The 13 Best Dolphin Watching Trips in Hawaii

1.Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,482 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85Our pick

Ride a low-water zodiac raft from Lahaina for eye-level whale watching from December to April, or dolphin viewing in summer. Marine naturalists such as Captain Jack, Jess, Mark, and Olivia explain local wildlife and use a hydrophone for whale songs. Expect spray, sun, and a small group of up to 25 people.

“Captain Mark and first mate Olivia were wonderful! We had a slow start seeing whales but ended with a mom, baby and escort checking us out. What an amazing experience!! Both Capital Mark and Olivia took the time to educate throughout the trip. Capital Mark also nicely reminded people when to sit so others could see.”

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2.Oahu Dolphin and Snorkel Tour with Waikiki Pickup & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,687 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $164

Ride from Waikiki to west Oahu for a morning cruise with Dolphins and You. Look for wild spinner dolphins, snorkel near green sea turtles, then use the slide, kayaks, and paddle boards. Crew members such as Captain Dani, Tyler, Lauren, and Bennett add safety guidance, hula, music, and photo options. Lunch is included.

“This experience is a must! The boat crew was incredible, keeping us entertained both during the bus ride and on the boat. We loved the great tidbits Lauren, Syre, Kai, Ben, and crew had to offer. We got to see a pod of spinner dolphins and several turtles surfacing from the coral reefs for air during snorkeling. It was a wonderful addition to our trip, and we could not recommend booking with Dolphins and You more!”

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3.Kona Snorkel Tour: Captain Cook Reef Snorkel, Dolphin & Sea Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,411 reviews · 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $71Best value

You’ll ride a fast Navy-style Zodiac from Kailua-Kona to Kealakekua Bay, stopping at sea caves and lava tubes before snorkeling near Captain Cook Monument. Crews led by guides such as David, Chip, Sage, and Danielle share island history, provide gear, water, and pineapple, and keep the group to no more than 18 people.

“David and Chip were the perfect guides. They shared local knowledge, island history, and answered all of our questions. We even had a bonus whale sighting. The only confusing thing was where to meet for the tour. We ended up in the correct area but there wasn’t a sign or anything on the boat assuring that we were in the right spot. Once the deckhand came over to the group and did the check in everything was smooth sailing and amazing.”

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4.Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,334 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $174

Sail from Ko Olina aboard the 61-foot Kai OliOli catamaran. Your captain and crew search for dolphins, seasonal humpback whales, turtles, and flying fish before stopping at a calm snorkeling site. Gear, instruction, showers, a Hawaiian buffet, drinks, and optional Waikiki transportation are included.

“This was our first time on a Catamaran and was looking forward to a unique experience for our whole family including the 9 Yr Old Twins. Not only did it exceed our expectations with the ride, but the diving and food was fantastic. The Staff was extremely friendly and courteous. Have an onboard photographer was also appreciated as the memories will now last forever. Thank you!”

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5.Swim with Dolphins on the West Coast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,112 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $187

Join Indigo Ocean Hawaii for a four-hour catamaran trip from Waiʻanae Small Boat Harbor. Crew members including Captain JB, Nicole, John, Steve, and Julie may guide you to wild dolphins, turtles, fish, octopuses, and seasonal whales. Hotel pickup, snorkel gear, lunch, drinks, and snacks are included.

“Absolutely the best experience ever! The crew was amazing and welcoming, would do it again. We got to see whales, dolphins, turtles and even octopuses. The food was great too. The entire experience was 10/10, the crew made it feel like a family trip.”

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6.Ultimate 4 Hour Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Encounter

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 927 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $175

Leave Lahaina at 9:00 a.m. on a small-group boat for two snorkel stops near Lanai and Maui. Crew members such as Jill, Casey, Lexi, and Chad have helped guests spot spinner dolphins, turtles, reef sharks, colorful fish, and winter humpback whales. Gear, flotation aids, reef-safe sunscreen, drinks, and snacks are included.

“Jill and Casey were awesome! They know their stuff. Loved the smaller boat and getting to snorkel with sharks was amazing!”

