Top Oahu Whale Watching
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Each year, Oahu's shallow, tropical waters teem with seasonal visitors—humpback whales that depart chilly Alaska for tropical Hawaii to mate and give birth. Here's what you need to know about where to go and how to spot them.
When to Go
The arrival of the season's first humpback whale—usually between August and October—is a big deal on the islands. Whale season is in full swing by November and winds down with the majority of whales departing by April. If you'll be viewing whales by boat, opt for an early morning tour when seas are calm and before the afternoon heat sets in.
What You'll See
You'll know you've spotted a whale by its spout—the characteristic funnel-shaped breath of aerated water particles shot dozens of feet above the surface. It's not uncommon to see humpbacks breaching in the waters around Oahu, smacking down in epic belly flops and leaving behind eerily still "footprints." You can also spot whales by their flukes or fins flapping at the surface.
Humpback whales aren’t the only creatures you might spot on an Oahu-based whale-watching tour. In addition to a host of seabirds such as petrels, tropicbirds, and albatross, pilot whales, Hawaiian spinner dolphins, and even the rare killer whale have been spotted. If you're very lucky, you may even catch sight of a Hawaiian monk seal, the most endangered seal species on the planet.
How to Go
Whale-watching tours are the best way to learn about and get great photos of these breaching behemoths up close. A number of speedboat, pontoon, and sailboat tours depart from areas around Waikiki—especially from Kewalo Basin Harbor opposite Ala Moana Beach Park—as well as from the North Shore and the western leeward side of the island. It may also be possible to spot humpbacks from points along the shoreline, with some hiking tours visiting good whale-watching spots. Popular lookouts for spout-spotting include the paths atop Diamondhead Crater and along the Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail.
42 results | All Oahu Tours

Oahu Whale-Watching Excursion
Go whale-watching off the coast of Oahu on this excursion from Waikiki or Ko Olina. During the months from December to May, pods of humpback whales migrate through Hawaii's warm waters, and this tour guarantees whale sightings. With a small group of people, watch the gentle giants swim, feed, breach and play around your boat. In the rare event that you don't see any whales, you will be allowed to do the tour again for free. Snacks are included.
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From
USD75.01
From
USD75.01

Dolphins & You Whales Spotted with lunch Included Turtle Swim & Ocean Activities
View dolphins in their natural habitat and swim within safe viewing distance to turtles and green sea turtles on this popular Oahu snorkel cruise from Honolulu. Sail into waters home to spinner dolphins, and then glide alongside colorful fish. Snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddle boards are available onboard to help you get the most of this outing. Hotel transport included.
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From
USD189.00
From
USD189.00

Oahu Catamaran Cruise: Wildlife, Snorkeling and a Hawaiian Meal
Sail on a catamaran down Oahu's western coast during this cruise from Ko Olina. Glide through the unspoiled waters on this side of the island in search of dolphins and whales, then dive in for a snorkeling experience in a hidden local spot rich with marine life. Enjoy a Hawaiian buffet, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, before heading back to shore. Choose from three daily departure times.
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From
USD149.00
From
USD149.00

Swim with Dolphins in the West Coast line of Oahu
Discover the beauty of Oahu's coastal scenery—and spot its marine life, including pods of dolphins—on this half-day swimming and snorkeling boat tour. Following pickup from your hotel, head to your catamaran and hop aboard. After you set sail, embark on a swimming or snorkeling session to see fish, octopuses, and more wildlife in its natural habitat.
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From
USD176.96
From
USD176.96

Moana’s 2-Hour Guided Turtle Snorkel Adventure at Waikiki
Discover all the vibrant marine life that calls Turtle Canyon’s reefs home—and enjoy an accessible way to snorkel and explore—on this family-friendly catamaran trip. Make your own way to the Kewalo Harbor, and hop aboard your well-appointed catamaran: snorkels, fins, masks, and more are all provided on board. Once you make it to the reefs, dive in, spot sea turtles and other marine life, and admire the underwater scenery.
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From
USD79.99
From
USD79.99

Whale Watch, Dolphins, Turtles and Sightseeing Cruise (winter only)
Explore Oahu's wildlife-rich waters on a sightseeing cruise that conveniently departs from Honolulu. Get a fresh perspective on Diamond Head and other South Shore landmarks as you stretch out on the spacious decks or under a shade cover. The seasoned crew helps spot dolphins, sea turtles, and occasionally humpback whales—plus, you can peer through magnifying glass portholes for a look underwater.
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From
USD40.00
From
USD40.00

