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Oahu Dolphin & whale watching

Our most recommended Oahu Dolphin & whale watching

Oahu: Afternoon Glass Bottom Boat Tour in Waikiki

1. Oahu: Afternoon Glass Bottom Boat Tour in Waikiki

If adventure is what you seek, join this daily boat tour. Enjoy the beauty of Hawaii’s South Shore as you head out from the slip in the Kewalo Basin Harbor and head toward Lē’ahi. Discover the underwater world while staying dry with the glass-bottom boat. Aboard the Haleiwa Queen, enjoy the clear view of the Pacific Ocean floor as you cruise over live tropical reefs and one of Hawaii’s shipwrecks. Keep an eye out for honu sea turtles, eels, reef sharks, dolphins, and schools of tropical fish, all from the deck of the vessel through the glass bottom boat viewports. Experience a unique perspective of Honolulu, above and below the surface.

Honolulu: Waikiki Sunset and Whale Watching Cruise

2. Honolulu: Waikiki Sunset and Whale Watching Cruise

It is finally that time of year where the beautiful humpback whales make their return to the Hawaiian islands after migrating from Alaska! Step aboard the Island Princess and catch the beautiful sunset on the Waikiki horizon while searching for our seasonal humpback whales! Whale watching season is from December - March. Explore Waikiki coast at sunset and see Diamond Head Crater (Lē‘ahi Crater). Check out the gorgeous turquoise waters, and learn about the majestic creatures and the local area with our experienced and knowledgeable crew! Bring your own beverages, sit back, and enjoy the view!

From Hawaii: Eco-Friendly Snorkeling Experience with BBQ

3. From Hawaii: Eco-Friendly Snorkeling Experience with BBQ

Join a morning snorkeling and dolphin-watching cruise with paddleboards and kids' activities from Kailua-Kona and explore the underwater world off the coast of Hawaii. Enjoy a light breakfast, a barbecue lunch, and a full-service premium cash bar throughout your trip. Start with an early-morning departure and cruise ten miles down the spectacular Kona coastline to reach your snorkeling destination for the day, a protected marine sanctuary. As you travel, enjoy a light breakfast of tropical fruits, assorted pastries, bagels, juices, teas, and Kona coffee. Then, sit back and enjoy the boat's comfortable amenities, including a large shaded cabin with cushioned seating, 3 restrooms, and freshwater showers. Once you arrive at your snorkeling spot, get kitted out with your mask, fins, and snorkel. Prescription masks are also available. If you're new to snorkeling, take advantage of a short introduction to snorkeling offered by the lifeguard-trained crew. You'll also have access to a host of flotation toys, including noodles, vests, inner tubes, and more. Or, make use of the stand-up paddleboards available on board at no additional cost. A waterslide and high-dive platform also provide endless entertainment for the kids. Or, if you just feel like kicking back and doing nothing, check out the floating "relaxation station". Your crew will even swim your refreshments out to you at your station. And while you're exploring, having fun, or just unwinding, the crew will be preparing lunch. Once you're done snorkeling, belly up to a full-service premium cash bar, featuring a large selection of liquors, mixes, and local brews. Your Kona snorkeling cruise comes to an end with a return transfer back to the harbor in Kailua-Kona.

From Honolulu: Oahu Dolphin Swim and Snorkeling Trip

4. From Honolulu: Oahu Dolphin Swim and Snorkeling Trip

Explore the remote Wai‘anae coast of O‘ahu and experience an adventure of a lifetime. Step aboard the beautiful double-decker catamaran, the Eco, and perform a Hawaiian ‘Oli (chant) with the crew to permit safe passage on your journey. Start the adventure by looking for Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins close to the majestic and mountainous coastline. Learn about the marine and local culture. You'll explore deeper chartered waters to drop in and swim with bottlenose and spotted dolphins. Voyage back inland and moor the boat in the absolutely stunning and pristine Makaha bay. Here, you'll participate in ocean activities such as the waterslide, rock climbing wall, floating mat, and paddle boards, put on some good local tunes, snorkel with turtles and exotic fish, and enjoy a delectable locally crafted lunch. Finish the tour by traveling back to the harbor with the chance to try out the optional photo packages of your adventure.

Oahu: Dolphin Watching with Lunch and Ocean Sports

5. Oahu: Dolphin Watching with Lunch and Ocean Sports

Discover what more than 300,000 guests have experienced and share an unforgettable encounter with dolphins in their natural Hawaii habitat on Oahu's west shore. Take a cruise along the stunning west coast of Oahu, and take in views of wild spinner dolphins in crystal clear ocean waters. Participate in a traditional Hawaiian ceremony and snorkel with tropical fish and sea turtles. Relax and enjoy the trip while trained guides, lifesavers, and free divers make sure everyone is safe and comfortable in the water. Enjoy included access to kayaks and SUP boards or relax on the boat after snorkeling, and be entertained with hula dancing and ukulele performances from staff or as they answer questions on Hawaiian culture and history.

