Dolphin Encounter: Close Up Non-Swim Experience
$230+tax per Adult/Child
– Must be 4 yrs old+
Book Now
Oahu Dolphin Encounter (non-swim) Experience
Come face-to-face with an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin during this fun and family-friendly experience. Before entering the water, guests take part in an interactive class that teaches the basics about dolphins and explains what to expect during the program. Once it is time to begin, you will enter the water in a safe, waist-deep area on a secure platform where you can enjoy close interaction with the dolphins. During the experience, you may get the chance to hug, splash, rub, pet, and enjoy unforgettable up-close moments with these amazing animals. This heartwarming shallow-water program is designed for guests ages 4 and up, making it a great choice for families. After your dolphin adventure, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the many exhibits and presentations offered at the Oahu dolphin facility.
Oahu Hawaii Dolphin Encounter (non-swim) Details:
Oahu Dolphin Encounter Overview
What to Expect
In-Water Dolphin Time
The Dolphin Encounter non-swim program includes 30 minutes in shallow water with one dolphin.
Small Group Experience
Each group has a maximum of 14 participants, making the experience feel more personal and family-friendly.
Shallow-Water Interaction Only
This program takes place on a shallow-water platform where guests can pet, hold, and play with the dolphin.
No Deep Water Time
This experience does not include deep water or dolphin rides.
Before and After the Dolphin Session
Educational Presentation and Total Experience Time
Before entering the water, guests attend a 15 to 20 minute educational presentation, and the full experience is about 2 hours when you include the presentation, changing time, and photo lab.
Free Photo and Extra Perks
Each participant receives park admission, 1 printed photo, a souvenir cup, and 10% off the retail store, a value of about $100.
Safety and What to Bring
Life jackets are provided for the dolphin session, wetsuits are not included, and guests should bring their own bathing suit and towel.
Sea Life Park Amenities and Important Requirements
Park Location and Amenities
Beautiful Location Near Hanauma Bay
Sea Life Park is located north of Hanauma Bay in a beautifully designed oceanfront park with reefs, lagoons, pools, and theaters.
Shows and Presentations Included
Animal shows and presentations are included with animal interactions and general admission, and park hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. <Park Schedule>
Guest Convenience
Guests have access to a restaurant, snack bars, lockers for a fee, restrooms, showers, changing rooms, and a spacious parking lot.
Observer Access
Observers can watch the dolphin interaction and enjoy the shows.
Participant Requirements and Rules
Age Requirements
All participants must be at least 4 years old, and children ages 4 to 7 must be accompanied in the water by 1 paid adult participant per child.
Language Requirement
Participants must be able to understand directions in English, or have a paid family member or friend in the water to translate.
Important Rules
No jewelry, body piercings, bracelets, nail jewelry, cameras, hats, head coverings, or outside objects are allowed with the dolphins.
Every Session Is Unique
Each dolphin session is unique based on the guests and the dolphin.
$230+tax per Adult/Child
– Must be 4 yrs old+
Book Now
Available Program Times
Your reservation includes a guaranteed 30-minute dolphin program, a short educational briefing, dolphin shows, the sea lion show, and time to explore the marine park. Most guests should plan on spending about 3 to 4 hours at Sea Life Park to enjoy the full experience. To view the daily program times and current availability, please click the Book Now button.
Oahu Hawaii Location
Sea Life Park is located on the southeast side of Oahu, just north of Hanauma Bay. After booking, you will receive complete written directions along with map links that work with your GPS. <MAP>
Approximate Driving Times
From Waikiki Beach
About 30 minutes.
From Honolulu
About 40 minutes.
From Honolulu Cruise Port
About 45 minutes.
From Ko Olina
About 1 hour.
From Turtle Bay Resort
About 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Click Book Now to See Available Dates and Times!
$230+tax per Adult/Child
– Must be 4 yrs old+
Book Now
Dolphin Encounter at Sea Life Park Near Waikiki Beach
The Dolphin Encounter at Sea Life Park is a fun and family-friendly experience for guests ages 4 and up. This shallow-water program is a great choice for families with young children and for guests who want a close dolphin experience without going into deep water. From a safe platform, you can meet the dolphins, touch them, watch their behavior, and learn more about these amazing marine mammals. Located within easy driving distance of Waikiki Beach, including popular hotels like Hilton Hawaiian Village and Sheraton Waikiki, Sea Life Park makes a wonderful addition to your Oahu vacation. It is an easy, memorable, and educational adventure the whole family can enjoy.
