Boat Tours and Cruises in Oahu

Oahu is an island paradise with amazing marine life, mesmerizing scenery and crystal clear waters. All of them, tourist attractions that you will be able to know and explore closely during your visit to this insular region. So, don't wonder anymore what to see and do in Oahu. Just check out the guided boat tours available and join one of them.

You will be able to move along the coast of Oahu while watching the scenery and then stop at Waikiki, Turtle Canyon, Ko Olina or Honolulu, to dive into its waters and admire the fauna and flora of the place. You will also have the opportunity to watch traditional dance performances and taste exquisite gourmet dishes or bentos with Hawaiian food.

On your visit to Oahu you can't miss the west coast of the island, as it hides amazing natural beauties. Get on a catamaran and, together with a crew of marine experts, learn about the flora and fauna of the place.

During the cruise you will be able to observe some whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, always keeping a prudent distance. Afterwards, you can snorkel in Oahu and explore the marine life, composed of a great variety of tropical fish and coral reefs.

After this experience, you will board the boat to take a shower and wash off all the salt water from your body. Afterwards, you will enjoy a buffet with Hawaiian food and drinks, while the boat heads back to the starting point in Ko Olina.

Details of interest

• Price: from $157 per person.
• Duration: 3 hours (Approx.)
• Advantages: you will see whales and dolphins, you will enjoy a privileged landscape and you will be very close to some marine species while snorkeling.
• Disadvantages: water, tips and transfer to the hotel are not included.

The beautiful Waikiki Beach is part of the resorts on the island of Oahu and, in its waters, you will find an amazing display of marine life representative of Hawaii, which you can see on a tour aboard a glass-bottom boat.

This is a fun and safe activity of approximately 60 minutes, ideal if you do not know what to do in Oahu with children, since the little ones can be introduced to the subject of marine wildlife. This thanks to the commentary of both the captain of the boat and some of the crew members.

The adventure will get even better when you begin to see through the glass holes in the bottom of the boat, the migrating whales, green turtles and dolphins that move freely underwater.

Interesting details

• Price: from $40 per person.
• Duration: 60 minutes (Approx.)
• Advantages: thanks to the glass bottom boat you will be able to see the behavior of the marine fauna without having to dive.
• Disadvantages: does not include hotel pick-up, water, gratuity or snack for those who do not have much time.

If you still don't know what to see and do in Oahu in 3 days, you should add to your list of activities a catamaran trip along the coast of Oahu to the famous Turtle Canyon reef system. There you will be able to see hard corals, fish, turtles, octopus, sharks, among other marine species.

This tour usually lasts a maximum of three hours, including the transfer time both there and back. During this trip you will enjoy a breathtaking view of Diamond Head, one of the most iconic volcanic formations in the history of Hawaii.

At Turtle Canyon, your guide will carefully explain how to use the snorkel and accompany you underwater. You will be able to see the reef fish and green turtles up close, keeping away from the white tip sharks.

Don't miss this wonderful catamaran experience with snorkeling tour and be part of the best nature tours in Oahu, to discover its amazing marine life.

Details of interest

• Price: from $108 per person.
• Duration: 3 hours (Approx.)
• Advantages: you will see the famous Turtle Canyot reef system and other marine species that inhabit this region.
• Disadvantages: This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Enjoying one of the best sunset cruises in Oahu is one of the activities you should not miss.

You will be mesmerized by the vibrant panoramic view that merges the sky with the sea, while the sun goes down. In addition, you can enjoy a live DJ or traditional dance show, a Hawaiian-style dinner and cocktails.

The cruise usually begins with a reception at the pier by Hawaiian dancers, who will dance to the traditional hula rhythm. Then it's on to the ship to enjoy a party with a live DJ as you cruise along the Oahu coastline and drink in the happy hour.

You can also enjoy another mode of this tour, which incorporates a delicious dinner, a tropical cocktail and live dance show. You will be amazed by the impressive choreography, colorful costumes and amazing lighting effects.

Whether you board one of the best dinner cruises on Oahu or a party cruise, you'll be treated to a unique view of the sunset. And, if you pay close enough attention, you'll catch a glimpse of the Diamond Head volcanic cone in the distance and the wildlife that inhabits these calm waters.

Details of interest

• Price: starting at $100 per person.
• Duration: 2 hours (Approx.)
• Advantages: you will experience a unique celebration in the middle of the ocean.
• Disadvantages: any extra cocktails you consume must be paid for separately.

A boat ride on the island of Oahu is a unique experience for any tourist. Especially, if the tour incorporates water activities such as snorkeling and kayaking. Join this adventure and have fun in the ocean.

You will be able to see the flying dolphins as the boat moves through the waters of Oahu. You will also have the opportunity to dive into the sea with snorkeling equipment and an expert guide to observe a variety of colorful fish and green sea turtles.

Before returning to the port, you can slide down the boat's slide, swim in the ocean and get into a kayak for a little paddle in these calm waters. Or, if you wish, stay on deck enjoying Hawaiian music and a hula show.

