Oahu Dolphin Excursions Snorkeling Adventures

• Times: 7 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.

• Duration: 3 hours

• Location: Waianae Boat Harbor

  85-491 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI 96792

• Rate: Adults (13+ years old) $ 180

  Children (4-12 years old, children under 4 not permitted) $ 135

  Kama'aina/Military (13+ years old) $ 165

Dolphin Excursion in Hawaii Overview

• Dolphin Excursions is one of Oʻahu’s original small-group dolphin tour operators, based on the island’s scenic west coast where conditions are calm and visibility is best for marine encounters. The tour departs from Wai‘anae Boat Harbor and focuses on observing wild Hawaiian spinner dolphins in their natural environment. Small group sizes, experienced captains, and certified guides ensure a personalized and respectful wildlife experience.

• After viewing the dolphins, guests are taken to one or more of Oʻahu’s best reef sites to snorkel among colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine life. All snorkel gear and flotation devices are provided. Certified guides are in the water with you for safety and assistance, and beginners are welcome.

• Children ages 4 and older are welcome on the dolphin excursion. Families often join the tour, and the calm morning conditions on the west side make it an excellent experience for all ages.

  Advisory: For children under the age of 4, they are not allowed on our public charters but we do allow them on private charters because these tours are at your own pace.

  What’s Included:

• Transportation

• All snorkel gear (mask, fins, snorkel, flotation) is included. Guests should bring swimsuits, towels, reef-safe sunscreen, and cameras. Bottled water is typically provided.

  • Snorkel gear: Gear is provided, but you may also bring your own.  Mask (prescription masks available), snorkel, fins, and a life vest. Wet suits are available to rent for $10.00 at check-in.  GoPros are available to rent for $40.00, you keep the SD card.

  • Food and beverage:  You will receive a cooler bag with a deli lunch including a sandwich choice and chips to go with you on the boat.  We will have water and assorted juices on the boat in a cooler to help yourself.

  • Soft coolers and ice:  We have small, easy to carry soft coolers to stow any drinks or snacks you want to keep cold.  We have complimentary ice for you to add to the bag once packed.  The ice can be used for any personal coolers as well.  This is available at check in where we get you are geared up.  Just ask us when you get there.

  • Dry bags:  We will give you and your group dry bags to stow your dry goods like towels, phones and wallets.  You can usually fit your own personal bag or back pack within these dry bags if need.  We have two different sizes for use.  Also available at check in.

Why Choose Dolphin Excursion in Hawaii?

• Only 16 guests per tour!  Plenty of room to relax.

• View multiple species of wild dolphins year round and humpback whales in the winter.

• Take incredible photographs of marine life.  You can rent one of our Hero 9 or 10’s at check in for $40.  You keep the SD card.

• Snorkel with tropical fish, and sea turtles at some of the best reefs Oahu’s west side has to offer.

• Deli lunch includes a sandwich choice with chips.  A cooler full of cold, assorted non alcoholic beverages will be on the boat for you to freely help yourselves to.

• Please also feel free to pack your own food and beverages in addition if need. BYOB!  We have small soft coolers you may borrow and free ice to top it off.

• Snorkel gear is provided, but bringing your own is fine too.

• Hotel transportation from Waikiki or Ko Olina hotels.

How long does the tour last?

• The Dolphin Excursion lasts approximately 3 hours on the water, with check-in typically 30 minutes prior to departure at Wai‘anae Boat Harbor. Morning tours depart daily, weather permitting

  • 30-minute check-in

  • Three hours on the boat/snorkeling dock to dock

  • Four hours total

  • If opted for transport;  Van drive out to location is about an hour.  

    • Van drive back to hotel is about one to one hour and thirty minutes depending on traffic.  Traffic in and around Honolulu can be unpredictable, so we do not recommend booking another tour too close (within an hour) of our projected return time.

• 7:30 a.m. Boat Departure: 

  • If opted for transport.  Pick up between 5:30 and 6:00 am.

  • 7:00 am check in at the Waianae Boat Harbor, next to Spinners Cafe.

  • 10:30 am return to dock at the same location.

  • If opted for transport.  Drop off between 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm depending on traffic.

  11:00 a.m. Boat Departure:

  • If opted for transport.  Pick up between 9:00 and 9:30 am.

  • 10:30 am check in at the Waianae Boat Harbor, next to Spinners Cafe.

  • 2:00 pm return to dock at the same location

  • If opted for transport.  Drop off between 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm depending on traffic.

    Cancellations:

    NO REFUNDS for cancellations made less than 24-hours in advance. You have until 9:00 am the day before your tour date to make any cancellations. If you fail to cancel any activity and do not participate in any of your selected activities "No Show", then we reserve the right to charge the full amount of the activity to the credit card you have provided.