My wife three sons and I recently visited dolphin quest and participated in their family interaction program. Our total experience was terrible. There was a great amount of confusion during the booking process where we were given several different prices. When offered a dvd taping of our program we said yes but were greatly disappointed with the overall quality of the dvd as the trainer was very difficult to hear and the camera was shaking the entire time. Not worth the extra $65 at all. Through out the program our trainer, a young girl, seemed lacking the guest relations side of things and came across rude. My boys had stated they wanted to see the dolphins underwater but never given the opportunity. When it came time to take pictures with the dolphin we felt very rushed and couldn't enjoy the moment. After getting out of the water my family expressed how disappointed they were so I asked to speak with a member of the management team. I was told the staff was at lunch and directed to a girl who said she was an intern and clearly had no experience in dealing with costumers. The day following our dolphin quest experience we went on a wild dolphin watch boat and the information given to us by the naturalist differed greatly from what we were told about dolphins at dolphin quest which raised many questions from my younger boys. If you are thinking about forking out all the money they want you to spend on one of these so called dolphin encounter programs at dolphin quest I suggest you save the time and money. read more

Took our daughter to swim with a dolphin. Was educational and fun for our 8 year old. Allie was a great teacher and host. She kept my daughter engaged for a full hour of instruction in both animal training and conservation, before we met Noah the dolphin. read more

Dolphin Quest - Tours Near Me - Waikoloa, Hawaii

Aloha! I am writing to tell you about our wonderful experience at Dolphin Quest on 7/29. My daughter and her best friend participated in a program with Lauren the trainer.  From the time we were met at the parking lot until the time we left the property, the DQ staff did an excellent job implementing all Covid-19 safety protocols. We felt safe and secure the entire time we were on property.  I cannot remember the name of the woman from DQ who walked us through the tunnels to the program, but she insured that we all wore masks, sanitized our hands, and remained socially distanced throughout.  She gave the girls a ton of information about the program before it even began and made them feel comfortable throughout (she was also their photographer and got some great shots!).  Lauren was simply amazing and this was the best dolphin experience we have had in over 12 years of repeat experiences with DQ.  Every time we have gone, the program has been better and better, but this was above and beyond!  Lauren's depth of knowledge was wonderful and the girls learned so much about each dolphin and their behaviors, and the way the trainers work with the dolphins to teach them and why. The girls also learned about the part the dolphins play in the ocean ecosystem, and about ocean conservation and the care of our reefs and water.  In fact, once we left we headed to the beach- and the girls collected trash "to keep the dolphins safe"!  My daughter has been talking non-stop ever since about going to college "to be like Lauren and help the dolphins". The value that this program adds to the island and the hotel is immeasurable. I can't recommend this experience enough to visitors and locals alike- we will be back again for sure! read more

Went March 16, 2020 at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Definitely should do once in your life!

What a complete disappointment. I did NOT have to pay for this and I was still completely disappointed. We were scheduled for a VIP experience; we were early so they put us in an earlier group (maybe that was the problem) anyway...there 4 of us and then at the last minute a mother and infant (less than 2) was added to the group. This was really a disaster because the child could not follow directions and kept touching the dolphins face which is a no-no so some of the activities were cut short. There was very little education about the dolphins...I had to ask questions to get any info. Honestly it is a glorified photo shoot so you can buy their digital photos for 2/$55. (I even got my pictures for free and it was a huge disappointment) It's clear the entire arrangement is done so they can take a picture to sell you, not really about your experience with a dolphin. I would have been livid had I paid even a discounted amount for this "experience". It wasn't worth the time even being free. So sad as I was really looking forward to this. Your money would be better spent doing an dolphin viewing boat tour where you could at least enjoy the total experience for - 1/2 the cost. read more

