Dolphin Excursion + Reef Snorkel
Our flagship morning trip — find wild spinner dolphins, then snorkel pristine reef with our naturalists.
Check available datesOverview
Glide out of Waiʻanae Harbor at sunrise
Aboard our fast, comfortable boat we find wild Hawaiian spinner dolphins in their natural playground, viewed respectfully from the boat — then slip into warm, clear water to snorkel living reef alongside green sea turtles and tropical fish.
Every trip is small-group and led by an experienced island naturalist who shares the science and stories behind what you're seeing. Dolphins are seen on the vast majority of our morning trips — and we guarantee it: if we do not find them, you go home with a return-trip voucher. Seeing them underwater is the goal rather than a promise, since they are wild animals free to roam.
What's included
- Snorkel gear & instruction
- Drinking water
- Flotation provided
- Naturalist in the water
- Reef snorkel stop
- Dolphin & turtle watching
Pricing
Itinerary
- 7:00 AMCheck in at Waiʻanae Boat HarborMeet the Crew and board our fast, comfortable boat.
- 7:30 AMCruise the leeward coastGlassy morning water — prime time for wild spinner pods.
- 8:00 AMWild spinner dolphinsThe science and stories behind the animals, viewed from a safe, respectful distance.
- 9:00 AMSnorkel the reefSlip into warm, clear water over living reef with green sea turtles.
- 10:00 AMReturn to harborMahalo & aloha — back by mid-morning, with lunch and cold drinks for the ride in.
In the water with the pod
Slip into warm, clear water over living reef — masks down, naturalist alongside, reef fish everywhere.
More about this excursion
Only 16 guests per tour, so there is plenty of room to relax. View multiple species of wild dolphins year round, and humpback whales in the winter.
The wild dolphins you may encounter are Hawaiian spinner dolphins, along with bottlenose and spotted dolphins — and, from December through March, migrating humpback whales.
Snorkel with tropical fish and sea turtles at some of the best reefs Oʻahu's west side has to offer.
Take incredible photographs of marine life. You can rent one of our Hero 9 or 10 cameras at check-in for $40, and you keep the SD card.
A deli lunch includes a sandwich choice with chips, and a cooler full of cold, assorted non-alcoholic beverages is on the boat for you to help yourself to.
Dolphin excursion FAQs
What makes Dolphin Excursions' West Oʻahu dolphin tour unique compared to others on the island?
Are the dolphins wild, and how do you ensure respectful and safe encounters?
What kind of marine life besides dolphins might we see during the trip?
What guests say about this tour
- TripAdvisor★★★★★Awesome Adventure!
“This crew and operation is top notch!!! We saw breaching whales, dolphin pods, sea turtles, and reef fish when snorkeling. … The crew made sure people were safe and got to see as much as possible.”
— staceyjk - TripAdvisor★★★★★Best Dolphin Excursion In Oahu
“The staff at Dolphin Excursions Snorkel Adventure is TOP-NOTCH. … They will do everything possible to make sure you get to snorkel right by dolphins. If you only do one excursion in Oahu DO THIS ONE!”
— trevawoller - TripAdvisor★★★★★An Amazing Adventure!
“We were a group of 8 and everyone had a great time! … I am not a water person and did not plan to get in the water. I felt so comfortable that I decided to give it a try. So I got in the ocean for the first time in about 20 years!”
— kathyc716