
Small-Group Dolphin Turtle & Whale Safari w/ Marine Biologists
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 78 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Small-Group Dolphin Turtle & Whale Safari w/ Marine Biologists worth booking?
Small-Group Dolphin Turtle & Whale Safari w/ Marine Biologists is a 3.3-hour experience in Oahu, United States, from $245 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 78 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (78)
- Duration
- 3.3 hours
- From
- $245 per person
Leave the crowds behind. Small 10 guest, semi-private groups. Departures 7 and 11 am. Private bathroom, shade, comfort and speed to go where dolphins, turtles, whales, flying fish, and even pilot whales roam free. Every outing is customized in real time to wildlife conditions and your group’s interests—no rigid loop, no rushed timeline. *Ethical opportunities to swim with wild dolphins—and sometimes other whale species *Safari-style exploration covering diverse marine habitats, above and underwater *Expert biologist guides share real science and island storytelling *Flexible, guest-centered itinerary based on live ocean conditions *Deep respect for wildlife—no chasing, no crowding *This isn’t a party cruise or a packaged attraction. It’s a deeply personal ocean experience—ideal for families, photographers, and nature lovers.
What you get
About this experience
Leave the crowds behind. Small 10 guest, semi-private groups. Departures 7 and 11 am. Private bathroom, shade, comfort and speed to go where dolphins, turtles, whales, flying fish, and even pilot whales roam free. Every outing is customized in real time to wildlife conditions and your group’s interests—no rigid loop, no rushed timeline. *Ethical opportunities to swim with wild dolphins—and sometimes other whale species *Safari-style exploration covering diverse marine habitats, above and underwater *Expert biologist guides share real science and island storytelling *Flexible, guest-centered itinerary based on live ocean conditions *Deep respect for wildlife—no chasing, no crowding *This isn’t a party cruise or a packaged attraction. It’s a deeply personal ocean experience—ideal for families, photographers, and nature lovers.
What's included
Included
- Snacks
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Carbonated beverages
Not included
- Gratuities
- Towels and Refillable Water Bottle
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Oahu
Please meet us a the A Pier gate of the Waianae Small Boat Harbor Free Parking
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please meet us a the A Pier gate of the Waianae Small Boat Harbor Free Parking
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Wild Side Specialty Tours, LLC
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants must remain in carriers/slings
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- You may be in offshore waters and restricted from medical care (beyond first-aid) for extended periods of time
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 78 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
78 verified traveler reviews for Small-Group Dolphin Turtle & Whale Safari w/ Marine Biologists. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent Excursion
Excellent dolphin excursion which far exceeded my expectations. We saw many dophins. turtles and fish and got to snorkel near the dolphins which was fantastic. Loved learning from the guides.
Response from the operator: Mahalo for the wonderful review! We're so glad the experience exceeded your expectations. Seeing dolphins, turtles, and reef life all in one day—and having the opportunity for a respectful in-water dolphin encounter—makes for a pretty special day on the Waiʻanae Coast. We especially appreciate you mentioning our guides. For us, finding wildlife is only part of the experience; helping our guests understand what they're seeing and the animals' behavior is just as important. Mahalo for exploring with Wild Side!
via Tripadvisor
Best snorkeling tour ever
Best snorkeling tour ever! It was priceless to have a marine biologist and an experienced diver with us. We saw 3 types of dolphins, pigmy whales (even swam with them), turtles and many fishes. This experience will stay with us as a forever memory!
Response from the operator: Three kinds of dolphins, pygmy killer whales, turtles and a reef full of fish—what an incredible day! We especially love hearing that having our biologist and experienced dive crew along added so much to the experience. “A forever memory” is about the best compliment we could receive. Thank you for adventuring with us!
via Tripadvisor
Best thing we did on Oahu
They are a small, family owned company. One boat, one captain, two guides for snorkeling, marine life spotting, answering questions. There were only 5 passengers on our tour (2 small groups) and we all agreed that we wanted to see whales even though it wasn’t whale season. We literally found sperm whales first thing when we reached the open ocean! We had an opportunity to swim with spotted dolphins and watch them from the water. We passed up reef snorkeling (it was two days post storm and the water was cloudy near shore) to watch spinner dolphins (so MANY little performing show offs!!) for a long time and then found some mating green sea turtles to cap off the trip. The Hawaiian snacks were so good that we went to the bakery to buy more on our way back to Honolulu. We took advantage of the offer to purchase their professional shots of the animals we saw (I take trash photos and was way too busy watching the whales to run back down for my phone) and they are really spectacular. Truly a wonderful tour and the highlight of our time on Oahu.