Details of interest

• Price: from $189 per person.
• Duration: 3 hours (Approx.)
• Advantages: you will be able to dive into the water with snorkeling equipment to observe some marine species up close. You will also have the opportunity to practice kayaking.
• Disadvantages: no food or alcoholic beverages are included.

Explore the waters of Waikiki on a cruise that will give you the opportunity to meet the wonderful wildlife of the place. You will enjoy unique landscapes in one of the best beaches of Oahu and you will learn a little about the millenary traditions of the Hawaiian culture through the practice of Hula.

The tour usually lasts a maximum of two hours and begins with a ceremonial act known as "E Ho Mai", in which the universal power (Mana) is asked to bless the whole place with its wisdom.

Afterwards, you will see the imposing species of humpback or humpback whales in their natural habitat, whose length and weight can reach 16 meters and 36,000 kilograms. You will also listen to whale songs and the guide in charge will tell you about these cetaceans.

Before ending the tour and saying "A Hui Ho" or "see you next time", you will learn some Hawaiian songs and part of the movements of the ancient Hula dance. You will enjoy a delicious coffee and a special dish with tofu, mushrooms and seaweed.

Without a doubt this is a cruise you must incorporate among the 10 things to do in Oahu in January or during any other month of the year.

Details of interest

• Price: from $108 per person.

• Duration: 2 hours (Approx.)

• Advantages: you will meet new animal species and learn the basic steps of Hula.

• Disadvantages: Tips, water and alcoholic beverages are not included.

If you still don't know what to see and do in Oahu in 4 days, you could add to your list of activities a historic boat ride to the iconic region where the surprise attack on the Pearl Harbor naval base by the Imperial Japanese Navy occurred in 1941.

There you will be able to contemplate the monument to the battleship USS Arizona, one of the two ships sunk in that attack.

Through this tour, you will admire the beautiful seascape of the coast of Oahu and enjoy a privileged view of the city of Honolulu. Also, upon arrival at Pearl Harbor, you will see an exact replica of the USS Arizona, which lies sunken under the Visitor Center.

You will be able to get off the ship to access a couple of museums and a screening room where you will see a documentary about this event. You will also have the opportunity to buy some souvenirs before returning.

Details of interest

• Price: starts at $54 per person.
• Duration: 5 hours (Approx.)
• Advantages: you will learn about the surprise attack on the Pearl Harbor naval base and enjoy a privileged landscape.
• Disadvantages: Snacks and transfer to the hotel are not included.

If you want to escape the crowds and enjoy a sunset tour of Oahu's south shore with your family or friends, the best option is to opt for a private tour.

On this tour you will be able to relax with the panoramic view, enjoy a snack and drink a tropical cocktail, while listening to your favorite music through the ship's sound system.

The route of this tour starts at Kewalo Harbor and takes you along the Waikiki coastline, continuing the tour a few miles past Diamond Head State Monument and finally returning.

During the tour, you will observe the crystal clear waters and the sun slowly setting until it disappears over the horizon. In addition, the captain and crew will tell you the history of the island and teach you about the marine fauna. Definitely a good option for you if you don't know what to do in Oahu at night.

Details of interest

• Price: from $749 per person.
• Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
• Advantages: you will enjoy appetizers, music and the captain's commentary while watching the sunset.
• Disadvantages: Dinner and drinks are not included.

If you are an enthusiast of aquatic activities and you don't know what to do in the North Shore of Oahu, you will be interested in a boat trip in this region with a diving lesson and the guide of a professional.

The tour will take you through the calm and paradisiacal waters of North Oahu, where you will contemplate a beautiful natural panorama and then dive into the water to dive and explore the marine beauty that reigns there:

• Reef corals.
• Green turtles.
• Dolphins.
• Colorful fish.

You may have little or no diving experience, so a specialized instructor will accompany you during this marine adventure. In addition, he will teach you the basic rules of diving and will provide you with the necessary equipment for the dive.

Details of interest

• Price: from 235 dollars.
• Duration: 3 hours (Approx.)
• Advantages: You will learn to dive and explore the marine fauna of the region.
• Disadvantages: Snacks are not included.

The excursions to Oahu by boat can last between 60 minutes and up to 6 hours. Everything will depend on the chosen route and the complementary activities included.

For example, there are short trips along the coast of Oahu where you can admire the scenery while the guide tells you the history of the marine fauna. There are also two or three-hour tours to enjoy the sunset, dinner, drinks and dancing on the boat under the moonlight.

On the other hand, there are the long tours that can be three and up to six hours, where you can dive into the ocean with a snorkel, dive, swim, paddle a kayak and even surf.

On this type of Oahu shore excursions you will see humpback whales, dolphins, green turtles, migratory whales, fish, octopus, sharks, hard corals, among other marine species.

You will also enjoy a beautiful landscape with crystal clear waters and, depending on the time of the tour, you may be able to contemplate the island's night scenery. In addition, you will have the unique opportunity to observe the legendary battleship USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor.