Hawaii holidays, dolphins, whales and turtles

by Michael Brown Writer

A Hawaiian holiday holds many possibilities for adventure and have become a firm favorite with romantic couples, honeymooners, families and those wish to get married abroad or renew their vows.

The six main islands, Hawaii Island (often referred to as Big Island), Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai and Maui offer numerous possibilities and surrounding these are the ocean that is full of the miracles of nature. Year round excursions into these waters will thrill any visitor to Hawaii with the option to take a whale watching tour, swim with dolphins or snorkel Turtle Reef.

Visitors may wish to depart on a morning cruise on the Waianae coastline with a focus on whales, Turtle Reef and dolphin encounters. Joining a small group will optimize the experience for both tourist and the marine life. It is a worthy note that swimming with dolphins in the wild is much safer than in a captive setting.

Alternatively vacationers can depart on longer (half, full or multi-day) tours from Honolulu or Waikiki. From here tours may follow the migratory paths of whales and pelagic seabirds with the opportunities to witness dramatic seascapes far off the well-trodden path.

Species diversity

Hawaii offers an incredible array of wildlife and these include 17 different species of toothed dolphins and 8 species of baleen whales. Imagine catching sight of a humpback whale along with rays, monk seals, tropical fish and sea turtles. Over 680 species of fish are know to inhabit the surrounding waters of the Hawaiian Islands and 450 of these species stay close to the reef and inshore areas.

Swimming with dolphins

It is important to follow a best practice when taking a swim with the dolphins on an encounter to ensure your safety and to provide the appropriate conditions for you and the dolphins. Most importantly don’t splash and try to swim with the dolphins instead of swimming at the dolphins. Be gentle and calm in the water and remember to look down through the column and under the water as dolphins may swim beneath you. Take instruction from your guides, be graceful in the water and swim parallel to the dolphins.

Hawaii is as magical offshore as it is on and visitors should take full advantage of this to ensure the most amazing Hawaii holiday experience.

You may wish to visit Wild Side Hawaii for further information on whale watching tours, snorkeling or swimming with dolphins or to book an excursion.