Viator Rating : 5 (1683 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 7.9/10 (Solid Experience)
Honolulu
Oahu Dolphin Watch & Snorkel Tour with Water Slide!
180
Overview
West Oahu Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling Tour with Water Slide offers an unforgettable adventure on the west coast of Oahu! More than 300,000 guests have explored the crystal-clear waters and encountered wild spinner dolphins in their natural habitat. This tour combines thrilling water activities with Hawaiian culture.
Guests can dive into the ocean for a snorkeling session with Hawaiian green sea turtles and colorful tropical fish. The tour features a 20-foot water slide, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards for extra fun. After water activities, relax on the boat and enjoy an authentic Hawaiian hula performance by the crew. A complimentary lunch with sandwich options is provided!
Capture memories with a Hawaiian dolphin tattoo or a group photo with the crew against the beautiful West Oahu scenery. The excursion lasts approximately 3.5 hours on the boat, with an hour each way for transportation from Waikiki. This family-friendly tour is an ocean day that everyone will enjoy! 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (9 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Logistics (8 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Instagram Factor (9 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (6 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Upsell Risk (6 - Optional) : Upsells exist but avoidable
Mobility (7 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Highlights
See Dolphins in the Wild!: Watch playful spinner dolphins in their natural Hawaiian home.
Snorkel with Sea Turtles!: Swim alongside gentle Hawaiian green sea turtles and colorful fish.
Ride the Water Slide!: Enjoy a thrilling ride down a 20-foot water slide into the ocean.
Free Lunch and Drinks!: Enjoy a complimentary lunch with yummy choices.
Paddle and Kayak!: Try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in the clear waters.
Hotel Pickup!: Round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved seeing lots of dolphins up close.
-
Many enjoyed the fun water slide and snorkeling with turtles.
-
Guests appreciated the friendly and helpful crew.
-
The lunch and drinks were a nice bonus.
Some guests felt the boat was crowded.
-
A few people wished for more time snorkeling.
The Journey
Oahu's West Coast
The stunning west coast of Oahu is home to wild spinner dolphins and crystal-clear ocean waters, providing the perfect setting for dolphin watching and snorkeling.
Azure Waters of Oahu
These clear, blue waters are ideal for snorkeling and offer the chance to swim with sea turtles and tropical fish in their natural environment.
Know Before You Go
This exciting tour includes a dolphin watching cruise, snorkeling with sea turtles (equipment provided), a 20-foot water slide, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, lunch, and round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. This tour excludes wetsuit rentals (+$10 per person), gratuities, and outside alcoholic beverages. A photo package is available for purchase.
Hot Tip
Many reviewers recommend bringing reef-safe sunscreen to protect the ocean and your skin. Some suggest bringing an underwater camera to capture the amazing marine life you'll see!
Review Summary
Customers finds this Oahu Dolphin and Snorkel Tour highly praised for dolphin sightings, sea turtle snorkeling, and friendly crew with cultural elements like hula performances, often highlighting the convenience of Waikiki pickup and included lunch. Some mention occasional no-shows of dolphins due to wildlife nature, variable weather impacting snorkeling, and long travel times from Waikiki, but overall satisfaction remains high with over 300,000 guests.[3]
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
More like this
Oahu
$85
Waikiki Turtle Canyon Snorkel: Swim with Sea Turtles, Guaranteed!
5.0
(317 reviews)
Duration: 120
minutes
Small Group Turtle Canyon Snorkel in Waikiki offers an intimate experience with a maximum of six guests. Snorkel in protected waters, known for its sea turtle population. Enjoy hands-on instruction, provided snorkeling gear, onboard amenities and a guaranteed turtle sighting or your next trip is free! Perfect for all skill levels.
Maui
$80.6
Maui Whale Watch: Intimate Encounters on a Small-Group Raft
4.9
(624 reviews)
Duration: 120
minutes
Whale Watching Maui offers a unique, intimate 2-hour raft tour from Lahaina in the Maui Nui Whale Sanctuary. Witness humpbacks up close with a marine naturalist, guaranteed sightings (Dec-Apr), and hydrophone to listen to whale songs. An eco-friendly, family-owned business fostering ocean appreciation since 1992.
Oahu
$150
Oahu Shark Dive: Cage-Free Swim with Sharks!
4.9
(1048 reviews)
Duration: 105
minutes
Swim with Sharks Cage-Free from Oahu offers a thrilling adventure for anyone who wants to see sharks up close in their natural home. This isn't just a tour; it's a chance to safely swim with sharks without a cage, giving a new respect for these ocean creatures.
The adventure starts with a boat ride three miles off the North Shore of O'ahu, an area the tour operator's family has known for generations. Once there, a safety diver guides participants into the water for a 30-minute swim alongside sharks and other sea animals. Using only snorkel gear, the experience feels as natural as possible, helping to change fears into understanding.
This tour includes free photos and videos, so guests can remember their time swimming with sharks. It's a small-group experience, making sure everyone has a good view and feels safe. With a low cancellation rate and excellent quality, this tour promises an unforgettable experience on the water.
Maui
$175
Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Encounter: 4-Hour Maui Adventure
4.9
(927 reviews)
Duration: 240
minutes
The Ultimate 4 Hour Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Encounter offers an unforgettable adventure off the coast of Maui. This small-group tour takes guests on a thrilling rafting excursion to the island of Lanai, known for its pristine waters and abundant marine life. It's a chance to escape the crowds and discover hidden coves and vibrant coral reefs.
Imagine gliding through crystal-clear waters, surrounded by playful dolphins and colorful fish. This tour provides opportunities to snorkel in some of the best spots around Lanai and Maui, carefully selected by experienced captains. During whale migration months (December-April), the trip also includes whale watching, offering the chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Operated by a locally owned company since 1982, this tour emphasizes a personal connection and a commitment to marine conservation. Guests will enjoy provided snorkeling gear, flotation devices, snacks, and drinks. Every ticket supports active marine research and the whale entanglement response team, making this experience both enjoyable and impactful.
Maui
$84.14
Kihei Raft Adventure: Up-Close Whale Watching in Maui's Waters
4.9
(615 reviews)
Duration: 90
minutes
Maui Whale-Watching Tour by Raft offers an intimate encounter with humpback whales migrating off Maui. Departing from Kihei, the speedy raft maximizes viewing time in whale-dense areas. Limited to 20 guests, an onboard naturalist provides insightful commentary, creating a memorable and educational experience on the water.
Oahu
$187.43
Oahu: Swim with Wild Dolphins on a Catamaran!
4.8
(1109 reviews)
Duration: 240
minutes
Swim with Dolphins on the West Coast of Oahu. This tour offers a memorable adventure on the beautiful waters of Oahu's west coast. Guests board a spacious and stable 42-passenger, double-hulled catamaran, though the tour is limited to 25 people for extra comfort. Relax and enjoy stunning views of the ocean and the Waianae Mountains as the boat cruises in search of wild dolphins.
In the crystal-clear waters, keep an eye out for playful pods of dolphins, Hawaiian green sea turtles, colorful tropical fish, and other fascinating sea creatures. While maintaining a respectful distance from the animals, guests can marvel at their natural behavior and beauty. This tour provides an opportunity to learn about the marine ecosystem from certified lifeguard crew members, while visiting natural, cultural, and historical sites.
This family-friendly experience includes the use of snorkeling equipment, bottled water, a delicious lunch, and convenient shuttle service to and from designated hotels. It's the perfect way to create lasting memories while exploring the wonders of Oahu's west coast and experiencing the beauty of wild sea creatures in their natural habitat. The tour has received the Viator Experience Award 2023. Note that regulations require maintaining a 50-yard distance from Hawaiian spinner dolphins.
Nearby Events
Neal S Blaisdell Exhibition Hall
Aug 08
10:00 AM94th HHAA Great Gun Show Tickets
The 94th HHAA Great Gun Show takes place at Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall in Honolulu, drawing firearm enthusiasts, collectors, and hobbyists to one of Hawaii's premier hobby expos. This longstanding event, hosted by the Hawaii Hunting and Aquatic Association (HHAA), showcases a vast array of firearms, ammunition, accessories, and related gear, offering hands-on opportunities to browse, buy, trade, and learn from industry experts in a vibrant marketplace setting.
HHAA events like the Great Gun Show emphasize community, education, and responsible firearm ownership, making them a staple for locals and visitors interested in shooting sports and self-defense tools. Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall provides 65,000 square feet of flexible space ideal for such large-scale expos.
Neal S Blaisdell Arena
Dec 27
7:00 PMNurse John Live in Honolulu Tickets
Nurse John: Against Medical Advice Tour at Neal S Blaisdell Arena brings Nurse John’s new comedy material to Honolulu, with a show built around the chaos, camaraderie, and absurdity of working in healthcare. The 2026 tour is a fresh run of all-new material and closes with this Hawaii stop, making the Honolulu date a standout destination for comedy fans.
Known for turning real medical workplace experiences into sharp, fast-paced storytelling, Nurse John has been expanding his live audience with this new tour after strong demand across North America and a sold-out spring UK extension. Neal S Blaisdell Arena is one of Honolulu’s best-known large event venues, giving the show a major-city setting with a proven track record for concerts and live entertainment.
Neal S Blaisdell Arena
Nov 27
8:00 PMJo Koy Tickets: Koy Meets World in Honolulu
Jo Koy: Koy Meets World Tour at Neal S Blaisdell Arena brings one of comedy’s most recognizable voices to Honolulu for a night built around sharp storytelling, quick crowd work, and his signature family-and-culture humor.
Jo Koy remains a major touring comedian with new 2026 dates added to the Koy Meets World Tour, reflecting his continued demand on the live circuit. Neal S Blaisdell Arena is one of Honolulu’s best-known large-event venues, widely used for concerts, comedy, and major entertainment in the heart of the city.
Diamond Head Theatre
Aug 06
7:00 PMLes Misérables Touring Honolulu Tickets
Les Misérables (Touring) at Diamond Head Theatre brings the award-winning musical’s sweeping drama, unforgettable score, and powerful storytelling to Honolulu for a memorable night of live theatre. The production is part of the current North American tour, which relaunched in 2022 and is scheduled to continue through late June 2026, making this stop a sought-after chance to see the show on the road.
Les Misérables remains one of the most celebrated stage musicals in the world, known for its emotional depth, iconic songs, and enduring appeal to both longtime fans and first-time audiences. Diamond Head Theatre, one of Honolulu’s best-known performing arts venues, adds an intimate island setting that makes the experience feel especially personal and immersive.
Blue Note Hawaii
Aug 26
9:00 PMDave Landau Live at Blue Note Hawaii
Dave Landau brings his signature laid-back, dark comedy to Blue Note Hawaii in Honolulu. The Detroit-born headliner, a finalist on NBC's Last Comic Standing and star of Comedy Central's This is Not Happening, delivers sharp, deadpan humor that blends personal stories with biting observations on life and culture[1][2][4].
Dave Landau honed his craft at Second City's Conservatory, influencing his rapid-fire style praised by fans and peers alike, including appearances on The Joe Rogan Experience and Gutfeld[1][5]. This intimate performance promises the unfiltered edge that has made him one of today's most in-demand comedians. Blue Note Hawaii, renowned for its world-class live entertainment in a sophisticated setting, elevates the experience with its signature ambiance[1][4].
Blue Note Hawaii
Sep 24
9:00 PMDan Deacon Live at Blue Note Hawaii
Dan Deacon at Blue Note Hawaii in Honolulu brings one of experimental electronic music’s most inventive live performers to an intimate club setting. Known for a brand-new show and a 2026 live run that continues to expand, Dan Deacon blends dance-floor energy, playful chaos, and immersive audience interaction into a performance built for fans who want something unpredictable and unforgettable.
Dan Deacon is widely recognized for turning concerts into communal experiences, with a sound that moves between ecstatic synth work, pulsing rhythms, and offbeat humor. Blue Note Hawaii adds to the appeal with a premium live-music atmosphere in Honolulu, making it a strong fit for a high-energy electronic set in a venue known for close-up performances and strong acoustics.
Best Things to Do in Honolulu – Waikiki, North Shore & Oahu
Looking for things to do in Honolulu? This is your secret guide to the best tours, adventures, and events across Oahu. Connect with the most exciting adventures like ATV tours and Honolulu helicopter tours, or get on a Hawaii snorkeling tour to explore the ocean depths. Take a day trip to Maui or Circle Island Tour of Oahu. For those staying close to the city, discover all the things to do in Waikiki and explore events in Honolulu tonight, from concerts to stand-up comedy.
View Honolulu Activities