Of the boat tours we list, per-person prices run from $40 for Day Sail to $180 for Dolphin Excursion.
Start with the activity you want, since a whale watch, a snorkel trip and a sunset sail are different days on the water. Then decide between a shared boat and a private charter, based on your group size and budget.
What should you know before you book boat tours on Oahu?
Start with the activity, then the group, then the budget. Group size decides whether a shared boat or a private charter makes sense. Price comes last, since a lower price may not come with the activity you came for.
How much does it cost, and what is included?
The Ocean and You party boat starts at from $79 per person and includes one free drink ticket and DJ music and dancing on board. The Catamaran Dolphin Watching with Water Activities & Snorkel tour starts at from $149 per person and includes lunch, soft beverages, snorkel gear and transportation from Waikiki and Ko'Olina. The Whale Watching Oahu Boat Tour from Captain Max Boat Tours starts at from $109 per person and includes non-alcoholic beverages, fresh cut pineapple and life vests.
| Tour | Price from | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|
| Day Sail | $40 per person | - |
| Ocean and You | $79 per person | 21 and older |
| Friday Night Fireworks (Kealoha) | $79 per person | - |
| Deluxe Snorkel and Wildlife Cruise | $89 per person | - |
| Magnificent 2 Tank Shipwreck and/or Reef Boat Dive - Certified Only | $89 per person | 15 and older |
| Wreck & Reef Tour | $99 per person | 8 and older |
| Whale Watching + Marine Life Tour | $99 per person | 3 and older |
| West Oahu Signature Sunset Sail | $99.95 per person | - |
If sunset is the goal, the Hawaii Nautical sail is the one to compare. West Oahu Signature Sunset Sail from Hawaii Nautical - Oahu starts at from $99.95 per person and includes tropical cocktails and light bites. For a private trip with a crew, The Adventure Boat's 4-Hour Custom Adventure Tour starts at from $995 per group and includes a private boat, captain and guide.
What should you expect: how long it lasts and where it starts?
The Whale Watching + Marine Life Tour leaves from Haleiwa Harbor on the North Shore. The Wreck & Reef Tour from Dive Oahu runs 3.5 hours and leaves from Honolulu Harbor. The 4-Hour Custom Adventure Tour from The Adventure Boat starts at Ala Wai Harbor in Waikiki.
Plan to reach the harbor before departure, and sort out your parking or ride before the day of the tour.
Who does it suit, and who should skip it?
Age limits are set by each operator, so go by the minimum on the tour you pick. The Ocean and You party boat requires guests to be at least 21 years old. The Wreck & Reef Tour accepts guests from 8 years old, and the Whale Watching + Marine Life Tour accepts guests from 3 years old.
Families with young children should look at the tours with a lower minimum age.
What are the tours to book?
For whale watching, the Whale Watching Oahu Boat Tour from Captain Max Boat Tours runs 1.5 hours and starts at from $109 per person. The Whale Watching + Marine Life Tour also runs 1.5 hours and starts at from $99 per person. The Catamaran Dolphin Watching with Water Activities & Snorkel tour runs 3 hours and starts at from $149 per person. The Adventure / Snorkel Tour from The Adventure Boat starts at from $625 per group.
Check the National Weather Service marine forecast before your tour.
How do booking, cancellation and weather work?
Captain Max Boat Tours gives a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure, and no refund within 24 hours of departure. Dive Oahu does not charge reservations canceled over the phone with at least 48 hours notice. Hawaii Nautical gives a full refund for cancellations 48 hours or more before departure. The Adventure Boat gives a full refund or credit with 48 hours notice.
Book with enough time to meet each cancellation deadline above.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a boat tour on Oahu cost?
The Private Waikiki Boat Tour from Captain Max Boat Tours starts at from $700. Compare the unit on each tour before you compare prices.
How long does a boat tour on Oahu take?
The 4-Hour Custom Adventure Tour from The Adventure Boat runs 4 hours.
What is included with a boat tour on Oahu?
The Hawaii Nautical sunset sail includes a 2-hour scenic sail, light bites and restrooms on board. The Deluxe Snorkel and Wildlife Cruise includes snorkel vests, life jackets and in-water snorkel guides.
Where does a boat tour on Oahu start?
Tours leave from Honolulu Harbor, Haleiwa Harbor on the North Shore, Waianae Harbor and Ala Wai Harbor in Waikiki.
