Things to do in Hawaii, United States: The Best Dolphin & Whale Watching

September 14, 2021 Marissa Gamble

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Restaurants in Hawaii

1. Sea Quest Hawaii

Excellent
94%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4,251 reviews

Sea Quest Hawaii

Snorkel the most pristine reefs in Hawaii! Explore sea caves and lava tubes along the rugged Kona Coast and observe dolphins and whales in their natural habitat as your US Coast Guard licensed captain shares with you the rich history, legends, and lore of the Big Island of Hawaii. For over 30 years we have specialized in snorkel tours designed especially for small groups creating an intimate and unique snorkeling adventure in one of the most beautiful and diverse places on Earth.

2. Sail Maui

Excellent
89%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,750 reviews

Sail Maui

Paragon Sailing Charters is a premier catamaran company on the island of Maui. We offer performance sailing, Molokini Snorkeling, Lana’i beach picnic sails, Coral Gardens, Lahaina Sunset excursions and private charters. We pride ourselves on our commitment to customer service, catering to the visitors of Maui for over 20 years. Green Sea Turtles, Manta Rays, dolphins and exotic tropical fish are just a few of the wonderful creatures you will see on our Maui activities. We depart daily from Lahaina Harbor and Maalaea Harbor on our exceptional sailing catamarans; Paragon, Paragon II & 'Alihilani.

3. Wild Side Specialty Tours

Excellent
94%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,659 reviews

Wild Side Specialty Tours

Deemed one of the top 5 whale-watching tours in America, and winner of TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice award. Founded by a published marine-biologist, woman owned and ran - guest adventures blend with environmentally responsible marine interactions. With year round whale watching and swimming with wild dolphins, marine biologists and/or seasoned naturalists lead charters that can also include guided snorkeling over the snorkeling reef habitats of brilliant fish and giant sea turtles. Earning the silver-level of Hawaii Ecotourism Associations' Sustainable Tourism, Wild Side has long participated in environmental protection through education and action, while promoting sustainable travel. A portion of revenues are donated to the Wild Dolphin Foundation while onboard citizen science is dedicated to data gathering, marine conservation/education, and regulatory reform.

4. Catamaran Kahanu

Excellent
90%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 884 reviews

Catamaran Kahanu

Na Pali Coast Tour experience the majestic cliffs, sea caves, and marine animals. Enjoy swim and snorkel. Best day on your vacation with Captain Lani and ohana.

5. Captain Zodiac Raft Expeditions

Excellent
91%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,253 reviews

Captain Zodiac Raft Expeditions

Captain Zodiac has entertained guests for over 45 years on our exciting 24-foot Zodiac rafts. Winner of Trip advisor Certificate of Excellence since 2011. Book our unique tours or a Private Chater and design your own adventure. Explore the rugged coastline up close to see exposed lava tubes, blowholes and archways. Snorkel in the crystal clear waters of Kealakekua Bay Marine preserve viewing over 150 varieties of fish. Our naturalist guides keep a sharp eye out for pods of dolphins, whales and other marine mammals that call Hawaii home. The Zodiac ride is fast, fun and educational! You will hear about the Hawaiian history of the area, learn about marine life behaviors and the island’s geology.

6. Kona Snorkel Tours

Excellent
98%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 439 reviews

Kona Snorkel Tours

14 Guest Max, No Massive Crowds! Swim with wild dolphins, whale watching & reef snorkeling on a Speed Boat ! We aslo offer Private Charters

7. Explore Kauai Scuba

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 266 reviews

Explore Kauai Scuba

Come explore the enchanting Na Pali Coast above and below sea level. The waterfalls and sea cliffs rise up to 4,000 feet above sea caves, that are boat accessible. After exploring above water, we’ll leave gravity and scuba dive into the underwater world with exotic reef fish and green sea turtles. Unlike larger boats, our 26 foot Zodiac style boat is the best way to get up close and personal.

8. Mana Cruises

Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 178 reviews

Mana Cruises

Explore Hawaii by yacht with Mana Cruises. "Charter-Style" day and sunset cruises to highlight your trip to the islands! Enjoy a hosted bar, hosted menu, limited passenger count and pure Hawaiian hospitality - all inclusive.

9. Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel

Excellent
92%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,265 reviews

Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel

We're honored to be TripAdvisors Travelers' Choice Award Winners for small group ocean eco-rafting tours in Maui since 1982! Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel invites you to share encounters with whales, dolphins and turtles and snorkel the island of Lanai! Our rafting vessels host 6-26 guests per trip and includes marine naturalist guides, creating a fun, educational and uncrowded experience! The low to water style vessel offers eye-level encounters and a fun boating adventure! We're stoked to have been featured on National Geographic, the Travel Channel, HGTV, Hawaii Magazine and ABC’s Good Morning America and thanks to our ohana’s feedback we have been recognized for Tripadvisor Hall of Fame for the past 5 years! Every ticket supports our volunteer efforts as NOAA first responders to entangled whales as well as our research partners at U.H. Cascadia, SCRIPPS, HAMER, Whale Trust, Keiki Kohola, NOAA, CETOS, NASA and many others. We can't wait to share Maui's ocean with you!

10. Na Pali Catamaran

Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,632 reviews

Na Pali Catamaran

Experience the Majestic NaPali Coast with two 4 hour tour options daily. “Early Bird" 7:30am-11:30am or "Photo Favorite" 12:30pm-4:30pm. Departing from Hanalei Bay, sightseeing and snorkeling the majestic Na Pali Coast is the experience of a lifetime. Established in 1972, Na Pali Catamaran has a perfect safety score. Our 35' Power Catamaran: the only vessel on Na Pali which offers shade and protection, a bathroom, and freedom to get out of your seat and move around - while still being small enough to enter the coast’s famous lava tube sea caves! Kamahele Kai II is powerful, spacious and comfortable. We commonly have opportunities to introduce you to dolphins, sea turtles and seasonal Humpback whales along the way. Please call or book online now. An experience of a lifetime awaits you!

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