Oahu Dolphin Watch Cruise: Waterslide & Snorkeling

Dolphins, a 21-Foot Waterslide, and Green Sea Turtles in One Morning

You board the Poseidon for a dolphin watch along West Oahu's coast, then snorkel at Makaha with sea turtles and tropical fish. Lunch, snorkeling gear, and use of the 21-foot waterslide, floating mat, and paddleboards are included. A hot shower and hotel pickup round out the day, leaving you with nothing to arrange except showing up.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphin watching and snorkeling cruise

• Begin with traditional Hawaiian chant
• Watch for wild dolphins along coast
• Enjoy onboard lunch with sandwich and drink
• Snorkel at Makaha with sea turtles
• Use 21-foot water slide and floating mat
• Try stand-up paddleboard or kayak
• Rinse off with onboard hot shower

The experience

You're on a boat looking for something wild, and you're not even sure what you'll find. The Poseidon leaves the harbor with a traditional Hawaiian oli, an ancient chant for safe travels, and heads toward West Oahu's coastline where dolphins actually live. The double-decker layout means you can move between decks to spot them, and the crew knows the routes where Pan Tropical Spotted, Bottlenose, and Spinner dolphins show up. There's no guarantee (wild animals don't work on schedules), but the boat's been doing this long enough that most mornings you'll see something.

Once the dolphin watch wraps, the boat heads to Makaha, one of the island's best snorkeling spots. You get all the gear (mask, fins, snorkel), and the water is clear enough that Green Hawaiian sea turtles feel close, not like you're searching for them. Tropical fish move through the shallows. A turkey sandwich and chips wait for you between the water time, or call ahead if you want the veggie wrap instead. The whole rhythm of the morning is built around staying in the water and out of the sun without rushing.

Then comes the part that changes the vibe: a brand-new 21-foot water slide drops straight off the boat. Kids lose their minds. Adults remember what it felt like to do something pointless and fun. There's a floating mat if you want to drift, stand-up paddleboards if you want to paddle, a kayak if you want to row. After you're done, an ION hot shower onboard rinses the salt off before the ride back. Complimentary transportation runs from Waikiki or Ko'Olina hotels, so you don't have to figure out parking or directions. The boat handles the logistics.

The whole thing takes most of a morning. Bring seasickness remedy about an hour before you leave if you're prone to it. The crew mentions this because they've learned it matters. Infants sit on a lap, and the fitness level required is basically zero. You're snorkeling and sliding, not hiking or climbing. The boat moves at its own pace, which means you're not racing through stops or watching the clock.

What’s included

Your morning includes hotel pickup from Waikiki or Ko'Olina, a traditional Hawaiian oli blessing, the dolphin watch cruise on the double-decker Poseidon, snorkeling equipment and time at Makaha, a turkey sandwich or veggie wrap with chips, bottled water, green tea and hot cocoa, use of the 21-foot waterslide, floating mat, stand-up paddleboards and kayak, an onboard hot shower, and return transportation to your hotel.

Information

Lasts 3h, runs every day at 11:30, from US$ 179 per person, with a live guide in English and Japanese and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 75

Live guideEnglish and JapaneseOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 16 pickup points.

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Iruka Hawaii Dolphin

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want a full water-based morning without arranging your own boat, snorkel gear, or lunch. The boat handles the route, the stops, and the timing, so you just show up and move between dolphins, snorkeling, and the slide.

Traveler reviews

4.84★★★★★★★★★★

173 verified traveler reviews

5 ★159

4 ★7

3 ★4

2 ★0

1 ★3

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Are dolphins guaranteed on this Oahu dolphin watch cruise?

No. Wild dolphin sightings are natural and cannot be 100% guaranteed, though the boat operates on routes where they're commonly spotted.

What's included in the lunch?

A turkey sandwich with chips, unless you request the vegetarian wrap by 8 PM HST the evening before. Bottled water, green tea, and hot cocoa are also provided.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No. All snorkeling equipment is included. You just need to bring a towel and sunscreen.

Is hotel pickup really free?

Yes. Complimentary transportation is available from Waikiki and Ko'Olina hotels. You'll need to confirm your pickup location when you book.

Can infants come on this tour?

Yes. Infants are welcome and sit on an adult's lap during the cruise.

How long is the whole tour?

Most of the morning. The itinerary covers dolphin watching, the boat ride to Makaha, snorkeling, waterslide time, and the return journey.

What if I get seasick?

The crew recommends taking seasickness remedy about 1 hour before departure. Contact the office through the booking platform if you have questions.