When is whale watching season on Oahu?

Whale season generally runs November through May, peaking January through March. Boat schedules are often shorter. Hawaii Ocean Project’s selected option runs December 15 to April 1; Pink Sails runs December 15 to April 15.

Can you swim with dolphins on Oahu?

Indigo Ocean Hawaii offers offshore dolphin swims when conditions allow. Swimming with spinners is barred within 2 nautical miles of Oahu. NOAA recommends 50 yards from other dolphins; your water entries and sightings aren’t promised.

Where do whale watching tours leave from on Oahu?

Ala Wai Harbor and Kewalo Basin serve Waikiki whale watches; Hawaii Nautical sails from Ko Olina Marina. Hawaii Ocean Project uses Ala Wai slip 497. Living Ocean uses Kewalo slip B-1. Neither price includes pickup.

Is whale watching guaranteed on Oahu?

Whale sightings aren’t certain; some boats offer another trip when none appear. Pink Sails offers a free repeat. Three Tiki’s needs available space and has no cash value. Go Hawaii Watersports requires rebooking within 5 days.

How much is a whale watching tour in Waikiki?

Hawaii Ocean Project costs from $49.95 per adult for 2 hours from Ala Wai. Pink Sails costs from $53.31 per person from age 4. Go Hawaii’s standard price is from $54 per adult, plus $9 per person fuel and taxes.

Things to do in Oahu › Oahu tours and activities › Whale watching and dolphin tours

Top 14 Oahu whale watching and dolphin tours (2026)

Updated October 30, 2026 Schedules and prices; pickup limits

We compared all 46 whale watching and dolphin tours Viator has for Oahu and kept 14, picked the way every tour here gets picked. Humpbacks visit seasonally; dolphins stay year-round.

See the comparison table Hide the table 14 tours side by side: what you see, swim stop, boat, pickup, departs, hours, price

