Looking for dolphins in Honolulu? Five reliable tours stand out for their value and experience. The half-day excursion from Indigo Ocean Hawaii hits all the right notes – comfortable boat, included lunch, and handy hotel pickup. For food lovers, the Whales Dolphins cruise serves up a memorable Hawaiian buffet during its 3.5-hour journey. Families consistently rate Dolphins and You‘s tour highly for its mix of dolphin watching and sea turtle encounters. The quick-paced Monk Seal Bay jet boat tour delivers thrills while spotting seals and turtles. Electric Beach’s tour rounds out the list with its well-equipped boat and consistent dolphin sightings.
I’m especially fond of Indigo Ocean and Dolphins and You for their attention to detail and friendly crews. These companies understand what makes a great wildlife experience.
Check out our favorite Honolulu dolphin tours below, each tested and proven for reliable marine encounters.
Key Points
- Indigo Ocean Hawaii offers a highly rated half-day boat tour for swimming and snorkeling with dolphins, with a maximum capacity of 25 travelers.
- Oahu: Whales Dolphins Snorkeling Cruise provides a 3.5-hour excursion on a 62-foot catamaran, including a gourmet Hawaiian buffet and dolphin or whale sighting guarantee.
- Dolphins and You’s Dolphin Watch and Turtle Snorkel Adventure is a nearly 4-hour adventure that includes dolphin sightings and snorkeling with sea turtles.
- Waikiki: Monk Seal Bay Dolphin and Turtle Jet Snorkel Tour offers a 2.5-hour adventure with a jet boat ride to Monk Seal Bay for encounters with Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles.
- Electric Beach Snorkeling with Dolphins Tour, operated by OrigamiTours, provides a comfortable experience for up to 14 travelers, with amenities like snacks, iPads, and Wi-Fi.
Swim With Dolphins in the West Coast Line of Oahu
On Oahu’s west coast, travelers have the opportunity to swim and snorkel with dolphins and other marine life through Indigo Ocean Hawaii’s half-day boat tour. This highly-rated experience, with 932 reviews and a 96% recommendation, allows participants to get up close and personal with bottlenose and spotted dolphins, as well as sea turtles, fish, and octopuses.
The tour departs at 7:30 AM and returns at 11:30 AM, with a maximum capacity of 25 travelers. Included in the tour are shuttle services, a Hawaiian-style lunch, beverages, snorkeling equipment, and other amenities.
Guests can bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks, but bananas are prohibited due to local superstitions.
While the tour offers the chance to swim with dolphins, regulations require maintaining a respectful distance from the more sensitive Hawaiian spinner dolphins.
The experience provides an intimate encounter with Oahu’s vibrant marine life, with many travelers praising the crew’s engagement and the overall enjoyment of the tour.
Read our full review: Swim With Dolphins in the West Coast Line of Oahu Review
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Oahu: Whales Dolphins Snorkeling Cruise With Hawaiian Meal
For a memorable adventure on the stunning Waianae coastline of Oahu, travelers can embark on the Oahu: Whales Dolphins Snorkeling Cruise with Hawaiian Meal. Priced from $214 per person, this 3.5-hour excursion offers the chance to spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
Aboard a state-of-the-art 62-foot catamaran, guests can snorkel with turtles and vibrant marine life in pristine waters, all while enjoying a gourmet Hawaiian buffet with breathtaking ocean views. The experience includes high-grade snorkel equipment, a dolphin or whale sighting guarantee, and up to four alcoholic drinks per adult.
Narrated tours share Hawaiian legends and culture, enhancing the immersive journey. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and pickup from various locations, this tour provides a convenient and all-inclusive way to explore Oahu’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Oahu: Whales Dolphins Snorkeling Cruise With Hawaiian Meal Review
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Oahu Dolphin Watch With Turtle Snorkel & Water Slide
Travelers embarking on the Oahu Dolphin Watch with Turtle Snorkel & Water Slide can expect a nearly 4-hour adventure filled with opportunities to encounter dolphins, snorkel with sea turtles, and splash down a water slide.
Operated by Dolphins and You in Honolulu, this highly-rated tour (4.5 stars from 1,561 reviews) offers a range of water-based activities, including stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.
