What to Bring on an Oahu Dolphin Tour: The Complete Packing List
A Dolphins and You tour runs about three hours on the open ocean off Oahu’s west coast. You will be in the sun, in and out of the water, and moving between dolphin watching, snorkeling, kayaking, and the water slide. Packing the right things makes a real difference in how comfortable and enjoyable that experience is.
Here is everything you need to know before you board.
What is already provided on the tour
Before building your packing list, it helps to know what you do not need to bring.
Dolphins and You provides the following on every tour:
- Snorkel gear (mask, fins, life vest)
- Kayaks and paddleboards
- Water slide
- Lunch (Sandwich with chips and a drink)
- Water and soft drinks onboard
- Hotel transportation from Waikiki and Ko Olina
You do not need to bring any of these. Knowing what is covered makes it easier to focus on the personal items that will actually improve your experience.
What to wear
Swimsuit
Wear your swimsuit under your clothes when you arrive. A rash guard or board shorts over a swimsuit works well for those who prefer extra sun coverage in the water. A dry set of underwear and a fresh base layer packed in your bag make the ride home significantly more comfortable after a full day in and out of the ocean. If you forget to pack a rash guard, Dolphins and You sells an original long-sleeve rash guard for $40 on the tour bus.
Quick-dry towel
A standard beach towel works, but a quick-dry travel towel is significantly more practical. It dries faster between uses, takes up less space in your bag, and does not leave your belongings damp on the way home.
A pareo or sarong is another versatile option: it works as a wrap, a towel, or a light cover-up, and packs down to almost nothing. If you would rather pick one up on the day, Dolphins and You sells both onboard the tour bus. The quick-dry towel features an original design by Holly K., a popular local Hawaii artist, and retails for $35. The Dolphins and You original pareo is also available for $35.
Light layer for the ride back
The Waianae Coast can be breezy on the water, particularly in the morning. A light long-sleeve shirt or a thin zip-up is worth packing for the return trip, especially if you are visiting in winter or early spring. Prefer to pick one up on the day? Dolphins and You sells an original hoodie for $50 on the tour bus.
Footwear you can slip on and off
Since all water activities are included on the tour, footwear that can get wet is essential. Flip-flops or water-friendly sandals are the most practical choice. On the Dolphins and You boat, guests are asked to remove their footwear before boarding, and there is a designated area to store shoes during the tour. Easy slip-on and slip-off footwear makes this transition smooth and keeps the experience hassle-free.
Sun protection: the essentials
Reef-safe sunscreen
Hawaii state law requires reef-safe sunscreen for all ocean activities. Sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate are prohibited because of their documented damage to coral reef ecosystems. Look for mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Apply before you board so it has time to absorb before you enter the water.
Hat with a strap or chin cord
A baseball cap or bucket hat works well for blocking direct sun while you are watching dolphins from the deck. Make sure it has a strap: the wind and movement on the boat make a strapless hat difficult to keep on.
Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses make it significantly easier to see into the water when you are scanning for dolphins and marine life from the deck. They also cut glare on sunny days. A retainer cord keeps them secure while you are moving around the boat.
What to carry your things in
Dry bag or waterproof bag
A dry bag is the single most useful item on a dolphin tour. Everything on the boat is subject to ocean spray and water from the snorkel stop, and a regular beach bag will not keep your phone, camera, or valuables dry. A roll-top dry bag in the 10 to 20 liter range is enough space for a full day’s worth of gear.
Insulated water bottle
Water is provided onboard, but an insulated water bottle lets you keep cold water accessible throughout the tour without relying on cup service. It is also useful before and after the tour, particularly on warm days.
Waterproof phone case or action camera
The snorkel stop, the water slide, and the dolphin encounters from the bow are all worth documenting. A waterproof phone case or a clip-on action camera lets you capture these moments without risking your phone.
Cash or Card
If you plan to rent a wetsuit or purchase any merchandise onboard, bring cash or a card. Wetsuit rentals and tour merchandise, including reef-safe sunscreen, rash guards, towels, pareos, and hoodies, are available for purchase on the tour bus on the day of your tour.
Wetsuits: Do You Need One?
Hawaii’s ocean water is warm year-round, and most guests are comfortable snorkeling in a swimsuit alone.
However, on cooler winter days or overcast mornings, the water can feel chilly, particularly after an extended snorkeling session. Beyond warmth, a wetsuit offers several practical benefits on a dolphin tour: it provides a layer of protection against jellyfish and other marine life, and it acts as full-body sun protection in the water, which is especially useful for guests who are sensitive to sun exposure or who plan to spend a lot of time snorkeling. Wetsuit rentals are available when you book your tour, or on the day of your tour: $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Should you bring your own snorkel gear?
Dolphins and You provides complimentary snorkel gear for all guests, from children’s sizes through to adult sizes, including masks, fins, and life vests. There is no need to bring your own. That said, if you prefer to use gear you are already comfortable with, you are welcome to bring it. Familiar equipment can make a difference for guests who snorkel regularly and have a setup they trust.
A few things to note: Full-face masks for children are not permitted on this tour for safety reasons. Please leave these at home and use the standard masks provided onboard instead. Prescription masks are available in limited quantities on the boat. If you require a prescription mask, we recommend bringing your own to ensure availability and the best possible fit.
What to leave at home
- Your own snorkel mask and fins (unless you have a prescription mask)
- Valuables you cannot afford to get wet or lose
- Glass containers (not permitted on the boat)
A quick checklist before you board
WEAR/CARRY ON YOUR BODY:
☐ Swimsuit (under your clothes)
☐ Light layer for the ride back
☐ Slip-on sandals or flip-flops
☐ Reef-safe sunscreen (applied before boarding)
☐ Hat with strap
☐ Polarized sunglasses with retainer cord
IN YOUR BAG:
☐ Cash or card (for wetsuit rental or onboard merchandise purchases)
☐ Dry bag or waterproof bag
☐ Quick-dry towel or pareo
☐ Insulated water bottle
☐ Waterproof phone case or action camera
☐ Change of clothes for after the tour
☐ Prescription snorkel mask (if needed)
☐ Motion sickness medication (if you are susceptible)
☐ Any personal medications you may need
PROVIDED ON THE TOUR (do not need to bring):
☑ Wetsuit rental available onboard ($10 adults / $5 children)
☑ Snorkel gear (mask, fins, life vest)
☑ Kayaks and paddleboards
☑ Lunch
☑ Water and soft drinks
☑ Hotel transportation
Planning your Oahu trip?
Tours depart from Waianae Boat Harbor, West Oahu. Hotel transportation included from Waikiki and Ko Olina.