Policies

As of 28 October 2021 it is illegal to swim with wild dolphins in Hawaiian waters. It is a law we support and defend — it gives the local spinner dolphin community more space and more control over their own surroundings.

We view dolphins from the boat, at a distance, and we will explain how we apply the rule on the day. NOAA Fisheries publishes the official text.

Dolphins are protected under U.S. federal law by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, amended in 1994. Under the Act it is illegal to harass, hunt, capture, collect or kill any marine mammal, and swimmers and boaters should make every effort to avoid disturbing them.

Ask the captain aboard for the Marine Mammal Protection Act Record if you would like to read it in full.

Dolphin Excursion — dolphin sightings are guaranteed. If we do not find them, you go home with a return-trip voucher.

Turtle Safari + Reef Snorkel — sea turtle sightings are guaranteed.

Whale Watching Adventure — humpbacks are wild and migratory. Sightings are common through the season but are not guaranteed.

Children aged 4 to 12 are welcome at the child rate. Children under 4 are not permitted on the boat.

Kamaʻaina and military rates are available to guests aged 13 and up with valid ID, with no minimum party size.

Stay within a safe distance of the boat — a safe distance is only as far as you are willing to swim back alone.

Watch for changing weather and sea conditions; the captain and crew are watching too. If you have any concern about your safety before you get in, stay aboard. Once you are in the water, use the signal the crew shows you if you need help and we will come to you.

Dolphin Excursions Hawaii, Inc. supports the Hawaiʻi Ecotourism Association’s principles of sustainable tourism, across environmental management, staff management, interpretation management, consumer evaluation management and marketing management.

More at hawaiiecotourism.org (http://www.hawaiiecotourism.org/).