Top Hawaii Dolphin Watching in 2026

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.

Get an up-close view of Maui’s coastal scenery—and leave the mainland behind for half a day of exploration—on this immersive snorkeling excursion. Visit Molokini Crater and Turtle Town, snorkeling with professionally fitted gear and enjoying tropical juices, snacks, and a light lunch included. This convenient package covers all snorkel equipment and refreshments, so you don't have to worry about packing supplies.

If you want to spot manta rays in Hawaii, don't settle for operators who take you to overcrowded sites. On this snorkeling tour, the veteran crew adjusts locations daily based on actual manta sightings—north or south—maximizing your chances of close encounters. Wetsuit and gear included, with in-water guides providing safety and education throughout.

Discover two of the best snorkel spots in Kona on this early morning tour departing from Keauhou Bay. Explore the coral gardens alongside many different fish species, and on your return to the shore, your guide will provide a history of the Captain Cook Monument and Place of Refuge. Book ahead to guarantee your spot.

Embark on an evening adventure and swim near Hawaii’s manta rays. Start the tour with a sunset sail on a comfortable catamaran to ‘Manta Ray Village’. After a safety briefing, put on your snorkel gear and spend an hour in the water using a state-of-the-art, lit up flotation device to stay on the water’s surface and observe the manta rays bellow as they feed on plankton.

This half-day boat cruise takes you to the two best snorkeling sites in Kealakekua Bay: The reef beneath Captain Cook's monument and the underwater lava formations of Red Hill. In addition to breakfast and lunch, your guides provide all necessary equipment, basic snorkeling tips, and identification charts to help you spot fish and dolphins in their natural habitat. Don’t forget your camera—the route showcases sweeping views of the Kona coastline.

Set sail down the Kona coastline aboard a catamaran, arriving in the Kealakekua Bay Marine Preserve for an afternoon of snorkeling. Splash into the turquoise waters near the Captain Cook Monument, and search for pods of spinner dolphins that frequent the bay. All equipment is provided along with light snacks and reef-safe sunscreen to make the trip convenient.

Enjoy the rare opportunity to see wild manta rays in their natural environment along Hawaii's Kona coast. This small-group cruise includes a brief canoe ride on a historically accurate Hawaiian canoe. Set sail at night when the manta rays are most active and use a lighted floatation device to attract plankton—the rays' food of choice. With a guide to ensure a safe experience, head into the water to float and snorkel as you admire the rays in action.

Get the opportunity to spot dolphins and, depending on the season, humpback whales on your next Maui trip. Choose from three small-group eco raft tours from Maui to Lanai, including a snorkel tour, dolphin excursion, or 2-in-1 combo. Enjoy snorkeling instruction, marine naturalist narration, and complimentary fresh fruit, snacks, and beverages, with departures from Front Street in Lahaina and easy access from nearby resort areas.

Sail on a catamaran down Oahu's western coast during this cruise from Ko Olina. Glide through unspoiled waters in search of dolphins and whales, then snorkel in a hidden local spot rich with marine life. Enjoy a Hawaiian buffet with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, plus convenient hotel pickup. Choose from three daily departure times.

Step aboard a 54 foot catamaran for a dolphin and turtle cruise from A-Bay that includes snorkeling gear and assistance from on board snorkel guides. Since the catamaran has ample deck space and shaded areas to relax, it’s a comfortable, uncrowded way to cruise the coast, and you’ll have the chance to spot humpback whales during the whale watching months of December through April.

Cruise along Oahu’s western coastline in search of dolphins on this exciting snorkel tour from Waianae. Don your snorkel gear and slip into the water to swim with these playful creatures, while maintaining a safe distance. You can also enjoy ocean activities like paddleboarding, or our 21-foot (6.4-meter) water slide built right into our boat during your adventure.

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.

The dramatic sea cliffs and black and white sand beaches of the Kona Coast make a magnificent backdrop for a boat cruise. On this tour, set sail on board a 53-foot catamaran and look out for dolphins, sea turtles, and migrating whales. Dive in to swim and snorkel, then tuck into lunch onboard and admire the views as you glide along the coast.

With 17 miles of pure shoreline splendor—4,000-foot cliffs, emerald valleys, cathedral spires—Kauai’s Na Pali coast claims some of the country’s best sailing and snorkeling. On this tour, you’ll cross both off your list, hopping aboard a sailing catamaran for an unforgettable adventure. Between sitting down to breakfast and lunch, you’ll spot whales, snorkel amongst turtles and rays, and see one of the most spectacular coastlines on the planet.

Escape the hustle and bustle of land and soak up the sun and ocean breeze while taking in the sights of the Kona coastline on this sailing trip aboard a comfortable 53-foot catamaran. As you glide across the blue water, keep an eye out for marine wildlife such as dolphins and humpback whales during migratory season. Enjoy a full premium bar with tropical cocktails, beer, wine, soda, and juice on board.

This "safari" style trip lets you avoid the crowds typical of many boat tours. In a small group, head out along the Kona coastline in search of marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, and whales. When the crew finds the right spot, you can put on your snorkeling gear, jump off, and explore the underwater world. The tour lasts about four hours and includes snacks and bottled water.

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.

Skip the crowded whale-watching cruises by choosing a more intimate tour with a maximum of just six travelers. From Honolulu, you'll board a high-speed inflatable boat that can cover more of the ocean and travel faster than big boats can. Humpback whales can pop up anywhere, so a speedier boat is an advantage for whale-spotting.

Turtle Canyon is a popular Oahu spot for seeing Hawaiian green sea turtles, but reaching the reef takes some planning. This snorkeling cruise from Waikiki handles the logistics for you, taking you by boat to the offshore site, where you can swim among tropical fish and look for turtles in their natural habitat.

Combine adventure, relaxation, and scenery in one seamless experience. This catamaran cruise departs from Oahu's Ko Olina Marina and takes you on a smooth journey over crystal-clear waters that are rich in coral and tropical fish, and often visited by wild dolphins. Snorkel, rinse off, and enjoy a Hawaiian-style buffet on board. As the sun sets, unwind on deck and watch the sky glow with brilliant colors.

Join us for an unforgettable West Maui Snorkel & Sail adventure! Departing from Maalaea Harbor, we’ll explore the coastline, stopping at the day’s best snorkeling spots to discover vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, and diverse marine life. After a thrilling underwater experience, enjoy a delicious deli-style lunch and drinks. With stunning views and a relaxing sail, this excursion offers the perfect mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation.

Check out the volcanic Molokini Crater and the reefs around it on this group snorkel and whale watching adventure from Kihei. Your captain and crew take care of logistics, like finding the best snorkel spots, all your gear, refreshments, and your speedboat. See how many stingrays, starfish, and other wildlife you can spot underwater, and between December 15 and March 30, keep your eyes peeled for migrating whales.

This small-group Zodiac tour, limited to 14 guests, offers an adventurous front-row seat aboard twin 25-foot Hurricane boats trusted by Navy SEALs. Glide across Kauai’s pristine waters for exceptional whale and dolphin viewing, while guides share insights about marine life and ecosystems. Ideal for adventure-loving families and wildlife enthusiasts, this tour provides an up-close experience of Kauai’s winter visitors.