Oahu: Swim with Dolphins on the West Coast
Overview
Set sail on an unforgettable West Oahu dolphin cruise aboard a spacious 42-passenger catamaran. This double-hulled vessel offers a smooth, stable ride as you relax and take in panoramic ocean and mountain views along Oahu’s scenic western coastline. In the crystal-clear waters, watch pods of wild dolphins swimming gracefully through their natural habitat. While maintaining a respectful distance in accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act, you may also encounter Hawaiian green sea turtles, tropical fish, and other rare marine wildlife. Depending on conditions, you could even have the opportunity to swim alongside playful bottlenose or spotted dolphins for a once-in-a-lifetime ocean adventure.
What's Included
- Lunch Mini Special Hawaiian Lunch (Kalua Pork & Cabbage Bowl with Sweet Potato)
- Snacks
- Bottled water Juice
- Use of Snorkeling equipment
- Swim with Dolphins
- Pick-up and drop off from designated hotels
- Sun screen
- Hat
- Towels
- Private Tour
Meeting and Pickup
7:30am is the departure time of the boat, not the pick-up time. The details of the transportation will be contacted by email from the tour operators via Viator after booking. Please confirm the junk e-mail setting. The boat will return to the harbor at 11:30am and if you use our transportation service, the return to Waikiki will be around 1:30pm.Pick up time & Details Please arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled departure time and allow a 15 minute window for your driver to arrive.・AM 5:40Ala Moana Hotel (Please meet us on Mahukona Street located on the south side of Ala Moana Hotel.) ・AM 5:45 Ilikai (Please meet us on main entrance (under staircase) located on Ala Moana Blvd.side of Ilikai Hotel.) ・AM 5:50 Trump International (Please meet us on main entrance located on Saratoga Road side of Trump International.) ・AM 5:55 Ritz Carlton (Please meet us on main entrance located on Kalaimoku Street side of Ritz Carlton.) ・AM 6:00 DFS (Please meet us on main entrance located on Royal Hawaiian Avenue side of DFS Galleria.) ・AM 6:10 Hyatt Regency (Please meet us on the entrance located on Koa Street side of Hyatt Regency Waikiki.) ・AM 6:15 Waikiki Beach Marriott (Please meet us on the entrance located on Paaokalani Avenue (Diamond Head) side of Waikiki Beach Marriott.) ・AM 6:55 Hotels in the Ko Olina area (Marriott's Ko Olina, Aulani Resort, etc) (Please meet us on main entrance of your hotel.)・If you can to drive on your own, meeting point is below:Waianae Small Boat Harbor 85-491 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI 96792If you go to the waterfront of the harbor, you will see a 2 story building with an orange roof, so please wait in front of it (Pier A) at 7:15AM. Please check in at least 15 minutes Prior to the Tour time. We will be giving our Tour safety briefing and have you sign our waivers.Depending on the traffic traveling ・ From Waikiki is about 1 hour - 1.5 hour ・ From Ko Olina is about 35 minutes
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
Enjoy a small-group experience limited to just 25 guests as you set out from West Oahu on a comfortable and spacious catamaran. During your cruise, you’ll learn about Hawaii’s unique marine ecosystem and the wildlife that inhabits these coastal waters, including dolphins, green sea turtles, and colorful tropical fish.
As you glide past the Waianae Mountains, your crew will share insights into the area’s natural, cultural, and historical significance. The double-hulled catamaran ensures a stable and relaxing ride, making this adventure ideal for families and travelers of all ages. Throughout the tour, you’ll have the chance to spot wild sea creatures and experience the thrill of seeing them in their natural habitat, all while following Hawaii’s commitment to ocean conservation. With certified lifeguards leading the excursion, you can relax knowing you’re in safe hands as you enjoy this fun and educational Hawaiian adventure.
During peak seasons, additional departures may be added to accommodate high demand. You will be notified by email if a special schedule is introduced after your booking.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Feel free to bring your own food and non alcoholic beverages on the tour, we will also provide water, juice and light snacks for you.
- Please note that BANANAs are prohibited on the boat due to Hawaiian superstitions. It will bring bad luck.
- We have snorkel gear on the boat for you, but if you have your own snorkel, mask and fins, please bring them.
- We do not have a wild dolphin and other wildlife guarantee.
- The time required for the transfer between Waikiki and the harbor is approximately 1 hour. (Depends on traffic conditions)
- Weather and wildlife conditions may delay our return to harbor.
- Starting October 28, 2021 regulations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act banned the 50-yard approach to Hawaiian spinner dolphins. Therefore, if we encounter a spinner dolphins, we will keep a distance of at least 50 yards and our boat will move away from the spinner dolphins quickly. On our tours you will experience swimming with other species of dolphins such as bottlenose and spotted dolphins. Dolphins are wild animals, so the species you can see will vary depending on the situation of the day. Please note that the above rules apply when seeing Hawaiian spinner dolphins. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation for the protection of wild animals.
- During peak travel seasons, we may occasionally add special additional tours in order to accommodate a higher volume of guests. As a result, tour times may differ from the standard schedule shown at the time of booking. If there is any change to your tour time after your reservation is confirmed, we will notify you by email as soon as possible. These adjustments are made to allow more guests the opportunity to participate, and we sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(14)Q: Do you take pregnant customers snorkeling?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-301207P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.89 out of 5 stars based on 1,084 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (14)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Hawaii customers.
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Yes, 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 Oahu: Swim with Dolphins on the West Coast. 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. Mini Special Hawaiian Lunch (Kalua Pork & Cabbage Bowl with Sweet Potato).
- Snacks.
- Bottled water. Juice.
- Use of Snorkeling equipment.
- Swim with Dolphins.
- Pick-up and drop off from designated hotels.
- Sun screen.
- Hat.
- Towels.
- Private Tour.
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 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. 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 Oahu: Swim with Dolphins on the West Coast is as follows:
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Oahu: Swim with Dolphins on the West Coast 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
- LunchMini Special Hawaiian Lunch (Kalua Pork & Cabbage Bowl with Sweet Potato)
- Snacks
- Bottled waterJuice
- Use of Snorkeling equipment
- Swim with Dolphins
- Pick-up and drop off from designated hotels
- Sun screen
- Hat
- Towels
- Private Tour
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Feel free to bring your own food and non alcoholic beverages on the tour, we will also provide water, juice and light snacks for you.
- Please note that BANANAs are prohibited on the boat due to Hawaiian superstitions. It will bring bad luck.
- We have snorkel gear on the boat for you, but if you have your own snorkel, mask and fins, please bring them.
- We do not have a wild dolphin and other wildlife guarantee.
- The time required for the transfer between Waikiki and the harbor is approximately 1 hour. (Depends on traffic conditions)
- Weather and wildlife conditions may delay our return to harbor.
- Starting October 28, 2021 regulations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act banned the 50-yard approach to Hawaiian spinner dolphins. Therefore, if we encounter a spinner dolphins, we will keep a distance of at least 50 yards and our boat will move away from the spinner dolphins quickly. On our tours you will experience swimming with other species of dolphins such as bottlenose and spotted dolphins. Dolphins are wild animals, so the species you can see will vary depending on the situation of the day. Please note that the above rules apply when seeing Hawaiian spinner dolphins. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation for the protection of wild animals.
- During peak travel seasons, we may occasionally add special additional tours in order to accommodate a higher volume of guests. As a result, tour times may differ from the standard schedule shown at the time of booking. If there is any change to your tour time after your reservation is confirmed, we will notify you by email as soon as possible. These adjustments are made to allow more guests the opportunity to participate, and we sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers
