Top Hawaii Dolphin Watching in 2026

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.

Oahu's Turtle Canyon is teeming with Hawaiian green sea turtles (known locally as *honu*), but it's difficult to access on your own. Skip the stress and board this catamaran cruise that departs from the only pier in Waikiki. Learn about the life, behavior, and cultural significance of the sea turtles, then jump into Turtle Canyon's protected tropical waters to swim among them.

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.

Experience the picturesque beauty of an Oahu sunset the way it was meant to be seen—from the water while sailing on a catamaran. On this 2-hour cruise, watch for dolphins and whales, and enjoy a delicious charcuterie box with complimentary cocktails. This sailing experience is ideal for couples looking for a romantic evening on the water or families wanting to create lasting vacation memories.

Set out from Oahu’s scenic North Shore to the depths of the big blue Pacific, where you have the chance to observe wild sharks from inside an underwater shark cage. Thanks to your professional, experienced crew, the Oahu shark dive is completely safe as they know the predators’ behavior, and the underwater cage provides proven safety against all different species of sharks. Whether you’re in the cage with sharks right in front of you or watching from up in the boat, Oahu shark diving is a Hawaii activity you’ll definitely never forget.

Get up close with humpback whales near the Big Island of Hawaii on this guided, whale watching excursion. During Hawaii's whale season, the ocean is full of activity from humpback whales migrating from the Pacific Northwest to breed and nurse their young. Hear the whales with a hydrophone and learn about their behavior patterns from the certified naturalist guide. Snacks and light refreshments are provided.

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.

Kealakekua Bay is one of Hawaii's best marine sanctuaries, often crowded with visitors. This snorkeling tour lets you avoid the crowds by taking you out onto the bay in a Zodiac raft, which can reach places bigger boats can't go. Enjoy reef-safe sunscreen provided at the office before the trip and snacks including sandwiches. Once in the water, explore the marine life-filled world beneath the bay's crystal-clear water.

Cruises are offered all day and night in Hawaii, but one of the best times to go on one is at sunset. This Waikiki Sunset Cruise takes you on the water to see the city, Diamond Head, and the ocean all at sunset. Plus, music, snacks, and soda provide a relaxing environment as you cruise.

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.

Take a break from the crowded beaches and head out on the water for a half-day sail along the Kona Coast aboard a spacious catamaran. Take advantage of multiple onboard amenities such as the shaded cabin and sunny splash nets as you sail to Kealakekua Bay. See the Captain Cook Monument and don your snorkel gear for the chance to observe vibrant coral and tropical fish.

Get a different perspective on Oahu by riding your own self-propelled electric submarine scooter through Maunalua Bay. Cruise past Diamond Head Crater, Koolau Mountain Range, and Koko Crater on a comfortable catamaran before an underwater adventure spotting green sea turtles, tropical fish, and coral reefs. After diving, relax on the boat with snacks and drinks while enjoying island stories.

Discover Waikiki on a 2.5-hour snorkeling adventure on a luxurious yacht, complete with a delicious lunch. Set sail to start exploring the clear waters of Waikiki. Relax and soak up the stunning views, all while sipping on a refreshing beverage. Dive into the magnificent ocean with top-of-the-line snorkeling gear and discover the incredible marine life that awaits. This private tour guarantees a personalized experience, allowing you to unwind and enjoy the beauty of Hawaii.

Head out to sea for the chance to see migrating whales with this two-hour excursion from Lahaina. Your group will sail off to the waters of the Maui Nui whale sanctuary, a mating and birthing destination for humpback whales. Best of all, you're guaranteed to see the gargantuan sea mammals or you'll get to go on another trip for free.

Have a unique Big Island experience snorkeling with manta rays on this tour. Take a short cruise out to the snorkeling site before dipping into the water to watch the manta rays up close. All necessary equipment will be provided for your excursion, as well as light refreshments and snacks. If you don't see manta rays on this excursion, book again for another night, free of charge.

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.

Go snorkeling on the south shore of Oahu with this small-group, half-day adventure. Join your guide for a swim and snorkel in Turtle Canyon and observe a wide variety of marine life including dolphins, turtles, rays, octopus, fish, and even sharks. Visit different, lively snorkel sites during one half-day tour. All snorkel gear and wetsuits are included. Hotel pick-up and drop off are not included.

Explore the vibrant waterscape of Hawaii on this 2-site diving experience with rental gear included. Launching conveniently from Honolulu, board Dive Oahu’s spacious boat, with free snacks and refreshments provided. Once out at sea, an experienced PADI-certified guide kicks off the excursion with a relaxing surface interval before leading you through a famous deep wreck and shallow reef teeming with marine life.

Skip crowded boat tours for this small-group snorkeling excursion with a good chance to encounter dolphins. Cruise out from Lahaina Harbor across the Au’au channel to the Island of Lana’i. Snorkel among tropical fish, sea turtles, manta rays, and possibly dolphins—it’s estimated that dolphins are encountered near the island’s clear and calm waters around 85 percent of the time. Lunch is served onboard at one of the snorkel sites.

Enjoy a unique perspective on Oahu, and catch one of Hawaii’s famous sunsets from the water, on this sunset catamaran cruise from Honolulu Enjoy a barefoot boarding from Waikiki Beach, then sip on a beer, wine, or cocktail from the onboard open bar as you admire the unobstructed views of the coastline and the sun setting into the ocean.

Soar over the sparkling waters of Oahu, and check off a major Hawaii bucket-list item, on this small-group parasailing excursion in Waikiki. Hop aboard your boat; when it's your turn, soar up into the skies with one or two other people for five to eight minutes. Then, spend the rest of your time on the water admiring the scenery, and looking out for dolphins, sea turtles, and other wildlife.

Stop wasting time on short charters that end just when the fish start biting. This private 5-hour experience maximizes your chances in waters where 1,000+ pound marlin are caught year-round—the only place on Earth with that record. Your captain consults with you before departure to match your specific goals, whether that's trophy marlin or simply enjoying Hawaii's marine life and coastline without the crowds.

Snorkel with green sea turtles in Oahu—and leave the logistics to someone else—on this multi-watersport adventure. You’ll board a 45-foot catamaran and head out into the Pacific where you’ll have time to snorkel, use standup paddleboards, kayak, and try underwater electric sea scooters. After, enjoy snacks and drinks while you relax on the boat as it returns to Honolulu.

See the Na Pali Coast, an enchanting stretch of Kauai that is only accessible by boat, hiking trail, or helicopter, with this express tour. You'll hop aboard a speedy boat and head out to sea, where you'll take in views of the coastline and surrounding waters--you may even spot a dolphin. As an added bonus, beer, wine, and mai tais will be served on board.