Dolphin Excursion tours include a deli style lunch with a customized sandwich and chips. Assorted non alcoholic beverages are available in a cooler on the boat, easy to access.
- Dolphin viewing.
- Seasonal Humpback whale viewing (winter months only).
- Snorkel gear: mask (prescription masks available), snorkel, fins and a life vests.
- Hotel transportation included on our Dolphin Excursions.
- Gratuities.
- Wet suits available to rent for $10.
- GoPro Rental $40.00, you keep the SD card.
This activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 4. This activity requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Wild Dolphin Watching and Snorkel Safari Off West Coast of Oahu is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Wild Dolphin Watching and Snorkel Safari Off West Coast of Oahu will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Hawaii. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- LunchBoth of our Dolphin Excursion tours include a deli style lunch with a customized sandwich and chips. Assorted non alcoholic beverages are available in a cooler on the boat, easy to access.
- Dolphin viewing
- Seasonal Humpback whale viewing (winter months only)
- Snorkel gear: mask (prescription masks available), snorkel, fins and a life vests
- Hotel transportation included on our Dolphin Excursions.
- Gratuities
- Wet suits available to rent for $10
- GoPro Rental $40.00, you keep the SD card.
Additional Info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We do not allow children under 4 years old.
- We will only be able to pick up from hotels on the early morning 7:00 am departure. Later morning 10:30 am departure is meet at harbor only.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
