You don’t have to be an eco-tourist to appreciate the natural beauty of Oahu. One of the best ways to experience the island’s marine wildlife is by taking a boating tour around the island. See birds, waterfalls and more as you circumnavigate Oahu. Several boat tours leave from Waikiki’s shore, and combine a day of fishing as well.
Ranging in size and purpose, a small catamaran can be launched from a beach, and like a crew vessel or kayak and can be operated by a small crew. Larger sailing vessels include sailing catamarans and motor-powered catamarans, many times also incorporating a sail. Popular sites for catamaran sailing include the ever-popular Waikiki and the dock at Kewalo Basin, located next to Ala Moana Beach Park. Many catamaran sailing adventure tours will include scuba diving or snorkeling.
Start your day on the south coast at Hawaii’s first Marine Life Conservation District, Hanauma Bay. Once a volcanic crater, today the crescent-shaped bay is Oahu’s most popular snorkeling destination. Learn about ocean preservation at the Marine Education Center then explore the bay’s lively reefs full of colorful fish and sea turtles.
If you’re looking to see dolphins during your stay, Oahu is a great destination with numerous beaches from which they can be viewed and tours in the open ocean water. There are also a number of shallow water lagoons in Oahu with sea parks that offer up-close and personal interactions with dolphins in a controlled environment and guided by experienced dolphin trainers. A bit different than finding these animals in the open ocean, the experience nevertheless allows people a personal connection and the opportunity to learn from and about these highly intelligent creatures. Children are welcome, and a variety of packages are offered.
The calm and clear blue waters with great visibility make Oahu an ideal destination for travelers looking for scuba diving opportunities. The Hawaiian Islands are home to many species of tropical fish and other aquatic sea life that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. In addition to amazing variety in sea life, Oahu waters are also the sunken shipwreck capital of the region. Exploring shipwrecks is an amazing way to explore history and oceanography simultaneously.