Dolphins and You: Oahu Dolphin Watch & Turtle Snorkel Cruise
- 3 hours to 4 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
Overview
Dolphins and You is a guided ocean cruise along Oahu's west coast, departing from Waianae Boat Harbor. The crew looks for wild Hawaiian spinner dolphins, which you watch from the boat as they leap and spin, then stops to snorkel among green sea turtles, reef fish and, at times, manta rays. Between swims you can try the 14-foot waterslide off the boat, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. The trip opens with a traditional E Ho Mai chant asking for a safe voyage and closes with a hula performance by the crew, and an included lunch is served on deck on the way back. The boat has an upper deck, restrooms and a freshwater shower, and a shuttle runs from select Waikiki and Ko Olina stops. From December to April, and sometimes from November, humpback whales may also be seen.
What's Included
- Wild dolphin watching from the boat (viewing only; swimming with dolphins is prohibited by law)
- Snorkeling with sea turtles and reef fish, with snorkel gear (mask, fins and life jacket)
- Use of the 14-foot waterslide, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards
- Hawaiian chant and onboard hula performance
- Lunch: a turkey sandwich, PBJ sandwich or vegetarian wrap, with water and chips
- A complimentary temporary dolphin tattoo
- Round-trip shuttle from select Waikiki and Ko Olina locations
- Wetsuit rental (optional, extra fee)
- Professional photo and video package (optional, for purchase)
- Trip protection (optional, added at checkout on the operator's own site)
- Reef-safe sunscreen and other items sold on board
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup offered
Round-trip shuttle from select Waikiki and Ko Olina locations, or meet the boat at Waianae Boat Harbor if driving yourself. The operator confirms the pickup location and time by email.
Meeting point 1
Aqua Palms Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii
Meeting point 2
Ala Moana Hotel, Honolulu, Hawaii
What To Expect
- 1
Waikiki or Ko Olina pick-up
The shuttle collects guests at select Waikiki and Ko Olina stops for the drive of about an hour to Waianae Harbor, with commentary on the way.
- 2
Waianae Harbor check-in and E Ho Mai chant
Check in, meet the crew and join a traditional Hawaiian chant asking for a safe and joyful voyage.
- 3
Dolphin watching and wildlife viewing
Look for spinner dolphins from the deck as they leap, spin and ride the waves, following federal rules that protect wild dolphins.
- 4
Snorkeling and water activities
Snorkel over the reef among sea turtles and colorful fish, and try the waterslide, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks.
- 5
Lunch and tattoo gift
Relax on board with the included lunch and receive the tour's Polynesian-style dolphin temporary tattoo.
- 6
Onboard hula show
The crew performs hula and invites everyone to dance together at the end.
- 7
Return to Waianae Harbor
Farewell from the crew; changing rooms are available at the harbor.
- 8
Return to Waikiki
The shuttle drives guests back to Waikiki.
Additional Info
- What to bring: swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a towel and a light jacket. Snorkel gear is provided, but you may bring your own. Leave valuables, glass containers and large bags at your hotel.
- Dolphin encounters are observation-only; swimming with dolphins is prohibited by law. Dolphin sightings are frequent but not guaranteed, and whale sightings in winter are never guaranteed.
- Ages 2 and up. Children under 2 are not permitted for safety reasons. Adult tickets are for ages 12 and up and child tickets for ages 2 to 11.
- Non-swimmers are welcome; everyone wears a life vest and the crew gives snorkeling safety instructions.
- Meals are not prepared by the crew and cannot be customized or made allergy-safe. Guests with food allergies, dietary restrictions or medical conditions should bring their own meal. A vegetarian wrap can be requested when booking.
- Shoes are not allowed on the boat; storage is provided. Clean reef shoes and grip socks are permitted.
- The boat and buses are not wheelchair accessible.
- A minimum of 10 passengers is required for the tour to operate. Tours run rain or shine and may be modified or cancelled due to ocean conditions; if the captain cancels for conditions, guests are offered a free reschedule or a full refund.
- Guests who want alcoholic beverages on board must be ready to show ID.
- Pickup is from select Waikiki and Ko Olina locations (Aqua Palms Waikiki, Ala Moana Hotel, DFS/T Galleria, Hyatt Regency, Waikiki Marriott and Aulani Disney Resort), or you can drive yourself to Waianae Boat Harbor. The operator confirms the pickup location and time by email.
- Cancellation: cancel or change at least 48 hours before departure for a full refund; cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable.
- Contact And You Creations at +1 (808) 696-4414, daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Hawaii time, 307 Lewers St. #401, Honolulu, HI 96815.
- 1–12 travelers per booking
Operated by And You Creations
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