Waianae Dolphin Snorkeling Tour on Oahu

On the Waianae Dolphin Snorkeling Tour, imagine this: You're in the water, with a mask and snorkel, surrounded by Spinner Dolphins as they go about their everyday activities. Watch them swimming or playing and if you're lucky, maybe they'll do a spin for you!

Novice snorkelers...No Problems.

Your professional guide will instruct you, giving advice and pointing out dolphin behavior. (Snorkeling and safety gear provided)

Getting Wet with the Dolphins is an event that is certain to make your day, if not your entire vacation!

Tour Notes

Our boat has a capacity for 30 guests, but for our tours we limit the number to 20 guests. This limit gives a better opportunity to swim with the dolphins.

All excursions are led by a seasoned Island naturalist with years of experience on the Waianae Coast. Playtime with the dolphins includes our in-water program with the dolphins known as the "Drop" - this is an experience you will never forget. The Drop may be cancelled if there is a safety concern or if the dolphins are in deep rest. Hydrophones are used to listen in on the dolphins and Humpback whales.

Tour Includes:

-Dolphin Watch
-Dolphin Snorkel
-Whale Watch (when in season)
-Snorkel with Turtles & Fish
-3 Hours on the Water
-Snorkel Gear - snorkels, fins, life vests and masks (prescription masks can be rented if needed)
-Snacks - apples, oranges, cheese, yogurt, granola bars, juice and bottled water

Guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

Tour Schedule

-Waikiki hotel pickups between 8:15 and 9:15 am.
-Arrive at Waianae Boat Harbor 10:00 am.
-Boarding 10:30 am.
-Travel to dolphins, approx. 20 minutes.
-Photo and playtime with dolphins 50 to 60 minutes. Note: Most people run out of film at this time. Bring lots and lots of film! Scouting for whales and observation 1.5 to 2 hours (January to March). Off the northern Waianae Coast and Ka'ena Point.
-Return to dock around 2:00 pm. Arrive at Waikiki hotels between 3:30 and 4:00 pm.

General Notes

You should bring along...swimsuit, towel, cameras (including video), lots and lots of film, sunscreen, light clothing for coverup and a small bottle of water.

We supply...snorkeling gear, flotation tube, Baja Bags (for dry storage), raingear (rarely needed) and all safety equipment. Please note that the boat ride is very dry therefore cameras and video equipment will be safe and are very welcome onboard.

Spinner Dolphins
Spinner dolphins are the most common cetacean found around the Hawaiian Islands. They average 6 feet (2 m) in length and 175 pounds (80 kg). Pod size ranges between 10-100 individuals. Spinners travel far offshore at night to their feeding grounds and return close to shore each morning to rest. Rest behavior is characterized by swimming in tight groups, surfacing synchronously to breathe and gliding along the sandy bottom in a "carpet" formation. Aerial activity, such as spins, head and tail slappings, increases as they "awaken" during the late morning hours and through the afternoon.

FAQ
--Where is Waianae located?
Waianae is located on the northwestern shore of the island of Oahu.

--Do I need to bring snorkel and flippers?
No - we supply standard masks flippers and snorkels. If you require a prescription mask, then you can rent one from a local dive shop.

--What about Floatation Vests?
They must be worn.

--I'm not a strong swimmer! Can I take the tour?
Sure! Your floatation vest will keep you from getting tired and you will always be under the sharp eye of the crew. Relax and enjoy; you'll have a great time!

Can I touch the dolphins?
NO, trying to touch a wild dolphin will scare them away...and it's against the LAW. If you feel you must touch a dolphin, then you will have to go to a place that has captive, tame dolphins - Sealife Park or Dolphin Encounters.

Can I keep one as a pet?
NO.

Swim Guidelines

It is our hope that these suggestions will help to protect Hawaii's dolphins from unintentional harm.

1. Let the dolphins approach you. Maintain a quiet, relaxed manner when swimming among or near them. Avoid separating dolphins from the pod at large.
2. Swim with your hands by your sides. Chasing after, reaching for, or touching the dolphins will frighten or startle them, and they will move away. Be as quiet as possible when moving through the water.
3. Leave foreign objects aboard, such as rope, plastics, or playtoys. Dolphins prefer to find and play with leaves and other organic debris. Follow their lead.
4. Trust in nature's food supply. To attempt to feed wild dolphins would be harmful to their health needs as well as their social behaviors and it is illegal.
5. Be sensitive to dolphin behaviors. If they are in a state of rest or traveling, please respect that they may choose not to interact with you. Honor their habitat.
6. Be considerate. Watch out for other swimmers, allowing them adequate space for an intimate encounter.
7. Be cautious approaching the dolphins. Watch for swimmers. When near the dolphins, go slowly, quietly and with focused attention so as not to disturb or change their course or behaviors.
8. Avoid sudden actions or noise. Erratic changes in speed, direction, or sound can confuse or startle dolphins.
9. Avoid diving down with dolphins. Dolphins play out a cat-and-mouse game with their predators everyday of their life. In the unlikely event that a predator does charge a dolphin, you do not want to be close to them underwater. Your guides on the boat will explain.
10. Everyone will be wearing a life jacket for the dolphin swim.

Observe the Law

Dolphins are protected by U.S. Federal law under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, Amended in 1994. Under the act it is illegal to harass, hunt, capture, collect, or kill any marine mammal. Swimmers and boaters should make every effort to avoid disturbing them in their natural environment. For a more detailed look at the law please ask the captain for the Marine Mammal Protection Act Record.

Thanks for your consideration and cooperation to help make the cetacean experience a memorable one for everyone without threat to these magnificent creatures.

Know Your Limits

Stay within a safe distance from the boat (a safe distance would be only as far as you are willing to swim back alone). Watch for changing weather and sea conditions (the captain and crew are also watching for changes). If you have any concerns about your safety before you get in the water, stay aboard the vessel. While in the water, use the signal shown to you by our crew for help if you feel you need it; they will come to your aid.

Free hotel pickup from hotels at Waikiki only. Child rate applies to children ages 4 to 12, with a paying adult. Children under 4 years of age are not permitted. Fresh fruit and bottled water included. Prices include fees. Please order online, or call us toll-free at 888-321-3643.