Refunds / Cancellations and Changes:
All cancellations must be received by Dolphin World / Keys Adventure Tours, Inc. in writing by email or regular mail.
- A 10% service charge will apply per person for any cancellations prior 31 days of activity date.
- A 50% service charge will apply per person for any cancellations within 30 – 15 day period prior activity date.
- A 75% service charge will apply per person for any cancellations within 14 – 8 day period prior activity date.
- Prior 8 days of your reservation date, you may change your reservation to a gift certificate, where you would not incur any penalties except the change fee. This gift certificate will be good for 1 year from the date of the certificate.
- NO REFUND WILL BE GIVEN TO ANY ACTIVITY PARTICIPANTS who cancel within the 7 day period, does not show up, are late for scheduled program(s). Once a reservation has a confirmation number and confirmed, a refund or change can only be made more than 7 days of the activity date and any change to the program date is subject to availability. Changes made to existing reservations are subject to a $25.00 per person change fee.
- The Dolphin Swim goes on Rain or Shine.
WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THE PURCHASE OF TRIP INSURANCE, which will cover your purchase 100% for any interruptions to your Dolphin World activities! We recommend TravelEx Insurance. Ask a Dolphin World Travel professional for advice on Travel Insurance.
What Hotels do you Pick Up from in Waikiki Beach? You will be picked up from any hotel in the Waikiki Beach Hotel zone. You may have to walk a few blocks to be picked up from Selected hotel in the Waikiki Beach area. You will get exact time you will get picked up on your email confirmation from us. The bus will be well marked for Sea Life Park, so you should not miss the bus.
Does your program go on Rain or Shine? Yes, this program goes on Rain or Shine. The dolphin swim and shows, will go on most of the time. If there is thunder, there might be a delay before the program resumes again. The snorkel portion of the day could get postponed or canceled due to weather. If your snorkel trip does get canceled, you can reschedule or get a partial refund for that part of your day.
Must I know how to swim to participate? You should be comfortable in the water. The dolphin swim takes place in a 15 to 20 foot deep lagoon.
What does it mean to be an Observer? An Observer is a Participant’s friend or family member. Observers participate in all aspects of the program minus the in-water interaction. During the interaction you can cheer on the Participants and take photos. The Observers stay in the stands and have no contact with the dolphins. The fee includes complimentary admission to the dolphin park, so you can see the rest of the shows and exhibits. Observers under 10 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
What should I bring? A bathing suit or swimming attire is required. You can rely on us to provide the following: Showers, lockers(refundable deposit), and wetsuits. Wetsuits can be rented. All jewelry must be removed prior to entering the water.
What about taking photographs with the Dolphins during my session? Yes, there are professional staff photographers taking photographs or video of you and your dolphin session. You can purchase these photographs after your session. Prices ranges from $40 and up, depending on how many photographs you purchase. You can not take a regular camera into the water with you during your dolphin session. If you do have a family or a friend come with you as an observer, they can take photographs of you during your session. Hint: If you don’t have an observer in your group, you might ask another observer from another group to take a few photographs with your camera.
What kind of pools do the animals live in at the Dolphin facility? The animals live in natural salt-water pools. The water is pumped in from the Pacific Ocean.
Do you have a restaurant on the property? A snack bar/grill is available and serves a variety of delicious foods at the dolphin facility.
Do we have to pay extra parking fees ? Yes, there is a charge, $19 for all day parking.
Are glasses/contacts permitted in the water? No, Contact lenses can be worn.
Does the park accept cash? The park is totally cashless! Bring a credit card or debit card.
Save Money When You Book Your Dolphin Experience Online
Planning ahead can help you save money on your Oahu Hawaii dolphin experience. To receive one of the online discounts below, you must enter the appropriate Online Discount Promotional Code in the discount box on the payment page when making your reservation.
Important: Promotional discounts must be applied when you make your online reservation. Discounts cannot be added to previous orders and cannot be combined with other discounts, promotions, or special offers.
Dolphin World Online Promotions
- Book Less than 8 Days & Save 2.5%
Promotional Code: oahubookingspecial
- Book 8 Days or More in Advance & Save 5%
Promotional Code: online5%off
Redemption & Check-In Instructions
After completing your reservation, you will receive a dolphin program confirmation number. When you arrive at the Dolphin Park in St. Augustine, proceed to the check-in window and provide your confirmation number or the last name associated with your reservation.
- Your reservation confirmation number is required for entrance.
- You do not need to print your confirmation or bring a paper voucher.
- All participants are required to complete and sign the appropriate liability waiver before participating in the dolphin program.
