How to Swim with Dolphins in Oahu in the Wild
One of the most magical experiences you can have while visiting Hawaii is to swim with dolphins in Oahu in the wild (as opposed to swimming with dolphins in captivity). I really cannot recommend it enough.
In fact, I love it so much that I have done it numerous times! And this is coming from someone who has been to Hawaii over 50 times. If you are interested in swimming with dolphins in Hawaii, you should absolutely do this. It is truly amazing.
To swim with dolphins in Oahu in the wild you have two options:
Get in the ocean and try to find them yourself
Go with a company that specializes in swimming with dolphins and knows how to find them without fail
If I were you I would go with option 2. Assuming you agree, here is everything you need to know to swim with dolphins Oahu!
IF YOU PLAN TO VISIT OAHU, DON'T MISS THE TOP 10 THINGS TO DO ON OAHU, A LOCAL'S GUIDE TO THE BEST PLACES TO EAT ON OAHU AND THE 10 BEST PLACES TO TAKE PHOTOS ON OAHU!
How to swim with dolphins in Oahu:
The company I personally use to swim with dolphins Oahu is Dolphin Excursions and I would highly suggest doing the safari (as they call it) through them. They are located on the westside of Oahu in the town of Waianae. Waianae is the best place to swim with dolphins on Oahu, hands down.
If you are looking to swim with dolphins Honolulu because you are staying there, you can’t really do that in the wild (at least not consistently). But depending on whether you have a car or not, you can either meet them in Waianae or have them pick you up at your hotel in Waikiki or Ko Olina.
There are two Oahu dolphin swim tours per day - one at 7:30 am and one at 11 am. I would recommend the earlier one as I have heard it is easier to find the dolphins then since they are just coming back from feeding at that time. Plus that way you are done back lunchtime so you still have time for another adventure!
Upon arrival to the harbor you will check in and fill out some paperwork, grab your gear (fins and a snorkel mask - these come with your safari at no extra cost), and if there is enough time there's a small cafe attached where you can grab coffee and some food. Once everyone is ready, you walk down to the boat and hop on!
Once on the boat you'll have the opportunity to put your stuff in a wet box. I wasn't sure if it would be a good idea or not to bring my dSLR along, but because there's a wet box I'd say you definitely can.
Be careful though - everyone will throw their stuff in one box so make sure your equipment is in good casing or that you’re last to put your things in.
Next up, the fun part! The three hour tour goes something like this:
Whale and dolphin watch from the boat
"The drop" - this is where you are actually dropped in a bay where they know dolphins are and you get to swim with them!
Snorkel with turtles, octopus, fish, and whatever else you can find
Last time we went we spotted tons of dolphins in the wild right away and ended up skipping the watch part in order to hop in with the dolphins, which just meant we got to swim with them for extra long (score!).
Once you are done, you'll head back to the cafe for lunch before being escorted back to Waikiki or Ko Olina.
If you have something like a GoPro, definitely bring it. If not, a photographer comes on every excursion and will take photos of you in the water. You do have to pay to purchase those photos though.
Note: if you are less adventurous, you can also pay to swim with dolphins in Hawaii at the Kahala Hotel or Sea Life Park, but those are dolphins in captivity, not swimming freely in the ocean with their families. I did the Sea Life Park Dolphin Encounter Oahu experience in high school and it did not even compare to the experience with Dolphin Excursions.
What to Bring on Your Dolphin Excursion
UNDERWATER CAMERA. DO NOT go without a GoPro! You will absolutely cant to capture the experience and a GoPro is the best high quality way to do so. Click here for the one I recommend.
SWIMWEAR. You will be in the water with the dolphins, so dress accordingly!
SUNGLASSES. Of course! I cannot believe I am about to say this but I’ve found a very cheap brand I recommend. Why is that shocking? Because I absolutely hate cheap sunglasses. I used to be a total sunglass snob and only buy $400 Saint Laurent, Dior, or Chanel sunglasses because the cheap ones feel horrible and don’t actually protect. Until now!! This brand I found on Amazon is under $15/pair and is shockingly impressive. I’ve bought four pairs so far. Click here for my favorite all black aviators, here for my rimless aviators, and here for my square ones.
BEACH TOWEL. Do not forget towels! You need to bring your own. Click here for my favorite quick drying colorful travel beach towels.
SPF. Also incredibly important, do NOT forget this! Click here for my favorite face SPF. I also always carry a mineral powder sunscreen brush with me at all times to put on top and lock in the SPF. Click here for the one I use and recommend.
REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE. Traveling makes you dehydrated as does sunshine so please do not forget this (and PLEASE do not buy single-use plastic ones instead). Hydro Flask is the best because it keeps your drink cold (or warm). So worth the investment. Click here to see the latest prices.
For a full list of what to bring to Hawaii, click here for my Hawaii packing list.
Best Places to Stay in Oahu
Geographically speaking, you should stay in Honolulu (including Waikiki), Kailua, the North Shore (including Haleiwa), or Ko Olina. Click here for where to stay on Oahu - a local's guide!
If you prefer a more local experience, click here for the 11 best Airbnb Oahu rentals in Waikiki, Kailua, and the North Shore.
Other Hawaii Information
If you will be visiting Oahu, we have everything you need to plan your trip!
FOR WHAT TO PACK… click here for our Hawaii packing list.
FOR WHERE TO STAY… click here for the best hotels and resorts and here for the best Airbnbs.
FOR WHERE TO EAT… click here for a local’s guide to the best places to eat.
FOR WHAT TO DO… click here for my top 10 recommendations. My number one recommendation is to swim with dolphins in the wild. Click here for a detailed post about how to do that!
FOR A GUIDE TO VISITING KUALOA RANCH (JURASSIC PARK HAWAII)… click here.
FOR A GUIDE TO THE FAMOUS NORTH SHORE… click here.
FOR WHERE TO HIKE… click here for Crouching Lion (my absolute favorite) and here for the Lanikai Pillboxes (my second favorite!).
FOR THE BEST PHOTO OPPS… click here!
Also, subscribe below to get our FREE downloadable guide and we’ll also send you some step-by-step help to plan the Hawaii trip of your dreams!
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