Top Hawaii Dolphin Watching

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.

Experience Hawaii's underwater world on this half-day adventure tour. Cruise on a Zodiac RIB speedboat with just 14 fellow explorers before snorkeling at Captain Cook Monument's coral reef and sea caves (weather permitting) and discovering lava tubes and coves—all 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.

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.

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.

Discover the beauty of Oahu's coastal scenery—and spot its marine life, including pods of dolphins—on this half-day swimming and snorkeling boat tour. Following pickup from your hotel, head to your catamaran and hop aboard. After you set sail, embark on a swimming or snorkeling session to see fish, octopuses, and other marine life in its natural habitat.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore Lanai’s hidden coves, reefs, and sea cliffs with a small group instead of joining a crowded snorkeling cruise. Two snorkel stops offer opportunities to spot dolphins, turtles, octopus, manta rays, and other marine life, while winter departures may include whale watching. Every tour also supports local marine research and whale rescue efforts.

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. Hawaian Hula, Snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddle boards are available onboard to help you get the most of this outing. Hotel transport included.

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.

Swap the crowds of Waikiki Beach for a relaxed Hawaiian sunset cruise experience. Relax with included snacks, soft drinks, and coolers with ice for any additional beverages you bring as you cruise along the Waikiki coastline toward Diamond Head while the sun dips into the ocean. Look out for pods of dolphins and large Hawaiian green sea turtles that frequent the surface.

Sail along the Leeward Coast of Oahu on this morning cruise. Snorkel with an expert guide and watch for spinner dolphins on this family-friendly adventure off the scenic southwestern coast of the island. This excursion, complete with spectacular scenery and fun water activities includes breakfast and lunch

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.

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.

Spend the morning on the water off the Maui coast aboard a 64-foot catamaran sailing to Lanai’i. The expert crew will find the best reefs to snorkel so you can see incredible underwater sea life. After your snorkel, return to the boat for lunch and stunning sea views in the golden afternoon light. Look out for playful spinner dolphins on the sail back to Maui.

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.

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.

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.