Small-Group Dolphin Turtle & Whale Safari w/ Marine Biologists
Overview
Leave the crowds behind. Small 10 guest, semi-private groups. Departures 7 and 11 am. Private bathroom, shade, comfort and speed to go where dolphins, turtles, whales, flying fish, and even pilot whales roam free. Every outing is customized in real time to wildlife conditions and your group’s interests—no rigid loop, no rushed timeline.
*Ethical opportunities to swim with wild dolphins—and sometimes other whale species
*Safari-style exploration covering diverse marine habitats, above and underwater
*Expert biologist guides share real science and island storytelling
*Flexible, guest-centered itinerary based on live ocean conditions
*Deep respect for wildlife—no chasing, no crowding
*This isn’t a party cruise or a packaged attraction. It’s a deeply personal ocean experience—ideal for families, photographers, and nature lovers.
What's Included
- Snacks
- Carbonated beverages Local Juices
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Gratuities
- Towels and Refillable Water Bottle
Meeting Location
85-491 Farrington Highway
Waianae, HI 96792, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
A true offshore wildlife safari on Oʻahu’s west side—guided by marine naturalists, with a focus on respectful, conditions-based encounters.
Our small-group ocean safaris explore the deeper waters off Oʻahu’s west coast, where we search for dolphins, turtles, and a remarkable diversity of offshore marine life. Each day is shaped by ocean conditions and animal behavior, allowing for more meaningful, respectful encounters.
You may find yourself swimming alongside dolphins, observing a rare pod of pilot whales, or snorkeling over reef systems with sea turtles—always guided by experienced crew who prioritize safety, ethics, and awareness.
We intentionally keep our groups small (maximum 10 guests) to create a more personal, flexible, and immersive experience.
What Makes This Different
Max 10 guests — not crowded, more time in the water
Marine biologist / naturalist-led — real insight, not scripted narration
Offshore focus — away from Waikīkī crowds and nearshore loops
Wildlife-first approach — no guarantees, no pressure on animals
Flexible itinerary — we adapt to conditions and opportunities each day
Snorkeling included when conditions allow
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- You may be in offshore waters and restricted from medical care (beyond first-aid) for extended periods of time
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Infants must remain in carriers/slings
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (16)
Q: Do you take pregnant customers snorkeling?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5532P4
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 61 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (16)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
Yes, we allow pregnant women to go on snorkeling. However, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before doing so to assess your individual health and pregnancy stage.
Jan 2022Yes, this is possible, as long as you are comfortable going into the water. All Cool Shore Excursions snorkeling tours adhere to strict safety regulations and have been designed to be enjoyed by all.
Your safety is our #1 priority, which is why:
- You will be wearing a flotation device at all times.
- On many tours, there is a stairway from the boat into the water so you won’t have to “jump” in!
- There are trained staff in the water and watching from the boat at all times.
For these reasons, we believe that even non-swimmers can have a wonderful time on our snorkeling trips, however, the final judgment call is yours to make. Please note we do not give refunds if you decide not to snorkel on the trip.
Oct 2021The snorkel gear we use on Cool Shore Excursions tours is high quality and for your protection, the equipment is sanitized after each use. However, if you feel more comfortable using your own snorkeling equipment, feel free to bring it on the tour. Please note, there is no discount for providing your own equipment and we can’t be responsible for any lost or damaged items.
May 2023As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Small-Group Dolphin Turtle & Whale Safari w/ Marine Biologists. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022Participants in the Small-Group Dolphin Turtle & Whale Safari w/ Marine Biologists cannot fly in an airplane within 24 hours of their dive.
The main concern with scuba diving and flying is decompression sickness (DCS). Your body needs adequate time during an ascent to off-gas excess nitrogen, or you can form bubbles in your bloodstream, possibly leading to DCS.
Jun 2024First-time snorkelers can be assured of one-on-one instruction and assistance. We find introducing folks to our world very rewarding!
Oct 2021There are no legal age limits for snorkeling. We have found that age 5 or 6 is a good age to learn the basics of snorkeling, however, it’s entirely up to individuals to make the best choice for their family.
Sep 2021If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (HST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Snacks.
- Carbonated beverages. Local Juices.
- Use of Snorkelling equipment.
- Gratuities.
- Towels and Refillable Water Bottle.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Small-Group Dolphin Turtle & Whale Safari w/ Marine Biologists is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- You may be in offshore waters and restricted from medical care (beyond first-aid) for extended periods of time
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Small-Group Dolphin Turtle & Whale Safari w/ Marine Biologists will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Snacks
- Carbonated beveragesLocal Juices
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Gratuities
- Towels and Refillable Water Bottle
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- You may be in offshore waters and restricted from medical care (beyond first-aid) for extended periods of time
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Infants must remain in carriers/slings
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
