Viator Rating : 5 (1109 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 7.2/10 (Solid Experience)
Oahu
Oahu: Swim with Wild Dolphins on a Catamaran!
240
Overview
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. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (8 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Instagram Factor (9 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (8 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (8 - 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
Logistics (7 - Friction) : Issues but experience continued
Mobility (6 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Pacing (7 - Uneven) : Inconsistent or mixed pacing
Highlights
See Dolphins Up Close: Watch wild dolphins swim and play in their natural habitat.
Comfortable Catamaran Ride: Enjoy a smooth and stable ride on a spacious, double-hulled catamaran.
Snorkel in Clear Waters: Discover colorful fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles while snorkeling.
All-Inclusive Experience: Lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear are all provided for a hassle-free tour.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers enjoyed seeing many dolphins and turtles.
-
The crew is friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful.
-
The catamaran is clean and comfortable.
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The lunch and drinks provided were a nice addition.
Some customers felt the snorkeling time was too short.
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The music on board was not always to everyone's taste.
The Journey
West Coast of Oahu
The West Coast of Oahu is a scenic area known for its clear waters, abundant marine life, and stunning views of the Waianae Mountains. It's a prime location for dolphin watching and snorkeling, offering opportunities to encounter Hawaiian green turtles and various species of dolphins.
Waianae Mountains
The Waianae Mountains form the backdrop to the West Coast of Oahu, providing dramatic scenery. They are significant for their natural beauty, cultural history, and as a landmark in the Hawaiian landscape.
Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean off the coast of Oahu is a vibrant ecosystem teeming with marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and various fish species. It offers opportunities for observation and responsible interaction with wildlife.
Know Before You Go
This experience includes a souvenir, shuttle service from and to designated hotels, the use of snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and lunch. It excludes sunscreen, a hat, and towels. Please bring your own sunscreen, hat, and towels for your comfort and protection. If you require shuttle service, ensure your hotel is on the designated list. Meeting point information will be provided upon booking.
Hot Tip
Some reviewers suggest bringing an underwater camera to capture the dolphins and turtles. Others recommend applying sunscreen before boarding the boat, as shade can be limited. Also, if you are prone to seasickness, taking medication beforehand might be a good idea.
Review Summary
People find this tour to be a memorable West Oahu ocean adventure, with guests appreciating the spacious 42-passenger catamaran, included Hawaiian lunch, and smooth sailing experience. The tour is valued for its convenience of hotel pickups from Waikiki and the opportunity to see wild dolphins in their natural habitat while respecting Marine Mammal Protection Act guidelines. However, some travelers note that dolphin sightings are not guaranteed and can be weather-dependent, and the early morning pickup times (as early as 5:40 AM) may be challenging for those seeking a more relaxed vacation experience.[2]
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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