Swim with Dolphins & Snorkel on Oahu: Catamaran with Waterslide

The boat has a 21-foot waterslide built in, and you use it between snorkel stops.

Swim with wild dolphins in their natural habitat and snorkel with Hawaiian Green sea turtles and tropical reef fish on Oahu's west coast aboard the Poseidon catamaran. The 4-hour activity includes a locally made lunch, snorkel gear, a 21-foot waterslide, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and a floating mat. Hotel pickup is included. Whale sightings are possible November through March, and if dolphins aren't spotted, you can rebook at 50% off.

The experience

Will you actually see dolphins, or is it a gamble? The boat searches Oahu's west coast where wild dolphins pass regularly, and you'll have multiple chances to jump in and swim alongside them as they move through. The activity is fast-paced and recommended for confident swimmers only: the boat doesn't slow down or wait, so you need to be comfortable getting in and out quickly. If dolphins aren't sighted from the boat, you can rebook the same activity at 50% off, so the risk is on the operator, not on you.

After the dolphin swim, the catamaran heads to Makaha, a famous snorkel beach on the west side. There you'll look for Hawaiian Green sea turtles, colorful reef fish and other reef life while using your own snorkel gear: included with the booking. Between water time, you can try the 21-foot waterslide, stand-up paddleboard, kayak or float on a large mat. The boat has an ION hot shower on board so you can rinse off, and complimentary hot cocoa or green tea warms you up afterward. Restrooms are available throughout.

Lunch is a locally made turkey sandwich with chips, or you can request a vegetarian wrap by calling the office by 8 p.m. Hawaii time the night before. Bottled water and snacks round out what's included. The whole outing runs 4 hours and departs from a pickup at your Oahu hotel, so you don't need to arrange transport or navigate to the harbor yourself.

What’s included

• Snorkel equipment.
• bottled water.
• locally made lunch (turkey sandwich or vegetarian wrap).
• hot cocoa and green tea.
• use of the 21-foot waterslide.
• stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.
• floating mat.
• hot shower on board.
• hotel pickup on Oahu.
• live guide in English or Japanese.

Information

Lasts 4h, runs every day at 07:30, from US$ 199 per person, with a live guide in English and Japanese and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 70

Live guideEnglish and Japanese

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 to12h 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 effortNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Iruka Hawaii Dolphin

Is this one for you?The catamaran picks you up at your Oahu hotel and handles the drive to the harbor, so you don't need a rental car or directions to the dock. Book this if you're staying elsewhere on the island and want the whole day arranged without navigating yourself.

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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.

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Snorkel gear is included and the activity suits all fitness levels, but the dolphin swim portion is fast-paced and recommended for confident swimmers only because the boat doesn't slow down for entry and exit. If you're not a strong swimmer, the snorkel portion at Makaha may suit you better than the dolphin swim.

What if we don't see dolphins on the day we go?

Wild animal sightings are natural and cannot be 100% guaranteed, but if dolphins aren't spotted from the boat, you can rebook the activity at 50% off: the operator covers the risk.

Is the waterslide included, or do I pay extra?

The 21-foot waterslide is included in the activity, along with stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and use of the floating mat at Makaha.

What's included in the lunch?

Lunch is a locally made turkey sandwich with chips, or a vegetarian wrap if you request it by 8 p.m. Hawaii time the evening before. Bottled water, hot cocoa and green tea are also included.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

Snorkel equipment is included with the activity, so you don't need to bring your own or rent it separately.

Will we see whales on this activity?

Whale sightings are possible from November through March when humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters, but they are not guaranteed and depend on ocean conditions and timing.