Iruka Wild Dolphin Swim & Snorkel Tour with Ocean Activities (Apr-Oct)

Join the expert captain and crew of Iruka Hawaii on of the best dolphin watching and open water swimming adventures in Hawaii. Have seat on board the double-decker Poseidon, and cruise along the scenic west Oahu and Waianae coastline while spotting playful Hawaiian spinner dolphins in their natural habitat. Afterwards, head further offshore in search of pelagic dolphins like the spotted or bottlenose varieties, and then dive in to passively swim amongst these amazing marine mammals. To conclude your morning adventure, stop off at a top west Oahu snorkel spot where you may encounter turtles and tropical fish, hop up on a stand-up paddle board, zoom down the water slide, or simply relax on the floating mat. Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness Oahu's underwater marvels, and book now for a dolphin adventure!

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Why do travelers choose this tour?

The captain and crew possess extensive knowledge of Hawaii's ocean, adept at locating Hawaiian spinner dolphins, spotted dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins, ensuring the best vantage points for viewing these magnificent marine mammals.

Immerse yourself in the opportunity to swim alongside wild dolphins as you journey into the deeper pelagic waters, situated around two to three miles offshore.

Have an ocean adventure with a variety of water activities like stand-up paddling (SUP), snorkeling, water slide, and more! Not only will you have the opportunity to explore the ocean, but have a ton of fun while doing so.

Visit a premier snorkeling destination on west Oahu, where you can immerse yourself in snorkeling amidst a vibrant coral reef teeming with tropical fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles, and explore Hawaii's underwater realm equipped with the provided snorkeling gear.

How does it work?

After departing from the Waianae Small Boat Harbor, the captain will take the boat along the shallower waters along the coastline to find Hawaiian spinner dolphins that often swim, play, rest, and relax in the morning after an evening of feeding miles off-shore.

Once the dolphin watching is completed, head out approximately two to three miles off-shore in search of spotted and bottlenose dolphins, and if the conditions are optimal, you may even have the opportunity to go into the water to swim among them.

Your tour will conclude with a stop at a coastal snorkel spot that is often teeming with colorful tropical fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles. Here you can enjoy snorkeling as well stand-up paddling, splashing down on the water slide, having a relaxing swim in the ocean, or resting on the large ocean mat.

Local expert tips

• Although NOAA regulations strictly forbid swimming with Hawaiian spinner dolphins within a two nautical mile radius from the shoreline, you will see the spinner dolphins from the boat, and then go further off-shore to swim with spotted and bottlenose dolphins in the pelagic region of the ocean.
• Depending on the time of year, the ocean conditions can become choppy the further out you go, and guests who are prone to sea sickness, and even those who are normally not susceptible, should plan on taking a motion sickness preventative one hour prior to departure.
• There will be a professional photographer on board who will take hundreds of photos both on the boat and in the water, and these photos can be purchased for a nominal fee after the tour is over. For guests not wanting to worry about taking photos, this a great way to focus on the experience without having to juggle a camera or phone in the water.
• Even though dolphins and turtles can be quite curious and friendly, be sure to not touch them should they get close to you. This is both for your safety, and the safety of these unique creatures.
• While lunch, snacks, and light refreshments are provided, guests are welcome to bring drinks and snacks to enjoy on board, but make sure that you do not bring any bananas (a Hawaiian tradition) or glass containers (for safety reasons).
• This is an early morning tour since dolphins will return to shallow waters in the early morning after an evening of feeding. Be sure to get a good night's sleep the evening before since both check-in and pick-up times are before 7:00AM.
• Recommend attire: Wear your swimsuit underneath your clothing, and bring a change of clothes to change into once you return to shore. There are restrooms available where you can change both on the boat and on the shore.
• Recommend items to bring: You will want to bring reef-safe sunscreen, a large beach towel, and sun protection such as a brimmed hat and sunglasses.

Boat information

The Poseidon is a double-decker power catamaran that features ample seating on both decks. The lower level is shaded and the upper deck is open for amazing views of the Waianae coastline. There are both restrooms and a fresh water shower available, and with a built-in water slide, guests are sure to have an amazing time in and out of the water.

How to get there?

The Waianae Small Boat Harbor is easily accessible by car from all major resort areas on Oahu by taking the H1 to Farrington Highway. From Waikiki, it is approximately a one hour drive, and from Ko Olina, it is approximately 20 to 30 minutes. There is also complimentary parking available at the harbor.

For guests needing transportation, utilizing a taxi or rideshare is not recommended due to the limited amount vehicles in the area of the harbor. Round-trip transportation from Waikiki and Ko Olina is available for no additional charge.