Wild Side Specialty Tours
Activities (4)
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Best of the West - Premier Dolphin, Turtle, Whale Safari with Guided Snorkeling
Wild Side Specialty Tours departs from Waianae on Oahu's west side for a wildlife and snorkeling trip led by marine biologist and naturalist guides. The tour heads offshore to look for Hawaiian spinner dolphins, sea turtles, and, depending on the season, humpback whales, false killer whales, and manta rays. Wildlife encounters are unscripted and follow real-time conditions, so the crew adjusts the route based on what is happening on the water that day. Snorkeling stops take guests to a coral reef or a turtle cleaning station to swim alongside Hawaiian green sea turtles and reef fish. All snorkeling gear is provided, including premium masks, fins, floatation aids, and optical masks for guests who need vision correction. The boat carries a private restroom, shaded seating, tropical juices, filtered water, and light snacks, with lunch included on mid-day departures. Guests also take part in citizen science work, helping the crew document animal behavior and record marine debris. Bring a towel and a refillable water bottle.
Snorkel into Sunset Sail - Spring and Summer Months
This tour departs from Waiʻanae Small Boat Harbor on Oʻahu's west coast, taking a small group onto the open ocean during the late afternoon and into the evening. Rather than following a fixed route, guides respond to wildlife activity and ocean conditions, adjusting the path as the trip unfolds. Guests may spot dolphins, sea turtles, seabirds, or seasonal humpback whales, and snorkeling may be included when conditions allow. Naturalist and biologist guides are on board throughout, and the trip is led by a women-owned and managed operation. Included with the trip are snorkel gear, comfortable seating with shade, a freshwater rinse, a private restroom, beverages, and fresh local snacks such as pineapple, chips, and mac nut cookies when available. If you wear prescription lenses, contact the operator in advance about loaner options, as contacts typically work fine.
Whale Tail and Sunset Sail
The Whale Tail and Sunset Sail departs from Waianae on Oahu's west side and heads toward Ka'ena Point, a remote stretch of coastline where humpback whales gather during breeding season. The boat is a shaded power catamaran with a small group capacity, so the experience stays calm and unhurried. A hydrophone lets passengers listen to whale vocalizations directly from the water. Local drinks and snacks are included. Come prepared with reef-safe sunscreen applied before boarding, sun protection like a hat or rashguard, and a light jacket for wind on the water. Anyone prone to seasickness should take motion-comfort medication before arriving at the meeting point on Farrington Highway. The crew does not control wildlife behavior, so whale sightings depend on conditions that day.
Wildlife in Depth - Sea'fari Style
Wild Side Specialty Tours departs from Waianae Small Boat Harbor for a morning boat trip along the leeward side of Oahu. The tour visits offshore seamounts, fish aggregation devices, and underwater ocean ledges, as well as nearshore coral reefs where green sea turtles, tropical fish, and sunken artifacts such as a World War II biplane and tank can be found. Dolphins, whales, pelagic seabirds, sharks, rays, mola mola, and whale sharks are among the marine life the tour seeks out, with routes adjusted by season to follow where wildlife is actively feeding. A local-style light brunch, snacks, drinks, filtered water, and shade are provided on board. A safety and snorkeling orientation is given at the start. Guests with food allergies should notify the operator in advance and consider bringing their own food and an EpiPen. All snorkeling depends on wildlife behavior and ocean conditions.
About
The flagship dolphin and wildlife safari pairs marine wildlife watching with guided snorkeling and lists an expert marine biologist and naturalist crew among what is included. A seasonal snorkeling and sunset sail heads into waters the company describes as remote and wildlife-rich, looking for dolphins, sea turtles, seabirds, and seasonal whales. A separate whale and sunset sail focuses on whale watching alongside the evening sail experience. A fourth departure, styled as a sea-going safari, is described as seasonally custom designed and explores wildlife both above and below the surface.
Shared charters carry a limited number of guests, and certain departures also offer a private charter option. The guides on the dolphin safari listing are described as researchers and educators who share the science behind each wildlife encounter.
Wild Side Specialty Tours is based in Waianae, Oahu. Do Oahu lists 4 activities from Wild Side Specialty Tours.
Categories: Boat Tours & Cruises, Sunset Cruises and Whale Watching.
Listings: Best of the West - Premier Dolphin, Turtle, Whale Safari with Guided Snorkeling; Snorkel into Sunset Sail - Spring and Summer Months; Whale Tail and Sunset Sail; Wildlife in Depth - Sea'fari Style.
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