Of the swim dolphins we list, per-person prices run from $139 for AʻO HAWAIʻI - Dolphin & Seasonal Whale Watching, Turtle Snorkeling Tour to $215 for Best of the West - Premier Dolphin, Turtle, Whale Safari with Guided Snorkeling.
Price, trip length, minimum age and the pickup point decide which tour fits you best.
How do you choose a swim-with-dolphins tour on Oahu?
Start with price and minimum age. Of the swim dolphins we list, the AʻO HAWAIʻI - Dolphin & Seasonal Whale Watching, Turtle Snorkeling Tour from Indigo Ocean Hawaii has the lowest per-person price, from $139 per person. If you travel with a toddler, the Iruka Hawaii catamaran accepts children from 1 year old.
| Tour | Operator | Price from | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| AʻO HAWAIʻI - Dolphin & Seasonal Whale Watching, Turtle Snorkeling Tour | Indigo Ocean Hawaii | $139 per person | - |
| West Oahu Dolphin Watch and Turtle Snorkel Sail w/ Lunch | Hawaii Nautical - Oahu | $149.95 per person | 3 hours |
| AʻO HAWAIʻI - Swim with Dolphin (EN) | Indigo Ocean Hawaii | $159 per person | 4 hours |
| Catamaran Swim with Dolphins | Iruka Hawaii | $169 per person | 3.5 hours |
| Speed Boat Swim with Dolphins | Iruka Hawaii | $179 per person | - |
| Dolphin Excursion | Dolphin Excursions | $180 per person | 3 hours |
| Dolphins and You | And You Creations | $189 per person | 3 hours |
| Swim with Wild Dolphins in West Oahu | Aloha Ocean LLC | $200 per person | 3 hours |
Next, weigh the length of the day. Swim with Dolphin (EN) runs 4 hours, which leaves less of the day free.
If your group is small, the Aloha Ocean tour takes groups of up to 6 guests.
How much does it cost, and what is included?
Dolphins and You, at $189 per person, includes a snorkel set, a life jacket, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, a Hawaiian cultural arts performance and a complimentary lunch. The Iruka Hawaii catamaran, at $169 per person, lists lunch, snorkel gear, beverages and transportation from select hotels. The Speed Boat Swim with Dolphins, also run by Iruka Hawaii, costs from $179 per person and includes snorkel gear, a safety jacket, transportation and a 3-hour boat tour.
The Dolphin Excursion costs from $180 per person. Its meals, gear and transport are the details to settle before you book.
What should you expect: how long it lasts and where it starts?
Dolphins and You runs 3 hours from a meeting point at 85-491 Farrington Hwy, Wai'anae.
The Iruka Hawaii catamaran asks you to check in at 7:00 AM, and the Catamaran Swim with Dolphins starts at 7:30 AM. Catamaran Swim with Dolphins from Iruka Hawaii meets at Waianae Small Boat Harbor and runs 3.5 hours. Plan your morning around that check-in time.
Dolphin Excursion offers departures at 7:00 AM and 10:30 AM. Pick the start time that fits your hotel transfer and the rest of your day.
Who does a swim-with-dolphins tour suit, and who should skip it?
Families should start with the minimum age. The Aloha Ocean tour accepts children from 2 years old. Swim with Dolphin (EN) requires participants to be 3 years old. If your group includes children younger than the minimum, choose a different tour or skip this activity.
Travelers with a short day should look at the 3-hour Aloha Ocean tour.
What are the tours to book?
Dolphins and You, run by And You Creations, costs from $189 per person and runs 3 hours. Dolphins and You from And You Creations accepts children from 2 years old.
Swim with Dolphin (EN), run by Indigo Ocean Hawaii, costs from $159 per person and runs 4 hours.
Catamaran Swim with Dolphins, run by Iruka Hawaii, costs from $169 per person and runs 3.5 hours. Catamaran Swim with Dolphins from Iruka Hawaii accepts children from 1 year old.
How do booking, cancellation and weather work?
Check the refund window against your travel dates. For Dolphins and You, cancel at least 48 hours before departure for a full refund. The Aloha Ocean tour also gives a full refund with 48 hours' notice. The Iruka Hawaii catamaran gives a full refund when notice is made 48 hours before the Catamaran Swim with Dolphins.
Swim with Dolphin (EN) gives no refunds or rescheduling for any reason less than 48 hours before the bus pick-up time.
Keep a backup plan for the afternoon in case a morning tour is canceled.
What to do if a dolphin swims up to you?
Keep still and stay calm. Follow the crew's directions once you are in the water, and keep your snorkel gear on while you swim.
Frequently asked questions
How much do swim-with-dolphins tours on Oahu cost?
Swim with Wild Dolphins in West Oahu, run by Aloha Ocean LLC, costs from $200 per person.
How long do swim-with-dolphins tours on Oahu take?
Swim with Dolphin (EN) runs 4 hours, and the Aloha Ocean tour runs 3 hours.
What is included with swim-with-dolphins tours on Oahu?
Swim with Dolphin (EN) includes round trip shuttle service, snorkel gear, a special Hawaiian lunch, a drink, water and a souvenir.