Whale watching and dolphin tours on Oahu, compared by the exact option

Tour	What you see	Swim stop	Boat	Pickup	Departs	Hours	Rating	Price
1. Oahu: 2-Hour Whale Watch from Ala Wai Harbor, Waikiki by Lahaina Cruise Company / Hawaii Ocean Project	Humpback whales	No	Multilevel boat	Ala Wai Harbor	December 15 to April 1	2 h	★ 4.6 2,000 reviews	from $49.95 per adult
2. Oahu Dolphin and Snorkel Tour with Waikiki Pickup and Lunch by Dolphins and You	Spinner dolphins	Yes	Two decks	Waikiki/Ko Olina	Daily, 8 a.m. or noon	3 h	★ 4.5 1,792 reviews	from $183 per adult
3. Luxury Snorkel Cruise with Dolphin Watch and Hawaiian Meal by Ocean Joy Cruises	Wild dolphins	Yes	49-passenger catamaran	Ko Olina Marina	Daily, 8 a.m.	3 h 30 min	★ 4.7 1,513 reviews	from $174 per adult
4. Waikiki 2-Hour Whale Watching with Guaranteed Sightings by Pink Sails Waikiki	Humpback whales	No	Power catamaran	Ala Wai Harbor	December 15 to April 15	2 h	★ 4.6 1,336 reviews	from $53.31 per person
5. Oahu: Swim with Dolphins on the West Coast by Indigo Ocean Hawaii	Wild dolphins	Yes	25-passenger catamaran	Waikiki/Ko Olina	Daily, 7:30 a.m.	4 h	★ 4.8 1,210 reviews	from $187.43 per adult
6. Wild Dolphin Watching and Snorkel Safari off the West Coast of Oahu by Dolphin Excursions Hawaii	Wild dolphins	Yes	16-passenger raft	Waikiki/Ko Olina, 7 a.m. only	7, 10:30 a.m., select dates	3 h	★ 4.9 879 reviews	from $193.88 per adult
7. Ko Olina Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Sail with Lunch by Hawaii Nautical	Spinner dolphins	Yes	42-passenger catamaran	Ko Olina Marina	Daily, 9 a.m.	3 h	★ 4.5 334 reviews	from $139.95 per adult
8. Waikiki Best Whale Watching in Honolulu: Whales Guaranteed by Three Tiki Sailing	Humpback whales	No	35-passenger trimaran	Ala Wai Harbor	December 20 to April 20	2 h	★ 4.6 251 reviews	from $79 per adult
9. Swim With Dolphins and Turtles in West Oahu (Semi-Private Tours) by Aloha Ocean	Wild dolphins	Yes	Six-passenger powerboat	Waianae Harbor	Daily, 7:30, 11 a.m.	3 h	★ 4.9 244 reviews	from $200 per adult
10. Swim with Dolphins Catamaran with Waterslide and Lunch on Oahu by Iruka Hawaii Dolphin	Wild dolphins	Yes	70-passenger catamaran	Waikiki/Ko Olina	Daily, 7:30 a.m.	4 h	★ 4.7 211 reviews	from $199 per adult
11. Waikiki: 2 Hour Whale Watching Cruise from Oahu by Go Hawaii Watersports	Humpback whales	No	Two decks	Kewalo Harbor	8 a.m., 2 p.m., Tue to Sun	2 h	★ 4.6 192 reviews	from $54 per adult
12. Swimming with Wild Dolphins Speedboat Adventure on Oahu by Iruka Hawaii Dolphin	Wild dolphins	Yes	19-passenger speedboat	Waikiki/Ko Olina	Daily, 7:30, 11:30 a.m.	3 h	★ 4.8 184 reviews	from $199 per person
13. Waikiki: Sunset Whale Watch, Whales Guaranteed or Free Return by Living Ocean Tours	Humpback whales	No	Two decks	Kewalo Harbor	Daily, 8 a.m., 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m.	2 h	★ 4.8 119 reviews	from $54 per person
14. Small-Group Dolphin Turtle and Whale Safari w/ Marine Biologists by Wild Side Specialty Tours, LLC	Wild dolphins	Yes	Power catamaran	Waianae Harbor	7, 11:15 a.m., select dates	3 h 15 min	★ 5.0 79 reviews	from $245 per person

Each price is the tour's starting price in U.S. dollars, from an option that runs in the next ten weeks; a tour with a later season shows its season's price. Prices, ratings and review counts are re-read every day, last on October 30, 2026. Each rating combines the booking platform's own reviews with Tripadvisor's where a tour has both. Hours are the length of the lowest-priced option where the operator states one, else the tour's range. Times and what's in the price are the operator's own terms.

The 14

Our most recommended whale watching and dolphin tours on Oahu

Ranked by reviews. Cards give routes and prices, with pickup and limits.

#1 Hydrophone BYOB

Oahu: 2-Hour Whale Watch from Ala Wai Harbor, Waikiki

Lahaina Princess leaves Ala Wai Harbor for whale watching off Waikiki; you can listen through an underwater microphone. The shaded cabin suits you if you want shelter between sightings. Bring your own snacks and drinks; you can move between decks for views of Diamond Head.

2 hours Off Waikiki · by Lahaina Cruise Company / Hawaii Ocean Project

★★★★★ 4.6 (2,000 reviews)

2 h 7:30, 9:45 a.m. or 12:15 p.m., select dates December 15 to April 1 Hydrophone Ala Wai slip 497 Free cancel until 24h

The catch: Your hotel ride isn’t included.

Our page on this tour

from $49.95 per adult

See dates & prices ↗

Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#2 Slide Lunch

Oahu Dolphin and Snorkel Tour with Waikiki Pickup and Lunch

Dolphins and You pairs spinner dolphin watching with a turtle snorkel off Waianae. Your PBJ option includes lunch and gear; selected hotel pickups spare you the drive west. The 20-foot slide gives children another way into the water after you watch dolphins from the boat.

