Oahu’s #1 Dolphin Encounter (Non-Swim)
Dolphin Encounter (Non-Swim)
$230 per participant
**Includes Park Admission, 1 Printed Photo, Souvenir Cup & 10% Off Retail Store — a $100 Value!**
- ⏱ 30 min with dolphins
- 👶 Ages 4+ to participate
- ⚠️ Ages 4 to 7 must be accompanied by a paid adult participant (1:1).
- 🕒 Arrive 60 min early
- 🐬💦 Shallow Water Interaction
Pricing
Dolphin Encounter (non-swim) Participant – 4 years old+ $230*
Observer/General Admission Adult – 13 years old+ $54*
Observer/General Admission Child – 4 to 12 years old $45*
Observer/General Admission Baby/Toddler – 0 to 3 years old FREE
Any Child from 4 to 7 years must have 1 paid Adult per 1 Child
*Plus 4.712% sales tax
All Sales are Pre-Paid
⚡ **SAVE 5% TODAY!** Book 8+ days ahead with code **online5%off** at checkout.
Good to Know Before You Book
- Strict Policy: No refunds for cancellations within 7 days. Changes are subject to a $25 per person fee.
- No Jewelry/Objects: Cameras, phones, necklaces, or bracelets are NOT allowed in the water.
- Observers Welcome: Observers can purchase a separate admission ticket for the park.
- Language: Participants must understand English instructions or have a translator with them.
⭐30+ Years Helping Families • Secure Checkout • Fast Confirmation • 25+ Years Sea Life Park Partner • Guaranteed Refund if time is unavailable
Oahu Dolphin Encounter at Sea Life Park – Non-Swim Program
Oahu Dolphin Encounter (Non-Swim) at Sea Life Park in Waimānalo is a family-friendly, shallow-water program ideal for non-swimmers and kids 4+. After a 15–20-minute briefing, you’ll spend about 30 minutes on a waist-deep platform learning about, gently touching, and playing alongside bottlenose dolphins. The experience includes general park admission (shows/exhibits), and one free photo.
Dolphin Encounter Perk: General Admission Included — Video Guide
Click Video to Hear Sound
Oahu Dolphin Encounter (Non-Swim) — Key Details
What’s included
- 15–20 minute educational briefing before you enter the water
- 30-minute shallow-water encounter: touch, hold, play with, and help train a bottlenose dolphin
- One FREE printed photo, with additional photo purchases available
- Life jackets provided for your session (wetsuits not provided)
- Access to paid lockers and no charge changing rooms & showers
What to bring
- Bathing suit and towel
Who can participate
- Ages 4+
- Ages 4–7 must be accompanied in the water by a paid adult (1 adult per 1 child)
- Participants must understand English instructions or have a paid companion in the water to translate
Observers
- Paid observers may watch the dolphin interaction and park shows
Rules & restrictions
- No jewelry, body piercings, bracelets, nail jewelry, cameras, hats, head coverings, or any outside objects in the water with dolphins
Group size
- Up to 14 participants per session (may be divided into smaller groups)
Sea Life Park Oahu: Dolphin Encounters, Island Views, Pure Aloha
At the center of it all is Sea Life Park in Waimānalo—a one-of-a-kind marine park where you can choose a trainer-guided Dolphin Encounter (non-swim) that brings you face-to-face with bottlenose dolphins from a shallow-water platform. You’ll stand at waist-deep depth while trainers show you how to signal, touch, and interact—think gentle rubs, fin waves, and fun splash moments—without ever needing to swim. Add in native ocean exhibits all around you and the option to cap your day with a Hawaiian lūʻau, and you’ve got a signature Oʻahu experience in one easy stop. The location is spot-on: close to Waikīkī’s buzz, a scenic drive from the North Shore, and within reach of the west side’s sunshine—so you can pair a memorable dolphin encounter with the island’s best beaches, views, and vibes.
Getting to Sea Life Park: Drive Times & Transportation
Approximate drive times (traffic and weather may vary)
- Waikīkī Beach → Sea Life Park: 30–40 minutes
- North Shore → Sea Life Park: ~1 hour
- Kailua → Sea Life Park: ~20 minutes
- Ko Olina → Sea Life Park: ~1 hour
Transportation options
- Round-trip shuttle from Waikiki Beach Hotels ONLY by Sea Life Park: $35 + tax (bus/van). Email us to book.
- Taxi / Uber / Lyft / Private car: Readily available island-wide.
- Public transit: TheBus routes 23 and 69 stop near the park.
- Parking: $18 per car, credit card only. The park is totally cashless.
- Bundle & Save: 10% off when you book a Lūau + this activity together — call to redeem.
📍Getting to Sea Life Park
The parks is located at the east end of O’ahu
Dolphin Encounter (non-swim): Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dolphin Encounter?
