Snorkeling and Whale/Dolphin watching companies

Question

do you guys have recommendations for snorkeling and whale/dolphin watching companies?

Answer

Great question — Oʻahu (and specifically around Waikīkī) has several reputable companies for both snorkeling and dolphin/whale watching. Depending on what kind of experience you want (big boat vs small, educational vs more activity-focused), there are good options. Here are some top recommendations and things to know:

Recommended Snorkeling & Whale/Dolphin Tour Companies

Hawaii Ocean Charters — Based out of Honolulu, they run shared and private catamaran or power-boat tours. Their “Turtle Canyon” snorkeling tour leaves from Waikīkī, and they also offer whale-watching charters during whale season.
Dolphin Excursions — A small-group operator that runs trips led by marine biologists. Their boat is a 34-foot rigid inflatable, and they specialize in dolphin viewing + snorkeling with sea turtles and reef fish.
Iruka / Hawaiʻi Dolphin (via Hawaiiexperiences) — They offer a “Dolphin Watch & Reef Snorkel” on an ECO-powered catamaran. Their tours include water toys (floating mat, SUP) for a more active feel.
Sail Hawaiʻi (Wild Side Specialty Tours) — Their smaller tours focus on ethical wildlife viewing, led by naturalists/biologists. Very respectful encounters with dolphins (and seasonal whales) along the west coast.
Adventure Tours Hawaiʻi / Ocean Joy Cruises — Their KoʻOlina-based catamaran offers calm-water snorkeling, year-round dolphin encounters, and (in season) whale watching. Includes food/drink on board.

Specialty Dive & Snorkel Operators

Oʻahu Dolphin Divers / Honolulu Scuba Company — Based out of Waianae Harbor (west Oʻahu), they offer scuba diving and snorkeling tours, plus occasional whale-watching in season.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Tour

Group size & boat type: Smaller boats (like rigid inflatables) can get you closer to wildlife and allow for more flexibility, while larger catamarans may be more comfortable but less intimate.
Tour leader expertise: Tours led by marine biologists or naturalists (like Dolphin Excursions or Wild Side) often provide a richer educational experience.
Sightings aren’t guaranteed: Even on tours known for dolphins or whales, nature is unpredictable. Ask about their sighting policy (some offer “return trip” vouchers if they don’t see dolphins). Dolphin Excursions, for example, notes they have a return-trip voucher if no dolphin viewing.
Seasonality: - Dolphin tours run year-round. - Whale watching is more seasonal. (Reddit users note that by late April, whale season is winding down.)
Conservation & legality: It’s important to pick operators that follow NOAA or marine-critter friendly practices. Some tours, especially with dolphins, are very careful about how close they get, how they interact, and how they teach respect for the animals.

Tips for Your Trip

Bring reef-safe sunscreen (many operators enforce reef-safe sunscreen rules).
Bring your own snorkel if you have one (or confirm gear is included).
Book early for morning tours — wildlife (especially dolphins) is often more active early in the day.
Ask if they have “wildlife guarantee” or return trip voucher policies if animals aren’t spotted.
Wear or bring water shoes; decks can be slippery, and some snorkel sites have rocky or coral bottoms.

Final Thoughts

If you're staying in Waikīkī, Hawaii Ocean Charters or Iruka’s catamaran tours are very convenient and offer excellent snorkeling + turtle / dolphin experiences. For a more naturalist-led, small-group tour, Dolphin Excursions or Wild Side specialty tours are top picks. Depending on the time of year, you may or may not see humpback whales, so check with the operator about seasonal availability.

Whatever you choose, you’re likely to have a memorable and magical experience on the water in Hawaiʻi — full of marine life, great views, and lots of aloha.