Response from the operator: Mahalo for this wonderful review! You pretty much described exactly what we hope a day with Wild Side feels like. And sperm whales first thing in the morning?! During our rare wildlife season, we always say you never quite know what is waiting offshore, but that was a particularly memorable start. We also love that everyone chose more time with the spinner dolphins over a post-storm reef snorkel. Following the wildlife and conditions rather than a rigid itinerary is one of the advantages of keeping our groups so small. But perhaps the greatest endorsement of all: you tracked down our local bakery afterward for more snacks. 😂 We completely understand. Thank you for choosing our little family-owned operation and for trusting our crew with one of your Oʻahu days. Knowing it became a highlight of your trip means a great deal to all of us. Warmest aloha, The Wild Side Team
via Tripadvisor
Dophins, sea turtles and more
The captain and the two ladies on the boat were the kindest and most outstanding we had on our whole trip. They went out of their way to make sure you had anything you needed. They took photos for us and brought us homemade purple bread with cream cheese frosting plus snacks and a cooler full of juice drinks ect. Lots of fun animal information during down time. We had a snorkel with turtles stop first which was great so we could spend the rest of the time looking for dolphins. We were able to do two jumps in the the spotted dolphins then headed over and watched spinner dolphins on the boat and even saw a monk seal. We had a great time and all agree it was one of our top activities we did on Oahu.
Response from the operator: Mahalo for such a wonderful review! Hearing that our captain and crew were among the kindest and most outstanding people you encountered during your entire trip is about as good a compliment as we could receive. And it sounds like you had quite a day—turtles, two spotted dolphin encounters, spinner dolphins, and even a Hawaiian monk seal! We're also glad the purple ube treats earned a mention. Apparently our wildlife has some competition for the highlight of the tour. :) Thank you for choosing Wild Side and for making us one of your favorite Oʻahu experiences. We'll make sure the crew sees your kind words! Warmest aloha, The Wild Side Team
via Tripadvisor
Must do incredible experience
We had an incredible time with Captain Matt, Alex and Bethany. We had amazing encounters with lots of marine life, including swimming with dolphins, pilot whales, sea turtles, and more. The crew was accommodating, knowledgeable, and fun. They demonstrated great respect for the wildlife while getting us up close incredible experiences. A must do adventure for anyone visiting Oahu.
Response from the operator: Dolphins, pilot whales AND turtles? Apparently the ocean got the memo that you were coming. 😄 We’re so glad you had such an incredible day with Matt, Alex and Bethany. Thank you especially for noticing the respect our crew gives the wildlife—that means a lot to us. Come adventure with us again anytime!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 27
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Small-Group Dolphin Turtle & Whale Safari w/ Marine Biologists: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Oahu.
How much does Small-Group Dolphin Turtle & Whale Safari w/ Marine Biologists cost?
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Prices start at $245 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Oahu usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Small-Group Dolphin Turtle & Whale Safari w/ Marine Biologists take?
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Plan for about 3.3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Oahu is not rushed.
Is Small-Group Dolphin Turtle & Whale Safari w/ Marine Biologists worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 78 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Oahu, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Small-Group Dolphin Turtle & Whale Safari w/ Marine Biologists?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Small-Group Dolphin Turtle & Whale Safari w/ Marine Biologists suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Small-Group Dolphin Turtle & Whale Safari w/ Marine Biologists?
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Around 27 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Oahu can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Oahu and add a light layer if any part of the 3.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Small-Group Dolphin Turtle & Whale Safari w/ Marine Biologists start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Oahu within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Oahu?
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On Outty we rank every Oahu experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Oahu: Full or Half Day Grand Circle Island Tour, Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour, Oahu Majestic Circle Island Tour with Waimea Falls and Byodo Inn. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Oahu?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Oahu?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Small-Group Dolphin Turtle & Whale Safari w/ Marine Biologists?
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Included: Snacks; Use of snorkeling equipment; and Carbonated beverages. Not included: Gratuities; and Towels and Refillable Water Bottle. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Small-Group Dolphin Turtle & Whale Safari w/ Marine Biologists?
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Please meet us a the A Pier gate of the Waianae Small Boat Harbor Free Parking Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Small-Group Dolphin Turtle & Whale Safari w/ Marine Biologists offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Small-Group Dolphin Turtle & Whale Safari w/ Marine Biologists?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Small-Group Dolphin Turtle & Whale Safari w/ Marine Biologists wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Infants must remain in carriers/slings. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Small-Group Dolphin Turtle & Whale Safari w/ Marine Biologists if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Small-Group Dolphin Turtle & Whale Safari w/ Marine Biologists?
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Across 78 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling, the guide. The views and photo stops come up again and again.
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