Premium Snorkeling Cruise with Whale and Dolphin Watching
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Head to the country side of Oahu's West coast on a safe, comfortable Custom Catamaran, with a one of a kind Hot Hawaiian Buffet and beverages on board after snorkeling. With years of minimal development and mostly untouched waters, the Waianae Coast has maintained a flourishing abundance of marine life, coral reefs, and clear water. We visit areas frequented by pods of dolphins and turtles and many other sea life. From November through April, Humpback whales migrate here from Alaska during our winter months putting on a show for our guests. Snorkel in the warm, crystal clear blue waters that make unforgettable memories with our TOP RATED crew!
Available options
Sunset Snorkel Winter No Trans
Sunset Snorkel Cruise Winter: Transport yourself to Ko Olina Marina 92-100 Waipahe Place Kapolei, HI 96707
Check-in by 3:45 pm for 4:15 pm departure.
Sunset Snorkel Summer No Trans
Sunset Snorkel Cruise Summer : Summer months include April- September and are 3 1/2 hours long.
Transport yourself checkin by 3:45 pm for 4:15 pm departure
Private Sunset Charter
Price valid up to 25 people: We can accommodate up to 49 guest. For parties larger than 25 people, please reach out to us directly 808-677-1277.<br/>Transportation Available: Transportation fee $40 per person. For transportation needs please reach out to us directly 808-677-1277.
Afternoon Cruise w/ Transport
Afternoon Cruise w/ Transport: Roundtrip transportation from select Waikiki hotels. Please contact reservations@oceanjoycruises.com for pickup information. <br/>Pickup included
Afternoon Cruise -No Transport
Afternoon Adventure Cruise: Transport yourself to Ko Olina Marina, 92-100 Waipahe Place, Kapolei, HI 96707
Check-in by 11:45 am for 12:15 pm departure.
Sunset Snorkel w/ Trans Winter
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes: Sunset Snorkel Cruise Winter is offered yearly from October 1st- March 31st and is 2 1/2 hours long due to the sunset time.<br/>Roundtrip Trans Included: Roundtrip transportation from select Waikiki hotels. Please contact reservations@oceanjoycruises.com for pickup information. <br/>Pickup included
Morning Cruise w/ Transport
Includes Transportation: Roundtrip transportation from select Waikiki hotels. Please contact reservations@oceanjoycruises.com for pickup information. <br/>Pickup included
Morning Cruise - No Transport
Morning Calm Cruise: Transport yourself to the Ko Olina Marina, 92-100 Waipahe Place, Kapolei, HI 96707
Check-in by 7:30 am for 8 am departure.
Sunset Snorkel w/ Trans Summer
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes: Sunset Snorkel Cruise Summer is offered yearly starting on April 1st - September 30th and is 3 1/2 hours long. <br/>Roundtrip Trans Included: Roundtrip transportation from select Waikiki hotels. Please contact reservations@oceanjoycruises.com for pickup information. <br/>Pickup included
What's included
Local guide
Use of snorkels, masks, fins, flotation vests, flotation noodles
Reef Safe Sunscreen lotion, ginger pills
Hawaiian meal- Please notify Ocean Joy Cruises with any dietary concerns.
Hot Freshwater Showers
Restroom on board
Beverages (both alcoholic and nonalcoholic)
Optional Roundtrip Transportation from Waikiki
What you'll see
After pickup from your central Waikiki hotel, travel by comfortable air-conditioned coach to the marina where you board the 61-foot (18.5-meter) catamaran for your 3.5-hour cruise. You can choose from three departure times — morning, midday or afternoon — to suit your schedule.
Head north along the pristine western coast of Oahu to look for dolphins, whales (when in season), flying fish, green sea turtles and more. When your captain locates a pod of dolphins or whales, your boat stops to allow you to get an excellent view of the mighty mammals from the spacious deck. Your expert crew can answer any questions that you may have about the animals you see.
Afterward, your captain steers the boat into a special spot for snorkeling. Put on the provided gear and receive detailed safety and snorkeling instruction. Then hop in the water to marvel at colorful corals and a multitude of fish. Enjoy an hour of snorkeling in the clear tropical waters, with guides available to assist you with fish identification throughout your exploration.
Back on the boat, you can rinse off in one of the boat’s six warm, freshwater showers. Two changing rooms and restrooms are also available.
Once the snorkelers return to the boat, the crew serves unlimited non-alcoholic beverages or your choice of beer, wine, mai tai or margarita (up to four alcoholic drinks included). Then tuck into a sumptuous Hawaiian buffet that may include teriyaki chicken, kalua pig (pulled pork), potato-pasta salad, rice and fresh fruit. As you eat inside the cabin, your boat begins a leisurely cruise back to the marina.
Throughout the tour, your captain and crew shares the history and legends of the Waianae Coast. A professional photographer takes photos both on the boat and in the water, which you have the option to purchase back at the dock before you're returned to your Waikiki hotel.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
JA
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
617 reviews
5★
524
4★
53
3★
24
2★
7
1★
9
Tripadvisor
4.7
670 reviews
5★
569
4★
43
3★
26
2★
21
1★
11
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We can accept collapsible wheelchairs and small umbrella strollers but they will be stored at the marina during the cruise. Wheelchair guests must be able to walk up a short flight of steps onto the bus and boat.
