What should you know before you book dolphin tours in Honolulu?
For the lowest starting price among the tours we list, start with the Waikiki Island Heritage and Dolphin Watch Sail. The Waikiki Island Heritage and Dolphin Watch Sail, run by Hawaii Nautical, starts at $75 per person and runs 1.5 hours. The Paradise Sandbar & Seabob (Super Dolphin) tour, based in Honolulu, starts at $342 per person.
How do you choose a dolphin tour in Honolulu?
Start with the inclusions, since they decide what the price covers. Waikiki Island Heritage and Dolphin Watch Sail from Hawaii Nautical: Oahu's listed inclusions cover the sailing, drinks and narration, not snorkel gear.
| Tour | Price from | Length | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waikiki Island Heritage and Dolphin Watch Sail | $75 per person | 1.5 hours | - |
| Wreck & Reef Tour | $99 per person | 3.5 hours | 8 and older |
| Catamaran Dolphin Watching with Water Activities & Snorkel | $149 per person | - | - |
| Dolphin Excursion | $180 per person | 3 hours | - |
| Dolphins and You | $189 per person | 3 hours | 2 and older |
| Best of the West - Premier Dolphin, Turtle, Whale Safari with Guided Snorkeling | $215 per person | 3.5 hours | 5 and older |
| Paradise Sandbar & Seabob (Super Dolphin) | $342 per person | - | 10 and older |
If you want to snorkel and paddle, Dolphins and You includes a snorkel set, a life jacket, and kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.
Private boats are priced per group, so they suit a party that wants its own boat. The Private Catamaran Cruise & Snorkeling "Keanuenue" starts at $649 per group.
How much does it cost, and what is included?
Price alone will not tell you much, so check what each one covers. Dolphins and You starts at $189 per person and includes a complimentary lunch and a Hawaiian cultural arts performance. Best of the West, from Wild Side Specialty Tours, starts at $215 per person and includes a small group guarantee and light snacks and lunch.
Private charters are quoted for the whole boat, so divide the group price by your party size to compare.
Ocean Joy Cruises' afternoon cruise lists a Hawaiian meal, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and a Dolphin or Whale Sighting Guarantee.
What should you expect: how long it lasts and where it starts?
The tours with a listed length run 1.5 to 3.5 hours, and the meeting point changes by tour. Dolphins and You runs 3 hours and includes pickup from select Waikiki hotels and the Ko Olina area. The Wreck & Reef Tour runs 3.5 hours and meets at Honolulu Harbor.
The Dolphin Excursion runs 3 hours and departs at 7:00 AM and 10:30 AM, so plan to arrive early for the first departure. The Catamaran Dolphin Watching with Water Activities & Snorkel tour runs 3 hours, with check-in at 11:30 AM for its 12:00 PM departure.
Several tours include snorkel gear, so you may not need to pack your own. Paradise Sandbar & Seabob includes reef shoes, a wetsuit top if you want one, and snorkel gear.
Who does it suit, and who should skip it?
Age minimums differ by tour, so the one you pick decides who can join. The Catamaran Dolphin Watching tour has a minimum age of 3 years. The Wreck & Reef Tour has a minimum age of 8 years. Paradise Sandbar & Seabob has a minimum age of 10 years.
What are the tours to book?
Pick Wreck & Reef if you are starting from Honolulu Harbor.
Dolphins and You (Waikiki): 3 hours, from $189 per person, with snorkel gear and kayaks.
Wreck & Reef Tour (Honolulu): 3.5 hours, from $99 per person, with an in-water guide.
Dolphin Excursion (Dolphin Excursions): 3 hours, from $180 per person, with 7:00 AM and 10:30 AM departures.
Best of the West, from Wild Side Specialty Tours: 3.5 hours.
How do booking, cancellation and weather work?
Cancellation rules differ by operator, so the one for your tour decides what you get back. Dolphins and You gives a full refund for cancellations at least 48 hours before departure. Wreck & Reef does not charge for reservations canceled over the phone with at least 48 hours notice. Ocean Joy Cruises does not refund cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure. Wild Side Specialty Tours charges the full amount for cancellations with less than 10 days notice and for no-shows.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a dolphin tour in Honolulu take?
The Waikiki Island Heritage sail runs 1.5 hours, and the Wreck & Reef Tour runs 3.5 hours.
What is included with a dolphin tour in Honolulu?
Dolphins and You includes snorkel gear, kayaks, a cultural arts performance and a complimentary lunch.
Where does a dolphin tour in Honolulu start?
Wreck & Reef leaves from Honolulu Harbor. The Catamaran Dolphin Watching tour meets at Waianae Small Boat Harbor.
