Sightseeing Cruises
3–4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$174
per adult
Ocean Joy Cruises
Ocean Joy Cruises
4.5
Boat ToursEco ToursSightseeing ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife Tours
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Full view
About
Ocean Joy Cruises will take you to the unspoiled Waianae coastline on the island of Oahu where dolphins, turtles and other Hawaiian sea life play and flourish on our 62' custom power catamaran. Take a dive into one of Hawaii’s best snorkeling spots, watch dolphins and whales (seasonal) as they glide through the cool waters of the Pacific, view the most stunning scenic vistas and perhaps, even watch the most romantic sunset on earth.
Kapolei, Hawaii
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,943 reviews
Excellent
1,555
Very good
186
Average
115
Poor
48
Terrible
40
akamaisystems02
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Family
We are residents of oahu and I wanted to do something fun for my family outdoors to get them out of the house. Cheri was very helpful in booking my reservation and accommodating me on a day that worked for us. The whole experience was AMAZING, hats off to Ocean Joy and their Team!! Captain Christian, Jerry, and Clover made our event that much more special. You can tell they have Years of experience in the water, have lots of knowledge of the island and their customer service was second to none! reallly made us feel safe, comfortable and we had more fun then ive had in a long while. Also Clover (team member and photographer) was EXCELLENT took some spectacular pictures of us under water and on the boat. Will recommend Ocean Joy to all my family and friends wether their Locals or Visitors, Reasonable Prices, food and drinks provided and Above All an Unforgetable experience. Thanks Again Ocean Joy :) will see you guys soon
Written August 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MClitherow
1 contribution
Feb 2022 • Family
Captain Mason and the crew were phenomenal!!!
They provided a great atmosphere and made all the guest very welcome on board. They made every effort to make sure all the guest were cared for, from concerted efforts to retrieve a lost phone to keeping a solo passenger company while underway. We traveled safely up the Wai'anae coast with beautiful morning views of the mountains. The captain and crew shared great stories and history of the island, a nice narrative for the views we saw. The keen eyes of Captain Mason spotted a whale breach several miles away and motored the Kai' Oli Oli up the coast to catch them. He followed along at a safe distance while a mother and calf explored the waters. We had a spectacular vantage point to see the baby breach and the mother wave her tail. They brought to our snorkel spot that had a green sea turtle waiting to welcome us. The crew was quick to get us geared up and provided a thorough explanation of how to use the gear, which was in excellent condition. We got in the water and saw many fish and a reef shark hiding in a reef pocket below.
Back on board after an hour in the water the crew got provided us with a fantastic lunch. they opened the bar and made great boats drinks, one of the best Mai Tais we had on our trip. The played a slide show of the pictures they took while we were out, worth the small expense to have to photos of the trip. We had a great time and will be back for sure!!
Mahalo Nui Loa!!!!
They provided a great atmosphere and made all the guest very welcome on board. They made every effort to make sure all the guest were cared for, from concerted efforts to retrieve a lost phone to keeping a solo passenger company while underway. We traveled safely up the Wai'anae coast with beautiful morning views of the mountains. The captain and crew shared great stories and history of the island, a nice narrative for the views we saw. The keen eyes of Captain Mason spotted a whale breach several miles away and motored the Kai' Oli Oli up the coast to catch them. He followed along at a safe distance while a mother and calf explored the waters. We had a spectacular vantage point to see the baby breach and the mother wave her tail. They brought to our snorkel spot that had a green sea turtle waiting to welcome us. The crew was quick to get us geared up and provided a thorough explanation of how to use the gear, which was in excellent condition. We got in the water and saw many fish and a reef shark hiding in a reef pocket below.
Back on board after an hour in the water the crew got provided us with a fantastic lunch. they opened the bar and made great boats drinks, one of the best Mai Tais we had on our trip. The played a slide show of the pictures they took while we were out, worth the small expense to have to photos of the trip. We had a great time and will be back for sure!!
Mahalo Nui Loa!!!!
Written March 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lcarissamarie
Vancouver, Canada2 contributions
Apr 2022
The team did an awesome job in terms of the timeline and explaining the plans of the evening. We even spotted a whale and snorkelling was a blast for both our experienced and unexperienced swimmers! Everyone felt confident in the water and it was nice that they had somebody looking out for the team. The food was decent and it was nice to have unlimited nonalcoholic drinks. I think a menu for the alcoholic beverages would have been nice as it was difficult to jump in and ask for drinks when there’s a crowd of people also getting food. The photographer was awesome and she tried to capture everyone on the boat which was awesome! More time could’ve been set aside to watch the sunset but overall it was a great experience and I would recommend it to my family and friends! The team was really organized and kept the boat tidy!
