Wild Side Specialty Tours

“Into the Blue” Nature Connections – Safely navigate the Hawaiian home of 18 different species of toothed dolphins (nai'a), 6 baleen whale species (kohola), and five turtle species (honu) – all year round. Winter season highlights the only US breeding ground of humpback whales, magnificently sharing their space with you by song and by performance, while sailing alongside some of the most culturally significant spots in Hawaii, including the birthplace of the demi-god Maui.

Well over half of all coral reefs in U.S. waters are found in Hawaii and are considered the beginning of life, the most ancient ancestors of all living things in Hawaii. With Hawaii’s high rates of endemism, you will species you’ve seen nowhere else. Your snorkeling guide will point out what others commonly miss. Perhaps, even a Hawaiian cleaner wrasse at a sea turtle cleaning station or a sleeping reef shark under a ledge.

We normally spend time a few miles offshore – following pelagic seabirds to the whale’s friendlier cousins, the dolphins. From the commonly found spotted dolphin (pods can number into the hundreds), to the fast-moving top predator Hawaiian false killer whale, to the more reclusive rough-toothed dolphin we’ll watch behaviors from onboard, and if deemed appropriate view or film their antics from underwater as well. Nearer shore we may find everyone’s favorites, the gregarious bottlenose or the aerial displays of the spinner dolphins.

Participate in Citizen Science onboard and in-water data gathering on all charters be it “bleachwatch” of corals, gathering and documenting marine debris, photographing the fluke of a humpback whale, or counting the babies in a pod of bottlenose dolphins. Portion of proceeds donated to the Wild Dolphin Foundation for conservation efforts – while data gathered onboard is submitted to Cascadia Research Collective, HappyWhale, HURC (our whale shark sightings!). With volunteer monitoring, we follow protocol so data can be combined, be of high quality, and help real scientists come to real conclusions for local habitats and communities.

Sensitive, safe, and sustainable snorkeling journeys, granted Hawaii Ecotourism's Sustainable Tourism Certificate and featured in National Geographic Adventure, Travel Channel, Outside Magazine, Good Morning America, Frommers, and many more. TripAdvisor-rated Oahu's #1 whale watching adventure for over 10 years!