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    1. Local experiences/
    2. Waianae, HI/
    3. Water Activities/
    4. Whale Watching/
    5. Best of the West Ocean Wildlife Tour

    The very best experiences curated by local experts

    Best local prices
    Flexible cancellations
    Private & secure
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    Best of the West Ocean Wildlife Tour

    Encounter dolphins, whales, and sea turtles in a small-group tour led by marine biologists.

    From$215/ person

    Duration

    3+ hours

    Ideal For

    Up to 8 people

    Includes

    Snorkel gear, snacks, guide

    Highlights

    Explore O‘ahu’s rugged western coast on a small-group boating adventure guided by naturalists and biologists. Watch for dolphins and whales, then snorkel vibrant reefs beside graceful sea turtles.

    • Travel aboard a 34-ft power catamaran with max eight guests
    • Spot spinner dolphins, humpback whales, and seabirds
    • Receive in-water guidance and detailed safety briefings
    • Snorkel with sea turtles and tropical reef fish
    • Contribute to citizen-science wildlife observations
    • Refuel with light snacks, juices, and fresh fruit onboard

    What's Included

    • Snorkel gear and flotation aids
    • Expert marine biologist crew
    • Light snacks and refreshments
    • Private marine restroom and shaded seating

    Shared charters are ideal for ages 10 and up; children under 5 are normally limited to private tours. Each departure carries a maximum of eight guests with a per-person weight limit of roughly 250 lb. Participants must be comfortable swimmers and able to climb a boat ladder.

    Cancellation policy

    Cancellations made less than 10 days before departure and no-shows are charged in full. If the operator must cancel due to weather, minimum guest numbers, or vessel issues, tours will be rescheduled when possible or fully refunded. Wildlife sightings, snorkeling, and ideal conditions are not guaranteed; the crew may modify or cancel activities to protect guest safety and animal welfare.

    Experience provided by Wild Side Specialty Tours
    Experience provided by Wild Side Specialty Tours

    How can we help?

    We are here to assist with special requests, large groups, last minute needs, and any questions you may have.

    Call or text (650) 414-7338

    Reference #A596GJ

    Adult

    $215

    Semi-Private Tour • Ages 10+

    0

    Private Charter up to 8 people

    $1,595

    Ages 10+

    0

    Handpicked for you, so you can book with confidence

    • Best local prices

    • Flexible cancellation

    • Private and secure

    Each booking directly supports small businesses in our community.

    4.9 stars• 1.8K reviews

    Review summary

    4.9
    Excellent
    1.8K reviews•Google Maps

    This tour delivers something genuinely special: a chance to encounter wild marine life while supporting a crew that actually cares about conservation. The team, frequently mentioned by name (Connor, Bethany, Captain Flow, Captain Dave, and others), aren't just running a business—they're marine biologists and ecologists conducting real research. Guests consistently praise how knowledgeable and passionate the staff is, and that enthusiasm is contagious. You'll feel like part of their mission rather than just a tourist checking boxes. The wildlife encounters are impressive and varied. Most groups see multiple dolphin species (spinners, spotted, bottlenose, and even pygmy killer whales), plus green sea turtles are practically guaranteed. One lucky group even swam with a whale shark. What sets this apart is the ethical approach: the crew knows animal behavior well enough to facilitate meaningful encounters without harassing wildlife. They'll stay out longer if needed to deliver on the experience, and they genuinely get excited alongside you when something rare appears. The small group size makes everything feel personal and intimate rather than like a cattle call. The only minor critique from one reviewer mentioned the snorkeling reef being somewhat average, but that seems like an outlier when most people are raving about sea turtles, eagle rays, and the overall underwater experience. Lunch is included and gets positive mentions too. If you want an ocean tour that's both thrilling and responsible, this crew earns its stellar reputation.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 5
    5/5

    This is was truly one of the best experiences ever! We passed several other boats with 15 and 20+ people on them for the same price as our excursion and we felt privileged to be on a boat of 6 people with a personalized experience. Connor, Bethany, and Captain Jake were amazing. A couple of us were not good swimmers and had anxiety about being first time snorkelers, but when in the water, Connor and Bethany were by our sides at so times and catered to all of our needs. They were incredibly kind and went out of their way to help my oldest daughter get back in the water after she felt a bit nauseated. Captain Jake steered the boat to just the right spots for anticipated dolphin areas. The fresh pineapple, Hawaiian drinks and snacks were perfect. The crew knew a ton about marine life and the dolphin species and they took us to ask amazing shoreline snorkel area. We would book with them again in a heartbeat!

    Photo of Arliss Indreboe

    Arliss Indreboe

    May 25, 2025

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    This is was truly one of the best experiences ever! We passed several other boats with 15 and 20+ people on them for the same price as our excursion and we felt privileged to be on a boat of 6 people with a personalized experience. Connor, Bethany, and Captain Jake were amazing. A couple of us were not good swimmers and had anxiety about being first time snorkelers, but when in the water, Connor and Bethany were by our sides at so times and catered to all of our needs. They were incredibly kind and went out of their way to help my oldest daughter get back in the water after she felt a bit nauseated. Captain Jake steered the boat to just the right spots for anticipated dolphin areas. The fresh pineapple, Hawaiian drinks and snacks were perfect. The crew knew a ton about marine life and the dolphin species and they took us to ask amazing shoreline snorkel area. We would book with them again in a heartbeat!

    Photo of Arliss Indreboe

    Arliss Indreboe

    May 25, 2025