Top Hawaii Dolphin Watching in 2026

Maximize your chances of seeing humpback whales by embarking on a catamaran cruise from Lahaina Harbor. In the company of certified marine naturalists and marine biologists who provide insights into whale behavior, head out onto the water in search of the gentle giants. Snacks and drinks are available on board upon purchase.

Snorkeling in Molokini Crater is a frequent bucket-list experience for Hawaii visitors. Here in this submerged volcano off Maui’s southern coastline, more than 250 species of fish inhabit a world-class reef. Experience water so exceptionally clear you can see down 75 feet (23 meters), and swim with schools of tropical fish. This half-day tour from Maalaea Harbor takes care of all the logistics for you.

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.

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.

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.

Discover the beauty of Oahu from a different perspective—the water—during an afternoon sail on a catamaran with an open bar. Keep an eye out for a variety of marine life such as dolphins and whales, and see local landmarks including the Diamond Head Lighthouse. Catch a glimpse of Diamond Head and Koko Crater, and if the conditions are right, see all the way to Molokai, Maui, and Lanai.

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.

Go snorkeling at Molokini--you may eve spot whales--with this combination boat tour that includes searching for whales and getting in the water. You'll depart later in the morning after the crowds have come and gone, making for a more intimate experience. You'll also get free use of snorkeling equipment provided by your expert guides.

Hit the waves in Waikiki, arguably the place where surfing was born, and the spot. During this surf lesson in Waikiki—which is limited to just five participants—you'll learn about surfing techniques, culture, and etiquette before you hit the water and (with luck) ride some waves back to the shore.

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 on the Pacific—and see if you can spot whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life—on this family-friendly catamaran cruise. In the morning, head to the Honolulu waterfront, hop aboard your vessel, and set sail along the Waikiki shore. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views over the water, all while your guide looks out for migratory humpback whales.

Enjoy a new perspective on Oahu's coastal beauty—and a more immersive way to explore—on this half-day kayaking tour of Kailua Bay. Choose between small-group or self-guided options when booking this flexible, half-day eco-adventure. Look forward to visiting the top-rated Lanikai Beach and the Mokulua Islands (self-led tour only). This tour includes all kayaking and snorkeling equipment.

Snorkel with green sea turtles in Oahu's Turtle Canyon on this tour departing from Waikiki. Board a power catamaran and sail along the shore of Oahu towards the island's best place to spot the resident turtles. Turtle sightings are guaranteed; if a turtle is not sighted, you will be given a free second cruise. The midday tour includes lunch and complimentary alcoholic drinks, while the morning tour offers unlimited soft drinks.

It's certainly impressive to see marine life in a science museum or aquarium, but for an unbeatable look at sea creatures in the wild, don't miss this Maui whale watching adventure. You hop aboard your raft boat and head out to sea, where you try to spot whales in their natural habitat. As you coast near the animals the tour slows down, and you can hear the whale's singing through the boat's hydrophone.

Escape Maui’s busiest beaches and discover Lanai’s vibrant marine habitats on a small-group snorkeling adventure. Depart from Lahaina Harbor to explore multiple snorkel sites where you may encounter dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and tropical fish. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks, and snorkeling equipment are included, so you can focus on the water instead of the details. Whale watching is included during migration season from December to April.

This combination snorkeling and sailing adventure is perfect for families and nature enthusiasts. Swim with green sea turtles, tropical fish, and other marine life in Turtle Bay near Honolulu. Next, enjoy a cruise around Diamond Head in search of spinner dolphins, and in the winter months, humpback whales. Have some complimentary drinks and snacks as you savor the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Fly across the ocean on an exhilarating guided Zodiac raft ride along the gorgeous Na Pali coast. The raft’s small size allows you to get into hard-to-reach sea caves, plus you’ll ogle pristine beaches, gushing waterfalls, and sheer cliffs. This ocean adventure isn’t for the light-hearted, but the Zodiac rafts provide a thrilling and memorable way to explore this magnificent coastline from the water, as your captain and crew ensure your safety.

Dive into the waters off Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii on this scuba excursion, where the crew takes care of all the navigation and logistics. You’ll cruise by boat to marine-wildlife-rich areas, home to dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles, and colorful coral. Enjoy a two-tank scuba diving adventure in one of the world’s best diving areas. There are snacks and beverages on board for convenience.

Snorkel, swim, and relax on the waters of the Big Island, Hawaii, with this private boat charter. You’ll have snorkel gear provided, so no need to bring that. Your captain will take you to Kealakekua Bay for some excellent snorkelling. Enjoy provided snacks, water, and soft drinks while you spend around half a day on the water.

Stand up paddleboarding is an excellent and relaxing way to soak up the sights and atmosphere of Maui. If you've never done it before, test the waters by booking this private lesson on the calm waters of Makena Bay. Learn all the tips and tricks, spot sea turtles, and enjoy the flexibility of deciding when to paddle and when to take a break.

Skip crowded whale-watching trips for this small-group tour on a “Super Raft”—a smaller vessel positioned closer to the water for optimal viewing. Listen to onboard narration from a marine expert naturalist as you cruise out of Lahaina Harbor. Travel on a raft with padded seating, shaded areas, a restroom, and a hydrophone projecting live whale songs. Enjoy longer viewing time as the raft travels quickly to whale areas during peak migration season.

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.

Hop on a raft and head out into the ocean to look for whales with this adventure. You’ll depart from Kihei and set sail, getting up close and personal (up to 100 yards away) from migratory whales. You can even listen to their songs via a hydrophone that’s kept on the raft for that very purpose.

Snorkel and swim with green sea turtles—and leave the logistics to someone else—on this boat adventure to Maui’s Turtle Town. Set sail from Kihei and enjoy a breakfast of local banana bread and coffee on the boat. You’ll head to several excellent snorkeling spots in Turtle Town and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and humpback whales (in season).