Swimming with Dolphins Along the Waikiki Shoreline
Swimming with Dolphins, Hawaii Boat Tours & Waikiki in Honolulu, Oahu
When you’re on vacation in Oahu, whether for relaxation or adventure, you don’t want to miss a dolphin tour. On our boats, we only take up to six people, so you aren’t mingling with a lot of others you don’t know. This gives you a clearer view of the dolphins leaping and swimming through the tropical waves. You’ll also get unforgettable views of the beaches, including Waikiki Beach, the lush rainforests, and beautiful rocky cliffs. If you want a chance to swim in the water and see dolphins, you can do that on one of our tours as well.
Dolphins in Oahu and Waikiki Waters
The southeastern waters of Oahu are home to several dolphin species. They are active during the day, so they can be seen frequently. Encountering dolphins in the wild is a beautiful and unforgettable experience. There are four species of dolphins that are most frequently seen around Oahu:
Spinner dolphins. This smaller, long-nosed dolphin gets its name from the spins it can do as it leaps from the water. With one leap, a spinner dolphin can rotate up to six times in the air. These dolphins are a favorite of visitors because of how often they can be found near the shoreline during the day. They rest in the shallows because they hunt for food like small schooling fish at night in much deeper water.
Spotted dolphins. This species looks very similar to spinner dolphins, but their beak is white-tipped, and they sport a spotted design as they mature. Both types of dolphins travel in pods or schools that range in size from a few to a few hundred dolphins. Spotted dolphins don’t often rest near shores. Instead, they are most often seen in channels between the Hawaiian Islands.
Bottlenose dolphins. The largest native species of dolphin, bottlenose dolphins, have a solid gray coloring and much shorter and thicker beaks. They are also distinguishable by the smaller size of their pods. Generally, bottlenose dolphins are found in pods of fewer than ten dolphins. These iconic creatures are well known for their smart and playful nature.
Rough-toothed dolphins. Rough-toothed dolphins are a deep-water species, so while they are sometimes seen, they are a bit rarer than other species. They are on the smaller side of most dolphin species and sport unique ridges on their teeth which give them their name.
If you want to see dolphins in the Oahu waters, any time of year is good for it. Because of the climate, dolphins can be found swimming in the warm and blue water off the Honolulu shoreline in any season. However, different times of the year can offer somewhat different experiences. May through August are beautiful times of the year to come to Oahu and Waikiki if you want to see dolphins near you in the water. The water is usually calmer, so swimming conditions are ideal. November through March might see rougher water with larger swells, and while the dolphins are still active and enjoy leaping through the waves, they might be a little bit harder to see.
No matter where you are in the water or what time of year it is, it’s crucial to remember that you shouldn’t swim up to a dolphin if it doesn’t approach you for both your safety and that of the dolphin. To ensure Hawaii’s wildlife is around for years to come, people must be respectful of the wildlife around them.
FAQ About Dolphins in Oahu & Dolphin Sightseeing Tours
These FAQs can help you get a better idea of what to expect on a dolphin sightseeing tour.
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A: The species of dolphins listed above are all native to the Hawaiian Islands and live here year-round. No matter the season you visit, you’ll have a chance to see dolphins leaping through the water. However, if you want to see humpback whales in addition to dolphins, winter is the best season.
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A: Oahu’s southeastern shore is a lovely place to swim and snorkel, and you can often spot many wildlife species like sea turtles, fish, dolphins, and humpback whales in the winter season. It’s important to remain respectful and careful of wildlife during your swim and tour. They may approach you, but it’s crucial not to chase after them.
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A: Dolphins are most active and frequently spotted early in the morning. After hunting all night for small schools of fish or squid, they swim into more shallow areas like the bays and channels around Oahu to rest. They are active at other times of the day as well, though — sunrise, a couple of hours before and around noon, and in the afternoon often provide the best times for viewing.
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A: All you need is a swimsuit to swim with the dolphins. However, also wearing as few oils, sunscreens, or perfumes as possible is best for the dolphins. If a dolphin swims up next to you, you shouldn’t touch it as it has sensitive skin. Always wear reef-safe sunscreen if you plan to go swimming around the Oahu waters to protect the coral reefs and other marine animals.
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A: When you spot dolphins, the first thing you will likely want to do is tell the people you’re traveling with! They’ll want to share in this magical experience. You’ll also want to grab your binoculars if the dolphins are further away.
If you’re in the water when you see dolphins, continue to swim confidently. Dolphins are naturally curious creatures, and they may come toward you to investigate. Try to avoid touching them, though, since they are wild animals.
About the Area: The Island of Oahu
If you’ve never visited the beautiful state of Hawaii before, you may find yourself confused about the names of different locations. In short, Honolulu is Hawaii’s capital and the most populous city in the island chain. Waikiki is a neighborhood in Honolulu. Oahu is the name of the island. Here is a more in-depth look at the common locations you may be visiting.
Waikiki
Waikiki is a neighborhood of the city of Honolulu, so it is a part of Honolulu. Waikiki is known as a resort and hotel hotspot because of its irresistible beauty, and Waikiki Beach stretches for two miles along the shore. The natural landscape is part of the reason that many resorts of Oahu are located here. Waikiki’s popularity makes it a very well-known location for both international and domestic tourists.
Honolulu
Honolulu is a city on Oahu, and it is the capital of the state of Hawaii. It’s also the location of the Hawaii state government, as well as many businesses, Naval Station Pearl Harbor, and tourist attractions. Honolulu is the most populated city in Hawaii, and it makes up a large part of Oahu, extending from below the Ko’olau mountain range to the east of Pearl Harbor.
Oahu
Oahu is one the third largest island of the eight islands that make up the Hawaii archipelago. Most of the Hawaiian population resides on Oahu. It has 600 square miles and is the most visited island. Other well-known Hawaiian Islands include Maui, Kauai, and the main island of Hawai’i.
Hawaii
The only state made entirely of islands, Hawaii sits about 2,000 miles west of California in the Pacific Ocean. The state is the 50th state to enter the nation, and it is well known for its rainforests, beaches, waterfalls, cliffs, and warm waters. It also boasts a lot of tourist traffic and amazing wildlife. There are many activities to do if you visit Hawaii, such as swimming, sailing, biking, hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, visiting the bustling city, or relaxing on a sunny beach.
