Where to See Dolphins In Kauai

Seeing dolphins in Kauai is a truly unforgettable experience. The island is home to a wide variety of marine life, including thousands of spinner and bottlenose dolphins.

Spinner dolphins are known for their habit of leaping from the water and spinning up to seven times in the air before falling back to the sea. Meanwhile, the bottlenose dolphins are famous for their intelligence and charisma and are often the stars of various aquariums.

Dolphins are a huge attraction in Kauai, and for a good reason. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to spot these beautiful creatures on the island, but you should bear in mind that they are a protected species and the conditions for getting even remotely close to them are carefully regulated to ensure that they stay safe.

If this unforgettable experience is on your to-do list when you visit the island, here’s everything you need to know when it comes to seeing dolphins in Kauai.

Where to See Dolphins in Kauai

While there's no guarantee of seeing dolphins in Kauai, but your chances of seeing them in the following locations are higher.

Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park

The famous Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park is one of the best places to spot dolphins in Kauai. Located along the northwest coast of Kauai, it’s home to beautiful waterfalls and streams, towering cliffs, and scenic hiking trails. The 16 miles of coastline are home to plenty of stunning beaches, and if you're lucky then you may be able to spot pods of dolphins diving in and out of the water from the shore.

Boat Tours

Since most dolphins are away from the coast, the best way of seeing these marine creatures is on a boat tour. Most of these boats will sail through the waters along Na Pali Coast, where you will find the greatest number of dolphins on the island.

Many boat tour operators on the island offer incredible encounters with dolphins all year round, so you have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to taking a trip.

When is Dolphin Season in Hawaii?

Unlike humpback whales, there's not actually a particular season in Kauai that is known for being a better time to see dolphins. The sea creatures are active around the island all year round, so whenever you come to visit you have a reasonable chance of spotting them.

Dolphins tend to be easier to see in the summer months, so your chances are slightly higher if you visit between May and September. They're also usually more active in the early morning, so if you want to maximise your chances of spotting a dolphin then your best bet is to take a boat ride right at the start of the day.

Can You Swim with Dolphins in Hawaii?

While swimming with dolphins is something on a lot of people's travel bucket lists, Kauai is not the place to do this. In Kauai, it is illegal to swim with dolphins, as they are a carefully protected species, and any interference with them from visitors could lead to quite serious legal consequences. Even tour boats are prohibited from getting particularly close to the creatures, and it is important to respect these rules and listen to expert advice on the best way to appreciate Kauai's dolphins while also keeping them safe.

Summary

Spotting dolphins in Kauai is a fun experience, especially if you're someone who loves wildlife. Organised boat excursions are the best option for tourists that want to maximise their chances of seeing the species whilst also ensuring that you stick to the rules for getting close to them and don't cause any harm.

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Published on Wednesday, November 16, 2022