Honolulu: Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Boat Tour with Snacks

6. Honolulu: Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Boat Tour with Snacks

Watch angelfish dart in and out of underwater coral caverns and search for sea turtles using high-quality snorkeling gear on this tour from Honolulu to Turtle Canyon. Relax in the sun on the boat's floating platforms while enjoying the provided snacks and beverages.  Be greeted by the activity provider's staff at the pier and hop aboard a comfortable boat with a captain and crew made up of certified divers, lifeguards, free divers, and surfers who familar with the waters of Turtle Canyon. They can show you where to look and what to look for. Admire views of the famed Diamond Head while you head out to the snorkeling site and be provided with new, high-end snorkel gear and floatation devices. For non-swimmers there is a swim step where they can sit and put their feet in the water. Plunge into the water, swimming through schools of tropical fish. Look for the large green sea turtles that come from deeper waters to visit the shallower turtle cleaning station known as Turtle Canyons. Back onboard seasonal fruits, snacks, juice, and water are included. Unwind with an ice-cold drink and stunning views of the shore on the way back to your meeting point. 

Honolulu: Turtle Snorkeling Tour

7. Honolulu: Turtle Snorkeling Tour

Enjoy a peaceful cruise off the coast of Honolulu complete with a snorkeling experience where you'll get the chance to swim with sea turtles. Water, soft drinks, and snacks are provided on board. Board your catamaran at the Kewalo Basin Harbor and set out to explore the waters off the coast of Oahu. As you cruise, sit back and relax on the multi-level deck and admire panoramic views of Hawaii's tropical scenery. Then, hop into the water and swim within a safe viewing distance of the tropical fish and turtles that regularly frequent these waters. If you visit between December and April, you may even be lucky enough to spot humpback whales and dolphins.

Honolulu: Whale Watching Cruise with Pickup and Drop-Off

8. Honolulu: Whale Watching Cruise with Pickup and Drop-Off

Cruise along the coast of Waikiki to the area with a crew that knows where the whales are most active on this tour from Honolulu. Discover the joy of watching whales as they play in the sea. Take a cruise where sightings are guaranteed or your next trip is free.  Board a comfortable and spacious double deck catamaran that provides plenty of exceptional viewing angles. Embark on a whale-finding mission off the coast of Oahu. Watch Humpback whales as they gather in Hawaii between the months of December and April to mate, give birth, and nurse their young. Witness these playful and surprisingly acrobatic animals in the wild. Learn about the strong cultural value they have to native Hawaiians, as a whale is the representation of Kanaloa, the god of all ocean life. Try to spot some frolicking dolphins along the way. Stay hydrated and keep your energy up with snacks, juice, and water onboard. Get help from the crew with spotting the whales. Return to your meeting point at the end of your whale watching experience. 

From Honolulu: Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Sunset Cruise

9. From Honolulu: Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Sunset Cruise

Experience the beauty of Oahu's south shore as you sail towards the volcanic tuff cone of Lēʻahi (Diamond Head) as the sun dips below the horizon on this tour from Honolulu. Hear about Waikīkī with fascinating commentary from the local crew. Climb aboard the spacious Haleiwa Queen, a 50-foot catamaran with 49 seats, an onboard restroom, and shaded deck for your comfort. Have the chance to bring your own food and drink to enjoy while you sail. Enjoy a comfortable ride as the crew shares their knowledge about Waikīkī, the thriving farm productions, and royalty that have frequented the area throughout history. Learn about its transition into an urban society. Leave with a newfound appreciation for the people and marine life of Hawaii, and then gaze in awe as the sun reflects off the city skyline, overlooked by the towering peak of Diamond Head, at magical sunset hour.

Oahu: Eco-Friendly West Oahu Snorkel Sail with Dolphins

10. Oahu: Eco-Friendly West Oahu Snorkel Sail with Dolphins

Experience Hawaii's unparalleled snorkeling with this cruise from Oahu. Look for Hawaiian spinner dolphins and tropical fish. Savor a mouth-watering breakfast and lunch onboard and relax with two beverages from the bar and unlimited sodas and juices.  Board the boat and set sail for the turquoise waters of the Ko Olina coast. Keep your eyes open for playful dolphins that like to jump and play in the wake of the boat. Enjoy a tasty continental breakfast on your way to your snorkeling spot. Ride on an eco-friendly sailboat, geared towards dolphin preservation and equipped with the finest of amenities, including 2 large restrooms and a fresh-water shower. There's plenty of shade on the deck, as well as tables and seating at the bar. Sip on two complimentary drinks from the bar and have the chance to purchase more as you go. Stay hydrated with unlimited non-alcoholic drinks all day long. Hop into the crystal-clear water and uncover a hidden world of vibrantly colored fish and corals. Work up an appetite and sit down to a picnic lunch on the boat's comfy deck tables. Return to your meeting point at the end of your cruise.

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What people are saying about Oahu

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 78 reviews

This experience was amazing and I highly recommend it! I’ve told all of my friends and family that this is a must do activity for any vacation to Oahu. Our crew Brandon and Ford were so kind, knowledgeable, helpful, and made the entire experience that much better. They had complimentary water, they took photos, answered questions, and we even got the chance to see a turtle and a mother and baby whale. The boat was clean, safe, and had cool music and lights! It was also my boyfriend’s birthday and the crew made sure to go out of their way to make his day, everyone was so friendly, they even played a birthday song for him. I’m so grateful I booked this sunset cruise and will definitely be back! Thank you Brandon and Ford!

My daughter and I had a great time snorkeling with sea turtles and looking for dolphins. We did see some whales. We will return another day to see about those dolphins. The crew was fantastic!! Fresh pineapple was a treat! This was probably our best memory from the trip. We highly recommend.

This was a trip my daughter choose. It was so awesome. We actually got to see a breaching whale. The captains of our boat were great and very personable. I would recommend this trip for sure.

Wonderful experience Crew is very helpful and highly appreciated!!

Guides were great. Seen turtles, whales, fish. Great time.