Dolphin Swim and Turtle Snorkel Excursion Waianae Oahu

4.8 (752 reviews) from travellers who booked this experience

Duration3 hours
Daily
Group
Pickup available

Dolphin Swim and Turtle Snorkel Excursion Waianae Oahu

5.0 on Google

Fair, honest prices
Real people, not bots
Confirm, then pay
Secure payment

Overview

This three-hour excursion takes you to Oahu's quiet Waianae coast to look for wild spinner dolphins and swim with Hawaiian green sea turtles. A lifeguard-certified marine biologist or naturalist guides you aboard a Coast Guard-inspected vessel, snorkelling equipment is provided and transport from Waikiki or Ko Olina hotels is included, as is a deli-style sandwich lunch. It is a well-organised way to see Oahu's marine life on the sunny leeward side, and it suits families, couples and first-time snorkellers.

Highlights

Search for wild dolphins and swim with sea turtles on the Waianae coast
Transport from Waikiki or Ko Olina hotels included
Lifeguard-certified marine biologist or naturalist guide
Coast Guard-inspected vessel with sanitised snorkelling equipment
Deli-style sandwich lunch included
Free parking for guests driving to the meeting point
About three hours in total

Full Description

Oahu's Waianae coast

The Waianae coast on the west side of Oahu is the island's leeward shore, drier, sunnier and much quieter than Waikiki. Long beaches, dramatic ridgelines and small harbours give it a rugged, unhurried feel, and the calm water close to shore is ideal for marine-life trips.

If you are looking for a dolphin excursion on Oahu, this is one of the best areas to try. The trip leaves from the coast's small harbour and heads straight to waters where dolphins and turtles are regularly seen, so you spend more of your three hours looking than travelling.

Wild spinner dolphins

Hawaiian spinner dolphins live in pods along the leeward coast, resting in sheltered bays during the day and feeding offshore at night. The crew search for them by boat, and the whole excursion is built around finding them, so sightings are the main goal and the boat moves along the coast until they are found.

These are wild animals, so behaviour cannot be scripted. Federal marine-mammal guidelines protect dolphins, and your guide explains how to enter the water calmly, keep your distance and never touch or chase them. Patient swimmers are often rewarded with dolphins passing nearby.

Swimming with sea turtles

After the dolphin search, the boat moves to a reef where Hawaiian green sea turtles, or honu, graze on algae. Snorkelling here lets you watch them glide and feed beside colourful reef fish in clear water, with the guide staying close and pointing out behaviour worth noticing.

Your guide is a lifeguard-certified marine biologist or naturalist who explains the animals and the reef. Snorkelling equipment is sanitised and provided; a GoPro or a wetsuit can be rented at check-in if you want them. Turtles are protected, so keep a respectful distance.

Planning your Waianae excursion

Hotel transport is included from Waikiki or Ko Olina, and free parking is available if you drive yourself. A deli-style sandwich lunch, customised to your taste, is part of the trip, so you do not need to bring food, only water and a light towel.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, reef-safe sunscreen and a hat. Winter brings humpback whales to Hawaii, so you may see them as a bonus. Rentals and tips are not included, and the exact pickup time is shown on your confirmation after you choose a date.

Itinerary

Hotel pickup or check-inBe ready at your Waikiki or Ko Olina pickup point, or check in at the harbour if you drive yourself.
Transfer to the Waianae coastTravel by road to the small harbour on Oahu's west side and board the boat.
Search for dolphinsCruise the coast with the guide looking for wild spinner dolphins.
Swim and snorkel with turtlesSnorkel at a reef with sea turtles and tropical fish.
Sandwich lunch on boardEnjoy the deli-style lunch you customised before returning.
Return and drop-offSail back to the harbour and return to your hotel.

What's included

Swimming with sea turtles
Swimming with dolphins
Transport from Waikiki or Ko Olina hotels
Deli-style lunch with a customised sandwich
Sanitised snorkelling equipment
Lifeguard-certified marine biologist or naturalist guide
Free parking

Not included

Action camera and wetsuit rentals (available at check-in)
Tips

Is this right for you?

Great for

Families with children — a child price for ages 4–12
Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
Nature and wildlife lovers
Anyone who wants to see it from the water

Think twice if

You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
You get seasick easily

Not suitable for

Pregnant women
People with heart or serious health conditions
Guests who cannot swim or are uncomfortable in open water
Anyone who cannot climb aboard a boat

Meeting point

Transport from Waikiki or Ko Olina hotels is included from many pickup points. Your booking confirmation lists your pickup location and time. If you prefer to drive, free parking is available at the harbour, and the meeting point and check-in time are shown on your confirmation.

Important information

The trip lasts about three hours; check availability for start times.
Hotel transport from Waikiki or Ko Olina, snorkelling equipment, a deli-style lunch and free parking are included.
A GoPro and a wetsuit can be rented at check-in for an extra fee.
Bring swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen and a hat.
Do not touch, chase or feed dolphins or turtles; follow the guide.
Trips may be changed or cancelled due to weather and ocean conditions.
Tips are not included.

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.

How much does the dolphin swim and turtle snorkel excursion cost?

The price depends on the number of adults and children. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each, so you can see the total before you book.

How long is the excursion?

The excursion lasts about three hours; your confirmation shows the transfer and pickup times.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, transport is included from Waikiki or Ko Olina hotels. Your confirmation shows your pickup point and time.

Will I definitely see dolphins?

The trip is built around finding wild dolphins and sightings are common, but wild animals cannot be promised.

Is lunch included?

Yes, a deli-style sandwich lunch that you can customise is included.

Is the excursion suitable for children?

Children who are comfortable in the water can join with an adult. Please contact us to check age limits before booking.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear swimwear and bring a towel, reef-safe sunscreen and a hat. Snorkelling equipment is provided.