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7.Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 797 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $183

Board Body Glove’s large catamaran from Kailua-Kona for a 4.5-hour outing along the Gold Coast. You’ll get breakfast, lunch, snorkel gear, reef-safe sunscreen, about two hours in the water, and a good chance to spot dolphins or seasonal whales. Captain Erica, Adam, Brianna, and Taylor have all been praised for attentive service, though the Red Hill snorkel site is not Kealakekua Bay.

“There were many snorkeling companies, but I never regret choosing this.The staff were super kind and the breakfast and lunch they provided were so delicious with fresh ingredients. On the way to the snorkeling spot, we could see a group of dolphins. Besides snorkeling, they provided various swimming equipment for children to enjoy. It was a very satisfying experience and I want to do it again!!”

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8.Wild Dolphin Watching and Snorkel Safari Off West Coast of Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 795 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $193

Set out from Waianae on a 32-foot boat with a small group and lifeguard-certified marine guides. Look for spinner dolphins, winter humpback whales, sea turtles, seabirds, and reef fish, then snorkel with provided gear. Hotel pickup, lunch, and nonalcoholic drinks are included on the early departure, with wetsuits and GoPro cameras available for an extra fee.

“Had an amazing time on this tour, as a matter of fact this was the highlight of my trip! We seen humpback whales and dolphins. We even snorkeled with turtles. Unbelievable. We got lucky and only had a few of us on board!”

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9.Dolphin Swim and Turtle Snorkel Excursion in Waianae

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 590 reviews · 3 hours · from $193

Join Dolphin Excursions Hawaii for a three-hour wildlife cruise from Waianae aboard a 32-foot boat. Search for wild dolphins, winter humpback whales, sea turtles, and reef fish, then snorkel in protected bays. Guides such as Morgan, Ashley, Jenna, and Captain Mandy lead small groups, with lunch, gear, drinks, and Waikiki or Ko Olina transport included.

“Great organisation and communication beforehand. Timely pickup. Excellent activity! We spotted 3 species of dolphins and saw two of those underwater. We also saw lots of fish and turtles. The deep water is a bit scary at first, but the crew gave me a safe feeling. Very friendly and knowledgeable crew. Would recommend to everyone!”

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10.West Oahu Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Sail with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 320 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $125

Sail from Waianae along Oahu’s Leeward Coast aboard a catamaran capped at 42 people. Watch for spinner dolphins, seasonal humpback whales, turtles, and eagle rays, then snorkel at a calm reef with provided gear and guides. Breakfast, lunch, and drinks are included. Waikiki pickup is available for an added fee.

“Great time. Wonderful crew Nick,Ian,Nicole thank you again. Got to see some amazing things colorful fish, dolphins, scenery. Nice breakfast and lunch also:)”

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11.Eco-Raft Tour: Maui-Lanai Snorkel / Dolphin Watch (Semi-Private)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 259 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $96

Ride a fast, semi-private raft from Lahaina toward Lanai for dolphin watching, sea-cliff views, and one or two snorkel stops. Certified lifeguards provide gear and instruction, while marine naturalists explain Hawaiian culture and ocean life. Crews have included Captain Jack, Jill, Jess, Val, and Lexi. Weather can change the route.

“Lahaina is open!!! Capt. Jack and Jess were amazing! We were able to see some bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and the main show the spinner dolphins. I highly recommend this tour.”

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12.Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Watch from Maalaea

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 235 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $183

Cruise from Maʻalaea Harbor to Lanai on a spacious Pacific Whale Foundation catamaran. You get breakfast, lunch, snorkel gear, marine naturalist talks, and about 90 minutes at a Lanai reef, with chances to see spinner dolphins, whales, eels, and octopus. The route can change with weather.

“Great snorkeling! Crew was very nice. Only complaint was the food, but still an overall good choice.”

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13.Dolphin, Sea Cave & Captain Cook Snorkel Combo in Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 220 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $83

You’ll ride a fast Zodiac RIB from Kailua-Kona or Keauhou to Kealakekua Bay, snorkel near Captain Cook Monument, and explore sea caves when conditions allow. Crews may include Danielle, Chip, Dave, Patty, or David. Expect a small-group outing, local history, pineapple, water, and a wet, bumpy boat ride.

“Super laid back. Great boat ride on a zodiac. Better than a big boat with lots of people. Gave a nice little bit of the local history.”

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