Quick Details
Adults (13+ years old)
$ 180
Children (4-12 years old, children under 4 not permitted)
$ 135
Kama'aina/Military (13+ years old)
$ 152
Private Charter (up to 16 persons)
$ 2430
Group Rate Adults (6 minimum)
Not available during holidays and spring break.
$180
$ 140
Take an Unforgettable Dolphin Excursion in Hawaii
We begin as Nai’a I departs from Waianae Boat Harbor and travels along the scenic west coast in search of wild 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. We follow guidelines that are dictated by Federal Law protecting these animals. We will make sure you observe these animals under an eco friendly leadership giving you a safe open ocean safari you will remember. We will snorkel at sites with Hawaiian Sea Turtles and tropical fish. We often encounter other species of dolphins such as Bottlenose and Spotted dolphins too. During the winter months, we may even get to see a Humpback Whale or two or several. Excursions are led by seasoned island naturalists with years of experience on the Waianae Coast.
Dolphin Excursion in Hawaii Overview
- Only 16 guests per tour! Plenty of room to relax.
- View multiple species of wild dolphins year round and humpback whales in the winter.
- Take incredible photographs of marine life. You can rent one of our Hero 9 or 10’s at check in for $40. You keep the SD card.
- Snorkel with tropical fish, and sea turtles at some of the best reefs Oahu’s west side has to offer.
- Deli lunch includes a sandwich choice with chips. A cooler full of cold, assorted non alcoholic beverages will be on the boat for you to freely help yourselves to.
- Please also feel free to pack your own food and beverages in addition if need. BYOB! We have small soft coolers you may borrow and free ice to top it off.
- Snorkel gear is provided, but bringing your own is fine too.
- Hotel transportation from Waikiki or Ko Olina hotels.
Frequently Asked Dolphin Excursion Questions
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Dolphin Excursions is one of Oʻahu’s original small-group dolphin tour operators, based on the island’s scenic west coast where conditions are calm and visibility is best for marine encounters. The tour departs from Wai‘anae Boat Harbor and focuses on observing wild Hawaiian spinner dolphins in their natural environment. Small group sizes, experienced captains, and certified guides ensure a personalized and respectful wildlife experience.
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Yes — all dolphins encountered on the tour are wild Hawaiian spinner dolphins. Our company follows strict NOAA guidelines to maintain safe and respectful distances. Guests do not chase or touch the dolphins; instead, the boat positions itself for passive observation as the dolphins choose to approach or swim nearby. The focus is on ethical, conservation-minded interaction.
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After viewing the dolphins, guests are taken to one or more of Oʻahu’s best reef sites to snorkel among colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine life. All snorkel gear and flotation devices are provided. Certified guides are in the water with you for safety and assistance, and beginners are welcome.
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Dolphins are present year-round along the west coast of Oʻahu, with morning tours offering the best conditions for calm seas and active pods. The early departure time increases the likelihood of seeing large groups of spinner dolphins resting and socializing in the area’s clear waters.
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All participants are provided with life vests and flotation devices, and trained crew members guide snorkelers in the water. The boat carries safety gear and emergency equipment as required by the U.S. Coast Guard. For guests uncomfortable in the water, observation from the boat is always an option.
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Yes, children ages 4 and older are welcome on the dolphin excursion. Families often join the tour, and the calm morning conditions on the west side make it an excellent experience for all ages.
Advisory: For children under the age of 4, they are not allowed on our public charters but we do allow them on private charters because these tours are at your own pace.
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In addition to spinner dolphins, guests frequently encounter Hawaiian green sea turtles, tropical reef fish, and occasionally humpback whales during the winter season (December through March). The west coast is known for its rich marine biodiversity.
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All snorkel gear (mask, fins, snorkel, flotation) is included. Guests should bring swimsuits, towels, reef-safe sunscreen, and cameras. Bottled water is typically provided.
- Snorkel gear: Gear is provided, but you may also bring your own. Mask (prescription masks available), snorkel, fins, and a life vest. Wet suits are available to rent for $10.00 at check-in. GoPros are available to rent for $40.00, you keep the SD card.
