8 Dolphin Watching Tours on Oʻahu for a Free Day

1.Oahu Dolphin and Snorkel Tour with Waikiki Pickup & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,687 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $164Our pick

From Waikiki, ride to Waianae Harbor for a morning cruise led by a lively crew including Captain Dani and photographer Tyler. Look for spinner dolphins, snorkel near Hawaiian green sea turtles, then use the slide, kayaks, and paddle boards. Lunch, gear, and hotel transport are included, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“Loved our experience! Captain and crew were great. Saw whales, dolphins and turtles as promised. They were very entertaining but informative. Taught us to be respectful to sea life.”

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2.Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,334 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $174

Spend about 3.5 hours aboard the 61-foot Kai OliOli catamaran, watching for dolphins, seasonal humpback whales, turtles, and flying fish before snorkeling over coral and tropical fish. Your crew supplies gear, instruction, showers, drinks, and a Hawaiian buffet. Waikiki pickup is optional.

“Fantastic food and a very comfortable boat. Great experience seeing spinner dolphins, Turtles and fish Crew was very nice and helpful”

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3.Swim with Dolphins on the West Coast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,112 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $187Top rated

Set out from Waiʻanae on a half-day catamaran trip with Indigo Ocean Hawaii. You may swim near bottlenose or spotted dolphins, snorkel with turtles and tropical fish, and spot whales, octopuses, or seals. Crew members such as Captain JB, Nicole, John, and Sasha help with safety, photography, and ocean etiquette.

“If you are thinking about booking with someone else, don’t. JB and his crew are truly the best, they will give you a once in a lifetime experience and make you feel a part of their family. From the moment you are picked up to the moment you are dropped off, you feel like you are out with old friends, learning and experiencing the beauties of the west side!”

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4.Wild Dolphin Watching and Snorkel Safari Off West Coast of Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 795 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $193

Cruise West Oahu aboard a 32-foot USCG boat limited to about 15 guests, with marine biologists and lifeguard-certified crew. Look for spinner dolphins, winter humpback whales, turtles, and reef fish, then snorkel with included gear. Hotel pickup is available from Waikiki and Ko Olina on the 7:00 am departure.

“Fun boat ride but didn’t get to snorkel with dolphins. Saw them from the boat for a couple seconds and then never saw them again. Unlucky I guess but wouldn’t try again at this price.”

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5.Dolphin Swim and Turtle Snorkel Excursion in Waianae

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 590 reviews · 3 hours · from $193

Ride a 32-foot boat from Waianae to seek wild dolphins, whales, turtles, and reef fish. Marine biologists or naturalists explain the animals and guide your snorkel stop. Hotel pickup, lunch, drinks, gear, and free parking are included. Dolphin sightings are guaranteed, but swimming with them depends on species, behavior, water conditions, and your ability.

“Everything was great ! We saw dolphins and turtles right away ! Thank you so much”

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6.West Oahu Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Sail with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 320 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $125Best value

Sail the Leeward Coast aboard a catamaran with Hawaii Nautical, looking for spinner dolphins, turtles, and seasonal humpback whales. Captain Jessie, Ian, Nick, and other crew members have earned praise for friendly help, while the trip includes snorkel gear, breakfast, lunch, drinks, shaded seating, and optional hotel pickup.

“Ian, Caden and Bronson were wonderful! The only bummer was an issue with our breakfast and lunch but they made up for it! Would totally do it again, as it was all of our favorite adventure of the trip! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️”

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7.Wild Dolphins Swim Turtle Snorkel Tour & Waterslide

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 83 reviews · 3h 30m · from $199

Iruka Hawaii Dolphin takes you along Oahu’s Waianae coast for fast-paced wild dolphin swims, then to Makaha for turtle snorkeling. Captain Stef and the crew provide gear, lunch, paddleboards, a kayak, a floating mat, and a 21-foot waterslide. Hotel pickup is available from selected Waikiki and Ko Olina properties.

“The staff were friendly and caring. They all made sure that everyone had a good time and were safe.”

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8.Dolphin Watching & Turtle Snorkeling with Waterslide

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 73 reviews · from $190

Cruise Oahu’s west coast to watch wild spinner dolphins, then snorkel with fish and honu before trying a 20-foot waterslide, kayaks, or paddleboards. Your three-hour outing includes lunch, hula, gear, water, and lemonade. Shuttle pickup serves Waikiki and Ko Olina, or drive to Waianae Harbor for free parking.

“Amazing group of guides that enjoyed the kids and the guests. My 9 years old son said this was his favorite excursion out of the entire trip!”

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