Oahu Wild Dolphin Ocean Swim & Small-Group Snorkeling Tour - Aloha Ocean

Climb aboard for one of the best dolphin watching and open water swimming tours in Hawaii with the expert captain and crew of Aloha Ocean. With a maximum of six guests aboard a spacious and cushioned boat, you will enjoy a personalized adventure to see some of Oahu's popular marine mammals in their natural environment. Cruise along the stunning west Oahu and Waianae coastline as playful Hawaiian spinner dolphins leap and frolic in the shallow coastal waters. Afterwards, head out a few miles off shore in search of pelagic dolphins to swim among these incredible creatures. Your day on the water comes to an end with an unforgettable snorkel stop where you will encounter gentle turtles and vibrant marine life. Discover the beauty of Oahu's underwater world in a small-group setting, and book today for the dolphin adventure of a lifetime!

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Why do travelers choose this tour?

The captain and crew are well-versed with Hawaii's ocean, and know where to find Hawaiian spinner dolphins, spotted dolphins, and bottlenose in the waters for the best views of these marine mammals.

Get into the water and swim with dolphins in the wild as you head out into the deeper pelagic waters located approximately two to three miles off-shore.

Enjoy a intimate and small group tour with a maximum of six guests on board the boat. With a smaller group, you can be rest assured that you will have a safe and personalized experience during your ocean adventure.

Go to a premiere west Oahu snorkel spot to go snorkeling at a coral reef among tropical fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles, and explore Hawaii's underwater world with the provided snorkeling equipment.

How does it work?

After departing from the Waianae Small Boat Harbor, the captain will take the boat along the shallower waters along the coastline to find Hawaiian spinner dolphins that often swim, play, rest, and relax in the morning after an evening of feeding miles off-shore.

Once the dolphin watching is completed, head out approximately two to three miles off-shore in search of spotted and bottlenose dolphins, and if the conditions are optimal, you may even have the opportunity to go into the water to swim among them.

Your tour will conclude with a stop at a coastal snorkel spot that is often teeming with colorful tropical fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles, and after the snorkel is complete, it is a quick ride back to the harbor.

Local expert tips

• Although NOAA regulations strictly forbid swimming with Hawaiian spinner dolphins within a two nautical mile radius from the shoreline, you will see the spinner dolphins from the boat, and then go further off-shore to swim with spotted and bottlenose dolphins in the pelagic region of the ocean.
• Depending on the time of year, the ocean conditions can become choppy the further out you go, and guests who are prone to sea sickness, and even those who are normally not susceptible, should plan on taking a motion sickness preventative one hour prior to departure.
• Although dolphins and turtles can be quite curious and friendly, be sure to not touch them should they get close to you. This is both for your safety, and the safety of these unique creatures.
• Guests are welcome to bring drinks and snacks to enjoy on board, but make sure that you do not bring any bananas (a Hawaiian tradition) or glass containers (for safety reason).
• Since dolphins will return to shallow waters in the early morning after an evening of feeding, for the best opportunity to see dolphins, it is recommended that you choose the earliest available tour option.
• Recommend attire: Wear your swimsuit underneath your clothing, and bring a change of clothes to change into once you return to shore. There will be some ocean spray and splashing so be sure to bring clothing that can get wet.
• Recommend items to bring: You will want to bring reef-safe sunscreen, a large beach towel, and sun protection such as a brimmed hat and sunglasses.

Boat information

The Robalo R272 boat features two convenient ocean entry points and comfortable cushioned seating throughout the entire vessel, ensuring a cozy and enjoyable tour experience. To enhance comfort, the guest count is limited to a maximum of six passengers.

How to get there?

The Waianae Small Boat Harbor is easily accessible by car from all major resort areas on Oahu by taking the H1 to Farrington Highway. From Waikiki, it is approximately a one hour drive, and from Ko Olina, it is approximately 20 to 30 minutes. There is also complimentary parking available at the harbor.

For guests needing transportation, utilizing a taxi or rideshare is not recommended due to the limited amount vehicles in the area of the harbor. Roundtrip transportation from Waikiki is available for an additional fee at the time of booking.