3 hours Waianae coast · by Dolphins and You

★★★★★ 4.5 (1,792 reviews)

3 h 8 a.m. or noon daily PBJ lunch and gear Selected Waikiki/Ko Olina pickup Ages 2-80 Free cancel until 24h

The catch: Wetsuits cost $5 per person.

Our page on this tour

from $183 per adult

See dates & prices ↗

Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#3 Buffet Showers

Luxury Snorkel Cruise with Dolphin Watch and Hawaiian Meal

Ocean Joy leaves Ko Olina for dolphin watching and an hour of reef snorkeling. Your morning price includes a hot Hawaiian meal; warm showers help after your swim. Choose this if you want time in the water with a meal and drinks served on board.

3 hours 30 minutes Ko Olina coast · by Ocean Joy Cruises

★★★★★ 4.7 (1,513 reviews)

3.5 h 8 a.m. daily Meal and gear Ko Olina Marina Boarding steps Free cancel until 24h

The catch: Your hotel ride and towel aren’t included.

Our page on this tour

from $174 per adult

See dates & prices ↗

Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#4 Catamaran Free repeat

Waikiki 2-Hour Whale Watching with Guaranteed Sightings

Pink Sails runs a whale watch from Ala Wai on a power catamaran. You don’t enter the water; children under 4 ride free with you and infants sit on laps. A free repeat cruise gives you another chance if no whales appear during the outing.

2 hours Off Waikiki · by Pink Sails Waikiki

★★★★★ 4.6 (1,336 reviews)

Ages 4+ 2 h 8, 10:30 a.m. or 12:30, 1, 2:30 p.m., select dates December 15 to April 15 Repeat-trip guarantee Opposite Prince Waikiki Free cancel until 24h

The catch: Parking costs extra.

Our page on this tour

from $53.31 per person

See dates & prices ↗

Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#5 Lunch Pickup

Oahu: Swim with Dolphins on the West Coast

Indigo’s A’o Hawaii tour leaves Waianae with a limit of 25 guests. You have 4 hours aboard the catamaran; gear and a pork lunch are included with your hotel pickup. Water entries near bottlenose or spotted dolphins depend on conditions; you keep clear of spinners.

4 hours Waianae coast · by Indigo Ocean Hawaii

★★★★★ 4.8 (1,210 reviews)

4 h 7:30 a.m. daily Lunch and gear Selected Waikiki/Ko Olina pickup Free cancel until 24h

The catch: Wildlife can delay your return.

Our page on this tour

from $187.43 per adult

See dates & prices ↗

Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#6 Biologists Lunch

Wild Dolphin Watching and Snorkel Safari off the West Coast of Oahu

Dolphin Excursions takes 16 guests along the Waianae coast with marine biologists and naturalists. You sit low to the water; the price includes lunch and snorkel gear with prescription masks available. It suits wildlife watchers who want a smaller group; underwater dolphin encounters aren’t promised.

3 hours Waianae coast · by Dolphin Excursions Hawaii

★★★★★ 4.9 (879 reviews)

3 h 7, 10:30 a.m., select dates Lunch and gear Waikiki/Ko Olina pickup at 7 a.m. only Free cancel until 24h Operator approval if booked within 3 days

The catch: Arrange pickup before 4 p.m. the day before. There’s no toilet aboard.

Our page on this tour

from $193.88 per adult

See dates & prices ↗

Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#7 Bar Lunch

Ko Olina Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Sail with Lunch

Hawaii Nautical’s selected sail departs Ko Olina for spinner watching and a separate snorkel stop. You get lunch and snorkel gear. The bar is included with the price. This suits a resort stay when you want a morning boat trip with shaded seating between swims.

3 hours Ko Olina coast · by Hawaii Nautical

★★★★★ 4.5 (334 reviews)

3 h 9 a.m. daily Lunch and gear Ko Olina Marina Free cancel until 24h

The catch: Your free repeat has no cash value.

