Waikiki Dolphin Watch: 3-hour catamaran sail with snorkel

Spot wild spinner dolphins, then snorkel with sea turtles in one morning

You board at Wai'anae, spend three hours on a catamaran spotting wild spinner dolphins and snorkeling with sea turtles and reef fish, eat a packed lunch on board, and drink from the full bar: all with snorkel gear and instruction included. If no dolphins appear, you get another sail free. Plan for a morning commitment. The boat departs at 9am sharp.

Step-by-step itinerary

West Oahu dolphin watch and snorkel

• Depart from Wai‘anae Small Boat Harbor
• Spot wild spinner dolphins
• Snorkel with green sea turtles
• Relax on deck with tropical drink
• Enjoy island-style lunch on board
• Return to harbor

The experience

The boat leaves Wai'anae Small Boat Harbor at 9am, and you're already scanning the water before the catamaran clears the breakwater. The crew knows where the spinner dolphins move along West Oahu's coast, and the guarantee means if they don't show, you sail again free. Most mornings they do: pods moving fast, sometimes close enough to hear them click and whistle. You're standing on deck with a tropical drink in hand, the trade wind steady, and the coastline dropping away behind you.

Around the midpoint, the captain cuts the engine at a snorkel site where the water sits so clear you can see the bottom from the rail. Snorkel gear is already set up (fins, mask, snorkel, flotation if you want it), and the crew walks anyone through it, even first-timers. Then you're in. The reef fish come in colors that don't look real, and if you're patient and still, the green sea turtles drift past like they own the place. They do. The whole thing lasts maybe forty minutes, but it's the kind of time that stretches.

Back on deck, lunch arrives: a packed sandwich or wrap (vegetarian and gluten-free options if you ask 24 hours ahead), and the bar stays open the whole sail. Beer, wine, cocktails, juice, whatever. You can sit under the shade or stay in the sun. The catamaran is big enough that it doesn't feel crowded, and the ride back gives you time to dry off and watch the coast slide past again. The whole thing is three hours, start to finish, which means you're back by noon and the rest of your day in Oahu is still ahead of you.

What’s included

Your morning includes hotel pickup (confirm with the operator), boarding at Wai'anae Small Boat Harbor at 9am, three hours on a catamaran with guaranteed dolphin sightings or a free return sail, snorkel gear and instruction, a calm-water snorkel stop with sea turtles and reef fish, a packed lunch served on board with vegetarian and gluten-free options available with advance notice, access to the full premium bar with cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks, shaded and open-air seating, and onboard restrooms.

Information

Lasts 3h, runs every day at 09:00, from US$ 139.95 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 42 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.9 with pickup ›

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): 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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Hawaii Nautical

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want dolphins, snorkeling and a meal without arranging gear or transport. The three-hour window is tight enough to fit a morning departure and still have the afternoon free, which is what makes it work for a busy Oahu itinerary.

Traveler reviews

4.52★★★★★★★★★★

334 verified traveler reviews

5 ★256

4 ★33

3 ★18

2 ★17

1 ★10

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): 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 dolphin sightings really guaranteed?

Yes. If no dolphins are spotted, you can join another trip at no extra cost. Sightings are common along West Oahu's coast, especially in the morning.

Do I need snorkeling experience?

No. Snorkel gear is provided and the crew gives instruction. The site is calm and suitable for all skill levels, including first-timers.

What's included in the lunch?

A packed sandwich or wrap served on board. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available with 24 hours' advance notice.

Is the bar really included?

Yes. A full premium bar with tropical cocktails, beer, wine, soda and juice is available throughout the sail at no extra charge.

How long is the whole tour?

Three hours total, departing at 9am from Wai'anae Small Boat Harbor.

Can I bring my baby?

Yes. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. Service animals are also allowed on board.

What if the weather is bad?

The catamaran operates in most conditions, but the crew will assess safety each morning. Check with the operator if you're concerned about a specific day.

Is there parking at Wai'anae Small Boat Harbor?

Yes, parking is available. Public transportation options are also nearby if you prefer not to drive.