Dolphins and You: West Oahu Dolphin Watch & Snorkel Cruise

Overview

The Dolphins and You Oahu dolphin watching tour is a 3-hour boat trip from Waianae Boat Harbor at 8 AM or noon for $151 per adult: spinner dolphins viewed from the boat, turtle snorkeling, kayaks, a water slide and lunch, with Waikiki pickup. It suits families with children from 2; the drawback is the long bus ride and watch-only rules.

Highlights

• Dolphins are watched from the boat at the legal distance; sightings not guaranteed, though the operator claims a 90%-plus rate (operator site).
• $151 adult and $117 child aged 2-11 on sale from $189 and $146; Greetwell lists $210.25 and $162.64 (October 2026).
• Round-trip transport from Waikiki or Ko Olina, sandwich lunch, snorkel set, life jacket, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and a water slide included.
• Departures 8 AM and 12 PM daily from Waianae Boat Harbor; humpback whales possible December to April.
• Operator shows 4.9 from more than 2,900 Google reviews; Greetwell shows 4.9 from about 1,700.

What to Expect

1. Board the operator's bus in Waikiki or Ko Olina, or drive to Waianae Boat Harbor at 85-491 Farrington Hwy and check in 30 minutes before the 8 AM or 12 PM departure with the booking card and matching photo ID.
2. Store shoes and your one permitted bag on board, already wearing your swimsuit, and listen to the briefing.
3. Cruise the Waianae coast looking for spinner dolphins; the boat keeps the distance NOAA requires and nobody enters the water with them.
4. Anchor at a snorkel site for turtles and reef fish, with kayaks, paddle boards and the water slide available (slide out of service for maintenance September 21 to October 14).
5. Eat the sandwich lunch on board while the crew performs an E Ho Mai chant and hula.
6. Return to the harbor about 3 hours after departure and ride the bus back; reviewers we read describe the bus as air-conditioned with drinks.

What to Bring

• Swimsuit worn under clothes, towel and change of clothes
• Reef-safe mineral sunscreen
• Credit card used for booking and matching photo ID
• One bag per person; reef shoes or grip socks if you want footwear on deck
• Own food if you have allergies

Restrictions and Requirements

• Children under 2 not permitted
• Full-face snorkel masks banned
• Meals cannot accommodate allergies
• No smoking, vaping, alcohol or drugs on buses or boats
• Shoes stored on board; one bag per person
• Dolphins viewed from the boat only, in line with NOAA rules

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation or changes up to 48 hours before departure for a full refund; bookings made within 48 hours are final sale and no-shows or late arrivals are not refunded. Optional Trip Protection at 10% extra allows cancellation or rescheduling up to 1 hour before departure, and a valid doctor's note can qualify the named person for a refund. Checked October 2026 on dolphinsandyou.com and Greetwell.

Location

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Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

Meeting Point

Waianae Boat Harbor, 85-491 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI 96792, or bus pickup in Waikiki or Ko Olina

Check-In

30 minutes before the 8 AM or 12 PM departure if driving; bus pickup times confirmed after booking

Parking and Getting There

Public parking at Waianae Boat Harbor (fees not stated)

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact