Private whale watching in Oahu lets you see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat and is an unforgettable experience.
As you keep your eyes peeled for whales, you’ll also keep an eye out for other marine life such as dolphins, turtles, and manta rays. And of course, we’ll make sure to enjoy the stunning views of the Honolulu skyline and Diamond Head crater as we sail.
Here are the ten best private whale-watching tours in Oahu. Remember that whale season will be best during the winter months from mid-December to April with February and March being the best months. Whale watching is one of the most popular activities on Oahu so make sure to make a reservation soon before they fill up!
1. Private Tour Oahu Whale Watching Adventure
Price: $795 per group (up to 6 people)
Duration: 2 Hours
Departs From: Honolulu, HI
Rating: 5/5 (20+ reviews) Best Tour
Includes: If you’re looking to explore Oahu on a private whale watching adventure and search for whales, this is the tour for you. departing from Waikiki, your captain will take you all along the coast in pursuit of these magnificent creatures.
You’ll learn about their migrating habits while enjoying light refreshments on board. Choose between a morning or afternoon cruise depending on what fits best into your schedule!
2. Private Catamaran Cruise in Honolulu
Price: $749 per group (up to 6 people)
Duration: 2 Hours
Departs From: Honolulu, HI
Rating: 5/5 (80+ reviews)
Includes: Getting out on (and beneath) the water is a must while visiting Oahu, but large boat excursions often result in packed experiences. Avoid crowds and hassles with this private catamaran trip that is exclusively for your group.
Journey along the coast to Diamond Head stopping by for wildlife spotting, swimming, and snorkeling along the way. Explore Oahu’s east shore from Kewalo Basin Harbor to Diamond Head, making stops to view animals like turtles, dolphins, and whales.
3. Snorkeling Excursion on a Private Charter Boat
Price: $725 per group (up to 6 people)
Duration: 2 Hours
Departs From: Honolulu, HI
Rating: 5/5 (70+ reviews)
Includes: Leave the tourist traps behind and join us on a 2-hour private cruise you’ll always remember. Our boat can go further and faster than anyone else’s in town, providing beautiful coastal sights, amazing marine life (turtles, fish, dolphins, and whales—depending on the season), and even snorkeling opportunities. This charter is only available for private use so that you can customize your itinerary however you want.
4. Private Boat Charter with Dolphins and You
Price: $3,000 per group (up to 15 people)
Duration: 2 Hours
Departs From: Honolulu, HI
Rating: 5/5 (30+ reviews)
Includes: Take to the water around O’ahu and charter a 55-foot (17-meter) power boat to celebrate a significant moment, or simply spoil yourself. Spot aquatic creatures while cruising through the ocean and add Hawaiian cultural shows, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, sea kayaking, and/or a 20-foot water slide to your tour.
Private excursion for your group: guarantees a unique experience. Customize your trip by selecting preferred activities.
5. Private Snorkel Trip from Oahu on a Yacht
Price: $1,956 per group (up to 6 people)
Duration: 3.5 Hours
Departs From: Kapolei, HI
Rating: 5/5 (20+ reviews)
Includes: Snorkeling is a popular vacation activity, but it’s significantly more luxurious when done on a 46-foot yacht complete with three bedrooms and bathrooms, kitchen, living areas, bar area, and prepared lunch.
If you can finally leave your gorgeous rooms onboard (we don’t blame you), follow one of our guides on a 45-minute tour of the reef and all the marine life that lives there. After an hour or so of exploring beneath the surface, return to soak up some rays back on deck as we sail serenely back to port.
Snorkeling equipment, lunch, beverages from the bar, and bean bags for relaxing are all included. 4-hour private snorkeling cruise on a yacht. Drinks from the bar include soft drinks, beer, white wine, sparkling wines, and spirits.
Spinner dolphins, Humpback whales, Pilot whales, Bottlenose dolphins, and more may be spotted while snorkeling in areas full of life on the reef. Follow your snorkeling guide to see species such as Spinner dolphins and Humpback whales that abound in the area. Professional equipment is provided for snorkeling.
6. Private Boat Charter on North Shore of Oahu
Price: $1,300 per group (up to 15 people)
Duration: 2 Hours
Departs From: Haleiwa Harbor, HI
Rating: 5/5
Includes: Perfect for a family outing or day with friends, the views of North Shore Oahu will create lasting memories. Are you looking to jazz up your corporate team-building activities? We can do that too.
Or if you’re in the military and are interested in organizing a group activity, we’ve got you covered there as well. Our private zodiac charter is also great for engagement and wedding photo shoots! Let us know what kind of experience you’re hoping to have on the Oahu coastline, and we’ll make it happen.
7. Private Cruise Swim with Whales
Price: $3,770 per group (up to 15 people)
Duration: 3 Hours
Departs From: Waianae, HI
Includes: Up to 20 people can enjoy this luxurious, private cruise on a 40-passenger catamaran designed specifically for parties and anniversaries. In addition to an impressive swimming experience with wild dolphins off the west coast of Oahu, you will also learn about the ecosystem of other creatures who call these waters home (dolphins, sea turtles, etc.).
This package also includes gratuities and drinks as well as access to natural, cultural and historical sites in Hawaii (Waianae Mountains). You are welcome to bring your own alcohols and food onboard.
8. Private Snorkel Trip from Waikiki on a Yacht
Price: $2,609 per group (up to 6 people)
Duration: 3.5 Hours
Departs From: Honolulu, HI
Includes: Sip on drinks from a bottomless bar and enjoy the views of Oahu with this 3.5-hour intimate charter experience aboard a world-renowned 43-foot yacht. With more than enough space to lounge and relax, you’ll be able to take in the sights of Waikiki while enjoying a fresh personal lunch prepared onboard.
Use provided professional snorkel equipment to get up close and personal with Hawaii’s many fish, mammals, and crustaceans during your guided snorkel tour.
9. Private Sunset Charter with Tasting Menu and Drinks from Waikiki on a Yacht
Price: $1,740 per group
Duration: 2 Hours
Departs From: Honolulu, HI
Includes: Experience pure luxury on a world-renowned 43-foot yacht while enjoying the beautiful Waikiki sunset. You’ll have plenty of space to relax in this private, intimate setting. Sip Prosecco and Brut from an open bar as you take in stunning views of the island’s coastline and horizon.
Sit back and let the crew take care of everything as they prepare a delicious captain’s tasting menu, including dishes like spicy tuna tartare spoons, short rib steak, garlic seared yellowfin ahi, local herbed chicken, and more. Indulge in the moment as you watch the sun dip below the horizon.
10. Private Sunset Catamaran Cruise in Waikiki
Price: $799 per group (up to 6 people)
Duration: 2 Hours
Departs From: Honolulu, HI
Includes: Admire the beauty of Oahu from a private catamaran while searching for some of its most popular residents: dolphins, turtles, and whales. If you’re feeling ready for an amazing adventure, take advantage of the included guided snorkeling session. With personalized service and an intimate setting, this is sure to be a memorable experience.
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- The Best Star of Honolulu Cruises and Island Tours
- The Waikiki Catamaran Cruises
- 10 of the Best and Cheapest Luaus in Oahu
Dayna Brockbank is a travel and language-learning blogger who has lived around the world but has now settled in Nice, France. She speaks 3 languages at varying levels of fluency: Spanish, Italian, and French, and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Spanish Education. She and her husband focus on making travel part of life by living cheaply and traveling on a budget.