Top Hawaii Swim with Dolphins

There are plenty of ways to spot dolphins in Hawaii. According to travelers and customer reviews, these are some of the best dolphin-watching tours in Hawaii:

• Swim with Dolphins in the West Coast Line of Oahu
• Wild Dolphin Watching and Snorkel Safari Off West Coast of Oahu
• Kaimana Ocean Safari
• Oahu: Swim with Dolphins, Turtle Snorkel, Waterslide Activities
• Oahu: 3 Hour Dolphin Swim and Snorkeling Speedboat Tour

Various dolphin species make their home in Hawaii’s waters, including spinner and bottlenose. You can sometimes see these two types of dolphins from land, as they are known to hug the coastline. A Hawaii dolphin-watching tour will get you out on the water, where you might see both these and deep-water spotted and rough-toothed dolphins play in your boat’s wake.

Dolphins frolic year-round in Hawaiian waters—especially along the coasts of Oahu and the Big Island—so there’s a good chance you’ll spot one no matter what month you visit. For the calmest waters and best visibility, however, book a dolphin-watching tour in the dry season from April through October. Set off in the morning or late afternoon for the optimal light conditions; these are also the most active times of day for the local dolphin populations.

It’s illegal to approach or swim within 50 yards (45 meters) of spinner dolphins off the shores of Hawaii, and tours respect this federal NOAA regulation by giving these wild animals a wide berth. Passengers can observe their behavior from on deck or dive in to swim outside this minimum distance, depending on the type of boat tour. Spinner and bottlenose dolphins often approach the coastline and can be spotted from beaches, but avoid chasing or crowding them if you find yourself nearby.

Dolphins can be spotted in the water surrounding all of the Hawaiian islands. That said, the Big Island of Hawaii and Oahu offer the most Hawaii dolphin-watching tours, where an experienced boat captain will take you out to areas of the water where they are known to frolic.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Hawaii aside from swim with dolphins tours. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Helicopter Tours
• Snorkeling
• Ziplining
• Surfing Lessons
• Parasailing

Hawaii swim with dolphins tour prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now:

• Dolphin, Sea Cave & Captain Cook Snorkel Combo in Kealakekua Bay
• Swim with Dolphins on the West Coast of Oahu
• Offshore Safari Adventure in Kona with Underwater Photos
• Wild Dolphin Watching and Snorkel Safari Off West Coast of Oahu
• Deluxe Catamaran Swim with Dolphins in Oahu with Waterslide

Most Hawaii swim with dolphins tours take place in the open ocean, where you’ll encounter wild dolphins in their natural habitat. These tours are typically offered on Oahu and the Big Island and often include snorkeling at nearby reefs. Many tours have age or swimming ability requirements, so check the details carefully. Book early—these experiences are popular and fill up fast.

Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, and a dry bag for your belongings. Be ready to snorkel in deep water, and listen closely to your guide—they’ll explain how to respectfully observe dolphins without disturbing them. For the best experience, choose a morning tour when ocean conditions are calmer and dolphins are most active.

Swim-with-dolphins experiences in Hawaii fit any budget, starting with short, shared excursions such as this Dolphin, Sea Cave & Captain Cook Snorkel Combo in Kealakekua Bay for less than US$95 per person. Half-day shared excursions will cost you around US$250 per person, while private charters with the boat reserved for just you and your party are more of a splurge at almost US$2,000 per group.

Yes, a few island resorts offer interactive experiences with captive dolphins in natural or artificial habitats on site. These programs are structured and closely supervised to ensure the safety of both participants and the animals, and operate under strict animal welfare certification standards. Wild-ocean experiences, on the other hand, take place in the dolphins’ natural habitat in the open waters surrounding Hawaii and the animals are not held or bred in captivity.

Hawaii swim-with-dolphins excursions take place on the open sea and feature wild animals in their natural habitat. Unfortunately, dolphins don’t keep regular hours, so boat tours can’t guarantee that you’ll be able to spot a pod during your time on the water. Local companies do, however, know the spots where the animals are known to frequent and you can time your tour for early morning or late afternoon to increase your chances of a sighting.

Though many tours are family-friendly, check minimum age and swimming-ability requirements before booking; some excursions may have restrictions. Boat tours that focus on dolphin spotting from on board, include perks such as flotation gear or water toys, and offer restrooms and other services are especially welcoming for tots and non-swimmers.