Ko Olina Afternoon Dolphin Watch & Snorkel Cruise

If you are concerned about seasickness, we recommend the following remedies:

• Dramamine.
• Ginger pills.
• Sea-Band Acupressure wrist bands.
• We also recommend avoiding acidic food and drinking water the morning of your cruise.

If you need help during your cruise, our crew will be happy to help

On the Morning Calm and Afternoon Adventure cruises, if you do not see dolphins or whales, you may return for another cruise, subject to space availability.

• Guarantee does not apply to the Sunset Cruise
• A $35 meal fee applies
• If transportation is needed, a $40 transportation fee applies

Snorkeling along Oʻahu’s west coast is exciting because this side of the island feels wilder, less built-up, and more connected to open-ocean marine life than many other parts of Oʻahu. The Waiʻanae coastline is known for its clear blue water, healthy reef areas, and dramatic coastal scenery, creating an experience that feels both scenic and adventurous. Instead of just visiting a reef, you’re exploring a stretch of coastline where coral, fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and seasonal whales all move through the same waters.

Another reason this area stands out is the combination of boat access and offshore snorkeling. Reaching your snorkel site by boat allows you to get away from busy shore-access areas and into waters that often feel more open and untouched. Once anchored, you can swim above coral formations and reef habitat while surrounded by sweeping views of Oʻahu’s west side. The boat ride itself is part of what makes the experience special, especially when dolphins or whales appear along the way.

The west coast is also exciting because it offers the possibility of seeing both reef life and larger marine animals in the same outing. You may spend part of the morning watching spinner dolphins travel along the coastline, then slip into the water to snorkel over coral reef systems filled with fish and sea life. That mix of reef exploration, wildlife watching, and beautiful coastal scenery is what makes snorkeling on Oʻahu’s west side such a memorable experience.

The waters off Oʻahu’s west coast support a wide range of marine life, both on the reef and in the open ocean. While snorkeling, you may see tropical reef fish such as yellow tang, butterflyfish, parrotfish, triggerfish, wrasses, and other colorful species moving through coral and rocky reef areas. Depending on the location and conditions, you may also spot sea urchins, sea stars, eels, and octopus tucked into reef crevices.

One of the most exciting animals you might encounter in the area is the Hawaiian green sea turtle (Honu). These turtles are commonly seen in Hawaiian coastal waters and may be spotted swimming near the reef or surfacing nearby. The west side of Oʻahu is also known for larger marine life offshore, which is one reason these tours are so popular.

While traveling along the coast, guests often watch for Hawaiian spinner dolphins, which are one of the signature wildlife highlights of the Waiʻanae coast. During whale season, generally from December through April, North Pacific humpback whales may also be seen in the area. Seabirds are also common overhead, and on some days you may notice fish schools or flying fish breaking the surface. Wildlife sightings vary from trip to trip, which is part of what makes every outing feel unique.

Hawaiian spinner dolphins are special because they are one of the most iconic and recognizable marine animals in Hawaiʻi. They get their name from their acrobatic spinning leaps, where they launch out of the water and rotate in the air before splashing back down. Watching a pod of spinner dolphins move through the water and leap alongside a boat is one of the most memorable wildlife experiences many visitors have in Hawaiʻi.

They are also special because of their unique daily behavior. Spinner dolphins often spend their nights offshore feeding, then return closer to shore during the day to rest and socialize in calmer coastal waters. This pattern has made Hawaiʻi one of the best places in the world to observe them, especially along Oʻahu’s west coast.

Beyond how beautiful and playful they appear, spinner dolphins are important because they are protected wildlife and a valued part of Hawaiʻi’s marine ecosystem. Respectful viewing helps protect their resting habits and long-term health. For many people, seeing spinner dolphins in the wild is meaningful not just because they are exciting to watch, but because it offers a rare chance to witness a truly special animal behaving naturally in its ocean home.

Yes, you are welcome to bring a waterproof camera or a phone in a fully waterproof case if you’d like to capture your snorkeling experience. A waterproof camera can be a great way to photograph reef fish, turtles, the coastline, and any wildlife you may see from the boat.

It’s important to make sure your device is properly sealed and secured before the tour begins. A wrist strap, float attachment, or other secure tether is a smart idea, especially since you’ll be moving around on the boat and getting in and out of the water. Even if your camera is waterproof, it’s still a good idea to test the case beforehand and avoid bringing anything you wouldn’t want exposed to saltwater conditions.

Please keep in mind that you are responsible for your personal items and electronics. If you do bring a camera, it can absolutely be worth it—especially if dolphins, turtles, or whales make an appearance—but it’s best to bring equipment that is designed for the ocean and easy to manage while snorkeling.

All Hawaiian sea turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act, which means it is important to observe them responsibly. Snorkelers must maintain a distance of at least 10 feet (3 m) from turtles at all times. It is illegal to touch, chase, ride, feed, or otherwise disturb them.

If a turtle approaches you while snorkeling, the best thing to do is remain calm and gently move yourself about 10 feet (3 m) away, giving the animal space to continue its natural behavior. Turtles are curious and may swim near snorkelers, but it’s important to avoid blocking their path or interfering with them.

The same respectful approach applies to other wildlife such as dolphins, seals, and whales. If these animals come close, calmly create space and enjoy the moment from a distance. Never attempt to chase, touch, feed, or harass marine life. Observing wildlife responsibly helps protect these species and ensures future visitors can enjoy these incredible encounters.

You can snorkel with a beard or mustache but it can prevent a tight seal between the mask and your face, which may cause water to leak in. It is often recommended to shave at least your mustache before diving. If you’d prefer not to shave your mustache, please bring petroleum jelly or chapstick with you. If you coat your mustache in that chapstick or jelly, it may be able to seal and prevent water from getting in.

Glasses cannot be worn while snorkeling, but contacts are perfectly fine and recommended for the best experience. 

Additionally, there is an automatic correction effect that occurs underwater due to light refraction, making things appear clearer, but contacts or a personal prescription mask will provide the best visibility.