Practical and informative dolphin watching tours operate daily from Honolulu’s harbor. The standout choice is the Oahu Dolphin and Sea Life tour, offering the best balance of wildlife encounters and snorkeling time.
West Coast tours earn high marks for their intimate 3-hour format and knowledgeable local guides. For families and nature enthusiasts, Monk Seal Bay tours provide excellent opportunities to spot protected species like Hawaiian monk seals and sea turtles in their natural habitat.
These carefully vetted options represent the finest dolphin watching experiences in Honolulu.
Our tested and recommended tours follow below.
Good To Know
- The Oahu Dolphin and Sea Life Swimming and Snorkeling Tour departs from Honolulu and offers the chance to explore vibrant marine life and potentially swim alongside dolphins.
- The Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling Tours in Oahu’s West Coast provide a 3-hour excursion along the western coastline with a chance to see dolphins and other wildlife.
- The Electric Beach Snorkeling with Dolphins Tours by Origami Tours in Honolulu offer a comfortable and entertaining experience with a maximum of 14 participants.
- The Monk Seal Bay Dolphin and Turtle Jet Snorkel Tours provide a 2-hour excursion to Monk Seal Bay, known for its Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles.
- The Whales, Dolphins, and Snorkeling Cruises along Oahu’s Waianae coast offer a 3.5-hour cruise with a guarantee of dolphin or whale sightings and a Hawaiian-style buffet meal.
Hawaii: Oahu Dolphin and Sea Life Swimming and Snorkeling Trip – Honolulu
The Hawaii: Oahu Dolphin and Sea Life Swimming and Snorkeling Trip is a popular excursion that departs from Honolulu. With 932 reviews and a 97% recommendation rate from travelers, this tour offers an exceptional opportunity to witness the natural wonders of Oahu’s waters. The tour includes shuttle service, a Hawaiian lunch, and all necessary snorkeling equipment, making it a convenient and inclusive experience.
Guests are picked up from various hotels in the Waikiki and Ko Olina areas, with departures starting as early as 5:40 AM. The tour then heads to the Waianae Small Boat Harbor, where the journey begins at 7:30 AM and returns around 1:30 PM.
While the tour doesn’t guarantee sightings of dolphins and other wildlife, it provides a chance to explore the vibrant marine life and swim alongside them. Infants must sit on laps, and bananas are prohibited on the boat, but guests can bring their own snorkeling gear if preferred.
Read our full review: Hawaii: Oahu Dolphin and Sea Life Swimming and Snorkeling Trip – Honolulu Review
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Dolphin Watching & Snorkel in the West Coast Line of Oahu
Departing from Honolulu, the Dolphin Watching & Snorkel in the West Coast Line of Oahu tour provides guests with an opportunity to witness the breathtaking marine life along Oahu’s western coastline. This 3-hour excursion, recommended by 93% of travelers, includes shuttle service, snacks, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and a delicious Kalua pork and cabbage lunch.
The tour operates with a maximum of 24 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. While there’s no guarantee of seeing dolphins or other wildlife, the tour’s knowledgeable guides will do their best to locate these fascinating creatures. Guests can also bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages, though bananas are prohibited due to Hawaiian superstitions.
The pickup times range from 10:40 AM to 11:50 AM, and the tour departs at 12:30 PM. With a self-drive option available, guests can choose the most convenient way to reach the Waianae Small Boat Harbor, the meeting point for the tour. This excursion is a must-do for anyone seeking to enjoy Oahu’s stunning natural beauty and marine life.
Read our full review: Dolphin Watching & Snorkel in the West Coast Line of Oahu Review
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Origamitours Electric Beach Snorkeling With Dolphins Tour
Origamitours’ Electric Beach Snorkeling with Dolphins Tour offers an immersive adventure in Honolulu. Located at 2380 Kūhiō Ave., the tour provides a unique opportunity to snorkel and observe dolphins in their natural habitat. The tour includes snacks, iPads, Wi-Fi, and video games, ensuring a comfortable and entertaining experience.
The tour starts and ends at the meeting point, with the exact starting time confirmed with the local provider. The tour is open to most travelers, with a maximum of 14 participants. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are allowed.
Operated by Origami Tours, the Electric Beach Snorkeling with Dolphins Tour is priced at $135.00 per person, with a lowest price guarantee. This immersive experience allows visitors to witness the incredible dolphins in their natural environment, making it a must-try activity for those visiting Honolulu.
Read our full review: Origamitours Electric Beach Snorkeling With Dolphins Tour Review
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Waikiki: Monk Seal Bay Dolphin and Turtle Jet Snorkel Tour
Where can travelers experience an up-close encounter with Honolulu’s marine wildlife? The Waikiki: Monk Seal Bay Dolphin and Turtle Jet Snorkel Tour offers a thrilling opportunity to see dolphins and sea turtles in their natural habitat.
This 2-hour excursion takes visitors to Monk Seal Bay, a secluded spot known for its high population of Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles. Participants board a high-speed jet boat and zip across the turquoise waters, keeping an eye out for these majestic creatures. Once in the bay, they’ll don snorkeling gear and jump in to explore the vibrant underwater ecosystem.
With a small group size, travelers can expect an intimate and personalized experience. The tour is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars, making it a must-do activity for anyone seeking a unique and unforgettable encounter with Honolulu’s diverse marine life. At $85.28 per person, it’s a fantastic value for the incredible experience it provides.
Read our full review: Waikiki: Monk Seal Bay Dolphin and Turtle Jet Snorkel Tour Review
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Oahu: Whales Dolphins Snorkeling Cruise With Hawaiian Meal
Seeking an unparalleled ocean adventure along Oahu’s Waianae coast? The Oahu: Whales Dolphins Snorkeling Cruise With Hawaiian Meal offers a 3.5-hour cruise aboard a state-of-the-art 62′ catamaran. Snorkel with turtles, spot dolphins and whales (seasonally), and enjoy a gourmet Hawaiian buffet meal with tropical drinks included.
The experience includes premium snorkeling equipment, a dolphin or whale sighting guarantee, a Hawaiian-style buffet, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks plus 4 alcoholic drinks per adult. Pickup service is available from select Waikiki locations, and the cruise departs from the Ko Olina Marina.
Throughout the journey, the crew will share insights into Hawaiian history and legends. Witness the captivating sights of Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, Humpback Whales (seasonal), Sea Turtles, and Flying Fish. For the sunset option, savor a romantic return cruise. With a duration of 2.5 to 3.5 hours and languages offered in English and Japanese, this adventure is perfect for exploring Oahu’s marine life and natural beauty.
Read our full review: Oahu: Whales Dolphins Snorkeling Cruise With Hawaiian Meal Review
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The Sum Up
Honolulu offers a variety of dolphin watching tours. Visitors can choose from trips that combine dolphin viewing with snorkeling, swimming, and seeing other marine life. These tours provide the chance to observe these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior and conservation. With several options available, travelers can find the perfect dolphin encounter to suit their interests and preferences.