10 Reasons Why Dolphins and You Is Oahu's Number One Dolphin Tour
Hawaii offers countless activities for visitors, and dolphin watching consistently ranks among the most memorable. But not all dolphin tours are the same. Here are 10 reasons why Dolphins and You has been Oahu’s most trusted dolphin tour for over 35 years.
1. 35+ Years of Experience on the Waianae Coast
Dolphins and You has been running tours off Oahu’s west coast since 1989, longer than any other dolphin tour operator on the island. That longevity is not just a number. It means the captains and crew know this coastline, these dolphin pods, and these waters better than anyone.
Hawaii’s spinner dolphins gather off the Waianae Coast every morning, and 35+ years of daily observation means the Dolphins and You team knows exactly where to look.
2. 90%+ Dolphin Sighting Rate
Wild dolphins cannot be guaranteed on any tour. What can be measured is how often guests actually see them. Our guests spot dolphins on 90%+ of tours, one of the highest sighting rates on Oahu.
Understanding why spinner dolphins are so reliably found off the Waianae Coast is what makes that number possible. It is not luck. It is location, timing, and three and a half decades of experience.
3. NOAA-Compliant and Responsible
Swimming with wild spinner dolphins off Oahu is restricted under NOAA rules to protect the dolphins during their daytime rest period. Dolphins and You operates in full compliance with these regulations.
Guests watch wild dolphins from the boat as the dolphins swim freely, undisturbed, in their natural habitat. This is not a compromise. It is the experience that responsible operators have always offered, and it is better for the dolphins and more memorable for guests.
4. Complimentary Waikiki Pickup Included
Hawaii’s spinner dolphins are found on Oahu’s west coast, about an hour from Waikiki. Dolphins and You includes complimentary hotel pickup from Waikiki and Ko Olina, transporting guests comfortably to Waianae Boat Harbor for departure.
At the end of the tour, guests are returned to Waikiki. No rental car, no navigation, no early morning logistics to manage on your own.
5. Snorkel Gear, Life Jackets, and Safety Equipment Provided
All snorkel gear, fins, and life jackets are included. There is no need to bring or rent equipment separately.
The crew is lifeguard- and CPR-certified, and a full safety briefing is provided before water activities begin.
👉 For a complete list of what to bring and what is already provided, see our packing guide →
6. Complimentary Lunch Included
After a full morning on the water, every guest receives a complimentary lunch onboard. Choose from a turkey sandwich, veggie wrap, or PB&J, each served with chips and a drink (water or lemonade). No need to worry about food on the way back.
7. Live Hula Performance Onboard
On the return trip to Waianae Harbor, the crew performs a live hula dance for guests. The E Ho Mai prayer opens every tour as a traditional Hawaiian blessing of the ocean and the journey.
This is not a staged performance. It is the crew sharing the culture of their home with every guest who joins them on the water.
8. Multiple Water Activities Included
The tour is not just dolphin watching. Guests also enjoy:
- Snorkeling with Hawaiian green sea turtles and reef fish
- Kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- A 20-foot ocean water slide
Non-swimmers are welcome. Life jackets and crew assistance are available, and guests who prefer to stay dry can enjoy the dolphin watching, the scenery, and the hula performance from the deck.
9. Photo Package Available
A professional photo package is available for $79 per group, including all photos and videos taken during your tour: dolphin encounters, snorkeling moments, and the live hula performance onboard. All images are delivered digitally via a Dropbox link emailed to you after the tour.
＊Please note that photos may include other guests from your tour group.
10. Certified Sustainable Tour Operator
And You Creations, the company that operates Dolphins and You, is certified by the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii. The crew actively collects marine debris during tours, and the entire operation is designed to minimize impact on the marine environment.
By joining the tour, guests contribute to sustainable ocean tourism practices that help protect the dolphins, reefs, and coastline for future visitors.
👉 Learn more about our safety, ethics, and certifications →
Ready to book?
Use code Aloha20 at checkout to save on your booking.
See what a morning on the water looks like:
Tours depart from Waianae Boat Harbor, West Oahu. Hotel transportation included from Waikiki and Ko Olina.