We come to Hawaii once a year so I am used to inflated hotel prices for all the food and activities. $100 for a submarine ride, sure! $15 for a sandwich, ok! So after wanting to meet a dolphin for years I thought ok this year I'll spring for Dolphin Quest. The LEAST expensive way to see the dolphins was the Wee Tots program, for parents and toddlers which was great since I have a two year old that was super into the dolphins as well. The program is advertised as a $110 10 minute meet and greet with the dolphins with a maximum of two adults per child, and "the cutest photo op ever". Ok so $110 for 10 minutes of anything is ridiculously expensive but I thought what the heck, we will meet a dolphin and get a cute christmas card pic. So after I've booked this memorable event turns out each additional parent is $55?! Ok scratch the Christmas card pic, I'll have the husband take photos while we are in the water. No wait, despite paying for the quote "cutest photo op ever" we are not allowed to take our own photos! That's right, they have a photographer in the water with you and you have the opportunity to purchase their photos at the low low price of $55 for 2 digital pictures! Can you say SCAM?! After all that my son and I met the dolphins for 10 min, the dolphin quest photographer did a terrible job taking pictures (which in a way was a blessing since I was worried I'd be tempted to spend a grip buying them all) and no matter how cute the dolphins were I cannot recommend this place to anyone. Seriously, I've shaken hands with the president for less than $11/minute and I got to take my own photos. Sorry Dolphin Quest, FAIL. read more

I actually did this when I was about 8 years old and as a kid it was fun... However, I went back many years later to visit the hotel and we ended up checking out after seeing the filthy conditions in which these animals were kept. Their "cage" was extremely tiny and the water was obviously not circulated well enough even though it is connected to the lagoon. The lagoon has become disgustingly brown and the hotel now has to die the water to keep the tourists coming. All in all, it was a sad sight. read more

Very expensive for 1.25 hours. We want to actually swim with dolphins not just pet them. Found other establishments on the island for half the price and 2x amount of time. Having buyers remorse about going with establishment in the hotel instead of looking online for competitor pricing and a better experience. read more

Shame on you Waikaloa for keep those magnificent dolphins in ponds smaller than the guest swimming pools

Located at the Hilton (and it's a beautiful property), Dolphin Quest should take a page from Sea World's book and wind down keeping large marine mammals in captivity. Although the staff were very friendly and the property was serene, paying over $200 per person (and prices go up from there) for approximately 20 minutes in the water, was a waste. They gave us the impression that we could openly swim with the dolphins. Not so. It's a very controlled environment were the instructor tells you exactly where to stand in the water and when it's okay to look into the water from your mask. They tell you when to move, stop, turn, raise your arm, etc. No free swimming here. Actual time spent with the dolphin within touching distance: 60-90 seconds. The other thing that really bothered me: 13 Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins all penned up in an area smaller than an Olympic sized swimming pool. And this area was further subdivided into 3 pens--one larger and two smaller areas. There were 3 adult dolphins swimming in a constant circle in one of the smaller pens because that's all they could do. Not even enough room to swim straight. I love animals and I LOVE dolphins, but they need to be free in the open ocean. And if not, please at least give them room to explore. read more

So, we have played with Dolphins in other resorts and it is a nice experience. We enjoyed it as adults and our children enjoyed it as well. My mom took the whole family on a vacation to the Hilton Waikoloa and our kids were dying to play with the Dolphins. This is no inexpensive treat but perhaps worth it if you have not done it before. My mom payed more than $1,000 for our 4 under 10 years of age children to participate. The trainers were lovely and the experience was good overall. I do think the business practices of this operation are questionable. After we payed more than 1K for the 4 kids, the attendant scheduling the events and taking releases from participants offered people walking up last minute 1/2 off prices to these folks. There were takers. Bad business practice and a big screw you to those of us who had paid extraordinary prices. Lesson learned, stop by last minute and get 1/2 off. When my mother asked about the practice, the snarky guest agent said "hey, this is a business". So, in conclusion, I would never again pay for this service in principle and I am a customer who stays at this resort at least once per year and sometimes twice. Just a precautionary take about our experience, left a bad taste. read more

I had an amazing time with my family! Erica did awesome as a trainer she makes sure to accomplish all your dolphin dreams. They treat you amazing and get awesome photos of you. They provide a locker if you have stuff you need to bring. You don't need to bring anything they have a life vest and goggles for you there. You do get to see how awesome dolphins are and learn a lot about them. They take care of the dolphins so well and it's all voluntary for the dolphins. If they don't want to do something then they don't have to it all depends on the day. read more

Paid $250 for barely 10 minutes. Got to see up close three different dolphins who performed minor tricks for me and the kids. It was nice but not worth the price. My daughter even said it was way too short to be enjoyable. Also could not help but feel bad for the animals, after seeing some wild ones in the ocean a few days earlier. read more

Our 3 kids did this the other day, and definitely had fun. But the whole experience was quick (just 45 minutes for $255 each) and much of it seemed to be geared toward snapping photos and videos that they try to sell you at the end. There were 18 people in the pond splitting time with 3 dolphins, so it wasn't as much of an intimate experience for my kids with the dolphins as I had expected. read more

