Swimming with Dolphins in West Oahu is an unparalleled ocean adventure. This tour offers a rare opportunity to swim alongside Bottlenose, Rough-tooth, and Spotted dolphins in the crystal-clear waters of Hawaii. Limited to small groups, this intimate journey emphasizes personal connections with marine life, underpinned by our commitment to eco-friendly and ethical practices. Experience the thrill of swimming with these majestic creatures, snorkeling with turtles, and unwinding along the picturesque coast of Oahu.
Meet the crew at the Waianae Boat Harbor located on the serene coast of West Oahu. As you step onto our comfortable Robalo powerboat vessel, our friendly crew greets you with warm Hawaiian hospitality. The boat gently pulls away from the shore, gliding into the vast Pacific. You're surrounded by the endless blue, a sense of anticipation in the air.
As we reach the open waters, keep your eyes peeled for the day's first magical moment: the sight of dolphins. The thrill is palpable when the first fin breaks the surface. Bottlenose dolphins, with their graceful arcs, and Spotted dolphins with their vibrant social behavior and complex vocalizations, playfully darting around, welcome you to their world. Our guide, a Hawaii local expert in marine behavior, positions the boat for an optimal, respectful encounter. You slip into the water, the ocean enveloping you in its embrace, and find yourself face-to-face with these majestic creatures. It's a dance of two worlds meeting - an unforgettable experience.
Other creatures we might see include pilot whales with their strong tightly knit pods, which can include several generations of whales, the Hawaiian monk seal, one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world, and the whale shark, easily recognizable by its distinctive spotted pattern, is the largest fish in the ocean where it filters vast quantities of plankton through its enormous mouth for sustenance.
As we bid farewell to the dolphins, our next stop is a vibrant reef, teeming with life. The close to shore snorkeling waters off West Oahu are renowned for crystal clear visibility. This is because West Oahu is the leeward side of the island and therefore the dry side since the winds do not bring the rain with it. Because of the little rainfall, there are few streams entering the ocean make for unadulterated snorkeling visibility.
Once anchored, you don your snorkeling gear, diving into a world of color and calm. Here, Hawaiian green sea turtles glide majestically, while schools of tropical fish swirl in a symphony of colors. Each breath reveals a new wonder, a new story being told beneath the waves.
As the adventure winds down, we set sail back to the coast. This is a time for relaxation and reflection. Lounge on the deck, a BYOB beverage in hand, sharing stories and experiences with fellow adventurers. The coastline's beauty offers a tranquil backdrop as you relish the day's memories.
As we dock, the sun begins its descent, casting a golden glow over the Waianae Mountain Range in the background. You step off the boat, carrying with you more than just memories - a connection with the ocean and its inhabitants that will last a lifetime.
Guests are expected to follow eco-friendly practices during the tour to help preserve Hawaii's marine ecosystem. Regulations prohibit swimming with resting Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins in the shallow bays of Hawaii, but we head out to deeper waters to swim with pelagic species such as Bottlenose, Rough-tooth, and Spotted dolphins. West Oahu is one of the only remaining places in Hawaii where you can snorkel alongside dolphins in the wild. Our commitment to environmental stewardship is paramount, and all our tours adhere to eco-friendly practices.
Waianae Small Boat Harbor - 85-491 Farrington hwy, Waianae, Hawaii 96792
If you cancel at least 48 hours prior to the tour date and time, you will receive a full refund. Cancellation within 48 hours will be subject to full charge.