Premium Snorkeling Cruise with Whale and Dolphin Watching
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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!
Additional Info
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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 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
Gratuities
Pickup points
Hale Koa Hotel
2055 Kalia Road, Honolulu United States
The Ambassador Hotel of Waikiki, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
2040 Kuhio Ave, Honolulu United States
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Hokulani Waikiki Honolulu
2181 Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu United States
The Kahala Hotel & Resort
5000 Kahala Avenue Honolulu United States
Waikiki Resort Hotel
2460 Koa Avenue Honolulu United States
Ala Moana Honolulu by Mantra
410 Atkinson Drive Honolulu United States
Prince Waikiki
100 Holomoana Street Honolulu United States
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
2552 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu United States
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort And Spa
2424 Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu United States
Options
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.
Morning Cruise w/ Transport
Includes Transportation: Roundtrip transportation from select Waikiki hotels. Please contact [email protected] for pickup information.
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.
Afternoon Cruise w/ Transport
Afternoon Cruise w/ Transport: Roundtrip transportation from select Waikiki hotels. Please contact [email protected] for pickup information.
Pickup included
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
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 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.
Roundtrip Trans Included: Roundtrip transportation from select Waikiki hotels. Please contact [email protected] for pickup information.
Pickup included
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.
Transportation Available: Transportation fee $40 per person. For transportation needs please reach out to us directly 808-677-1277.
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.
Roundtrip Trans Included: Roundtrip transportation from select Waikiki hotels. Please contact [email protected] for pickup information.
Pickup included
Reviews
1,302 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Mismatched Food Expectations
Kristi B,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00I don't think this experience was described accurately in that the "lunch" is not a lunch but rather a "lupper" or a "dunch" because it was served at 2:30p. I did not realize that, and thought lunch meant 12:30 or 1p food, so I boarded hungry for the 12:15p departure time. Thankfully when I discovered that food was another 2 hours away, they did accommodate and let me have some of the leftovers from the morning cruise (I was desperate!) and that was appreciated. The ride itself was great. We cruised around and spotted spinner dolphins and even a couple of Humpback whales. The snorkeling was subpar just because we were in 25 ft deep water and most of the fish were closer to the bottom. But again, the crew tried to accommodate by throwing some food to the surface to get the fish closer. Overall we enjoyed ourselves but I was a bit frustrated that they did not more clearly say that the food served would be at an awkward time, not at lunch time.
It was absolutely...
Domnick H,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was absolutely incredible. The crew was very nice and friendly. Communication was perfect and the whole experience was exactly what I wanted. My wife did feel a little seasick but they offered a medication before hand to help. Explanation for snorkeling and all equipment was excellent. Thank you all for the amazing experience
Highly recommended!!!
K8366FVolgas,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our Premium Snorkeling Cruise was absolutely amazing! Everything was perfectly organized, and the captain and the entire crew gave 100% — truly outstanding. This was our very first snorkeling experience, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. We felt safe, comfortable, and well taken care of the entire time. Thank you so much for an unforgettable experience and a wonderfully spent day. Highly recommended! Igor & Olga Sokolyk
Wonderful Day on the ocean!
Dawn M,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The hospitality was 11/10, food and beverages amazing, snorkeling was well organized and it was fun having a photographer take amazing shots without having to fiddle with our iPhones all day! The weather was 5/10 and the whales were hiding but not their fault. Boat was super comfy and we just might go again tomorrow!
Delicious food, attentive staff, lots to do
AmyD725370,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Would highly recommend this tour! Kind, knowledgeable, and attentive staff; smooth sailing with all the amenities; seeing dolphins right by the boat!; lengthly snorkeling time, and a delicious local meal! We can be picky eaters, and this meal Was healthy, well-balanced and delicious !! We had our two children and parents with us and we always felt safe and comfortable with snorkeling and walking on the boat. Excellent time and 100% worth the cost!
Catamaran cruise snorkeling whale and dolphin watching
P9646HXmarkk,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day! Fantastic crew. Calm waters on a beautiful day. We were able to see whales, dolphins, sea turtles, star fish and many species of fish. Captain and Crew really made the day. Sharing their knowledge, personal experiences and humor. Highly recommend this tour!
A perfect afternoon cruise
844ellenl,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I had an amazing time on this cruise on our first time in Hawaii. The captain and crew were excellent and the boat wasn’t crowded at all. We were so lucky to spot some whales and then we got to snorkel with beautiful fish and a couple of sea turtles. The food and drinks were delicious. All in all, highly recommend booking this cruise for those looking to pack a lot of things into a short period of time.
Amazing adventure seeing dolphins & snorkeling!
W6156MRduaneb,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great early cruise. Saw dolphins & had them running with the boat, it was amazing. Even saw turtle on the snorkeling part. Food was very good. Staff was very friendly & personable. Small number of people on cruise so we got a lot of personal attention. Definitely would do it again
Highly recommend Ocean Joy Cruises out of Ko 'Olina
Suedvo,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a great experience with this snorkeling, whale/dolphin excursion. The boat was super nice, the staff was attentive and safety conscious, food was great and the duration was ideal. HIGHLY recommend Ocean Joy Cruises!
Awesome time
T9633MWkarenw,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an awesome time. The crew is great, they made sure everyone had a great time it was an honor to have the owner along. If you are going snorkeling this is a great company to go with
From US$174.00
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Operated by Ocean Joy Cruises - Oahu