Guests can see and swim with pods of Spinner Dolphins as they play in shallow protected bays and nurse their young.
Part 1: Viewing Spinner Dolphins and Humpback Whales
We begin as Nai'a I departs from Waianae Boat Harbor and travels along the scenic west coast in search of Spinner Dolphins. Take some of the most incredible photographs of your vacation as the Spinners come to visit you and perform their superb aerial stunts. Few people have the opportunity to see these spectacular displays. Occasionally, we encounter Bottlenose Dolphins and Spotted Dolphins too.
In winter, dolphins share the waters with mighty Humpback Whales. The Nai'a I is fast and maneuverable, to get you out to the whales quickly. You'll have plenty of time to experience their breaches, fin and tail slaps. The boat's maneuverability also allows us to easily shift position for the best possible viewing, and it's low profile makes the view unforgettable. Even a baby whale (calf) appears to be enormous from your perspective. Other whale species often visit our waters from time to time like Pilot Whales.
Part 2: Swimming with Dolphins
Playtime and photo opportunities with the dolphins includes our in-water program, known as 'The Drop'. If the dolphins are awake and playful, we conduct The Drop, allowing guests to safely get wet with the dolphins and experience the sights and sounds of dolphin play from a unique underwater perspective.
Imagine this: You're in the water, with a mask and snorkel and suddenly you are surrounded by Spinner Dolphins casually swimming by you chatting amongst each other, as they go about their business. This is an ocean safari that can not be experienced in a park.
For novice snorkelers, a professional guide will instruct you, giving advice and educating you about dolphin behavior. Snorkeling and safety gear is provided.
The Drop is successful 90% of the time.
Part 3: Snorkeling with Tropical Fish and Sea Turtles
Snorkeling takes place among some of Hawaii's most pristine reefs, teeming with colorful fish and inquisitive Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. Snorkeling during the winter months is weather and surf dependent. More time is added to viewing whales if snorkeling is not possible.
Part 4: Lunch (starting November 1st)
After your tour with us, we will bring you to our dolphin house for a nice sit down lunch. Select from our Eight Item Lunch Menu when you check in and we will have it ready for you when you return. Menu includes:
Hot 'n Local Plates
Love Me Tenders: Boneless fried chicken with two scoops rice and one scoop macaroni.
I Got Stew Babe: A hearty bowl of beef stew with two scoops rice and one scoop macaroni.
Bento: Japanese style lunch box which includes a slice of Spam, teriyaki beef and a hot dog over rice
Subs 'n Chips
Stop! Hammertime: Deli ham sub sandwich with lettuce, tomato and cheese. A classic. Served with your choice of chips.
Signature Tuna: Sub sandwich with tuna salad atop a bed of tomato and lettuce. Delicious and oh so fresh. Served with your choice of chips.
Let's Talk Turkey: Deli turkey sub sandwich with lettuce, tomato and cheese. Another classic. Served with your choice of chips
Vegetarian
Veggie Sub: You no like the meat? No worries, we got a sub for you with lettuce, tomato, onion and mushrooms. Comes with your choice of chips.
Garden Salad: A lighter fare with lettuce, tomato, mushrooms, cucumbers and croutons for crunch.
All items come with your choice of beverage: assorted sodas, juice and bottled water.
Special Events
Wednesday, November 10, 2010 - Dolphin Excursions participated in a SAR (Search And Rescue) scenario involving Ocean Safety, the US Air Force, US Coast Guard and the Fire Department. We are very honored to have been a part of this event that familiarized a west coast tourism operator(us), on how to be proactive when a person is in need of emergency services. Our vessel Nai'a 1 and crew volunteered to be the simulation tour boat that called in the emergency... MAHALO to all involved!
Learn More
Click on the links below to learn about:
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- One Excursion offered daily with departure no later than 11:00 am with hotel pickups between 8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
- Check in is at 10:00 am at the Waianae Boat Harbor located on the west shore of Oahu, off Hwy 93.
- Later excursions depart at 2 p.m. and are customized upon request. Please contact us by calling directly if you are interested in a later excursion time.
- Excursions are lead by seasoned island naturalists with years of experience on the Waianae Coast.
- Personalized, unhurried excursions are our specialty. Excursions last 3 hours and are limited to 22 guests.
- Lunch! Select from an eight item menu including hot n' local meals, vegetarian, or subs and chips. All meals come with a choice of beverage.
- Cost is $120 per adult, and $85 per child (4 - 12 yrs old), with a 10% discount applied to the adult cost if you meet us at the boat harbor.
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