Top Hawaii Dolphin Watching in 2026

Get an up-close look at marine life on this tour, which trades in a typical sightseeing boat for a low-to-the-water Zodiac raft that offers superior views. Keep an eye out for dolphins in the summer or whales in November and May, or simply take in the scenery while listening to live narration from a naturalist guide.

Cruise the Big Island coastline aboard a fast Zodiac RIB boat on this adventure that takes you to hidden sea caves, lava tubes, and scenic spots that you wouldn't be able to access on your own. Snorkel pristine coral reefs at Kealakekua Bay, a protected marine sanctuary and site of the historic Captain Cook Monument, and keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and other marine life.

Experience the magic of whale watching off the coast of Maui with this incredible tour from Ma'alaea Harbor. Spend two-hours cruising the waters with a team of certified marine naturalists and listen in as they unlock the secretes of humpback whales. You'll have the chance to hear whale songs through underwater hydrophones and learn about interactions between these giant marine mammals. Travelers are guaranteed to see whales on this is a once-in-a-lifetime tour or the next trip is free.

Cruise along west Oahu’s pristine shoreline to see the spinner dolphins, humpback whales (seasonally), and other marine creatures that frequent the Waianae Coast. Your 32-foot USCG vessel is led by a lifeguard-certified crew of marine biologists and naturalists, maximizing your chances of spotting Hawaii’s underwater wildlife. Plus, with snorkeling gear included, you can choose to swim alongside tropical fish and sea turtles, too.

Experience Hawaii's underwater world on this 3-hour adventure tour. Cruise on a Zodiac RIB speedboat with just 14 fellow explorers before snorkeling at two vibrant coral reef locations including Captain Cook Monument and sea caves (weather permitting). Discover lava tubes and coves while watching for wild dolphins and whales, though wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. All snorkel gear, flotation devices, pineapple, and water are included; gratuities and hotel pick-up are not included.

Experience Oahu's Ocean highlights aboard a double-decker boat during this tour that features a variety of activities on the water. Enjoy dolphin watching from multiple angles before going for an underwater adventure at a prime snorkeling spot. Your boat features a 21-foot (6.4-meter) water slide, a floating mat, stand-up paddle boards, and all the snorkeling gear you'll need. Swim alongside wild sea creatures and indulge in a delightful lunch as you soak up the sun.

Enjoy one of Hawaii's most magical experiences on this small-group snorkeling tour in Turtle Canyon. Board a powerful catamaran in Waikiki and head for the protected waters where turtles gather. Cruise the coastline watching for spinner dolphins and humpback whales in season, and learn fascinating facts about Hawaii’s marine wildlife. Jump off board to swim around sea turtles and tropical fish—and if you don't see turtles, you can take a second tour at no additional cost.

Leave your preconceptions about sharks at the door and get up close to these sleek creatures on this unique ocean experience. Head out from Haleiwa, on the North Shore of O’ahu, and spend around half an hour swimming with the sharks living in the area. Don’t worry, though: even if you aren’t swimming in a cage, you’re still in safe hands, with a guide on board and a safety diver swimming with each group.

Glide under the stars as giant manta rays dance beneath you, their 15-foot wingspans illuminated like underwater angels. This sunset-to-starlight tour includes a short cruise from Honokohau Harbor, warm wetsuits, high-powered lights, snacks, and onboard washrooms. With nearly guaranteed manta sightings, you'll experience Hawaii’s Pacific ballet hassle-free.

Get the chance to see and swim with sea turtles on this small-group snorkel tour to Turtle Canyon from Honolulu. Take a high-speed zodiac boat to the famous turtle hang-out spot where you use your top-of-the-line snorkel gear to observe the majestic creatures up close alongside skilled dive masters. You also have the opportunity to spot other marine life like dolphins, monk seals, and tropical fish.

In the clear waters of West Oahu, enjoy dolphin watching and snorkeling experience and get to see the wildlife and tropical island fishes. You might also see Hawaiian sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals and mantas. You will board a spacious 42 passenger catamaran boat to cruise the West Coast of Oahu searching for wild dolphins. This double-hulled catamaran features a comfortable and stable ride as you relax and take in the breathtaking views of the ocean and the mountains. Dolphin watching & snorkel tour is very easy even for beginners, perfect choice for families with small children. *This tour is dolphin watching. After watching the dolphins from the boat, you can enjoy snorkeling. If you want to swim with dolphins, click on the "by Indigo Ocean Hawaii" link at the top to book our other tour, 【Swim with Dolphins in the West Coast line of Oahu】 *Whale watching is available only during the winter season, from December 15 through March.