Guests will receive complimentary snorkel gear and a bento box lunch, and can opt to rent a wetsuit or purchase a photo package.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, with convenient meeting points at Waiʻanae Small Boat Harbor.
Reviewers praise the crew’s friendliness, professionalism, and ability to deliver memorable encounters with marine life.
Some note occasional delays and crowding, but the overall experience is widely recommended, especially for families and those seeking an immersive Hawaiian adventure.
Read our full review: Oahu Dolphin Watch With Turtle Snorkel & Water Slide Review
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Waikiki: Monk Seal Bay Dolphin and Turtle Jet Snorkel Tour
Embarking on the Waikiki: Monk Seal Bay Dolphin and Turtle Jet Snorkel Tour offers an exhilarating opportunity to encounter Hawaii’s marine wildlife up close. This 2.5-hour adventure takes visitors on a thrilling jet boat ride to Monk Seal Bay, where they can spot the elusive Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles in their natural habitat.
The small-group tour allows for an intimate experience, ensuring personalized attention from the knowledgeable guides. Participants can enjoy the crystal-clear waters and snorkel alongside the majestic sea creatures, capturing unforgettable memories.
The tour’s high rating of 4.7 out of 320 reviews attests to its popularity, with visitors praising the stunning scenery, knowledgeable staff, and the chance to witness these incredible animals in their natural environment.
At $84.76 per person, the Waikiki: Monk Seal Bay Dolphin and Turtle Jet Snorkel Tour offers a unique and thrilling way to explore Oahu’s marine life and create lasting memories.
Read our full review: Waikiki: Monk Seal Bay Dolphin and Turtle Jet Snorkel Tour Review
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Electric Beach Snorkeling With Dolphins Tour
The Electric Beach Snorkeling with Dolphins Tour offers a thrilling opportunity to witness the grace and power of these magnificent marine mammals in their natural habitat. Operated by OrigamiTours in Honolulu, this tour provides a unique experience for up to 14 travelers at a price of $135 per person.
The tour includes a range of amenities, such as snacks, iPads, Wi-Fi, and video games, ensuring a comfortable and engaging experience for participants.
The tour departs from 2380 Kūhiō Ave. in Honolulu and returns to the same meeting point. While the exact start time may vary, customers can confirm the details with the local provider upon booking. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate.
Booking is flexible, with a lowest price guarantee and the option to reserve now and pay later. Customers can check availability and select their preferred date and number of travelers.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, the Electric Beach Snorkeling with Dolphins Tour offers a hassle-free and enjoyable way to explore the wonders of Honolulu’s marine life.
Read our full review: Electric Beach Snorkeling With Dolphins Tour Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to See Dolphins in Honolulu?
The best time of year to see dolphins in Honolulu is typically during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the ocean conditions are calm. Sightings are more common between June and September.
Can I Touch or Swim With the Dolphins During the Tours?
No, you can’t touch or swim with the dolphins during the tours. Most reputable dolphin tour operators in Honolulu don’t allow direct interaction with the animals to avoid disturbing them and ensure the safety of both the dolphins and the travelers.
Do the Tours Provide Food or Drinks for the Passengers?
Most dolphin watching tours provide light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages for passengers. Some may offer full meal options as well, but it’s best to check the specific tour details beforehand to know what’s included.
Are the Tours Wheelchair Accessible or Suitable for Children?
The tours are generally wheelchair accessible and suitable for children. Many operators offer accommodations for passengers with disabilities and provide activities or educational materials to engage young participants throughout the excursion.
How Do the Tour Companies Ensure the Safety of the Participants?
Tour companies prioritize safety by providing life jackets, trained guides, and following regulations to minimize disturbance to wildlife. They also have safety protocols in place for boarding and disembarking boats, ensuring a fun and secure experience for all participants.
Recap
The best dolphin watching tours in Honolulu offer a variety of experiences, from swimming with dolphins to seeing them from a boat or during a snorkeling excursion. Visitors can choose from tours along the West Coast of Oahu, in Waikiki, or at Electric Beach. These tours provide the opportunity to observe these amazing marine mammals in their natural habitat while also enjoying other activities like snorkeling and water slides.