Wild Dolphin Swim, Turtle, Whale Safari with Guided Snorkeling
Overview
Leave the crowds behind. Small 10 guest, semi-private groups. Departures 7 and 11 am. Private bathroom, shade, comfort and speed to go where dolphins, turtles, whales, flying fish, and even pilot whales roam free. Every outing is customized in real time to wildlife conditions and your group’s interests—no rigid loop, no rushed timeline.
*Ethical opportunities to swim with wild dolphins—and sometimes other whale species
*Safari-style exploration covering diverse marine habitats, above and underwater
*Expert biologist guides share real science and island storytelling
*Flexible, guest-centered itinerary based on live ocean conditions
*Deep respect for wildlife—no chasing, no crowding
*This isn’t a party cruise or a packaged attraction. It’s a deeply personal ocean experience—ideal for families, photographers, and nature lovers.
What's Included
- Snacks
- Carbonated beverages Local Juices
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Gratuities
- Towels and Refillable Water Bottle
- SCUBA dive option is an add-on activity and we will need advance notice and coordination
- Personal Guide - great for first-time snorkelers or families with very young children
Meeting Location
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.
What To Expect
Where comfort meets discovery—and thrill is always just below the surface.
Spacious power catamaran, with shaded seating, sunny decks, and multiple viewing areas—from the bow to the elevated observation deck - private onboard restroom and plenty of space to relax and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.
Every trip unfolds based on real-time ocean conditions and wildlife behavior. Our experienced naturalists guide the experience, sharing insights as we encounter dolphins, whales (year-round), sea turtles, seabirds, and the dramatic coastline of Oʻahu’s west side.
When conditions are calm and appropriate, guests have the opportunity to snorkel in clear tropical waters. During winter months, Hawaiʻi’s famous swells can occasionally make snorkeling unsafe; in those cases, the focus shifts to extended wildlife viewing, coastal exploration, and learning from onboard.
Snorkeling is always optional. Certified guides are available to assist first-timers and offer flotation gear, while many guests choose to remain onboard and enjoy the experience from the deck. The pace is relaxed, flexible, and shaped by nature—creating a thoughtful, uncrowded way to experience the wild side of Hawai'i.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- You may be in offshore waters and restricted from medical care (beyond first-aid) for extended periods of time
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Infants must remain in carriers/slings
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(15)Q: Do you take pregnant customers snorkeling?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5532P4
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 25 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
$500
$99
Private Luxury Sunset Cruise in Waikiki
$1,000
$265
Travelers Who Bought This Activity Also Bought
Waikiki Beach Glass Bottom Boat Tour
$46
Waikiki Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Honolulu
$22
Parasailing Experience in Waikiki, HI
$44
Frequently Asked Questions (15)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Hawaii customers.
Filter by:
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 Wild Dolphin Swim, Turtle, Whale Safari with Guided Snorkeling. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022Participants in the Wild Dolphin Swim, Turtle, Whale Safari with Guided Snorkeling cannot fly in an airplane within 24 hours of their dive.
The main concern with scuba diving and flying is decompression sickness (DCS). Your body needs adequate time during an ascent to off-gas excess nitrogen, or you can form bubbles in your bloodstream, possibly leading to DCS.
Jun 2024First-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.
- Snacks.
- Carbonated beverages. Local Juices.
- Use of Snorkelling equipment.
- Gratuities.
- Towels and Refillable Water Bottle.
- SCUBA dive option is an add-on activity and we will need advance notice and coordination.
- Personal Guide - great for first-time snorkelers or families with very young children.
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..
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 Swim, Turtle, Whale Safari with Guided Snorkeling is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- You may be in offshore waters and restricted from medical care (beyond first-aid) for extended periods of time
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Wild Dolphin Swim, Turtle, Whale Safari with Guided Snorkeling 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
- Snacks
- Carbonated beveragesLocal Juices
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Gratuities
- Towels and Refillable Water Bottle
- SCUBA dive option is an add-on activity and we will need advance notice and coordination
- Personal Guide - great for first-time snorkelers or families with very young children
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- You may be in offshore waters and restricted from medical care (beyond first-aid) for extended periods of time
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Infants must remain in carriers/slings
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
