AʻO HAWAIʻI - Dolphin & Seasonal Whale Watching, Turtle Snorkeling Tour
About This Experience
When it comes to marine adventures on Oahu's west side, the AʻO HAWAIʻI - Dolphin & Seasonal Whale Watching, Turtle Snorkeling Tour stands out as a must-do experience with 4.8 stars from 180 Google reviews. This 3-hour excursion aboard a spacious 40-passenger double-hulled catamaran takes you into the pristine waters off West Oahu, where dolphins play in the surf and sea turtles glide through the clear waters.
Departing from Waianae Harbor, you'll cruise along Oahu's dramatic west coast with the towering Waianae Mountains as your backdrop. The stable catamaran design means a smooth ride while you scan the waters for dolphins, Hawaiian monk seals, and manta rays.
The snorkeling portion is where this tour truly shines. Hawaiian green sea turtles are visitors to these waters, and you'll have opportunities to observe tropical fish species in their natural habitat. Don't worry about gear—complete snorkeling equipment including masks, fins, and life vests are provided, making this perfect for families and first-time snorkelers.
Your authentic Hawaiian lunch features kalua pork and cabbage bowl with sweet potato, plus beverages and water throughout the trip. Round-trip shuttle service covers Waikiki and Ko Olina area hotels, while other guests meet directly at 85-491 Farrington Highway in Waianae. Each participant takes home a souvenir, and wetsuits are available for rental at $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Starting from $139 per person (adults: $159), the AʻO HAWAIʻI - Dolphin & Seasonal Whale Watching, Turtle Snorkeling Tour welcomes you to bring your own snorkeling gear and additional food. Pack swimwear, towels, eco-friendly sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. Please note that bananas are prohibited on the boat due to Hawaiian superstitions. You may not leave personal belongings on the shuttle bus during the tour, so please bring only what's necessary for the boat.
Cancellations require 48 hours notice (72 hours for groups of 6 or more). Remember, wildlife encounters in their natural environment can never be guaranteed—there is no guarantee that dolphins, sea turtles, whales, or other wildlife will be seen, and that's what makes each sighting so special.
Tour Details
40
Maximum Group Size
85-491 Farrington Highway in Waianae (or pickup from Waikiki and Ko Olina area hotels)
Meeting Location
Equipment, Lunch, Transportation, Marine Life Spotting
Includes
3.0 hours + shuttle from/to hotels
Duration
180
Total Duration
40
Maximum Passengers
40
Vessel Capacity
catamaran
Vessel Type
40-passenger double-hulled catamaran
Vessel
humpback_whale, spinner_dolphin, green_sea_turtle, manta_ray
Wildlife Likely
dolphins, green sea turtles, whales, monk seals, manta rays, tropical fish
Wildlife You May See
snorkel, flotation
Gear Included
snorkel gear, mask, fins, life jacket
Equipment Provided
full_meal
Food Included
lunch, water, soft drinks
Food & Drinks
optional_paid_pickup
Transport Included
Hotel Pickup
none
Swimming Ability Required
low
Physical Intensity
Easy
Difficulty Level
large
Group Size
48
Free Cancellation Window
No refunds or rescheduling less than 48 hours prior to pickup. Groups of 6+ require 72 hours notice. Charter cruises require 1 week notice. No refund for failure to see wildlife.
Cancellation Policy
gratuity, gear rental
Not Included
Swimwear, Towel, Sunscreen, Hat, Reef Safe Sunscreen
What to Bring
Weather Dependent
Guided
Private Option Available
Private Option
Frequently asked questions
How long is AʻO HAWAIʻI - Dolphin & Seasonal Whale Watching, Turtle Snorkeling Tour?+
AʻO HAWAIʻI - Dolphin & Seasonal Whale Watching, Turtle Snorkeling Tour lasts about 180.
Where does AʻO HAWAIʻI - Dolphin & Seasonal Whale Watching, Turtle Snorkeling Tour meet?+
AʻO HAWAIʻI - Dolphin & Seasonal Whale Watching, Turtle Snorkeling Tour meets at 85-491 Farrington Highway in Waianae (or pickup from Waikiki and Ko Olina area hotels).
What is included with AʻO HAWAIʻI - Dolphin & Seasonal Whale Watching, Turtle Snorkeling Tour?+
AʻO HAWAIʻI - Dolphin & Seasonal Whale Watching, Turtle Snorkeling Tour includes Equipment, Lunch, Transportation, and Marine Life Spotting.
What is the cancellation policy for AʻO HAWAIʻI - Dolphin & Seasonal Whale Watching, Turtle Snorkeling Tour?+
No refunds or rescheduling less than 48 hours prior to pickup. Groups of 6+ require 72 hours notice. Charter cruises require 1 week notice. No refund for failure to see wildlife.
Meeting Point
Waianae
Waianae
Auto-detected from FareHarbor (confidence=high).