The 3 Best Dolphin Watching Tours in Honolulu
Honolulu isn’t just about lounging on Waikiki Beach or gazing at iconic Diamond Head. Its waters are teeming with marine life—particularly dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays—making it a prime spot for dolphin watching adventures. With the Pacific Ocean’s clear, calm waters, you’ll find no shortage of opportunities to see these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.
To help you pick the best experience, we’ve carefully reviewed and compared three highly-rated dolphin tours based on reviews, value, and the range of activities offered. Whether you’re after a quick cruise, a snorkeling extravaganza, or a combination of both with a tropical meal, our list covers options that stand out for their unique qualities and memorable encounters. Expect detailed descriptions of what each tour includes, what makes them special, and practical tips to help you choose.
In this guide, you’ll find everything from a relaxed 3-hour snorkeling trip on a spacious catamaran to a full-day adventure with water slides, kayaks, and an included lunch. Each offers a different way to meet Hawaii’s playful dolphins and vibrant marine life—some guaranteed sightings, others more focused on snorkeling and eco-friendly exploration. Read on to discover which one suits your style and budget.
Quick Overview
Our list features three standout dolphin tours around Honolulu. The first, a 3-hour dolphin watching and snorkeling trip on the West Coast of Oahu with a stable catamaran, focuses on wildlife viewing and underwater encounters. The second, a snorkeling and dolphin watch cruise with a Hawaiian buffet, adds a culinary twist and guarantees sightings. The third, a longer, more active cruise combines dolphin and turtle watching with kayaks and water slides, plus a family-friendly atmosphere. Each offers a distinct blend of adventure, relaxation, and marine life.
1. Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling on the West Coast of Oahu
This Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling experience is a favorite for its balance of wildlife viewing and relaxed snorkeling. For $156.02 per person, you’ll spend about 3 hours aboard a spacious 42-passenger catamaran. The vessel’s stability and comfort make for a smooth ride along the West Coast, where dolphins are frequent visitors.
What sets this tour apart is the chance to see wild dolphins in their natural environment, often swimming alongside the boat for nearly an hour. The crew is dedicated and attentive, guiding you toward dolphin pods and pointing out Hawaiian sea turtles and monk seals along the way. After the wildlife watch, the boat anchors near Turtle Rock, where you can snorkel among colorful fish and, if lucky, swim with Hawaiian sea turtles.
The experience is ideal for those who appreciate a laid-back, scenic cruise with plenty of photo opportunities. It’s a small group that prioritizes personal attention, and the reviews reflect a strong reputation for friendliness and professionalism. Many travelers highlight the magical feeling of seeing dolphins up close in open water.
The main value here is the combination of dolphin sightings and snorkeling in a comfortable setting at a reasonable price. It’s perfect for travelers who want a short, focused experience without the crowds or complex logistics of larger tours.
Bottom Line: An authentic, wildlife-focused trip that balances marine encounters with easy snorkeling — ideal for those seeking a traditional, relaxed boat tour.
2. Oahu: Snorkeling & Dolphin Watch Cruise with Hawaiian Buffet
For a more inclusive experience, the Oahu Snorkeling & Dolphin Watch Cruise combines dolphin and whale sightings with snorkeling and a Hawaiian buffet. Priced at $182 per person, it lasts 2.5 to 3.5 hours, with multiple departure times from Waikiki.
This tour takes you along the Wai’anae coast on a state-of-the-art vessel, offering guaranteed dolphin or whale sightings—a key selling point. The focus is on marine life, but the highlight is the gourmet Hawaiian meal, served during the cruise with tropical drinks and panoramic views of the ocean. The narration in English and Japanese adds cultural context, making it suitable for international visitors.
The snorkeling component allows you to swim with turtles and explore vibrant underwater scenery, which is a big draw for underwater enthusiasts. The boat’s crew is known for being friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, making this experience especially appealing for those who want a comprehensive, all-in-one ocean adventure.
Reviewers emphasize the quality of the crew and the meal, with comments like, “La actividad del snorkeling, sin embargo debiese ser el centro de el tour” (meaning snorkeling is a key part). That indicates strong satisfaction among snorkelers, even if some might prefer a tour more focused solely on marine life.
Value-wise, this experience offers a good balance of sightings, snorkeling, and food, making it suitable if you want a fuller, more social outing. The included meal and guaranteed dolphin/wail sightings justify the extra cost compared to simpler cruises.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting a well-rounded tour with meals, cultural narration, and guaranteed wildlife encounters in a comfortable setting.
3. Oahu Dolphin Watch with Turtle Snorkel & Water Slide
The most activity-packed option is the Oahu Dolphin Watch with Turtle Snorkel & Water Slide, costing $190.00 per person and running about 3.5 hours. It’s a larger, family-friendly vessel that combines dolphin and turtle watching with fun onboard features like kayaks, paddle boards, and a water slide.
This tour’s strength lies in its variety of activities. Besides the chance to observe dolphins in their natural habitat, you’ll be able to swim alongside green sea turtles, and enjoy a complementary lunch. The ship departs from Waikiki with hotel transportation included, making logistics easier.
The onboard amenities—kayaks, paddle boards, and a water slide—make it especially appealing for families or travelers looking for more than just a boat ride. The reviews highlight the helpful crew, the fun atmosphere, and the opportunity to see humpback whales in season, adding extra excitement.
The downside? It’s slightly longer and more energetic, which might not suit travelers seeking a quiet, meditative wildlife experience. However, if you’re after a dynamic, engaging day at sea with plenty of photo ops and activities, this tour hits the mark.
Value-wise, it offers a comprehensive experience that combines wildlife, fun, and convenience. The inclusion of lunch and activities makes it a good deal for families or those wanting more than just sightseeing.
Bottom Line: A lively, activity-filled cruise perfect for families or travelers wanting to combine dolphin and turtle encounters with onboard fun.
How to Choose the Right Dolphin Tour
When deciding between these tours, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. If you prefer a short, wildlife-focused trip with less fuss, the first option offers a relaxed vibe with good snorkeling and dolphin sightings. For those wanting a fuller experience with meals and guaranteed sightings, the second tour provides excellent value. If you’re traveling with children or love active days, the third with water slides and paddle boards might be your best pick.
Booking early is always wise, especially in peak seasons like winter and summer when tours fill quickly. Check the availability and departure times—some tours are more flexible than others—and think about how much snorkeling or additional activities you want to include.
Final Thoughts
Honolulu offers a diverse range of dolphin watching tours for different tastes and budgets. From simple, wildlife-focused cruises to full-day adventures with food and fun, the options will meet most expectations. The dolphin watching and snorkeling trip on the West Coast of Oahu is perfect for those who want a relaxed, authentic wildlife encounter. Meanwhile, the guaranteed sightings and Hawaiian buffet make the second tour a great choice for a more social, inclusive experience. For families or thrill-seekers, the water slide and paddle boards on the third tour add extra excitement.
No matter which option you choose, booking in advance and arriving prepared will ensure a memorable day on the water. With Hawaii’s natural marine splendors, you’re almost guaranteed to leave with stories to tell—and maybe even some new dolphin friends!