Our page on this tour

from $139.95 per adult

See dates & prices ↗

Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#8 Trimaran BYOB

Waikiki Best Whale Watching in Honolulu: Whales Guaranteed

Three Tiki sails from Ala Wai on a trimaran with naturalists aboard. You get water and an ice cooler. Bring your own food and drinks for the whale watch. It’s a fit for friends who want open deck views with shade available during the cruise.

2 hours Off Waikiki · by Three Tiki Sailing

★★★★★ 4.6 (251 reviews)

2 h 8:30, 11 a.m., select dates December 20 to April 20 Water and cooler Ala Wai, behind Prince Waikiki Free cancel until 24h

The catch: Repeats depend on available space.

Our page on this tour

from $79 per adult

See dates & prices ↗

Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#9 Powerboat BYOB

Swim With Dolphins and Turtles in West Oahu (Semi-Private Tours)

Aloha Ocean takes six guests at most along the Waianae coast on a powerboat. The price includes gear and life jackets. It’s a smaller shared trip for couples or friends. You search for offshore dolphins with chances to enter the water when animal behavior allows.

3 hours Waianae coast · by Aloha Ocean

★★★★★ 4.9 (244 reviews)

3 h 7:30, 11 a.m. daily Gear and life jackets Waianae Harbor Four-passenger minimum Free cancel until 24h

The catch: Four passengers must book.

Our page on this tour

from $200 per adult

See dates & prices ↗

Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#10 Slide Shower

Swim with Dolphins Catamaran with Waterslide and Lunch on Oahu

Iruka’s Poseidon trip combines offshore dolphin entries with snorkeling near Makaha. You get lunch and hotel transport. The catamaran’s 21-foot slide adds water play; a hot shower helps afterward. Confident swimmers can use the dolphin portion while your group has activities during the snorkel stop.

4 hours Waianae and Makaha · by Iruka Hawaii Dolphin

★★★★★ 4.7 (211 reviews)

4 h 7:30 a.m. daily Lunch and gear Selected Waikiki/Ko Olina pickup Free cancel until 24h

The catch: No dolphins from the boat means half-price rebooking.

Our page on this tour

from $199 per adult

See dates & prices ↗

Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#11 Refreshments ID required

Waikiki: 2 Hour Whale Watching Cruise from Oahu

Hawaii residents and military pay less with a state or military ID. The standard ticket costs from $54 per adult. Your Kewalo cruise includes light snacks and an underwater viewing room. You get a free repeat within 5 days if no whales appear during your boat trip.

2 hours Off Waikiki · by Go Hawaii Watersports

★★★★★ 4.6 (192 reviews)

2 h 8 a.m., 2 p.m., Tue to Sun Snacks and refreshments Kewalo slip F06 Hawaii state or military ID Free cancel until 24h

The catch: Fuel costs $9 per person; taxes are extra.

Our page on this tour

from $54 per adult

See dates & prices ↗

Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#12 Speedboat Lunch

Swimming with Wild Dolphins Speedboat Adventure on Oahu

Iruka’s Dolphin Warrior speedboat carries 19 guests from Waianae for offshore dolphin searches. The price includes lunch and snorkel gear. You can stay aboard if open water doesn’t suit you. This is the shorter Iruka swim trip with hotel transport and a reef snorkel afterward.

3 hours Waianae coast · by Iruka Hawaii Dolphin

★★★★★ 4.8 (184 reviews)

3 h 7:30, 11:30 a.m. daily Lunch and gear Selected Waikiki/Ko Olina pickup Ages 5+, moderate fitness Free cancel until 24h

The catch: Children aged 5 to 11 need a quote.

Our page on this tour

from $199 per person

See dates & prices ↗

Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#13 Daytime Soda

Waikiki: Sunset Whale Watch, Whales Guaranteed or Free Return

Living Ocean’s from $54 per person option is a daytime whale watch from Kewalo. Your child pays the same price. You get soda and a double-deck boat for watching offshore. The sunset departure is a separate option that costs more; choose that if evening light matters.

