Oahu Dolphin Tour Review
What comes to mind when you think of Hawaii? Probably warm weather, crystal-clear blue ocean, and a laid-back tropical vibe! During my winter break, my friend and I decided to go on an unforgettable adventure to this wonderful place before our final year of college and the start of our careers. With so many exciting activities to choose from, one tour stood out the most—the Dolphins and You tour! Today, I’ll be sharing my personal experience of Oahu Dolphin Tour and review of it, along with some essential tips to help you make the most of this incredible adventure.
Why I Chose the Dolphins and You Tour
While planning our trip, we knew we wanted to experience a dolphin tour, turtle snorkeling, and as many water activities as possible. We have reviewed many Oahu Dolphin Tour reviews and that’s when we found Dolphins and You on Viator, a tour that offers everything in one package—dolphin watching, snorkeling with sea turtles, water slides, kayaking, paddleboarding, and even a free lunch and live hula performance!
Since our trip was short, this tour seemed like the perfect way to maximize our time and experience multiple activities all at once. We booked our tour through Viator, but you can also reserve through Get Your Guide or the official Dolphins and You website.
Morning vs. Afternoon Tour – Which One to Choose?
Dolphins and You offers two tours each day, one is a morning tour and the other is an afternoon tour. Below is a schedule for both tours based on Oahu Dolphin Tour reviews.
☀️Morning Tour: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Pick-up starts at 6:00 AM)
☀️Afternoon Tour: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Pick-up starts at 10:00 AM)
If you prefer a relaxed start to your day, the afternoon tour might be ideal. However, we chose the morning tour because we wanted to make the most of our day. Plus, morning tours typically have fewer participants, meaning more space on the boat and less crowding in the water—perfect for capturing amazing photos!
What to Pack for the Oahu Dolphin Tour?
Given my tour experience, to fully enjoy your time, I recommend bringing things in the list below.
✔ Reef-safe sunscreen (Hawaii bans certain sunscreens to protect marine life)
✔ Sunglasses & a hat for sun protection
✔ Swimsuit (Wear it under your clothes for convenience)
✔ Extra clothes to change into after the tour
✔ Waterproof phone pouch for photos & videos during the tour
✔ A bottle of water (although drinks are provided on board)
Lunch and beverages are provided, so you don’t need to bring extra food. The tour also provides life jackets, snorkel gear, and flotation devices, making it beginner-friendly—even for those who aren’t strong swimmers!
Setting Sail – The Experience Begins!
After being picked up from our hotel in Waikiki by Dolphins and You’s tour bus, (Hyatt Regency was our stop), we arrived at Wai’anae Boat Harbor, where the real adventure began. Before heading out, the crew went over safety rules and even led a Hawaiian E Ho Mai chant, a traditional blessing for safety and good fortune on the journey. It was such a unique cultural touch that made the experience even more special!
🐬 Spotting Wild Spinner Dolphins
Not long after setting sail, we saw a pod of Hawaiian spinner dolphins gracefully leaping through the water near our boat! These dolphins are known for their acrobatic spins, and we were lucky enough to see them up close. It was such a magical moment—one of those bucket-list experiences you’ll never forget!
🐢 Snorkeling with Sea Turtles & Exploring the Underwater Like a Mermaid! 🧜🏻♀️
Once we reached a calm snorkeling spot, we geared up and jumped into the ocean. The clear Hawaiian waters revealed a vibrant underwater world filled with colorful tropical fish and, most excitingly, majestic green sea turtles gliding smoothly through the ocean. Swimming alongside these gentle creatures was truly an unforgettable experience!
🌊 Thrill & Fun: Water Slide, Kayak, & Paddleboarding 🚣🏻♂️
After snorkeling, we had the chance to enjoy various water activities like a giant water slide off the boat, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Even my friend, who isn’t a confident swimmer, was able to enjoy all of these activities thanks to the floatation gear from the tour. It was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation!
🍱Free Lunch & Hula Performance Onboard 💃🏻
After all the fun in the water, it was time to refuel my energy with a delicious complimentary lunch. I was able to choose one menu from lunch options which are, 🥪Turkey sandwich
🥬Vegetable wrap, 🥜Peanut butter & jelly sandwich. I chose the peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and it was perfect after all the activity!
To top it off, the crew surprised us with a live hula dance performance! They even invited us to join in and learn a few moves. The youth and energy and enthusiasm of the staff made the entire experience even more fun and memorable. They even gave us cute dolphin-shaped stickers as souvenirs!
Final Thoughts & Tips of the Oahu Dolphin Tour
✅ Take motion sickness medicine if you get seasick – The waves can be strong, so it’s better to be prepared. The crew does have medication on board if needed.
✅ Be respectful of marine life – Avoid touching or chasing dolphins and turtles. Observing from a distance allows them to remain safe and comfortable in their natural habitat.
✅ Don’t forget your waterproof camera! – You’ll want to capture every amazing moment in the ocean!
Bottom Line of the Oahu Dolphin Tour Review
Would I Recommend Dolphins and You?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for an action-packed, all-in-one ocean adventure, this Oahu Dolphin tour is a must-do. From dolphin watching and turtle snorkeling to thrilling water activities and cultural experiences, it’s the perfect way to make the most of your time in Hawaii. Plus, the friendly and energetic crew ensures that everyone has an unforgettable experience.
If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii and love marine life and adventure, I highly recommend booking this tour. Feel free to drop a comment if you have any questions!
* This is a firsthand experience from a guest who joined our Dolphins and You Dolphin Watching Tour in Oahu, sharing all the exciting moments, tips, and highlights to help you plan your own unforgettable adventure!
👉 Official Website for Booking: Dolphins and You https://www.dolphinsandyou.com 🐬
If you want to find more posts about tours, Please check And You Creations Official Website!