Written April 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert T
1 contribution
Nov 2020 • Family
The captain and his two shipmates made us feel welcome and treated us like VIPs. The boat was clean and comfortable and the warm fresh water shower was awesome after snorkeling. The meal on the way back to the marina was great and the fresh pineapple dessert was a favorite for everyone in our party. Many times on these boat trips you get bag of chips and if lucky a dry turkey sandwich, but we had a hot chicken dish with sticky rice and a salad - one of better meals on the trip!
The two ladies were very helpful tending bar, serving, and snorkeling. Mattie identified a couple of sea turtles for us and we were able to snorkel for a full hour! I highly recommend Ocean Joy Cruises!!
The two ladies were very helpful tending bar, serving, and snorkeling. Mattie identified a couple of sea turtles for us and we were able to snorkel for a full hour! I highly recommend Ocean Joy Cruises!!
Written November 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chrisopenjourney
Sydney, Australia2 contributions
Jan 2020
The boat and the crew were fantastic. We did the early morning 3 hour trip and saw Dolphins and Whales. We then went snorkelling at a protected reef with reef fish everywhere and turtles.
Our family of 5 all had a ball, 3 children aged 10 to 13 loved it. Lunch and drinks were provided by the boat including alcoholic beverages and soft drinks for the kids.
Our family of 5 all had a ball, 3 children aged 10 to 13 loved it. Lunch and drinks were provided by the boat including alcoholic beverages and soft drinks for the kids.
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha chrisopenjourney,
Mahalo for cruising with us and sharing your review. We hope to see you again and please tell your friends about us.
Aloha,
Ocean Joy Cruises
Written February 1, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BMT808
2 contributions
Jan 2022
We live westside & this was our 1st time on this cruise. Reservations were easy. Boarding location was easy to find. Captain & crew were great! Snorkle was fun with lots of fish. Luau style buffet dinner was really good and the bar was plentiful and open. For a pleasant 2.5 to 3 hour sunset snorkle dinner cruise in casual comfort the Kai 'Oli 'Oli is a great way to go.
Written February 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen F
Daly City3 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
I had a great time with my family on this cruise! I wasn’t expecting much because my last experience I had on this type of cruise in Maui was just ok. But a lot of my family members got sea sick, so please please remember to take Dramamine a night BEFORE or hours before the cruise. It will get you sleepy and it takes a few hours to kick in, they do provide ginger pills but taking it during the cruise will be pointless. Back to the experience... I went in July expecting not to see anything maybe some fish and hoping one turtle. We saw a monk seal, so many dolphins and they were spinner dolphins so they were putting on a show, 3 turtles and so many beautiful fish, it was amazing! The staff is sooo nice and we even got to ride with the owner, Shane, who was so sweet. I think he had a great convo with my husband and dad because they were talking for some time. If you are not a swimmer, the snorkeling gear and swim vest were great and made my family members feel comfortable. The breakfast muffins were ok but my family said the main entrees were really good, which was chicken teriyaki and pulled pork, the owner told us they just switched caterers. There was plenty of parking at the marina for a fee. I would recommend this excursion to anyone who loves a nice ride and swim out on the ocean. Such a beautiful experience!
Written August 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Randy F
5 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Captain Jerry and his team made this a once in a lifetime time trip filled with excitement and cherished memories. He made a lasting impression with my little one by encouraging my child to drive the boat and snorkel with the fishes even if he had minimal swimming experience. Spencer was also a hero as he dove back into the water to retrieve our sunblock after it fell into the ocean. They were very patient with our indecision on snorkeling and accommodated our large group. As a treat, we were able to see spinner dolphins! Thank you!
Written April 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tracikylie
St. Marys, GA1 contribution
Jun 2022 • Family
We did an afternoon snorkel/lunch cruise. The boat was spacious and clean, the crew was super friendly and seemed truly thrilled that the guest were having such a good time. The crew made safety in the water a priority and kept a sharp eye on all the people in the water snorkeling. They also took time to idle and let us view the wildlife that we came across. The dolphins came right up to the boat and put on a great show and they even came back around while we were in the water. True highlight of our Hawaii vacation. We enjoyed it so much! Reasonably priced and worth every penny!
Written June 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Culture643203
1 contribution
Dec 2021 • Family
The boat was very easy to access at the Ko'Olina Harbor. Staff were fast and efficient in providing instruction and equipment to those of us on the trip who snorkeled. There was a warm shower to take the chill off from cool waters; good food, plenty of drinks, and a professional photographer to capture the entire adventure from beginning to end, including individual underwater and custom shots with the gorgeous ending sunset. Everything you could want or think of was provided by staff who were friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and efficient. I highly recommend this snorkeling cruise and can't wait until I am back in Hawaii to do it again!!!