A shallow-water, trainer-guided experience where participants stand on a platform and learn about, gently touch, and interact with bottlenose dolphins. It includes a 15–20 minute briefing plus ~30 minutes in the water.
Do I need to know how to swim?
No. This is a non-swim, shallow-water program. Life jackets are provided.
How long is the program?
About 45–50 minutes total: 15–20 minutes for the educational presentation and ~30 minutes with the dolphins.
What’s included?
Life jacket use, a 30-minute dolphin interaction, access to park facilities (lockers, showers, changing rooms), and one complimentary 6″×8″ printed photo. Additional photos are available for purchase.
What should I bring/wear?
A bathing suit and towel. Wetsuits are not provided.
Are observers allowed?
Yes—paid observers can watch the interaction, take photos/videos and enjoy park shows/exhibits.
What are the age requirements?
Participants must be 4 years and up. Children 4–7 must be accompanied in the water by a paid adult (1 adult per 1 child).
Do participants need to speak English?
You must understand instructions in English or have a paid family member/friend in the water to translate.
How many people are in each session?
Typically up to 14 participants (often split into smaller groups). Exact groupings may vary by day.
Are there items I can’t wear or bring?
Yes. For animal safety: no jewelry, body piercings, bracelets, nail jewelry, cameras, hats, head coverings, or outside objects in the water.
Is the experience the same for everyone?
Each session is unique and depends on the dolphins and participants. Trainers tailor behaviors for safety and guest experience.
When should I arrive?
Plan to arrive at least 1 hour before your scheduled time to check in, change, and attend the briefing.
Is the program accessible?
Many guests with mobility considerations can participate in shallow water. Please contact us by email to request permission by email in advance to discuss specific needs.
Can pregnant guests participate?
Policies can vary; for safety, pregnant guests can not participate in this program. Pregnant women can participate in the Dolphin Aloha program.
What about transportation and parking?
Options include rideshare/taxi, public transit (TheBus routes 23 & 69), or driving. On-site parking is available (fee may apply). A paid shuttle from select Waikīkī hotels is available—confirm transportation after your booking by email.
What is the payment policy for parking, food, drinks, photos, and souvenirs?
Sea Life Park is totally cashless. All point-of-sale locations—including parking, food & beverages, photo packages, and gift shops/souvenirs—accept major credit cards, debit cards, and contactless wallets: Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Cash is not accepted. Please bring a card or a supported mobile wallet for all purchases.
What’s the cancellation or reschedule policy?
All requests must be in writing by email dolphinworldresponse@gmail.com.
- 31+ days before: 10% service charge
- 30–15 days: 50% service charge
- 14–8 days: 75% service charge
- 7 days or less, late arrival, or no-show: No refund
- Changes: You may convert to a 1-year gift certificate up to 8 days prior (subject to availability) + $25/person change fee.
- Weather: Programs run rain or shine.
- Travel delays/acts of God: We aren’t responsible for missed/cancelled times due to flights, traffic, weather events, etc.
- If your chosen time isn’t available: we’ll refund the same day or move you to another time/day.
What are the park hours and where can I view today’s show schedule?
Sea Life Park is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For the full lineup of presentations, talks, and show times, please see this PDF:
Download the Hours & Show Schedule (PDF)
Can I take my own photos?
Personal cameras/phones are not allowed in the water. A professional photo is included; additional images are available for purchase.
Will the dolphins push or pull me?
No—those are deep-water swim behaviors. The Encounter focuses on shallow-water touch, play, and training-style interactions.
Save More: Online Discounts & Promo Codes
Book online and enter your promo code at checkout to apply your discount.
- Early-Bird Online Deal:
Book 8+ days in advance and get 5% off per person.
Code:online5%off - Online Booking Special:
Book online anytime and get 2.5% off per person.
Code:oahubookingspecial - Military & First Responder:
5% off year-round with valid ID.
For trips 8+ days out, book online withonline5%off.
For trips within 7 days, call to have the discount applied. - Bundle & Save:
10% off when you book a Lūau + this activity together —
call to redeem.
Add on Activities with Your Dolphin Program
Reef Encounter
Snorkel Program, Briefing Time with Trainer, Admission, Dolphin Show, Sea Lion, Animal Exhibits and...More Info
$90.00
Oahu Hawaiian Luau
Fresh Flower Lei Greeting, Buffet Luau Dinner, Two (2) Drink Tickets, Cultural Activities, Live Music, Special Silver Package Seating...More Info
from $165.00
Dolphin Exploration
Dolphin Exploration (shallow & deep water) Program, Briefing Time with Trainer, Admission, Dolphin Show, Sea Lion, Animal Exhibits....More Info
