Price from:
395 USD
Stunning Sceneries and Wildlife
Our Deepest Ocean Connections
**NOTE**: ***Our small groups sell out quickly, reserve early and avoid missing out.***
Overview
- Seasonally custom designed tours into the wild blue yonder
- Ten guest max, 4 guest minimum on shared charters (call/email us if you are a smaller party and we'll try to mix and match you with others)
- Outstanding sceneries and diverse wildlife - both above and underwater
- Trusted naturalist/biologist/photographer guides – blend science, conservation and technique
- Sunrise (golden and blue light!) to midday hours (~ 6 hours)
- Lunch –Local-Style Light "Brunch", Snacks and drinks.
**NOTE**: *** If food allergies, please advise us of severity and do consider bringing your own food and EpiPens .***
Details
The ultimate six hours on the water in the most wildlife rich area of Oahu. This fascinating side of the island offers a wealth of stunning scenery, with rugged coastlines, idyllic ranges and beaches providing a visual feast for every traveler. The beautiful landscape is also home to some of Hawaii's most iconic wildlife, whales, dolphins and pelagic seabirds - with behaviors narrated through the eyes of marine experts.
Calmer, summer weather has everyone excited to include the remote offshore areas of seamounts and upwelling, where the more elusive wildlife is found feeding, From planktonic larvae to bait balls and on up the food chain to the largest predators. Nearshore visibility is at a peak for underwater photography of green sea turtles over tamer coral reefs.
What will we do?
Oahu’s calmer leeward "wild" side will get you up close with Hawaii's most iconic sealife - dolphins, whales and sea turtles.
In private or semi-private groups, explore FAD’s (Fish Aggregation Devices) underwater ocean ledges, and seamounts. These attractions act as feeding and prime action photography grounds for a variety of whales, dolphins, seabirds, sharks, rays, mola mola, and whale sharks.
If swimming with dolphins, whales or other marine life is on your bucket list - this charter's small group size and experience with the wildlife give the best odds of fulfillment over any other tour in Hawaii.
Nearshore, in shallow waters coral reefs are alive with tropical fish and giant green sea turtles. Exclusive viewing of sea turtle cleaning stations, resident schools of pudgy pufferfish, or sunken artifacts such as a World War II biplane or tank.
You Should Know
- All snorkeling is subject to wildlife behavior and ocean conditions
- Reservations are subject to availability, weather and vessel operations.
- Due to our popularity and limited space, cancellations with less than 10 day notice and “No Shows” are subject to full charge.
- Although not in any way necessary, if you have a good day on the water, tipping of the crew is appropriate. (10% to 15% is standard)
Booking Notes
##Check-In
- We will be leaving the harbor no later than 15 minutes beyond check-in time, and possibly earlier. Therefore, you **need to be on time for check-in**. Do not rely on the drive time given by your GPS, it will not figure in road work, school traffic, etc.
- The crew will meet you at the 'A' Pier gate (usually wearing an orange Wild Side shirt)
- Check-in consists of group vessel orientation, safety briefing and then signing of waiver forms. If you miss the group safety briefing – or the boat – you will be considered a “no-show” and charged full price.
##What to Bring
- Swimwear, towel, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen (no spray, please)
-Hat (might blow off!), reusable water bottle
-Optional: your own snorkel gear or camera
##Provided
- Snorkel Gear
- Seasonal and Local-Style Food and Drinks
**NOTE**: ***If food allergies, please consider bringing your own food (and EpiPens) and do please advise us of severity.
##Please have all parties fill out the online WAIVER forms
##Cancellations
It’s always good to have a back-up activity in the off chance of cancellation (bad weather, minimum not met etc.). Cancelled charters are rescheduled whenever possible.
##Terms & Agreements
[Wild Side Specialty Tours, Terms and Agreements](https://sailhawaii.com/terms/)
Sea you soon!
Important Information
# Health & Safety Notes
## Certified Crew & Safety Equipment
Tours are operated by **USCG-credentialed captains**, with in-water crew certified as **DAN Snorkel Guides or professional Dive Instructors**. These are rigorous water-safety qualifications that go well beyond basic lifeguard and first-aid training, with an emphasis on prevention, supervision, rescue and emergency response in an aquatic environment.
Our vessel carries required USCG safety equipment, including **life jackets, flotation devices, first-aid supplies, fire extinguishers, VHF radio and emergency equipment**.
## Weather & Ocean Conditions
Your captain continually evaluates **weather, wind and sea conditions** before and throughout the trip. Safety comes first, and routes, activities or departure times may be adjusted when conditions warrant. If we determine conditions are unsafe to operate, we'll work with you to **reschedule or provide the appropriate refund**.
## Safety Briefings & In-Water Supervision
A **safety and snorkeling orientation** is provided before activities begin. Our DAN Snorkel Guides and Dive Instructors assist with equipment, flotation and technique and provide **active in-water supervision** during snorkeling activities.
## Marine Wildlife Safety & Ethics
Wildlife encounters are guided by our **Three W's: Weather, Wildlife and Who** — ocean conditions, animal behavior, and the abilities and comfort of the guests onboard.
We follow applicable **federal and state marine wildlife regulations and responsible-viewing practices**. We do not chase, feed or harass wildlife, and encounters are never guaranteed. In-water activities occur only when conditions, wildlife behavior and regulations allow.
## Sun, Hydration & Staying Warm
For a six-hour day on the ocean, **UV-protective clothing or a rash guard** is strongly recommended, along with a hat, sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen. Please avoid spray sunscreens.
We provide **shade and drinking water** onboard. Bring a reusable water bottle and remember to hydrate throughout the day.
Even in Hawaiʻi, guests can become chilled after spending time in the water, particularly **young children**, who lose body heat more quickly. Dry off after snorkeling and have something warm and dry available to put on.
We can provide **shortie wetsuits for little ones** to help them stay warmer in the water. Please inquire in advance about availability for your child's particular size.
**Adults who prefer a wetsuit** can rent one from several dive and snorkel shops around Oʻahu. Because Wildlife In Depth departs early, you'll need to arrange pickup the day before your tour. We recommend reserving ahead to ensure your size is available — contact us if you'd like a current rental-shop recommendation near where you're staying.
## Seasickness Prevention
If you're prone to motion sickness, **prevention works much better than trying to catch up once you're feeling unwell**. Use your preferred remedy the evening before and again before departure according to its directions.
If you're caught unaware, tell us early. Our experienced crew is very helpful and keeps **non-medicated remedies** onboard to help you get more comfortable.
## Illness Policy
If you or anyone in your party has a **fever, persistent cough, vomiting, diarrhea or another potentially contagious illness**, please contact us before your tour to discuss rescheduling.
A boat is a close shared environment, and staying ashore when you're contagious helps protect our guests and crew.
