This was such a great experience and so intimate. We watched the smaller boats packed with tons of people just dump their snorklers overboard. Our larger boat' s staff gave us some educational facts while we searched for dolphin pods. This wasn't just your average dolphin encounter - it was special. And the staff is amazing. Oh and swimming with... more

I've experienced snorkelling tours on Maui, the Big Island, and Oahu before, but none of them compared with our adventure aboard the Alaka’i on the “Best of the West” tour with Wild Side Specialty Tours (sailhawaii.com). With a 3 person crew and 5 passengers, it was like having our own personalized tour, as the captain, Tori asked us what we... more

They take advantage of tourists visiting Hawaii. They will charge you before the event happens and lie so you have no recourse to get your money back. A more New York "in your face" personality than the typical "Hawaii" mentality. more

It was a great tour! They had three tour guides for the six participants. It was a very personal experience. There were TONS of dolphins and we got in the water three times for the dolphin swim and then once for snorkling. They gave great instructions and were very helpful and friendly. It was an AWESOME boat ride!!! Extra added... more

I don't have a whole lot of money to spend while here so I was nervous when I chose this place, but man did I get my moneys worth. I went on the Best of the West cruise with a group of people who truly cared about the animals and could answer any questions I had. I felt extremely safe... more

My wife and I had the pleasure of sailing with Wild Side on one of their "Best of the West" trips last week. Those particular trips only take 6 passengers at a time. We chose Wild Side over other dolphin tours because of their ecological approach. Other tours promise you'll swim with the dolphins, Wild Side said they'd make that... more

This is an incredible trip that you don't want to miss, especially if you want a unique wildlife encounter with dolphins, whales, sea turtles and other marine life customized to meet your expectations!! And especially if you don't like large crowded boats and snorkeling with lots of people, this is the trip for you. Melissa and Tori were excellent, well-educated... more

What an amazing experience! From the moment we stepped on the dock it was like being with family members or longtime friends. The hosts were as friendly and down to earth as I've ever experienced. The knowledge they shared made it feel as if we were on our own National Geographic adventure. Pictures and words cannot completely capture the beauty... more

I'd wanted to swim with dolphins since I watched Flipper as a kid, but had read so much negative press on captive dolphins and on changes in wild dolphin behavior after repeated contact with aggressive tourism. I couldn't quite bring myself to fulfill this dream at the expense of the animals with which I'm so fascinated. But when I read... more