If you are looking to hang out and swim with a dolphin, this is where to go! We went back in November and had an excellent time! Such friendly staff - booking agents at the front, photo department, and the dolphin instructors! All made you feel so welcome. Our instructor was Samantha and she was so natural with the dolphins, it made everything more comfortable and fun! We booked the "Encounter", where you can feed, touch, kiss, and swim with your dolphin! Our group was focused on 1 dolphin, but we were also able to meet another for fun. Don't forget your photos for purchase. Photo department is very friendly and super helpful. Thank you everyone at Dolphin Quest! read more

Thank You Ashley for scheduling a long time dream of my wife! The Trainers were attentive to to concerns of my wife and the Dolphins were simply amazing! This experience is something my wife will never forget! read more

Dolphin Quest - Ashley is an excellent representative of a true lover of Dolphins! - Tours Near Me - Waikoloa, Hawaii

Ranked up there as one of the best time of my life! I was able to hug, kiss, and swim with dolphins! Cant tell you the rush you get when you see the power to these beautiful creatures launch themselves through the water! It was an exhilarating moment! They also teach you a bit about them and give you a brief run down before you are taken out to enjoy! I am eager to go back for a longer season to truly get to be able to spend all day with these gifts of the earth! read more

Last minute booking for both of our kids on Saturday. Staff was informative, courteous, and very helpful. Turns out the best part was that our 2 kids were the only ones for the group. They had a great time with the trainer and the dolphins. We have done the same experience in other places (Mexico and Bahamas) and this was the best. Highly recommend. read more

Got to go for free through work. Had we paid the exorbitant amount of $250 each we would have been extremely upset. It was free and I was still bummed. We got to hold a dolphin and pet it. After that it just swam around in front of us. No real tricks or anything special. If I were you and had to pay, I'd probably reconsider or wait until another vacation. Really cool looking hotel though. read more

DolphinQuest was everything that we had hoped it would be! Our family truly enjoyed the experience and Evan, the trainer, was awesome. This was a great experience and my 2 daughters have not stopped talking about it. Thank you - you gave us a great family memory! read more

Arrived with a party of 8, specifically asked if two of us could stay with the group but not get in the water. The reservations lady told me that was no problem with me staying with my 6 year old and that I could go take pictures, etc but that I couldn't get in the water. Upon arrival, I was informed that two of our party could wait at the office, that we could not accompany our child. Our "picture" opportunity will be like 100 feet away. Definitely, not impressed! read more

I am not going to lie ... do you swim with the Dolphins, no. But you do interact with them and that is amazing. People must remember these are trained animals. And their trainers will always decide what is best for them. So don't expect to hang with them like your best friends. Will I recommend it for people. YES YES YES!!! It will give you an amazing 30 minutes or so with magnificent creatures you should learn about. People who have added a blow by blow description of their unhappiness have missed the point. 30 minutes with these wonderful creatures will always be an amazing adventure vs. no time at all. It is your choice. No one makes you sign up, so do what works for you. But if you do it, solely based on interacting with a terrific creature, you will never ever regret it! read more

I was so excited to swim with Dolphins but this was overpriced and it seemed like you only got 10 minutes with the dolphins. I'm very angry and disappointed. If your thinking of swimming with dolphins do the one that takes you out on a boat and not this overpriced and short experience. read more

I highly recommend this for your kids even if this is expensive. We did the 5+ year old adventure this time and my daughter loved it, and I will cherish the memory and the photos. I don't love wild marine mammals in captivity but I believe and hope the encounters will teach kids to respect our planet. read more

We went in with a group of 4. It was super easy to make reservations on line. We even got a little discount because we booked online. We where able to book the same day and where swimming with the dolphins a few hour latter. The bummer for us was that we couldn't swim with our 2 year old. so my husband had to stay out of the water with her. they do have an option for younger (toddler) kids to swim but it was at an earlier time that would not work with out scheduling. I would have really like for the entire family to experience this together. The trainers where very knowledgeable, they where open to answering questions and really education us on how they work with the animals and the dolphins behavior. It was overall a great experience! The staff was great! It was a little pricy that why I was so bummed that we couldn't all do this together. WONDERFUL! read more

AWESOME-that's all I can say. Simply AWESOME! I went in October and since there were only 3 of us we spent well over an hour with the Dolphins!! It was pure magic! Thank You! read more

