Wild Side Specialty Tours

Positive experience: We went on a three hour tour with Wildside on Feb. 19th to see humpbacks, swim with dolphins and snorkel with turtles. We never left the boat until we returned to the harbour. Despite their best efforts, we never got close enough to see a humpback, but we did see numerous spotted dolphins and even a few bluenose. Would have liked to have gotten into the water with the dolphins, but the crew did not seem terribly motivated to that end. The tour is not cheap - $500USD for my wife and I.

Fantastic experience: The captain and crew were super positive and helpful. Saw amazing whale and dolphins. We would definitely do again

Fantastic experience: From the time we arrived until the time we got off the boat this was an absolute wonderful experience.

Fantastic experience: There was magic in the air today with WSST the crew (Capt. Flo, Ashley, Bethany and Jason) embodied the Aloha Spirit taking us through the ocean and helping us achieve our goals of swimming with the dolphins and whale watching. With a little bit of luck and a lot of experience on behalf of the captain/crew, we were able to do everything we set out to do. We had our small children on board (4 and 8) who are aspiring Marine Biologists and the team did an awesome job engaging with the kids to inspire their dreams and teach them about ocean life. Most importantly, they did a great job keeping us all safe (the littles especially) while maximizing our fun. Thank you all so much for making our experience one to remember

Fantastic experience: This was wonderful! Only 6 guests on the boat with the captain and the naturalist for 3 hours! We started off with 2 males fighting over the girl, and finished with a mom and baby and a great sunset! Loved it!

Positive experience: Staff was excellent and very knowledgeable. Was disappointed in the snorkeling. Very little time spent in the water and not much to see. Would have preferred trying different locations for snorkeling. Saw whales. Way too much time driving and looking for whales.

Fantastic experience: The crew was great. They were very informative, and safe. Made us feel safe, going onto their vessel. They also respect the wildlife, which is a plus for us. The tour was amazing. Saw lots of wildlife. They took us to a great snorkelling spot, and it was amazing as well. 10/10, would recommend this tour. Highly recommended, and the price is reasonable for the experience. Parking was vast, and free.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely loved the small group! Bethany and Connor were so incredibly knowledgeable and so fun to be around. Every thing about this experience was top notch, even the lunch that was provided! If you want to see whales, dolphins and other wildlife, and also learn about some of the conservation efforts Wild Side is involved in, book your tour right now. Well worth it!!

Fantastic experience: When you are planning your trip to Oahu The 4 things you should do first are book: flight, accommodations, car rental, and Wild Side Tour❤️ Our Christmas Eve tour was exciting, relaxing, beautiful, and amazingly fun. Our crew was hands down fun, professional, knowledgeable, and displayed the spirit of aloha ❤️ you won’t be disappointed Mahalo to Captain Flo, Bethany, and Connor

Fantastic experience: This was my 3rd time out with Wild Side. I will go again and again with this company! Captain Liah and crew member, Conner were the best! Professional, yet so friendly and fun; safety was a priority from the crew. That was important to me. Their knowledge to answer questions about the wildlife was very impressive. This trip was a amazing! Pilot and Humpback Whales, Rough Tooth and Spotted Dolphins were just a thrill to see! The lunch was delicious. Loved every minute of this tour ❤️

Fantastic experience: Kudos Wildside Hi, what a fantastic ocean adventure! Shout out to a great staff and Conner who made this such a great experience with his friendly demeanor and knowledge of all the creatures in the ocean! I have the sea life we saw embedded in my memory and came away with certainly much more knowledge about sea life, the ocean and how we must respect them so we can enjoy them forever!! PS. Wow great lunch too ️️

Fantastic experience: One of the highlights of my vacation in Oahu was without a doubt the Wild Side Specialty Tour. My hope to spot dolphins or whales was abundantly fulfilled. The crew and captain of the boat were clearly just as excited as the six passengers to sight many spinner dolphins & several humpback whales. The dolphins gave us quite a welcome by jumping and spinning out of the water as well as swimming close to the boat for quite some time. The crew enthusiastically shared their knowledge of their ocean friends to enhance our experience. Do not miss this if you are in Oahu!

Fantastic experience: The tour was lovely! We were lead my an all-female crew who showed us lovely sights, got us up close to dolphins, whales, and turtles, and most of all prioritized making two very sea sick women onboard comfortable. In addition to taking care of the people on their boat, the crew went above and beyond to ensure that we were quiet, calm, and didn’t disturb the animals as we snorkeled with them. If or when we come back to Oahu, we will be booking another tour. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Amazing trip, exceeded expectations on all fronts. Great crew and Captain sharing plenty Aloha with their guests. I was a charter boat captain on Maui for 15 years and this trip definitely met my expectations, we saw about 10 pods of humpbacks and 5 breaches plus spent an hour with a nursery pod of spotted dolphins and their acrobatic antics and the babies were so adorable looking at them over the side from about 5 feet. If you are looking for an exceptional tour and the concentration in Waikiki turns you off, head out to Makana and give this outfit a try you won’t be disappointed. Aloha and mahalo nui loa!!!

Fantastic experience: Honestly this was one of the top three things we did on our trip! We had such a great time. The crew was extremely informative, attentive, and kind, and we truly felt well taken care of. We were hesitant to buy the photo package they offer after first, but decided at the end of the tour to buy it, and I couldn’t be more glad that we did. The quality of the photos captured were far beyond anything that we could capture ourselves, and they didn’t miss a single thing! I’m seriously impressed that we got such great photos of the turtle that had surfaced for only a minute before diving back down. Thank you to Bethany, captain Flo, and the other crew mate (I’m so sorry I can’t remember her name!) for the most incredible experience. We’ve already recommended the tour to all of our friends and family!

Fantastic experience: We had such a great experience with Wild Side! The crew is full of knowledge and lovely to spend the day with. Bethany and Leah looked after us well and took time to get to know everyone and what we were hoping to get out of the tour that day. With a tour group of only 6 people it really creates a fun, welcoming atmosphere and no matter where you were on the boat or in the water you still had the best seat in the house. We got to see dolphins, whales, sea turtles and lots of ocean life living at the reef that we snorkeled. I really appreciated the crews respect for the ocean life and their ability to explain to us what their behaviour means! The lunch they provided was delicious as well. All around 10/10 day, I would highly recommend this tour.

Fantastic experience: Whale watching was a very fun activity. I would recommend Wild Side to anyone.

Fantastic experience: I did lots of research on the whale watching tour options in Oahu and decided on Wild Side because they were a small local business with focus on education & conservation. They also provided a custom tour option that would allow our entire family (1 yr and 3 yr old) to join the adventure. From the first phone call to our final goodbye everyone made this experience wonderful! The number one concern was the safety of our family of course the wild life! You never know what you’ll see but we were lucky enough to the only whales of the morning and see no less than 7-8 breaches! One teenage humpback swam right up to the boat! My three year old was so happy and even though we cut the time a little short because of some sea sickness it was an amazing experience we will never forget! Thank you WildSide team!

Fantastic experience: Great captain and first mate. Saw tons of whales and dolphins. Sunset was spectacular. Snorkeling

Fantastic experience: My husband and I did the 3 hour tour and it was amazing! Our captain Leah was such a skilled captain and she made sure to get us to see lots of sea life. We were able to see spinner dolphins, humpback whales and pilot whales. The crew; Connor and Mickey were so knowledgeable of the wildlife and such great company during our trip. Connor and Mickey even were able to get everyone in the water to see the pilot whales. We were so lucky and grateful to get to have this opportunity and experience. Thank you Connor, Leah and Mickey! If you can get a spot with wild side tours I highly recommend it! INCREDIBLE! Book this! :)

Negative experience: Great, friendly tour guides with Connor, Beth and Flo. Super nice people and knowledgeable. Tour was booked for 7am start time, but they were behind and we didn’t get on the boat until 7:15am even though our group of 6 was waiting since 6:45am. Reason for the low review is that I felt we were paying to tag along with a research group taking photos and GoPro footage of the wildlife seen and documenting the sightings. We spent maybe 10 mins total time with 2 times in the water snorkelling. We did see some dolphins swim by us which was amazing and a fluke encounter with a turtle but did not go in the water. There was a Monk seal on the beach far away and it seemed like we were going to get a look at it, but decided not to when the photo op for the staff was no longer there. According the tour, we are to have included a snorkel session with turtles. At first we were on the way and my 11 year niece was excited to finally get to snorkel for more than 5 mins at a time as they kept telling us to “get ready to go in the water” a few times. According to Connor he confirmed with my niece that we’re heading to the snorkel spot and pointed to some distant beach area with tree lines. However, half way there the crew decided that it was “too murky to snorkel” and headed back to the dock instead. It would have been nice if we were asked if we still wanted to go to a snorkel spot even if it could have been “murky”. We were not given that option at all and rushed to provide lunch on the way back to dock. The lunch sandwich was tasty though. For the cost of what we each paid, I felt it was more of a boat ride-along with a marine wildlife research team in which we had to get out of the way for them to take pictures or videos. We would have considered the $160 photo/video package if there was more than 5 mins in the water each time we actually went into the water and we felt that photos of us were taken instead of just the wildlife for their research. Again very friendly staff, just not what I expected from the description of the tour as I hoped for more snorkeling time in the ocean.

Fantastic experience: Wow! Wotj a small number of passengers, we received a top notch adventure. The crew was attentive and so knowledgeable. What a difference compared to the large and overcrowded tour boats we saw. And,,,, for the best part of all we saw very rare (for Hawai’i) Sperm Whales and saw breaching and tail slaps. Later, we were able to snorkel with bottle nosed dolphins in amazingly clear and blue water. The friendly turtle at the end was a bonus to an overall perfect day!

Fantastic experience: Did a 3-hr 7 am tour 2 weeks ago with Wild Side and it was legit! We were relatively lucky and watched a pod of spotted dolphins (racing alongside the boat), a pod of spinner dolphins (keeping our distance as required), 2 large Green Turtles, a manta ray (near the harbor by chance), a little of 2 humpbacks (juveniles, a long distance away), flying fish, and a few other animals in addition. And we avoided a little rain that came as we wrapped up. Went into the tour on my own, with 5 other ppl. Which was great because our crew - Bethany, Gretel, Capt Flo - sought the group's input, from the start as well as during the tour, on what wildlife/activities we were hoping for, in order to tailor or adjust the tour, within reason, to give us better chances of fulfilling our hopes. Our group was hoping for whales among other things, even though whale season was only beginning. Because the group sizes are small, it was easier for us to reach consensus on some time searching for humpbacks, which made it possible for the crew to devote more time there and, happily, get lucky, rather than sticking to a standardized itinerary that would've missed that glimpse. Small groups also made it highly likely that every person could watch the spotted dolphins underwater or snorkel a clear/calm reef, since it was quicker to get the small group in and out of the water while the dolphins were still around, a little less ppl blocking views or accidentally kicking you, and a smaller boat could also move us quicker to where dolphins or anything else might be. Props to the crew for getting us underwater with a group of wild dolphins about 20 ft by us! I was drawn to Wild Side because their focus on marine science and academics. The guides were passionate about the wildlife and sites and sharing their knowledge. They're attentive to making sure we were safe and comfortable, but overall, our crew was easygoing. Our group were casual snorkelers, and the sea was on the chillier side for my body this time, but everybody is diff. We probably spent about 30 min underwater in total, give or take. If you don't want to swim or swim every stop, the crew was cool with that too. If wanted, the crew had a hydrophone available on the boat, it's a handheld box with an attached cable and mic that gets dropped in the water, and the box plays any sounds heard under the water if they're loud enough - like a nearby humpback. Also included was a small lunch of chicken salad sandwich, chips, pineapple, juice, which we ate (and I enjoyed) on the ride back to harbor. The boat, Alaka’i, did have a marine head (small toilet with a piston you hand-pump, to flush). I felt Alaka’i offered good amount of space for the 9 ppl - I didn't feel trapped by the space or crew, and I still got fair views in between ppl regardless if everyone was along the guardrails - we could climb over and sit 3-4 ppl at the front of the boat, or everybody if some stand and hold railing, and the back and mid cabin could also seat everybody if wanted. As long as we followed the crew's safety instructions, we could move around the boat as it traveled, to reach our bags or just watch from a diff position. At end of tour, I decided to pay the extra $165 for their Pro photo pack, since my iphone-in-plastic-pouch’s underwater video didn’t come out great lol. Wild Side emailed me the photos and vids 2 weeks later, and I’m happy with what I got. Pack basically included all the same highlights, above and below water, at much higher detail than my iphone could. The crew used a GoPro shooting 2160p60, as well as a waterboxed Canon mirrorless with a 14-35mm f/4L lens. And the photo pack also included neat underwater video and photos of some of the wildlife that our group could not get in the water for (boat is moving, harbor visibility is murky etc). The pack was like a director’s cut - a clearer, also-more-lengthy memento of what I saw that day, which is what I had been hoping for. No two days may be the same, but I'd be happy to try this tour again if I'm back on Oahu.

