Dolphin trips · OAHU
The 7 best oahu dolphin tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long you are on the water and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
You’ll sail aboard the 61-foot Kai OliOli catamaran from Ko Olina, scan Oahu’s west coast for whales and dolphins, snorkel with turtles and tropical fish, then enjoy a Hawaiian buffet, drinks, warm showers, and optional Waikiki pickup.
“Wonderful staff, great experience. It’s so fun to have a photographer with you on the trip. The staff were so attentive and fun.”
Join Indigo Ocean Hawaii for a four-hour catamaran trip from Waianae Small Boat Harbor. Captain JB, Uncle John, Sasha, Nicole, and the crew search for wild dolphins, turtles, whales, fish, and octopuses, with snorkeling, lunch, pickup, and photo options included.
“Do not use this company. The crew had no clue what they were doing. Rushed us into the ocean multiple times only to scare away the dolphins and rush us back in. They rushed us in so quickly that one woman jumped on top of me, giving me a bloody nose and concussion. They handed me ice and that was it. They were extremely rude. One person on the boat was throwing up and instead of offering help, one crew member said "well, that's the ocean." There are plenty of great crews that will make this experience memorable. Don't make the mistake of choosing this one. They did not find…”
Cruise Oahu’s Waianae Coast aboard a 32-foot boat with a small group and marine biology-trained crew such as Lisa, Morgan, Jenna, and Liza. Look for spinner dolphins, winter humpback whales, turtles, and reef fish, then snorkel with included gear. Hotel pickup and a deli lunch make this an easy half-day outing.
“This is our second time doing this excursion and it did not disappoint. Lisa, Ashley and Captain Flow were so friendly and knowledgeable. Our family was able to see dolphins and had some great snorkeling spots. Lunch was great too. We can’t wait to come back and do it again.”
Ride a 32-foot motorboat from Waianae with a marine biologist or naturalist guide, searching for wild dolphins and winter humpback whales before snorkeling with turtles and reef fish. Hotel pickup, lunch, gear, and drinks are included. Dolphin swimming depends on animal behavior and sea conditions.
“This was such a fun trip! The guides were super nice and knowledgeable. We had great luck seeing a bunch of whales, swimming with dolphins, and awesome snorkeling”
Cruise from Waianae along Oahu’s Leeward Coast on a catamaran with guides such as Captain Jessie, Ian, Nick, and Nicole. Watch for spinner dolphins, turtles, and seasonal humpback whales, then snorkel at a calm reef before enjoying sandwiches, drinks, and return views.
“Great tour! Captain Nick, Ian, and Nicole made sure everyone had a good time. I saw plenty of dolphin and fish. And even a couple of sea turtle I’ll point out that I was very nervous about getting into the ocean, and I felt safe the entire time.”
From Waianae, Aloha Ocean takes you along West Oahu in a luxury powerboat with no more than six guests. Guides such as Shanti, Brooke, Koa, Stef, Lauren, and Rebecca search for wild dolphins, turtles, reef fish, seals, and whales. Snorkel gear is included, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
“Guides are fantastic. They found plenty of wildlife for our small group, and we had several opportunities to swim with the dolphins. Highly recommended!”
Set out from Waiʻanae at 7:30 a.m. with Iruka Hawaii Dolphin for a fast-paced wild dolphin swim, then snorkel at Makaha with turtles and reef fish. Your four-hour catamaran trip includes lunch, gear, paddleboards, kayaks, a floating mat, a 21-foot waterslide, and hotel pickup from selected Waikiki and Ko Olina locations.
“Wonderful experience! Yuji, Jake, Morgan, Chloe and Laura were wonderful guides and we saw four different species of dolphins as well as a pin cushion star fish and a turtle!”
Pick a hull, pick the water you want to be in, or decide whether you want them wild.