Afternoon Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Cruise
Settle in for an afternoon cruise aboard the Haleiwa Queen, a 50-foot power catamaran that departs conveniently from Honolulu’s harbor. Learn about Hawaii past and present from the friendly crew as you venture into the open Pacific Ocean to look for dolphins, sea turtles, and even migrating whales. As a bonus, look beneath the water’s surface at fish and coral reefs through unique magnifying view portals.
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From
USD40.00
From
USD40.00

Hawaii | Waikiki Beach Sightseeing Cruise - Glass Bottom Boat
Get out onto the water in Oahu for an express sightseeing cruise, even if you just have an hour to spare. This glass-bottom boat tour is the perfect introduction to Hawaiian sea life, as the expert captain and crew help spot creatures like green sea turtles (honu), migrating whales, and dolphins. Unlike other catamaran cruises, this one lets you look underwater through clear magnifying port holes.
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From
USD40.00
From
USD40.00

Swim with Sharks (cage-free) from Haleiwa, Oahu
Leave your preconceptions about sharks at the door and get up close to these sleek creatures on this unique ocean experience. Head out from Haleiwa, on the North Shore of O’ahu, and spend roughly half an hour swimming with the sharks living in the area. Don’t worry, though: even if you aren’t swimming in a cage, you’re still in safe hands, with a guide on board and a safety diver swimming with each group.
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From
USD160.00
From
USD160.00

Whale Watching & Late Breakfast Cruise in Honolulu
Don't miss out on seeing whales because you're busy eating breakfast. This whale watching and breakfast tour allows you to take it easy and enjoy your morning meal while cruising toward Diamond Head crater. There, with luck, you'll watch migrating whales swim, play, feed, and breach while sipping a cup of coffee. Other marine life such as dolphins and sea turtles will also likely make an appearance.
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From
USD95.86
From
USD95.86

Swim With Dolphins, Snorkel, and Waterslide Activities on the West Side of Oahu!
We go out and swim with bottle-nose and spotted dolphins, then snorkel in the beautiful Makaha bay with turtles and a variety of tropical fish. We have fun ocean activities such as a waterslide, rock climbing wall, paddle boards, and a floating mat. Locally crafted lunch is included along with transportation from select hotels in Waikiki and Ko Olina!
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From
USD199.00
From
USD199.00

Turtle Canyon Waikiki Snorkel Adventure
Go snorkeling on the south shore of Oahu with this small-group, half-day adventure. Join your guide for a swim and snorkel in Turtle Canyon and observe a wide variety of marine life including dolphins, turtles, rays, octopus, fish, and even sharks. Visit different, lively snorkel sites during one half-day tour. All snorkel gear and wetsuits are included.
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From
USD85.09
From
USD85.09

Leeward Coast Dolphin and Snorkel Sail
Sail along the Leeward Coast of Oahu on this morning cruise. Snorkel with an expert guide and watch for spinner dolphins on this family-friendly adventure off the scenic southwestern coast of the island. This excursion, complete with spectacular scenery and fun water activities includes breakfast and lunch
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From
USD161.99
From
USD161.99

West Oahu Whale Watching & Sunset Cruise
Climb aboard a spacious catamaran for a whale watching adventure at sunset in West Oahu. Each winter, humpback whales travel to the warm Hawaiian waters to breed and West Oahu is an excellent place to see these magnificent creatures swim and play. Cruise along the western coastline and admire views while keeping an eye out for a range of wildlife. Shuttle service is available from Waikiki.
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From
USD135.08
From
USD135.08

1.5 Hour Whale Watching Cruise With pick-up and drop-off
Our whale watching tours have the lowest prices in all of Hawaii, and are operated by the most experienced crews.
The best time to see Humpback whales in Hawaii is between the months of December and April, and there’s no better place to view them than from our double deck catamaran. Join us off the coast of Oahu on an excursion from Waikiki and experience the majesty of Humpback whales for yourself.
These playful, and surprisingly acrobatic animals have a strong cultural value to native Hawaiians, as a whale is the representation of Kanaloa, the god of all ocean life. With us as your guide, we will assure you that our crew will try our best to spot Hawaii's beautiful marine life for you!
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From
USD45.00
From
USD45.00

