Wild Dolphin Swim & West Oahu Ocean Rafting Snorkel Adventure - Iruka Hawaii

Embark on the best dolphin watching and open water swimming adventure on Oahu with Iruka Hawaii's expert local captain and crew. Glide quickly through the water aboard the swift Dolphin Warrior ocean raft along West Oahu's scenic coastline, encountering playful Hawaiian spinner dolphins in the early morning light. Then venture farther out to sea in pursuit of pelagic dolphins like the spotted or bottlenose varieties, and then immerse yourself in their world with a passive open water dolphin swim. Finish up your morning aquatic adventure at a top west Oahu snorkeling spot among turtles and tropical fish, and also enjoy a hearty deli lunch. Dive into Oahu's ocean wonders, and book now for an unforgettable dolphin adventure!

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Why do travelers choose this tour?

The captain and crew have extensive knowledge about Hawaii's ocean, and are well-versed in locating Hawaiian spinner dolphins, spotted dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins, to ensure the best areas for viewing these playful marine mammals.

Have the extraordinary opportunity to connect with nature with the chance to swim alongside wild pelagic dolphins like the bottlenose or spotted dolphin. Feel the rush of excitement as you immerse yourself in this unique experience while swimming in a serene oceanic world approximately two to three miles offshore.

Guests enjoy the quick and agile navigation of the ocean raft which allows participants to swiftly find pods of pelagic dolphins providing more opportunities to swims alongside wild bottlenose and spotted dolphins.

Visit one of the best snorkeling destinations on west Oahu, where you can surround yourself among vibrant coral reef teeming with tropical fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles as you snorkel, and enjoy the opportunity to explore Hawaii's underwater world with the top-quality snorkeling gear.

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. Here you can enjoy snorkeling or simply have a relaxing swim in the ocean.

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.
• There will be a professional photographer on board who will take hundreds of photos both on the boat and in the water, and these photos can be purchased for a nominal fee after the tour is over. For guests not wanting to worry about taking photos, this a great way to focus on the experience without having to juggle a camera or phone in the water.
• Even though 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.
• While lunch, snacks, and light refreshments are provided, 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 reasons).
• This is an early morning tour since dolphins will return to shallow waters in the early morning after an evening of feeding. Be sure to get a good night's sleep the evening before since both check-in and pick-up times are before 7:00AM.
• There are no restrooms available on board the ocean raft, but there are restrooms available at the harbor.
• 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 Dolphin Warrior is a spacious ocean raft with ample seating for up to 20 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. Round-trip transportation from Waikiki and Ko Olina is available for no additional charge.