Here’s How You Can Swim With Dolphins on The Big Island
One thing you need to cross off your bucket list while on vacation is swimming with the dolphins in Hawai’i. It’s a magical encounter that transforms any vacation into an unforgettable adventure. The beautiful waters surrounding the Big Island offer incredible opportunities to witness dolphins in their natural habitat, whether you’re on a boat tour, dolphin watching tour, or just observing from the shore.
Before you put on your snorkeling gear, make sure you access our complimentary vacation guide. We’ve created a useful tool with all of our favorite Big Island and O’ahu attractions, restaurants, entertainment, and outdoor recreation in Hawai’i. The best tropical vacation starts here!
Where to Swim With Dolphins on The Big Island
Swim with Captive Dolphins
While you can’t legally swim within 50 yards of dolphins in the wild, there are opportunities to swim with captive dolphins on the Big Island. Dolphin Quest provides dolphin encounters for families and kids. Book a session online to swim and interact with their resident dolphins. There are plenty of opportunities to connect with the dolphins and learn a thing or two while you’re at it.
View Dolphins from Boat and Snorkeling Tours
Dolphin Discoveries
Dolphin Discoveries was one of the first companies on the Big Island to offer dolphin swim tours, setting the standard for sustainable marine experiences across the Hawaiian Islands. Their guided tours take you to some of the Gold Coast’s top snorkeling spots, where you might encounter dolphins, tropical fish, manta rays, sea turtles, and even humpback whales in season.
Hawai’i Oceanic
Gather your small group for a snorkel adventure on a private boat charter with Hawai’i Oceanic. You can explore the Kona coast while snorkeling at a coral reef. Their Dolphin Dreaming – Dolphin Swim tour is a small group experience rather than a big dolphin viewing cruise, so that you can avoid the crowds.
Or, you can see manta rays at nighttime as they perform their plankton feeding routine! It’s a unique experience you must see for yourself!
Kona Ocean Adventures
Discover one of the best snorkeling spots in the area, Kealakekua Bay, and reserve a small group boat charter with Kona Ocean Adventures.
Enjoy local fresh-cut fruit, sandwiches, Hawaiian chips, and Captain Danny’s homemade salsa as you explore the bay in search of dolphins. They offer scuba adventures, cruises, and private charters, as well as snorkeling with manta rays or dolphins.
You can expect to see hundreds of wild dolphins swimming all around you, including the spotted dolphin and spinner dolphin.
You don’t need any experience for snorkeling, so bring the kids and the grandparents for a memorable time with the playful dolphins!
Encountering Dolphins in the Wild
You don’t have to be in the water or on a boat to catch dolphins in the Big Island’s waters. Two Step Beach is the perfect spot to catch a pod of dolphins frolicking in the water. Although a dolphin sighting is not guaranteed, you have better luck early in the morning.
On the other hand, If you’re snorkeling or swimming and encounter a wild dolphin, it’s important not to touch, feed, or chase them. Dolphins are curious and may approach you, but you should never swim directly up to them. Try not to startle dolphins by moving slowly and calmly and observe quietly, so you don’t disturb their natural behaviors.
Types of Dolphins on the Big Island
There are three types of dolphins commonly found in Hawai’i:
- Spinner Dolphins – They’re the most commonly encountered species in Hawaiian waters, famous for their spectacular aerial displays, spinning up to seven times in a single leap.
- Spotted Dolphins – Larger than spinners, spotted dolphins are known for their playful, curious nature. They often approach snorkelers and boats, making them favorites among wildlife enthusiasts.
- Bottlenose Dolphins – Less common but occasionally seen, bottlenose dolphins are the largest dolphin species regularly seen in Hawaiian waters.
Relax in a Luxury Vacation Rental on The Big Island
Stay with Private Homes Hawai’i for the ultimate Hawaiian getaway. After a day of swimming with dolphins, relax in a beach home with the most spectacular ocean views. We offer top-notch amenities in all of our Big Island vacation rentals so that you have the best experience during your getaway.
Unwind in our Hualalai Resort – Palm Villa 130A rental, which happens to be one of the largest floor plans! It’s perfect for your family vacation. In addition to a full, gourmet kitchen, beautiful garden, BBQ grill, pool, and two golf carts, you also can have access to the 4 Seasons Hualalai Resort. It’s the best way to get the full Hawaiian experience during your trip.