Snorkeling Oahu: Sunset Cruise with Dolphin Watch

Snorkel warm Pacific reefs, then unwind on deck as the sun sets over the ocean

A 3.5-hour snorkel and sunset cruise departing Ko Olina Marina on Oahu's west coast, where you swim in clear waters alongside vibrant reefs and tropical fish, rinse off in freshwater showers, and dine on Hawaiian-style buffet while watching the sky transform over the Pacific. The catamaran crew serves unlimited soft drinks, beer, wine and tropical cocktails. Live guides speak English and Japanese.

The experience

The catamaran departs Ko Olina Marina and sails to snorkel sites along Oahu's west coast known for active marine habitats. You'll swim in warm, clear waters among vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish, with frequent chances to spot resident dolphin pods, sea turtles, and, during winter months, humpback whales breaching offshore. The crew takes you directly to the coast's most productive spots to maximize those encounters.

After snorkeling, you rinse off in hot freshwater showers onboard, then settle on deck for a Hawaiian-style buffet dinner featuring teriyaki chicken, kalua pig, fresh salad, steamed rice, pineapple, and taro buns, with poi bread pudding for dessert. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available on request. Unlimited soft drinks, bottled water, beer, wine and tropical cocktails flow throughout the evening as the sky transforms into a brilliant Pacific sunset.

The cruise runs 3.5 hours total. Snorkeling equipment, flotation devices and changing rooms are provided. You can book with or without transportation from Waikiki. Both options include the catamaran, the meal, drinks and all water activities. A live guide leads the experience in English or Japanese.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and Coast Guard-regulated flotation devices.
• hot freshwater showers.
• changing rooms and toilets.
• Hawaiian-style hot buffet dinner with vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
• unlimited soft drinks and bottled water.
• beer, wine and tropical cocktails.
• live guide in English or Japanese.
• optional transportation from Waikiki hotels.

Options for this experience

2 options

Cruise Without TransportGuide in English or Japanese · 16:15

Cruise With TransportGuide in English or Japanese · 16:15Van pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 3h 30m, runs Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 16:15, from US$ 154 per person, with a live guide in English and Japanese and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesTuesday, Thursday and SaturdayDeparts at 16:15Another time? ›

GroupUp to 49

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.

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 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 effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ocean Joy Cruises - Oahu

Is this one for you?Book with transport if you're staying in Waikiki and want one pickup to handle the whole evening. Book without transport if you have a rental car or prefer to meet the catamaran directly at Ko Olina Marina on the west side.

Traveler reviews

4.73★★★★★★★★★★

52 verified traveler reviews

5 ★46

4 ★3

3 ★0

2 ★1

1 ★2

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 12 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.

What kind of marine life will I see while snorkeling off Oahu's west coast?

The waters off Ko Olina are a natural sanctuary with vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish as the main draw. Resident dolphin pods frequent the area, and you'll have chances to spot sea turtles. During winter months (roughly December through March), humpback whales migrate through Hawaiian waters and breach offshore, though sightings depend on the season and conditions on the day you go.

Is the snorkeling suitable if I've never done it before?

Yes. The crew takes you to active reef habitats and provides all snorkeling equipment, flotation devices, and guidance. The water is warm and clear, and the experience is designed for all fitness levels. Infants must sit on an adult's lap, and the activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy.

What happens after we finish snorkeling?

You rinse off in hot freshwater showers onboard, then move to the deck for a Hawaiian-style buffet dinner while the crew serves drinks. You'll stay on deck to watch the sunset as the sky transforms over the Pacific Ocean, with beer, wine, tropical cocktails and soft drinks available throughout.

Does the cruise include transportation from my hotel?

Transportation from Waikiki is included in the "Cruise With Transport" option at checkout. If you choose "Cruise Without Transport," you'll arrange your own way to Ko Olina Marina, where the catamaran departs.