Join Wild Side Specialty Tours for an unforgettable six-hour boat journey off Oahu’s Waianae coast, discovering dolphins, whales, and sea turtles in their natural habitat. Perfect for wildlife lovers seeking a deep connection with Hawaii’s marine life.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Guests should be comfortable sitting for extended periods and able to handle mild boat motion.
Wildlife
History
Waianae’s coastline has historically been vital for local fishing communities, and many traditional practices still influence the region today.
Conservation
Wild Side Specialty Tours emphasizes eco-friendly practices, aiming to protect marine habitats while providing educational insight into sustainability efforts.
Wild Side Specialty Tours
Join Wild Side Specialty Tours for an unforgettable six-hour boat journey off Oahu’s Waianae coast, discovering dolphins, whales, and sea turtles in their natural habitat. Perfect for wildlife lovers seeking a deep connection with Hawaii’s marine life.
Wild Side Specialty Tours is a Waianae, Hawaii-based ocean tour operator specializing in small-group marine wildlife experiences along Oahu’s west coast. They offer guided snorkeling and sailing trips that focus on respectful, up-close encounters with dolphins, humpback whales, sea turtles, and vibrant coral reef communities.
Each tour is led by experienced naturalists and marine biologists who provide educational commentary, safety supervision, and local expertise. Signature offerings include a three-hour Sunset Snorkel Safari and multiple six-hour Wildlife in Depth charters available as shared or private bookings. Other options showcase premier dolphin and turtle safaris with guided snorkeling and an exclusive Whale Tail and Sunset Sail limited to ten guests for an intimate viewing experience.
Tours emphasize marine conservation and responsible wildlife viewing. Guides share best practices for minimizing disturbance, explain regional ecology, and encourage visitor participation in protecting Hawaii’s marine biodiversity. Small-group formats allow personalized attention for photographers, families, and wildlife enthusiasts seeking informative, low-impact outings.
Logistics prioritize safety and comfort with professionally maintained vessels, clear pre-trip briefings, and guidance tailored to varying swimming abilities. Booking information, trip durations, and departure details are provided at reservation. Wild Side Specialty Tours builds credibility through consistent on-water expertise, focused small-group trips, and an educational approach that connects guests directly to Oahu’s coastal ecosystems.
The operator emphasizes conservation education and invites guests to learn about reef health, species identification, and safe snorkeling practices. Reservations and group size limits are enforced to maintain experiences and reduce impact on sensitive marine habitats and nearshore ecosystems.
Location
Waianae, HI
West Oahu coastal departures
Tours Offered
5 Tours
Snorkel, sunset, shared & private charters
Small Groups
Intimate trips
Personalized attention for small groups
Trip Durations
3–6 hours
Short and extended marine safaris
Spaces are limited on small-group charters—reserve early, especially for the ten-guest Whale Tail and Sunset Sail.
Bring essentials for sea conditions
Wear waterproof clothing and bring sunglasses to stay comfortable during your boat trip.
Camera gear recommended
A zoom lens and waterproof camera will help capture close-up shots of marine animals.
Sun protection advised
Apply reef-safe sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses, especially on sunny days.
Book in advance
Seats are limited; booking ahead ensures availability for this popular tour.
Sunscreen
Helps prevent sunburn during prolonged exposure under Hawaii’s strong sun.
summer
Polarized sunglasses
Reduces glare from water, making wildlife spotting easier.
spring,summer,fall,winter
Light rain jacket
Useful if weather turns damp or windy during winter trips.
winter
Waterproof camera
Capture high-quality photos of marine life in dynamic conditions.