View dolphins in their natural habitat and swim within safe viewing distance to turtles and green sea turtles on this popular Oahu snorkel cruise from Honolulu. Sail into waters home to spinner dolphins, and then glide alongside colorful fish. Hawaiian Hula, Snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddle boards are available onboard to help you get the most of this outing. Hotel transport included.

Make the most of your time in port on this Kona shore excursion timed to your cruise's arrival and departure. Get picked up from the port and head out on a sailing adventure to the Captain Cook Monument and Kealkeaua Bay where you can snorkel, swim, and explore caves and lava tubes. Expect to see spinner dolphins, sea turtles, colorful fish, and ancient reefs. Lunch, snacks, and use of snorkeling gear are all included.

Head out on an epic adventure along one of the world's most magnificent coastlines. From your comfortable vantage point on a 37-foot (11 meter) Naiad Super Raft, enjoy spectacular views of the 17-mile-long Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park. Explore sea caves and private beaches—accessible only by raft—and snap photos of majestic cathedrals (the cliffs that tower over Kalalau Valley). As you journey along the water, keep an eye out for the marine life that inhabits the area, including dolphins and whales. Each trip (weather permitting) includes time to take a dip and snorkel amongst tropical fish and sea turtles.

Have the opportunity to admire wild manta rays in their natural habitat on this evening cruise. Go on a 3-minute boat ride after dark, when the manta rays come out to feed on plankton, and use a custom-made light board with 300,000 lm that attracts the rays. Float through the warm waters to watch as the rays swim and feed, and learn more about the majestic creatures from your guide.

Maui has some fantastic marine life, but large boats can scare creatures off. This small-group tour gets you closer to wildlife such as turtles and dolphins, without the crowds of traditional boat tours, but still has the benefit of an onboard marine naturalist guide to provide commentary and answer questions.

Skip the 150-person cruises and go whale-watching on an intimate vessel—better for you, better for the whales. Depart from Ka'anapali Beach at 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, and enjoy Hawaiian views and talks from the onboard animal behaviorist until the splashing and spouting distract your eye. Going out in both calm and choppy waters, with any luck, you’ll get up close and personal with these titanic-hearted creatures.

Take the chance to dive into the crystal-clear waters of Oahu and experience snorkeling alongside wildlife during this luxurious catamaran tour. Keep an eye out for turtles as you explore Waikiki's Turtle Canyon. Then, take a break to relax before going paddleboarding, kayaking, and sea scooter riding. Guided by a passionate and knowledgeable team, embark on a fun adventure in nature with convenient hotel pickup available within Waikiki included.

Increase your chances of seeing humpbacks as they travel through Maui’s warm waters on a whale-watching excursion that gets you closer to the majestic beasts than possible on shore. Hop aboard a sturdy raft in Kihei with an expert naturalist as your guide, and jet to the southern coastline, which hosts one of the highest whale populations in Hawaii. Your guide provides commentary about these fascinating creatures along the way.

Kauai’s rugged Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park is completely impassable by car and treacherous on foot. This guided boat tour solves that problem by taking you straight to remote sea caves, hidden waterfalls, and towering sea cliffs by Zodiac raft. Skip the navigation guesswork and let your crew guide you to sheltered reefs for snorkeling and maximize your chances of encountering wild dolphins and seasonal whales along the way.

If you’re tired of crowded beaches and uncertain snorkel spots, join this escape from Kailua-Kona to swim in crystal-clear waters where dolphins play and tropical fish thrive. With your guide leading the way, you’ll discover the hidden treasures of Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii's premier snorkeling sanctuary. Perfect for beginners and expert snorkelers alike, all gear is provided—just bring your sense of underwater wonder.

On this exciting Big Island whale-watching tour, experience the thrill of traveling aboard a high-speed raft—and then seeing a whale swimming and splashing just beyond the boat. Surrounded by panoramic views of the Pacific, your captain will try to woo (safely and according to regulations) these gigantic creatures close enough for you to snap incredible photos—and maybe even get you splashed.

Soar above Maui on an unforgettable small-group parasailing experience off Kaanapali Beach, with all safety gear and guidance included. You’ll get to soar above the sparkling water for a bird’s eye view as you cruise in a boat along the coastline. Enjoy incredible vistas of the gorgeous coastal scenery on this bucket list, fly-high adventure.