- Food and beverage: You will receive a cooler bag with a deli lunch including a sandwich choice and chips to go with you on the boat. We will have water and assorted juices on the boat in a cooler to help yourself.
- Soft coolers and ice: We have small, easy to carry soft coolers to stow any drinks or snacks you want to keep cold. We have complimentary ice for you to add to the bag once packed. The ice can be used for any personal coolers as well. This is available at check in where we get you are geared up. Just ask us when you get there.
- Dry bags: We will give you and your group dry bags to stow your dry goods like towels, phones and wallets. You can usually fit your own personal bag or back pack within these dry bags if need. We have two different sizes for use. Also available at check in.
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While dolphin sightings are common, encounters with wild animals can’t be guaranteed. Our company focuses on exploring multiple areas of the west coast to increase the chances of seeing them.
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The Dolphin Excursion lasts approximately 3 hours on the water, with check-in typically 30 minutes prior to departure at Wai‘anae Boat Harbor. Morning tours depart daily, weather permitting
- 30-minute check-in
- Three hours on the boat/snorkeling dock to dock
- Four hours total
- If opted for transport; Van drive out to location is about an hour.
- Van drive back to hotel is about one to one hour and thirty minutes depending on traffic. Traffic in and around Honolulu can be unpredictable, so we do not recommend booking another tour too close (within an hour) of our projected return time.
- Van drive back to hotel is about one to one hour and thirty minutes depending on traffic. Traffic in and around Honolulu can be unpredictable, so we do not recommend booking another tour too close (within an hour) of our projected return time.
Additional Tour Information
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Adults $152 plus tax
Military ID, Hawaii State ID, or Hawaii State Driver’s License must be presented at check in to obtain these discounted rates. Only those that carry these ID’s will be given this exclusive rate in any given group. If ID is not shown, the price difference will be collected at check in before boarding.
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Group rates are for parties of 6 or more adults. This rate is only applied to adult rates. Child rate is already discounted. This rate is not offered during our highly busy seasons during the late December holidays and late March breaks.
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Private Charters are a flat rate. Unlike public charters, there is no age limit. To book a private charter there must be no other pervious reservations already made for the date and time you desire. First come first serve since we only have one boat. So book well in advance if you are looking to book a private charter! There are no age restrictions for Private Charters.
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- Only offered on our Dolphin Excursion tours.
- No extra cost, it is included in the price.
- We can only pick up and drop off at hotels in Waikiki and Ko Olina.
- Transportation can now be set up when you book online. Just choose the hotel you are staying on the drop down menu. It may route you to a different hotel or pick up location so please read it through carefully. Not all hotels in Waikiki can be utilized by our vans.
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7:00 a.m. Boat Departure:
- If opted for transport. Pick up between 5:00 and 5:30 am.
- 6:30 am check in at the Waianae Boat Harbor, next to Spinners Cafe.
- 10:00 am return to dock at the same location.
- If opted for transport. Drop off between 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm depending on traffic.
10:30 a.m. Boat Departure:
- If opted for transport. Pick up between 8:30 and 9:00 am.
- 10:00 am check in at the Waianae Boat Harbor, next to Spinners Cafe.
- 1:30 pm return to dock at the same location
- If opted for transport. Drop off between 3:30 pm and 4:00 pm depending on traffic.
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Life Vests
Soaked and continuously dunked in a special shampoo specifically branded for cleaning wet suits, which have similar textile properties as life vests. Life Vests are left to dry naturally in the UV warmth of the sun.
Fins
Soaked and scrubbed in a solution of bleach and liquid detergent, then rinsed in water and laid out in the UV warmth of the sun to dry.
Masks and Snorkels
Soaked and scrubbed in a solution of bleach and liquid detergent, then rinsed in water. Both are then soaked for at least one minute in our Steramine sterilizing solution and kept inside to dry naturally. Once dry, each set is placed in a lidded, secure plastic container. This ensures that the masks and snorkel sets are not touched again after the sterilizing process until the next guest receives it.