2 hours Off Waikiki · by Living Ocean Tours

★★★★★ 4.8 (119 reviews)

2 h 8 a.m., 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m. daily Soda Kewalo slip B-1 Ages 3+ Free cancel until 24h

The catch: Your repeat must fit the same season.

Our page on this tour

from $54 per person

See dates & prices ↗

Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

#14 Biologists Snorkeling

Small-Group Dolphin Turtle and Whale Safari w/ Marine Biologists

Wild Side explores offshore waters from Waianae with biologists and naturalists. Your group has ten guests at most. Gear and snacks are included for snorkeling when conditions allow. It’s a fit if you want wildlife interpretation and can accept a route shaped by the animals.

3 hours 15 minutes Offshore west Oahu · by Wild Side Specialty Tours, LLC

★★★★★ 5.0 (79 reviews)

3.25 h 7, 11:15 a.m., select dates Snacks and gear Waianae Pier A Ages 0-79, moderate fitness Free cancel until 24h

The catch: Swimming depends on sea conditions.

Our page on this tour

from $245 per person

See dates & prices ↗

Dates and prices open on the booking page. You pay the same price there.

Every button opens the booking page at its price. A booking made through a button here earns this site a commission; you pay the same. Nothing on this page is sold here.

Which one

Which whale or dolphin tour is right for you

For your first Waikiki stay on a budget, Hawaii Ocean Project costs from $49.95 per adult. You meet at Ala Wai Harbor. For dolphins with hotel pickup, Dolphins and You costs from $183 per adult with PBJ lunch. The west coast takes more time.

From Ko Olina, Ocean Joy’s morning cruise puts you aboard near your resort. The from $174 per adult option includes snorkeling and a hot meal. You’ll reach the marina yourself. From a windward rental, arrange your own ride; don’t assume Waikiki pickup covers your address.

For a family with young children, Pink Sails takes ages 0 to 3 free. You stay aboard for 2 hours. Couples wanting a smaller dolphin group can choose Aloha Ocean with six guests at most.

For a cruise-ship day, Living Ocean’s daytime whale watch keeps boat time to 2 hours. Kewalo transportation isn’t included. Allow for check-in and your ship’s boarding deadline. A free repeat trip has little value if you sail that evening.

Above the bar, without a card

Dolphin Watch Cruise with Waterslide & Snorkeling on Oahu a dolphin watch with snorkeling, from $179 per adult; 173 reviews at 4.84; Iruka already represented · dates and prices ↗
Oahu: Ko Olina Deluxe Whale Watching Sail a Ko Olina whale sail December 1 to March 31 from $89 per adult; 75 reviews at 4.72; lower review count · dates and prices ↗
Dolphin Watching & Turtle Snorkeling a dolphin watch with shuttle, from $166.49 per adult; 72 reviews at 4.74; Indigo already represented · dates and prices ↗
Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise with Snack & Trolley Transportation a whale cruise with trolley, from $100 per adult; 68 reviews at 4.79; lower review count · dates and prices ↗

Good to know

Know before you go

Pickup Boat times exclude pickup. Your hotel shuttle can start 2 hours earlier.
Extras Lunch isn’t always included. Go Hawaii adds $9 per person for fuel; taxes are extra.
Children Dolphin Excursions starts at 4. Iruka’s speedboat takes ages 5+ with moderate fitness.
Cancellation Free cancellation needs 24 hours’ notice. Dolphin Excursions reviews bookings made within 3 days of departure. Rough seas can cancel trips.
Packing Bring your swimsuit and towel. Gear’s included; pack a light jacket for whale watches.
Wildlife Stay 100 yards from humpbacks. Within 2 nautical miles of Oahu, spinners require 50 yards; don’t swim with them.

Good to know

Top 14 Oahu whale watching and dolphin tours (2026)

Whale watching and dolphin tours on Oahu, compared by the exact option

Our most recommended whale watching and dolphin tours on Oahu

Which whale or dolphin tour is right for you

Know before you go

People also ask