Written January 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How far is this from Disney Aulani and to you offer pick up from that resort? Thank you
Written May 1, 2019
Hi - we took the tour. We are not the tour operator. We did book the tour through the hotel and they pick everyone up at you hotel.
Written May 1, 2019
Aloha,
Mahalo for your inquiry. We've had pregnant women on our cruises before so yes, it shouldn't be a problem. Please know your level of participation for the snorkeling part may be affected based on how far ahead you are in your pregnancy. Snorkeling is NOT mandatory. How far ahead are you?
We would like advise you to seek advice from your doctor.
Mahalo and Aloha,
Ocean Joy Cruises Ohana
808-677-1277 (6a - 9p)
Written August 31, 2018
I'm looking to book a family group of 30 in October. Can you put me in touch with uh our group coordinator. Thanks
Written June 15, 2018
Aloha Thephatma...
Mahalo for your inquiry and we apologize for the delay in answering your question. We don't have a group coordinator per se but if you call us at 808-677-1277 any day between 6 am and 9 pm Hawaii time, any one of our reservation agents will be able to assist and plan your booking. Due to limitations on TripAdvisor, I'm unable to send you an email address.
We hope to hear from you soon!
Aloha
Written June 22, 2018
How many total passengers are allowed on the cruise?
Written November 22, 2017
Aloha Floyd C.,
Mahalo for your inquiry. Our power Catamaran, the Kai`Oli`Oli, holds up to 49 guests and includes 2 roomy restrooms, a covered cabin for shade, and steps that lower into the water for easy access.
We hope you can join us on a cruise.
Aloha,
Ocean Joy Cruises
Written November 24, 2017
What hotels do you pick up? We'll be staying in Holiday Inn Express Waikiki?
Written October 2, 2017
Aloha Mar U.,
We apologize for the delay in answering your question. We pickup at centralized locations in Waikiki. If you're referring to the Holiday Inn Express Waikiki, we pickup across the street at the Ambassador Waikiki Hotel on Namahana Street.
The pickup times for our cruises are as follows
6:05 am - Morning Calm Cruise
10:20 am - Afternoon Adventure
2:20 pm - Sunset Snorkel Cruise
We always recommend that you show up 5-10 minutes early and turn your cell phone on (U.S. area code) just in case we cannot find you.
We hope this helps. If you have any more questions please let us know.
Aloha!
Ocean Joy Cruises
Written October 6, 2017
Aloha djross473,
Mahalo for your inquiry. We apologize for such a late response. We are sorry to say that our boat cannot accommodate a scooter but if you're able to walk onto our catamaran with assistance from others in your party, we'd like to welcome you onboard. Your scooter would then be stored at our check in counter and will be brought back out to you upon your return to the marina.
Also, if you are taking advantage of our complimentary round trip pickup service from Waikiki hotels we'll need at least 48 hours notice so we can order a bus with an ADA wheelchair lift to accommodate your scooter.
We hope you find this information helpful. If you have any other questions please feel free to send us a message and again, thank you for your inquiry.
Aloha!
Kalani @ Ocean Joy Cruises Reservations
Written July 14, 2017
We are considering the sunset cruise. Will it be too dark to see any fish when we are snorkeling?
Written April 17, 2017
You snorkel before the sunset so there is plenty of light yet and eat while it starts to get dark. The whole experience is amazing!
Written April 18, 2017
EJ83616
Boise, Idaho
Aloha! I read on your site that all snorkeling gear is provided. Does that include any flotation equipment for people who would like that extra reassurance in the water?
Written April 16, 2017
I am not a strong swimmer, and they provided a flotation vest and they had a noodle that I could float on as well when I wanted. The flotation device should be sufficient but they are prepared for people of all levels to enjoy snorkeling. If you wear glasses, they have goggles with corrective lenses as well. Enjoy your trip!
Written April 18, 2017
Which time of the day is best to go- morning or afternoon?
Written May 30, 2016
This is Ka'eo, VP at Ocean Joy Cruises.
The morning seas are usually more calm (the reason surfers love to go out early in the morning on "dawn patrol"). That said, our guests have had equally exciting cruises on both the morning and afternoon cruises. Another thing to consider is the time you'll need to wake up in order to take our luxury bus from Waikiki to our resort marina home.
We hope that helps! Please always feel free to call us at 808-677-1277 or chat with us at our OceanJoyCruises website
Written January 16, 2017
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