Waianae Coast Snorkel Cruise with Dolphin and Seasonal Whale Watching from Oahu
Cruise along west Oahu’s pristine shoreline to see the spinner dolphins, humpback whales (seasonally), and other marine creatures that frequent the Waianae Coast. Your 32-foot USCG vessel is led by a lifeguard-certified crew of marine biologists and naturalists, maximizing your chances of spotting Hawaii’s underwater wildlife. Plus, with snorkeling gear included, you can choose to swim alongside tropical fish and sea turtles, too.
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From
USD193.88
From
USD193.88

Dolphin Watching & Snorkel in the West Coast line of Oahu
In the clear waters of West Oahu, enjoy dolphin watching and snorkeling experience and get to see the wildlife and tropical island fishes. You might also see Hawaiian sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals and mantas.
You will board a spacious 42 passenger catamaran boat to cruise the West Coast of Oahu searching for wild dolphins. This double-hulled catamaran features a comfortable and stable ride as you relax and take in the breathtaking views of the ocean and the mountains.
Dolphin watching & snorkel tour is very easy even for beginners, perfect choice for families with small children.
*This tour is dolphin watching.
After watching the dolphins from the boat, you can enjoy snorkeling.
If you want to swim with dolphins, click on the "by Indigo Ocean Hawaii" link at the top to book our other tour, 【Swim with Dolphins in the West Coast line of Oahu】
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From
USD156.02
From
USD156.02

North Shore Oahu Snorkeling Tour
Exploring the world beneath the waves is a must-do when visiting Hawaii. This small-group tour ensures that you find the best snorkeling spots off the North Shore of Oahu, in an area that dolphins, rays, turtles, and native Hawaiian reef fish are known to frequent. This tour also bring you closer to sharks in their natural environment.
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From
USD99.00
From
USD99.00

Whale Watch Cruise aboard the Majestic by Atlantis Cruises
Whale Watch Guarantee :If our Naturalist does not sight a whale during the cruise, guests are given a complimentary return whale watch cruise.
Pick a spot aboard the fresh air of the decks or by the indoor viewing windows as you glide past Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach. A naturalist joins you on board to provide informative commentary and point out any other spotted marine life, such as sea turtles, porpoises and Hawaii spinner dolphins.
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From
USD97.00
From
USD97.00

Waikiki Sunset Cruise in Hawaii
Cruises are offered all day and night in Hawaii, but one of the best times to go on one is at sunset. This Waikiki Sunset Cruise takes you on the water to see the city, Diamond Head, and the ocean all at sunset. Plus, music, snacks, and soda provide a relaxing environment as you cruise.
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From
USD68.00
From
USD68.00

Whale Watching Cruise in Honolulu
Watch whales swim, play, feed and breach, in their natural environment. This excursion is truly a life altering experience. This Prince Kuhio Cruise is truly awe-inspiring. Our large open decks offer an exceptional platform for viewing.
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From
USD85.00
From
USD85.00

Private Adventure Boat Charter with Snorkeling
Escape the crowds and join us on 2 hour private cruise you won’t soon forget. We can go faster and farther than anyone else in town, offering spectacular coastal sightseeing, incredible sea life (turtles, fish, dolphins, and whales—in season), and even snorkeling. This private boat charter offers exclusively offer private charters. Fully customizable itineraries are available as the adventure is up to you.
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From
USD725.00
per group
From
USD725.00
per group

Private Whale Watching Adventure
Venture off the coast of Oahu in a private boat in search of whales. Depart from Waikiki and set sail all along the southern coast in search of the majestic creatures. Your captain combs the coast for optimal viewing areas and teaches you about the migrating habits of the whales. Since this is a private tour, feel free to customize the trip as you wish.
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From
USD795.00
per group
From
USD795.00
per group

Waikiki Sunset Night Dive Adventure
First, explore the reef and visit the colossal colony of swaying Garden Eels as the sun begins to fade. Come up from your dive to enjoy a beautiful Hawaiian sunset, relax, and have a bite to eat. On the second dive, you descend into bioluminescent darkness and in the beam of your light watch the nightlife come alive. Observe in awe as Oahu's majestic green sea turtles, reef sharks or spotted eagle sting rays and manta rays glide in from the darkness to feed on the microscopic plankton attracted to your light.
Never hidden fees
All ScubaPro premier professional gear included
40+ years of excellence in professional development, diving academics and services
The only 5-Star dive shop and scuba diving tours in Waikiki
Two USCG inspected vessels
Private charters and private inspectors available
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From
USD219.00
From
USD219.00
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