Best of the West - Premier Dolphin, Whale & Turtle Safari with Guided Snorkeling

What to Expect

NOTE**: ***Our small groups sell out quickly, reserve early and avoid missing out.

Overview

• Naturalist/Biologist Guides
• Check-in: 7am, or 11:15am
• 3+ hours on the water
• Ages 10 and up ***suggested*** for shared charters (See our FAQ "Are there age limits?"
• 8 guest max, four (4) guest minimum on shared charter (please try to choose dates/times with at least two other guests if possible)
• Larger groups please inquire
• Snorkel gear and flotation devices provided
• Weight limit of 250-ish pounds per person
• Snacks and juices– fresh pineapple, chips, mac nut cookies. Croissants or similar on the 7am tour, and Chicken salad sandwiches (incl. walnuts) on the 11:15am tour.

NOTE**: ***Do please give us at least 24h notice to prepare vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian or gluten-free sandwiches. If food allergies/intolerance, please consider bringing your own food (and Epi-Pens) and do please advise us of severity.

Details

Up to eight guests (larger groups please inquire)** – aboard our top-of-the-line 34 ft. power catamaran, USCG licensed for 16. Enjoy year-round whale watching on the "Wild Side" of O'ahu. Humpback whales during winter season! Dive into nature with dolphin swims and turtle snorkeling, guided by our in-water experts for safe and respectful interactions (winter big wave weather permitting)

Tailor made small group or private tour, your day will be as individual as you are.

• Suggested Ages 10+ on Shared Tour

(See our FAQ "Are there age limits?"

• All Ages for Private Tours

Blue Water Viewing and Swimming with Wild Dolphins** with pre-encounter briefings on dolphin “wet-iquette" (how to safely swim with wild dolphins),

Year-round Whale Watching and Birding** – Humpbacks aren’t the only whales in Hawaii! Blue-water adventures give access to 18 species of toothed whales and dolphins, 6 species of baleen whales, and 22 species of seabirds – including rare and often endemic species.

Guided Snorkeling Tour with Sea Turtles and Tropical Reef Fish**. With your personal in-water snorkeling guide, you won’t miss a thing. (Winter big wave weather permitting)

Expert Educated Crew** – of certified naturalists and wildlife biologists, that provides unique insights into Hawaiian legends and ocean wildlife, creating a richer and more engaging experience.

Malama Hawaii with Citizen Science**: Help our biologists sighting species and gathering data (any babies? how many in the pod?). Recordings of coral bleaching, ghost nets or other plastic debris also maintained.

The Alaka’i (6 guests) or Hale Kai (larger groups, available late June 2025)** – Both boats perfectly sized for a day-outing at 34 feet, at times getting close enough to (almost) touch dolphins riding the bow. Sit in the shaded cabin, on the flybridge with the captain, or warm in the sun of the roomy deck. Ample dry storage area and a private bathroom down below.

You Should Know

• Children count as adults so make sure you book the tour including each person in your party. Please let us know ages so we can be prepared with child life vests and snorkel gear. If children 5yo and under, please consult us before booking. Children 5yo and under are usually only allowed on private charters.
• All snorkeling is subject to surf, sea and wildlife behavior conditions permitting.
• Reservations are subject to availability, weather and vessel operations. Due to our popularity and limited space cancellations with less than 10 day notice and “No Shows” are subject to full charge.
• Although not in any way necessary, if you have a good day on the water, tipping of the crew is appropriate. (10% to 15% is standard)

Check-In

• Check-in for the early morning tour is at 7:00am, and for the late morning tour at 11:15am - by the "A" pier gate. The crew will meet you by the gate (usually wearing an orange Wild Side shirt)
• Please be 15 minutes early for check-in. We will be leaving the harbor no later than 5 minutes beyond check-in time, and possibly earlier. Therefore, you **need to be on time for check-in**. Do not rely on the drive time given by your GPS, it may not figure in road work, school traffic, etc.
• Check-in consists of group vessel orientation, safety briefing and then signing of waiver forms. If you miss the group safety briefing – or the boat – you will be considered a “no-show” and charged full price.

What to Bring

• We supply snorkel gear, but feel free to bring your own. We may have Rx lens to loan, but contact lenses work fine in the snorkel mask.
• Sunscreen (No spray-on please, overspray is yuk)
• Sunglasses, hats, **towels**, and cover-ups are needed
• **Reusable water bottle**
• Jackets, especially during the winter months or for the evening charters

Provided

• Snorkel Gear
• Local snacks and juices

NOTE**: ***If food allergies/intolerance, please consider bringing your own food (and EpiPens) and please advise us if severe.

Please have every adult in party sign the online waiver

USCG approved life jackets are provided to all participants. For children 5 and younger (hard to fit), Wild Side recommends bringing a well-fitting USCG approved life jacket.

Cancellations

It’s always good to have a back-up activity in the off chance of cancellation (bad weather, minimum not met etc.). Charters we cancel are rescheduled whenever possible, and fully refunded if not.

Sea you soon!