HOW CAN I FIND THE BEST DOLPHIN BOAT TOURS NEAR ME?

If you are looking for a dolphin boat tour near you, you may find that there is a world of choice, something that can be largely overwhelming. The first thing you can do, to narrow it down is to hone in on the locally owned and operated tours on the island, and near the town that you are staying. While we have written in the past about what makes different dolphin watch boat tours special, here is a comprehensive guide on how you can first narrow down this list and book your experience with confidence.

Finding Dolphin Boat Tours Near You on the Big Island, Hawaii

Like Kona snorkel tours or tour buses to the Big Island’s volcanic viewpoints, dolphin tours around Kona are plentiful. Having this overwhelming amount of choice can create some hesitation when it comes to booking. You may be asking yourself vital questions like “what is the best Dolphin Boat tour near me, for myself and my family?” “Does this company have good reviews?” And “how many other people will be on this tour with my group?”

These are all valid and important questions which, when answered, will help you evoke confidence in booking, when those answers are easily presented. We recommend that if you are looking to experience the best tour, that will give you an intimate encounter with native Hawaiian dolphins, while safely aboard the boat; is to book with a small boat, a part of a highly reviewed company. You can read more about how to determine the best tour boat for you here.

Know the Hawaiian Laws about Kona Dolphin Boat Tours

Up until 2021, swimming with pods of dolphins was legal across the Hawaiian islands; the reason that this was changed was not only to make the waters safer for the marine animals but to keep those embarking on these tours safe as well. There are many unconscious things that we may be doing that endanger sea life, like wearing toxic sunscreen, touching animals, or destroying their habitats by stepping or disturbing the coral.

While some may be disappointed that they can’t swim alongside the dolphins, staying approximately 50 yards away when in the water, a dolphin boat tour is still an incredibly close encounter. Spinner dolphins in Hawaii tend to put on a show for the boat, something that is enjoyable from on deck. Although you may not get to physically be in the water with these amazing animals, there is so much fun to be had!

Look for Close Encounters That Prioritize the Dolphin and Your Safety

Although tours will have to abide by the laws preventing people from swimming within pods of dolphins, the most ecologically responsible local boat companies will put measures into place to keep the marine life and patrons safe. These can include turning off the engine should dolphins choose to approach the boat, supplying their snorkel tours with reef safe sunscreen, and educating those on the boat about the life of spinner dolphins and how we can act responsibly.

What is a Dolphin Adventure in Hawaii Like?

As mentioned, Hawaiian dolphin adventures have changed in the past few years, ultimately culminating in an experience aboard the boat versus in the water with the marine creatures. Not being directly in the water with the native dolphins does not take away from the magic of the experience that responsible tour boats can create for you.

The overall scope of what you can expect on a dolphin tour near you, is as follows; you will likely start your trip in the morning or mid day, meeting and boarding the boat at the marina. There your captain will give a brief overview of safety regulations and the plan for the day; their job is also to lead you to the spots with the highest amount of dolphin pod activity, all while maintaining a safe distance between the boat and the animals. If you have some time you may even get the chance to explore the underwater sea caves and lava tubes.

Learn More About Dolphins While Having a Great Day on the Tropical Waters

Dolphins are some of the smartest creatures on the planet, so there’s no wonder you may want to learn more about them! Luckily, if you are embarked on a dolphin boat tour with a trusted local company, like Dolphin Discoveries along the Kona Coast, you will get the chance to learn more about spinner dolphins and the other creatures that live in the tropics from your knowledgeable captain and crew.

There are some dolphin adventures, like those offered at Dolphin Discoveries in Kona, Hawaii— that allow you to get into the water away from the pods of dolphins that you will be encountering aboard the boat. So while you won’t be swimming along or next to a spinner dolphin pod, you will still be able to enjoy the luxurious ocean water.

Finding Kona’s Best Dolphin Tours Near Me

While we have recommendations around what we believe the best boat to embark with on a dolphin adventure is, there are other things to take into account around booking your tour. While whales are only around the Hawaiian islands at certain times of the year, spinner dolphins swim along the waterways year round. This means that you can book with confidence any time– but keep in mind that Hawaii is subject to rainy and dry weather seasons. If you book during the winter, there may be a chance of bad weather which would prevent or delay your outing. On the other hand, booking at the height of summer will surely be hot, so you may want to prepare for the stronger UV rays.

By following this advice, you can answer the question of “what are the best dolphin boat tours near me?”, ensuring a memorable and responsible experience with these incredible marine creatures. Remember the well-being of the dolphins and yourself is of the utmost importance, choose local tour companies who demonstrate respect for their natural habitat and safety is paramount. We can’t wait for your extraordinary trip out on the water!