Wear comfortable attire with non-skid shoes, and don’t forget your camera! Sunscreen, a light sweater or jacket, polarized sunglasses and binoculars are also recommended.
There is no age restriction for the Dolphin Star®. Guests of all ages in good health and physical condition are welcome. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Outside food and beverages are not allowed onboard. However, a freshly grilled BBQ Lunch option is available in advance. Ask your reservationist for details.
Yes. Soft drinks including soda and juice are available for $4.00 each; tropical cocktails and beer are available for $8.00 each. Alcoholic beverages can only be served to guests 21 years and older (a photo I.D. is required and drinks are prohibited from being carried off the ship).
We’ll cruise from Wai’anae Boat Harbor toward Ka’ena Point or Ko Olina, depending on the best possible route for wild dolphin watching and the best location for snorkeling. The Captain reserves the right to alter the route depending on sea conditions.
NOTE: Select Holiday Cruises depart from Kewalo Basin. Ask for details.
We typically see 50 to 70 spinner, spotted and bottlenose dolphins daily, with a 98% record of daily sightings historically. You may see flying fish, Hawaiian green sea turtles, humpback whales in season (December through April) and more!
With our Dolphin Guarantee, in the rare case that you don’t see dolphin, you’ll receive a “Dolphin Check” to cruise again (meal, transportation and snorkel optional)!
Yes!
Yes, however, due to limited space onboard we will stow them during the cruise.
Onboard, ask for complimentary 100% herbal ginger capsules to help settle your stomach. Take these at your own discretion. Don’t hesitate to ask any crew member for assistance.
Yes, you can take home a souvenir memory photo for only $20.00.
Each guest receives a “VIP card” good for a free gift when returning for a future cruise.
If you have a digital camera with a view finder, turn off your LCD and take pictures looking through the view finder. This will allow the camera to respond to your fingers faster. Dolphins sometimes jump multiple times so keep aiming in the direction a dolphin has jumped. Use the sequence photo shoot mode if your camera has one. It is very hard to predict when the dolphins will surface, so by using this mode, there is a better chance of getting a great picture!
You can also take great photos and videos with cell phones. Don’t forget to share your experience on Facebook(/dolphinstarcruises), Twitter(@DolphinStarHI) and Instagram(@DolphinStarHI) and add #DolphinStarHI.
It’s an interactive, educational and fun “class” with one of our certified Naturalist crew with souvenir learning material!
Dolphin Star departs from Wai’anae Boat Harbor. For those arriving via own transportation, please check in 15 minutes prior to departure at the Dolphin Star®. Wai’anae Boat Harbor: After entering the parking lot, drive toward the ocean and park on the right-hand side near the restrooms. Look for the Dolphin Star®, which will be at the pier on the left-hand side by the yellow pole.
NOTE: Select Holiday Cruises depart from Ala Wai Boat Harbor in Waikiki. Ask for details.
GPS Users: Latitude 21.450236, Longitude -158.196883
Dolphin Star Pier Address:
Wai’anae Boat Harbor
85-471 Farrington Hwy
Wai’anae, HI 96792
Wai’anae is the best location for dolphin watching since, historically, the West coast of O’ahu is where the best dolphin sightings are! Also, it offers an unspoiled snorkeling spot.
Swimming with dolphins is considered harassment and is prohibited by law. The National Marine Fisheries division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends keeping at least 50 yards (150 feet) away from the dolphins while they rest/sleep during the daytime hours. Dolphin Star exceeds all government guidelines for protection of marine mammals since our debut in 2007.
Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel and sunscreen. A light sweater or jacket and sunglasses are also recommended.
Yes! Sanitized snorkel gear is included, as well as instruction for beginners by our well-trained crew. Upon request, we also offer prescription masks (1.5 – 6.0 power) available on a first come, first served basis. Vessel facilities include a fresh water shower, easy step stairs into the water and onboard restrooms. A signed waiver form is required for snorkeling.
Not a problem. Dolphin Star® is perfect for all, including 3 generation families! You may opt to explore the reef at a secret spot led by our diver, or just jump in and cool off! Enjoy the cruise at your own pace and comfort.
You will enjoy seeing a variety of marine life while snorkeling. You may see beautiful bluespine unicornfish, striped belly puffer fish, starfish, sea urchins, green sea turtles and more!
Yes, our crew members will assist each guest with properly fitting snorkel gear.
No. For safety reasons, we strongly recommend our infant/lap children guests remain onboard and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.
Absolutely. If you feel more comfortable using your own gear, don’t hesitate to bring it.
Depending on the sea conditions, our Captain will determine the best spot of the day for snorkeling off the beautiful Wai’anae coast. Snorkeling time is approximately 45 minutes to one hour.
Depending on snorkel location, we will be approximately 100-150 feet from shore with a depth of 15-20 feet.
Absolutely. Dolphin Star® provides a fun and safe underwater experience. Along with snorkel gear, flotation vests, snorkel instruction and additional floatation devices for our guided snorkel tour, we have a certified life guard, Captain and crew who are trained in first aid and CPR. We also have 1 snorkel instructor for about 25 guests.
Please consult with your doctor before booking.
Yes. We have 2 onboard restrooms, plus a fresh water shower.
There are no lockers onboard. For safekeeping, please leave your valuables behind.
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