Meeting point
Please meet us behind the Ko Olina Marina Adventure Center (store is currently closed). Our waiting area is oceanside, underneath the umbrellas to the left behind the Center. Our manager on duty will greet you and check you in for our tour there!
Important notes
Pick-up is 2 hours before the tour. Please contact our reservations team at reservations@oceanjoycruises.com or 808-677-1277 to confirm your hotel and the exact pick up time and location instructions.
1: Ala Moana (Mahukona st) 5:50AM // 10:10AM // 01:45PM
2: Hawaii Prince (Holomoana) 5:55AM //10:15AM // 01:50PM
3: ABC Store #83 Ala Moana BLVD 6:00AM // 10:20AM // 01:55PM
4: Hale Koa (Kalia Rd. Trolley Stop) 6:05AM // 10:25AM // 2:00PM
5: Ambassador Hotel (Namahana) 6:10AM // 10:30AM // 2:05PM
6: Hokulani By Hilton (Lewers St.) 6:15AM // 10:35AM // 2:10PM
7: Ross Dress for Less on Seaside Ave 6:20AM // 10:40AM // 2:15PM
8: Hyatt Regency (Koa Ave.) 6:25AM // 10:45AM // 2:20PM
9: Alohilani (Koa/Liliuokalani) 6:30AM // 10:50AM // 2:25PM
10: Waikiki Beach Marriott (Paoakalani) 6:35AM // 10:55AM // 2:30PM
11: The Kahala Resort 5:35AM // 9:55AM // 1:30PM
12. Four Seasons Ko Olina Resort - Marriotts Ko Olina Beach Club - Aulani Disney 7:30AM // 11:35AM // 3:30PM
About Oahu
Oahu, known as 'The Gathering Place,' is the third-largest of the Hawaiian Islands and home to the state capital, Honolulu. It offers a unique blend of urban attractions, historical sites, and stunning natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a diverse Hawaiian experience.
Top Attractions
Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world, known for its golden sand, clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere. It's perfect for swimming, surfing, and people-watching.
Beach
Half day to full day
Free
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Pearl Harbor is a historic site that commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II. Visitors can tour the USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri, and the Pacific Aviation Museum.
Historical
Half day to full day
Free to $2.00 for the USS Arizona Memorial program
Diamond Head State Monument
Diamond Head is an iconic volcanic crater offering stunning views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. The hike to the summit is moderate and rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views.
Nature
2-3 hours
$5 per vehicle, $1 per pedestrian
Must-Try Local Dishes
Poke
A Hawaiian raw fish salad typically made with ahi tuna or salmon, soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made with cooked fish or tofu for a vegetarian/vegan option.
Loco Moco
A hearty dish consisting of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy.
Dinner
Can be made with a vegetarian patty or tofu.
Shave Ice
Finely shaved ice topped with flavored syrups and often served with a scoop of ice cream or sweetened condensed milk.
Dessert
Vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
Popular Activities
Hiking
Surfing
ATV tours
Zip-lining
Beach lounging
Spas
Sunset cruises
Luaus
Best Time to Visit
December to March
This is the peak tourist season due to the winter whale-watching season and the Christmas holidays. The weather is pleasant, with occasional rain showers.
20-30°C
68-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
GMT-10:00 (Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Oahu is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates in tourist areas. However, visitors should always be aware of their surroundings and take basic safety precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services
- • Avoid leaving valuables unattended on the beach
- • Be aware of strong currents and rip tides when swimming
Getting there
By air
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport • 5 km from Honolulu
By bus
Honolulu, Waikiki
Getting around
Public transport
The Bus system is affordable and covers most of Oahu, including major attractions and neighborhoods. Fares are $3 per ride, and day passes are available.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Waikiki
Honolulu
North Shore
Day trips
Kualoa Ranch
30 miles from Honolulu • Full day
Kualoa Ranch is a 4,000-acre nature reserve and working cattle ranch offering a variety of outdoor activities, including ATV tours, horseback riding, and movie site tours.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
10 miles from Honolulu • Half day
Hanauma Bay is a marine life conservation district offering excellent snorkeling opportunities in a protected, pristine environment. The bay is home to a diverse range of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and dolphins.
Kualoa Ranch
30 miles from Honolulu • Full day
Kualoa Ranch is a 4,000-acre nature reserve and working cattle ranch offering a variety of outdoor activities, including ATV tours, horseback riding, and movie site tours.
Festivals
Honolulu Festival • March
Merrie Monarch Festival • April
Pro tips
- Visit popular attractions like Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat
- Rent a car for at least a few days to explore the island's diverse landscapes and attractions
- Try local dishes like poke, loco moco, and shave ice for an authentic Hawaiian culinary experience
- Pack light, breathable clothing and reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin and the environment
- Learn a few basic Hawaiian phrases to show respect for the local culture and enhance your travel experience
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