Fantastic experience: We had an incredible time on our tour with Wild Side. Bethany and Flo were very knowledgeable and we saw humpback whales, false killer whales, and spinner dolphins. This tour exceeded our expectations and we would highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: Wild Side Specialty Tours: An Unforgettable Adventure Our recent tour with Wild Side Specialty Tours was an absolute blast! From the moment we stepped onto the boat, we knew we were in for a treat. The crew, especially Ashley, Capt Flow, and Britney, were phenomenal. Their knowledge, enthusiasm, and dedication to providing a top-notch experience were evident throughout the entire trip. The tour itself was nothing short of amazing. The boat was comfortable and well-equipped, and the crew ensured that everyone had a great time. We were fortunate enough to spot a whale and a pod of spinner dolphins, which were both incredible highlights of the trip. The stunning scenery, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life made for an unforgettable adventure. If you're looking for a thrilling and informative tour, I highly recommend Wild Side Specialty Tours. They truly go the extra mile to make your experience unforgettable.

Fantastic experience: This tour was perfect! The crew was wonderful and so friendly :) we saw whales, dolphins, turtles eagle rays and so many beautiful fish. I really enjoyed being in a small group of only six guests. They personalized the tour just for the six of us. I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see beautiful sights and be around friendly people.

Fantastic experience: We woke up early for a birthday trip! Everyone wants their birthday to be amazing and mine was beyond amazing! Beyond the fact that we saw whales, dolphins, turtles, rays and more…that was just the icing! I’ve never snorkeled before and I’m not a little person…they made me feel comfortable and answered every question. We got in the water 3 times and had an amazing time! I would highly suggest you try them! Small groups

Fantastic experience: We had a great time at Wild Side Specialty Tours today! Our crew started out asking what we all wanted to see and do so they could try to make it happen. The boats only take 6 which is MUCH better than other excursions we’ve taken. Ashley, Leah and Bethany were so knowledgeable and friendly answering all our questions! We saw everything we hoped to see including whales, turtles, 2 species of dolphins and even a ray spotted like a leopard! We got to snorkel with the dolphins and they took us to an awesome reef where the water was so blue! Thank you ladies we had so much fun

Fantastic experience: 12/10 experience! very friendly and informative crew. made sure everyone was safe and had a good time. got to swim with dolphins and see humpback whales. would recommend the 6 hour tour to anyone visiting the island.

Fantastic experience: We had an incredible time! The small charter allows for a personalized experience. The crew is super knowledgeable and passionate about marine wildlife & they take specific measures to make sure you and the animals are safe at all times. 10/10 would recommend!

Fantastic experience: The entire experience was amazing. The crew (Captain Leah, Connor, and Bethany) was great. We were educated on the different marine life that we saw (humpback whales, spinner dolphins, tuna, turtles, and various fish while snorkeling. We loved how intimate the experience was with the limited capacity. Of all the research we did to find a sea excursion, this was hands down the best. Well worth the price.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely loved this tour, one of the highlights of our vacation! I love that they are still involved in photo research and work with local organizations on research and conservation efforts. We did a tour with Conor, Capt Leah and Bethany (x2). They were all super friendly, very knowledgeable and extremely kind and attentive especially with my husband who isn’t a great swimmer. We saw Hawaiian spinner dolphins, sea turtles and a monk seal! I loved that they do small group tours and the lunch onboard was super yummy. We did the 7AM tour and it was definitely worth the 5AM wake up time to make it there from Waikiki. Can’t recommend enough!

Fantastic experience: We thoroughly enjoyed our Wild Side tour where we were able to see all sorts of wild life in the ocean. Turtles, starfish, a stingray even pigmy Whales and dolphins. We took a couple of boat tours and this was by far the best one.

Fantastic experience: Great trip! The crew was friendly and very informative of all wildlife species! We didn’t get to see any whales but got to see spotted dolphins and spinner dolphins an Eagle Ray and sea turtle. The visibility was great!

Fantastic experience: Had a great day on the ocean with this company! This team took great care of us and brought us to the, I feel best location to see dolphins. Huge school of them jumping in and out of the water. And we snorkeled in a calm spot and got to see schools of fish & sea turtles. Wonderful day!

Fantastic experience: Very knowledgeable people! I learned a lot and had so much fun! They knew exactly where to go to see exactly what we wanted to see! Would highly recommend and would definitely do it again!

Fantastic experience: We had an amazing experience yesterday, unforgettable day! Wild Side Hawaii folks did their best so that we have great memories. The entire trip was great, we enjoyed the boat ride, but mostly the snorkeling: we had 3 rounds and saw so many dolphins, a huge turtle (swimming very fast by the way!), many corals and fish. Both the captain and the guide, Connor, were amazing to us, making sure we are well looked after at all times. They shared a lot with us, we had a light lunch as well, and photos are optional to buy at the end of the trip (we did buy as we thought it’s worth it to have memories from both under the water and above the water). All in all we were very happy and we warmly recommend the experience!

Fantastic experience: My daughter and I had a great snorkeling tour! Our guides were knowledgeable and fun!

Fantastic experience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I had an incredible experience sailing with wild side specialty tours in Oahu! Dolphin watching was absolutely magical – we were lucky enough to see dolphins swimming alongside the boat. The snorkeling spots were beautiful too, with clear water and plenty of colorful fish and sea turtles. The crew made the trip unforgettable; they were friendly, professional, and knowledgeable, and they made sure everyone was comfortable and having a great time. I would highly recommend this to anyone visiting Oahu! Such an amazing adventure and the staff really made it special!

Fantastic experience: Cameron and captain Leah (hopefully got their names right) were amazing! We were fortunate enough to see a monk seal, 2 different species of dolphins, pilot whales, sea turtles and more on our snorkel excursion! Highly recommend!!!!!

Fantastic experience: I have no words to express how incredible this moment with Wild Side Hawaii was. The girls who work there were super attentive and friendly. They did everything to make it very special. I highly recommend it and I want to come back more often to be able to live this experience again. Congratulations on the incredible work!

Fantastic experience: Fantastic day. Crew was great, very knowledgeable of the marine wildlife and surrounding environment. Incredible views of spinner dolphins. Would definitely use them again. Great picture taking opportunities

Fantastic experience: We greatly appreciated how respectful your team was of the wildlife! Very thoughtful and thorough, we had a great time and were educated on so many different topics! We had the best time!!

Fantastic experience: Took the family of six including a 5 year old, and had the boat to ourselves. The crew were very knowledgeable and helpful. They are driven to give the customer a great experience but careful to ensure that the dolphins are not disturbed or negatively impacted. This small company has the personal touch. Highly recommend

Fantastic experience: I cannot stress how amazing this tour was. From meeting the crew, learning their process, how passionately they talk about hawaiian wildlife, the professional handling of our time in the water. They know what they're doing and they do it respectfully! I did the 6hr tour and saw 2 species of dolphins, flying fish, cool birds, stingrays, many schools of fish, coral and 2(!!) sea turtles. You're able to actually ~spend time at the reefs and in the deep blue this way. They also bring you to locations other tours don't go. Views of the island are awesome! Do the 6hr, you won't regret it. I also just got the download link to my photo package. They look be-a-u-tiful. Would also highly recommend so you can relive your experience in greater detail.

Fantastic experience: This is by far one of the best if not the best company to see and enjoy sea life on O’ahu. They are very professional, respectful of the animals on top of being very nice and savvy people! I LOVED my time with them and couldn’t recommend this tour enough. You have to experience it to understand how magical it is.

Fantastic experience: We had the most amazing memories made with Wild Side Specialty Tours. The staff was beyond wonderful is all ways. So experienced and kind and patient. We have two boys with special needs and they were so fantastic with them and helped them see and learn the whole time. Snorkeling was a memory our family will have for all time. Thank you Conner, Bethany, and David! The best team on the water! We can't wait to come back and see you someday. We highly recommend Wild Side Specialty Tours. We visited 9/9/24 and have done charters before, but Conner, Bethany, and David gave us by far the BEST experience we have ever had!!!!

Fantastic experience: Leah and Bethany of Wild Side did a phenomenal job taking us out for the morning. Both were professional, courteous and flexible - ensuring that we were able to experience the best of Hawaii. We saw a variety of dolphins and when there wasn’t any sea turtles at the first snorkeling site, they quickly boarded us and took us to another site to see some. Bethany and Leah were very knowledgeable and took the time to educate us on the sea life too. Without question, one of the highlights of our time in Hawaii. (Two members of our group were locals from Hawaii and they said, this was one of the best tours they’ve gone on too.). Reserve early as the tours book up quickly in advance.

Fantastic experience: Amazing experience! We saw so many dolphins and got a chance to get in the water with them. We then were taken to the reef and saw lots of fish and even a sea turtle came up to us to check us out ! Great company , super personable and overall a must do when coming to Hawaii!

Fantastic experience: We went out last Friday for this tour and it was absolutely magical! Highly recommend booking this tour, it’s a small group so it doesn’t feel touristy or unfair to marine life. It was led by the most amazing team who were clearly passionate about the marine life and conservation as well as making sure we had the best day which was super special. We saw 2 pods of dolphins, turtles, fish, and monk seals! The fact the crew were just as excited to see the animals made it even more cool, and my partner and I felt safe the entire time. We will absolutely be back, 10/10 experience. Thanks guys!

Fantastic experience: It was a great experience overall, 100% recommend. I scrambled a group of 6 together the day before and worked with Sofia on logistics. Appreciate the patience from Bethanie, Gretal and Captain Dave - professionals and also great people to lead our group through the adventure. We were late but still able to fit the whole experience and enjoy it. We saw a seahorse, piranha and a tiger shark… and that was in the harbour! Wow did we get lucky. I tried my hand at dolphin spotting and let me tell you how hard it is when every wave looks like a fin. It’s an intimate and personal experience on a small vessel, with great views and opportunities to spot wildlife. I loved the experience and nothing but good things to say.

Fantastic experience: I went with my family and it was one of the nicest tours we've been on. Between the captain and three crew members, we were more than enough taken cared of. With a limit of 6 guests at a time, the boat doesn't feel too crowded. We got to learn about the different animals that we saw and they were more than happy to answer any questions you may have had. Right off the bat, we saw a couple pods of spinner dolphins which was so fun with the babies jumping. During the duration of the trip, we saw a marlin chasing a huge mahimahi, a bunch of sea turtles, the dolphins, different fish, gorgeous scenery, and more. Snorkeling was just perfect too followed by a yummy lunch. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: We had a great time with Capt’ AJ and Bethany x2! Very knowledgeable about marine and Hawaiian life and got to see several dolphins and turtles with it being out of season for whales. Highly recommend, great way to spend 3 hours in the morning and get out in the ocean water!

Fantastic experience: We had an incredible day on the water with Connor, Bethany, captain Dave and Bethany. It was a beautiful day. Our lunch was delicious. We felt very comfortable and safe with our guides. We were lucky enough to see multiple dolphin species , green sea turtles, eagle rays, beautiful reefs and fish. This company provided everything you need for a perfect day. We were lucky enough to see pygymy killer whales which was a first for us. The crew was just as elated as us! This is our second time with this company and they are hands down the BEST!!!!!

Fantastic experience: No one died and we got to see a lot of dolphins and dolphin babies. Crew was awesome, extremely informative, very accommodating, and very caring to the wildlife. Food was great (compliments to the chef). And there was a super cute kitty before we got to the boat (not part of the tour).

Fantastic experience: Really awesome experience and adventure for my family. Bethany and Captain Jack had us in the water swimming with pigmy killer whales within the first hour! We practically had a private charter with only one other guest on board in addition to 4 of us. I really love their passion for wild animal protection and respect. I felt very safe and we had a really great time. Can’t wait to return to and do a longer tour. Thank you!

Fantastic experience: My wife and I had a great time with their crew on our tour. They’re quite small which was a positive for us since they seemed to care more about us individually. They also contribute their photos and video footage to marine research which was another bonus that made us feel good about supporting them. My wife is also not that confident in the water and they put a lot of effort into making her feel very comfortable during our snorkeling session. Strongly recommend.

Fantastic experience: We had an amazing experience from start to finish. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly. Safety, education, and conservation was important to them, and it felt great to be in safe hands. We had two teenagers and a toddler on-board, we have very little experience snorkeling, and they made sure that we were all comfortable the entire time. Side note - the food was delicious!

Fantastic experience: I had two trips with Wild Side Hawaii. The whole crew—Conner, Bethany, Liam, Kyla, and Matthew—was awesome! They were all very friendly and highly knowledgeable about the ocean. We had an amazing swim with a whale shark at the beginning of our first adventure, and then they found us a big pod of spotted dolphins. We had fantastic swims with them. They created a safe and exciting morning for us that I will never forget! I highly recommend them!

Fantastic experience: We had a great tour with Wild Side. They were organized and safety conscious. We saw dolphins, sea turtles and lots of fish. We had a great tour around part of the island and two opportunities to swim/snorkel. I would highly recommend and do it again!

Fantastic experience: Great experience during whale season. Went out in the morning and was able to so many whales and dolphins- even a baby dolphin that kept playing in the wake of the boat. The crew was amazing with Captain Mel, Connor, and Gratel. They help everyone on board move around safely and made sure we all got chances to see the marine life and helped out when we went out snorkeling in the deep ocean. Would recommend to anyone wanting a safe and exciting outing.

Fantastic experience: From the moment we booked our tour with Wild Side, we received a very high level of service. On advising of my allergies (as requested at booking), we received a very detailed email with information about potential cross contamination issues with snorkeling equipment, and an indication that a snack for me might not be possible (understandably). When rain made conditions for our tour impossible, we were notified immediately and given the opportunity to reschedule for a different tour, which we were able to do. Our tour was amazing. A great captain (Mel) and crew (Brittini and Miki) gave us every possible opportunity to see wildlife. Everyone was friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Plus, they made a special snack for me accommodating my allergies. If you’re looking for a small group tour on Oahu, go see these ladies, they are amazing.

Fantastic experience: Always a great time when I go out with Wildside. So much wildlife and such an incredible crew. I personally find that the smaller the boat, the better the experience. Don’t come to Hawaii, and cram yourself on some other tour boat with 20 other people. Go to wildside, have a near 2 to 1 client/crew ratio, and an amazing time.

Fantastic experience: First off, hats off to the crew, Mel, Rebecca and Gretel! They did an amazing job from the time we sailed off and docked. All 3 of them were extremely knowledgeable about the area and wild life that we encountered. They also made sure everyone aboard was comfortable with what we were doing and wanting to see. I stumbled upon them reading a USA Today article and the writer couldn’t have been more accurate. Far better than the typical tourist boat and especially that they respect and truly love the wild life in the water. We were able to see a whale at the end of the season and tons of dolphins, dozens! Hands down, best boat tour I have been on, from Florida, Texas and Bahamas experiences I have been on. So if you want a more intimate experience, like sailing with friends/family, you can’t choose any other option than Wild Side!!! Thank you again for a memorable experience!

Fantastic experience: The crew Mel, Connor, & Victoria were informative, helpful, and very accommodating. We were thrilled to see three species of dolphins as well as a mama humpback with calf. We also saw flying fish. Lunch was also tasty. Overall great experience, highly recommend this company

Fantastic experience: We signed up for a half day tour and had the most amazing time we have ever had on a cruise of this kind. The crew consisting of Bethany, Melanie and Kim, were awesome and super accommodating. We had a beautiful day and we were very lucky as the crew identified that a pod of pilot whales was active that morning and we got to jump in the water see them in their natural environment. It was amazing, but it got even better when were in the water later and got to see a pod of dolphins interacting with some of the pilot whales. We knew we were seeing something pretty rare when we saw how excited our crew was about it, lol! It was so much fun and they were so encouraging and knowledgeable that I am afraid that every tour we take like this from now on will never compare to the great day we had with Wild Side The final snorkeling experience we had that day had our son swimming and watching friendly fish clean the turtles shells of algae and bacteria. He was so excited that I could hear him shouting into his snorkel! Would highly recommend this company as being super ethical and truly committed to serving the environment as well as providing a great eco tour to people interested in nature!

Fantastic experience: The crew to passenger ratio was amazing! We had 5 passengers and 3 crew members. This was the best whale.watching/snorkeling trip we've ever taken and we've taken many. I highly recommend it if you want to avoid crowds and booze cruises and prefer to focus on nature and the experience.

Fantastic experience: My family and I did a tour with the Wild Side crew this week and we had such an amazing time! My Mum, a nervous boat-goer and first time snorkeler, was made to feel so comfortable, reassured and safe by the crew. Connor explained everything that would be happening in great detail and gave us every opportunity to express concerns and needs. We were lucky to see whales, dolphins and turtles! I would recommend these guys to anyone, so informative and fun. Thanks again Wild Side!

Fantastic experience: This tour is amazing! Leah and Bethany were awesome, very friendly and knowledgeable and we were able to see dolphins, whales from a distance and colorful fish and a turtle! You never know what you're going to be able to see, and the guides are very good at what they do. It's amazing to be in such a small group as well, it feels like a private tour with only 8 people on board! I would absolutely do this tour again, it was fantastic. Lunch was provided and there is a bathroom on board. 10/10!

Fantastic experience: What a great excursion we had with Bethany, and captain Leah! We saw lots of whales, a turtle swimming by the dock, and had spinner dolphins with us at the end of the trip. Thank you for an amazing time!

Fantastic experience: The Whale Tails & Sunset Sails tour was the absolute highlight of our family vacation! My 18 yo daughter stood at the rail for the entirety of the tour, even when they offered to let her go to the back when it was splashy at the rail. She was so enthralled and excited that she stayed, not minding the spray and splash at all. The crew was wonderful - so warm, friendly, and providing information about the tour, wildlife, and even recommending a hike to us. We saw SO MANY WHALES on this trip - it was truly amazing. They even dropped a microphone into the water so we could hear the whales singing as well. We will absolutely be booking another tour with Wild Side on our next trip. It is a must-do and well worth the price for such a small, intimate experience.

Fantastic experience: We had an incredible time on this tour. Lea, Gretel, and Connor were very knowledgeable and gave so much scientific context about the sea creatures we saw. We saw dolphins, humpback whales, and a sea turtle.

Fantastic experience: Highly recommend this company and all the staff. Best experience I’ve had in 20 years of coming to Hawaii. Staff went above and beyond to help, serve, and educate. I would definitely go again.

Fantastic experience: Such an amazing experience! Being on a small boat you get amazing views (we saw a pod of pilot whales and watched them for as long as we wanted-or the whales wanted!). Bethany, Leah and Gretel were fantastic at finding the ocean life and sharing their knowledge. I loved our time on this trip!

Positive experience: It was a nice experience. The water and weather was perfect. The crew was very professional and nice. The reason I only gave 4 stars and not 5 was because one the engine went down and we had to go back early.

Fantastic experience: Crew was fantastic and so patient. Awesome adventure, we saw humpback whales, pilot whales, spinner dolphins, and turtles. Food was delicious. If you take the 11:00 cruise, you may want a heavy snack before going, because lunch is served with the last 20 minutes of the excursion.

Fantastic experience: What a magical experience. I would absolutely recommend this if you are visiting Oahu. Being on a boat was extremely delightful to begin with ("I am on a boat!"), but watching flocks (schools?) of dolphins passing by was absolutely surreal. The brave in our midst – not me ;) –  even got to swim with the dolphins! What a delightful and memorable experience. A few other things: * their lunch boxes were absolutely delightful. * they have the option of them taking pictures, for a fee, and it was worth it, 100 times over. the pictures and videos we got from them were amazing, and knowing that professionals were on the case, we could just enjoy our time, and take pictures freely without worrying about missing something. (And I think the pictures of whales and dolphins that they took also contributed to some study program.) A great deal all around. * folks running the boat -- Melanie, Gretel and Connor – were absolutely delightful, knowledgeable, professional, friendly... just a delight to be around. * [for those of us brave enough to go swimming;] the folks running the trip made getting into water and looking at dolphins feel very safe and comfortable, and they also took amazing videos of the dolphins swimming underneath them (see the point about their "we can take pictures!" option) . * the "getting up early" part of the early morning trips might sound intense, but we really enjoyed starting out trip early, while the sun was still low. Anyway, I can't recommend this enough!

Fantastic experience: Our family of 5 boarded the Alaka'i for a 3 hour Whale watching tour. Little did we realize that this was going to turn out to be the highlight of our trip to Oahu. It was a windy day and the sea was neither calm or angry. The captain was friendly and inviting and her skill with the boat was obvious as well as her knowledge how to find the sea life desired. The crew were knowledgeable skilled and a ton of fun. They were constantly making sure we were having the time of our lives. If you are looking for an intimate Whale watching tour this would be my choice. 5 out of 5 Stars for the Captain and her crew!

Fantastic experience: The all-female crew was knowledgeable, accommodating, intuitive and down to earth. They helped us feel cared for and safe in order to experience our journey to its fullest. We couldn’t have wished for a better excursion.

Fantastic experience: Best experience ever! We saw multiple hump backed whales - including calves - and the calves were breaching!! The crew couldn't believe it and said they had never seen calves breach so many times. Usually just a couple times and then they tire out. We saw multiple mother and calf couples and were thrilled!! We also had bottle nosed dolphins and we snorkled with turtles and beautiful fish - we were fortunate to have the wildlife trifecta - I'd like to believe it was because it was my birthday - the crew certainly believed it to be true. The all women crew was exceptional So knowledgeable, professional and fun! The weather was great - overcast and comfortable and the seas were favorable enough for the captain to take us all the way past Kaena point - so we could see even more whales and both sides of the island! We highly recommend this cruise! Being with an organization that is so dedicated to research, as well as educating the public was the deciding factor before we took the cruise - now, we can definitely recommend them for the wonderful time they provide for their guests!

Fantastic experience: My experience on the morning Best of the West boat ride on 2/13/24 was terrific! The operators on the boat, Bethany, Micky, Leah, were all so kind, and knowledgeable and respectful of each of the sea creatures we came across. They did a great job of helping everyone understand the natural environment along the shores of Oahu. We saw humpback whales (i even saw one breach but my autofocus wasn't fast enough!), swam past a pod of pilot whales, and snorkeled at some reefs to see the turtles being cleaned by the fish. Unreal!

Fantastic experience: We had a great trip out with the crew this morning. Saw some humpback whales right away and a ton of dolphins. Got to swim with the dolphins twice. Great excursion with just five of us on board.

Fantastic experience: We had an excellent time on our cruise! Our tour guides were so gracious, informative and just made the whole experience so e joyable! Having an experience with just 6 people is so nice, you are able to get personal attention, the boat is not crowded and the day is catered to what your group is looking for. We were provided a lovely lunch, saw so many dolphins, swimming, jumping, babies, it was incredible! The group snorkeling also saw turtles. I tried snorkeling, but it was not for me and they were so patient and helpful in calming me, I always felt safe and this did not take away from the experience as it was just a small part of it for me. I would recommend Wild Side Specialty Tours to anyone looking for an excellent adventure! Plus, I loved that they offer a photo package so you can just enjoy the tour!

Fantastic experience: Highly highly recommend!!! It is so personal and worth every dollar (small group vs. tours with 50+ people). Side note, the weather was not working with us this morning and the crew put it in our hands if we wanted to try and see if we can see whales- we decided to roll the dice... our day was AMAZING (we even got a mug shot ), the whales were beautiful, we could not ask for a better day. The crew even had unexpected treats for us when we docked back in. Thank you Wild Side Crew, we loved your knowledge and absolute respect for these animals. Human side note- the crew is very kind to their passengers, they made it crystal clear if we were not good with the conditions on sea to please speak up so we can go back... we had someone who was not 100% comfortable moving around, Bethany took her by the hand and escorted her to different places on the boat so she can have the full experience... Hawaiian Aloha!

Fantastic experience: Went out with Conner and Leah on 2/12/2024 and it was amazing. They are both extremely knowledgeable. The trip was wonderful and they pretty much asked us what we wanted and were very accommodating. We saw a bunch of whales and when we snorkeled we had sea turtles. They made sure we were always comfortable and did whatever was in their power to make our trip memorable. Definitely will be recommending them to everyone that is headed this way. The lunch is yummy as well! Mahalo

Fantastic experience: We were lucky enough to see whales within 10 minutes of leaving the dock.The crew and captain were very knowledgeable and ecologically based in their tour. They focus on small groups (6) for the safety of the wildlife and customer experience. We saw plenty of dolphins, swam in their vicinity as well as snorkeling on the reefs with turtles and beautiful fish.An Excellent experience and a yummy lunch afterwards!

Fantastic experience: There really are no words to describe this experience!! Captain Mel, Bethany and Conner were amazing!! We loved that it was just our family of 6. Not only did we see hundreds of humpback whales. We saw sea turtles, hammerhead shark, and the most beautiful sunset on our whale's tails and sunset sails Cruise. There was a huge concern that we weren't even going to be able to go out on the cruise that day as the weather had not been very cooperative throughout our state on Oahu. Somehow we were blessed and we were able to get out on the water. The crew mentioned that for the past 3 weeks that taking the boat out was hit or miss and very unpredictable. The boat crew was let in on a little secret that my daughter's boyfriend was going to propose on this excursion and they captured it perfectly with humpback whales in the background!! Although we have not received our photo package back yet as we just went on the cruise just a couple days ago. I highly recommend paying for the professional photos that they do. It allows you to live in the moment and experience all of the beautiful things that are happening around you. We were able to drop a microphone down into the water and I can't even tell you how many whales we could hear. Absolutely stunning!! This was a 10 out of 10 excursion and I would highly recommend it to anybody!! Photos added are just a couple that I was able to take until we can get our professional photos back!!

Fantastic experience: My family and I, including my 85 yo father, had a fantastic and unforgettable trip with Wild Side Tours in early 1/2024. We saw dolphins, breaching whales (even saw 2 whales breaching at the same time!), and we snorkeled with turtles and fish that came to our fingertips! Bethany and her team were amazing with my father and made sure he had the best experience possible, even helping him to the front deck of the boat. Definitely get the photo package. I was blown away by the quality of the pics and how well everyone looked in them. Don’t miss out on this experience

Fantastic experience: I really enjoyed our morning tour. It was excellent to spend time with people who are passionate about their subject. Brittany is an experienced marine biologist and we learned a tremendous amount from her. Captain Mel did a terrific job of navigating to great spots along the western side of Oahu. We saw a small pod of bottlenose dolphins, a mama humpback whale with her calf, an adolescent hammerhead shark and a couple of sea turtles. Although we didn't have the opportunity to snorkel, since the water was murky and the sea was choppy,...the tour went by so quickly and we really had fun. This is a safe & professional excursion, it was a small group of 5 guests (with 4 crew) & it was a great value for the price! Thank you Wild Side Tours

Fantastic experience: This was a fabulous trip. Small group of six, very personable and highly knowledgeable crew, amazing sightings of whales, dolphins, turtles (one while snorkeling, one that was swimming), fish and a ray (while snorkeling). Highly, highly recommend. On top of everything else, they permitted us to reschedule our trip after we messed up the date (so many thanks for that!). The absolute highlight of the trip for me was when Connor dropped a microphone into the bay we were in, the engines were turned off and we could hear whale song. I never thought I would hear these creatures live. Thanks for a great experience!!!!!

Fantastic experience: We had a great afternoon with a great crew! I highly recommend this cruise as it is A very small group of people and very personal service. Thank you so much for the great cruise!

Fantastic experience: Family and I had an amazing time on our snorkel tour. Snorkeling with spotted dolphins was such a unique experience for us. The crew was great, and really enjoyed the small group size. Highly recommend if you're on Oahu and looking for a different experience in the ocean.

Fantastic experience: Wonderful captain and team. They are kind and professional. They are marine biologist and they truly respect the marine mammals. They taught us wvery interesting fact about the sea life. They are genuinely friendly and caring. We had the best time. Mahalo.

Fantastic experience: I went on my whale watching adventure with Wild Side Specialty Tours. Okay first thing this is the way to GO!!!! Bethany and Captain Downing were AMAZING and the three hours went by too fast. Saw a mother and calf hump back whale, for once I lived in the moment and kept the phone down. So I paid for the photo package and it is well worth it to immerse yourself in the moment. We were a boat of three passengers (they normally take 6). Two crew. Amazing boat. And come to find out we were one of two boats that only saw a whale that day! Saw several large pods of spinner dolphins, they are so much fun. As I sat at the front of the boat they seemed so close that I could reach down and touch them. The day/evening was magical and they treated you like family, including snacks!! So if you ever come to Oahu - Honolulu area book with Wild Side Specialty Tours for any of your daytime needs or during whale migration time needs. You won’t be disappointed at all.

Fantastic experience: I cannot at enough about how incredible of a morning we had with Wild Side. They went above and beyond to ensure we had the best possible experience. We got to swim with dolphins multiple times, snorkel with turtles, and watch the humpback whales. I highly recommend this trip.

Fantastic experience: We had the most amazing experience with wild side! I have been on many snorkel/watching boats and loved this smaller boat experience SO much more. It was personal and less crowded. We struck gold and we saw multiple species of dolphins, saw turtles AND humpback whales!!!! BONUS- we got to swim with the dolphins and it was the best experience of my life. So stunning and so cool to watch them swim below and to the side of us- unlike anything I could have ever imagined. Bethany was super kind and knowledgeable and the captain went out of his way to help us have the best experience. We will absolutely book here again next time we are on the island. Oh PS the chicken salad sandwich lunch was so good. Not your average CS sandwich.

Fantastic experience: These guys were totally awesome! We loved it all! We got to see the dolphins and turtles. They were very informative about all the sea life we could possibly see out there and what was allowed and not allowed when with those animals. I cried when I got to see the dolphins in the wild for the first time! The lunch was healthy and lovely. There were only 5 of us on this tour and they keep it small for a reason. It’s more personal and you get better encounters. There was another boat near us that carried like 60 or more it seemed and they had music and stuff but I’m not sure how they would have heard the dolphins clicking and chirping with all that noise. We are so happy we chose these guys. Totally recommend

Fantastic experience: Compared to other dolphin tours I've joined over the years (with operators in the same harbor), Wild Side stands out. This review is from a 7am outing in late November 2023. First, they deeply care about the ocean and wonderful creatures in it. This is apparent in their marine biology and conservation backgrounds (I learned a lot about different animals, including that dolphins are whales!), their genuine awe ('never gets old' one said with the wonder of a child after seeing a dolphin spin in the air), and prioritization of creature comfort (with tips for how now to scare them, no music on the boat unlike others, etc). As someone born and raised on Oahu and a dolphin lover, I appreciated this aspect. Second, the max-6-guest nature of their boat means that one can really interact with the crew and get the most out of their expertise and passion. They asked each of us at the beginning what we wanted to get out of the outing, and tailored the day accordingly. It also means ample space for prime photos. Finally, they are hospitable pros, and know how to make the day smooth and memorable. They handled a last minute scheduling mixup with grace. They take photos for you and left us with magnetized photos of the guests (along with some great cookies). As a foodie, the lunch exceeded my expectations. Given the above, the day was unsurprisingly awesome and I saw loads of different dolphins above and below water, 3 turtles (honu), and several types of fish. I know all the tours have high reviews, but hopefully this helps readers decide on Wild Side based on these differentiators.

Fantastic experience: Literally the best snorkeling tour you could go on. All the guides are wildlife conservationists of sorts; marine biologists, divers, biologists, etc. Very knowledgeable and respectful of the wildlife while making sure you can experience them close up.

Fantastic experience: We took an educational approach to our marine life exploration and glad we did, for the crew of WSST not only gave us the most magical experience, but also infused upon us their love of Hawaii and it’s many splendor and natural beauty. The island is alive in their hearts, and one can easily tell by the glimmer in their eyes how much this place means to them. Our guides were genuine, comforting and we felt like we were part of their marine expedition. I was at complete ease even though I have a mortal fear of the deep sea and anything that moves in the ocean, including drowning or encountering sharks. You would never guess by the way I was going in first into the water. We cannot express any deeper how grateful we were to have experienced this on our holiday and 20yr anniversary. It may not be fancy shmancy or hoity-toity, but what you will get is a lifelong memory of sharing the ocean with people who are fighting to keep it alive and well.