Our 3yrs old grandson loved it! We could watch from the side of the lagoon. Can't wait to go back when he is older so he can do more. It was pricey, but well worth it. read more

"Wonderful for families and groups!" We hiighly recommend the newly renovated Ocean view Lagoon Tower rooms, they overlook the Dolphin Lagoon and straight out onto the ocean. they are a "why leave the room" kind of room. But you have to leave to experience the wonderful pools and water-slides, restaurants, and nooks and crannies. read more

Awesome experience....yes the program was short for the age group 2-5 but in reality this age you can only hold their attention for so long...so all in all it was an awesome experience! Our trainer was very patient with our 2 year old and really did an excellent job in engaging our toddler! I would definitely recommend Dolphin Quest read more

Had a lot of fun at Dolphin Quest. We got lucky staying in the Lagoon tower, the Dolphin pool was right next to our tower so it was an easy walk. Our Dolphin trainer Rachel (I believe was her name) was very very sweet and happy to be working with us. She knew a lot about the dolphins and answered any questions we had. It was a fun and interesting experience. read more

My family had such an amaxing experience! I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to get up close and personal with dolphins. We had Stephanie as our instructor. She was fanatstic! Very knowledgeable and full of personality. She helped make what was an incredible experince even better! Thanks Steph! read more

A fun excursion to do with young kids - the novelty of being able to swim with dolphins is exciting but the experience itself lacks a lot - you're kind of called up with your family, taken through some basic rules and then run through the experience like a part of an assembly line, everything is done precisely like the last, right on que. In addition to this, you're not really "swimming" with the dolphins - it's a small area and you have a chance to momentarily move along with the dolphins but it's a far cry from actually swimming freely even within their waters. Lastly they lack proper changing rooms to change out of your clothes, etc - water rinsing showers outside but not meant for full showers. What you do successfully take away is some great pictures that create some amazing memories - the snapshots though don't necessarily convey the actual experience, which needs an overhaul to liven the experience and make it less regimental. read more

I really loved dolphin quest. It surpassed all of my expectations. Getting to feed, pet, kiss, hold and hug was magical. These majestic animals are so amazing that getting to experience this time was truly a dream come true. The trainer was amazing. I would do this again and again........ loved loved loved this tour!!!! read more

What a great experience! Kelly was our trainer and she was awesome! Highly recommend this to anyone who loves dolphins!!!

I had an amazing time here and would definitely do it again! The groups are well sized so that everyone gets a good amount of time experiencing interactions with the dolphin. The trainers are very professional, educational, and clearly have a passion for what they do. As an aspiring marine biologist, experiences like these that teach kids and even adults about organisms and the environment while simultaneously getting them excited about what they're learning is extremely important and valuable. What I love about Dolphin Quest in Bermuda is that the enclosures do not have a "theme-park captivity" feel to them. There is also room for bystanders/parents to stand/sit, watch, and even take photos without having to pay the expensive experience price. They also of course have professional photographers that take adorable photos of the dolphins kissing your cheek and that sort of thing, which can be printed and purchased at the gift shop. The price is definitely a splurge, but one that is understandably priced as you are paying for a once in a life time experience, and the funds of course go towards being able to care for these incredible creatures. read more

AMAZING experience!! My husband and I took our 2 year old and 6 year old yesterday and we all had a wonderful time. Our instructor was so sweet and knowledgeable, and the whole staff really got us pumped up for the experience. The staff is all very gentle with the animals, and they are very well taken care of. There is so much personal time with the dolphins! We got to feed them, play with them, pet them, and we learned so much!! I am so glad we decided to do it and will definitely be back on our next trip! read more

Pretty meh, which is hard to believe for an experience that has almost no competition. We got this for our 3 daughters for Xmas. They were very jazzed, but the whole thing came off as too commercialized to sell photos and DVDs . Time with the dolphins was not hugely instructional. A lot of time spent taken photos that they sell back to you at the end. You are not allowed to take your own photos. read more

Don't Miss It! Wiakoloa Dolphin Quest DELIVERS!! Don't miss this exciting experience--every minute with the Dolphins is worth it! You get to learn and use hand signals for dolphin twirling, splashing, waving and jumping--Wow! The Dolphins come right up to you--like INCHES from your face!...and you get the opportunity to hug, pet or kiss them if you want. Feeling the dolphin's heart beating while hugging was nothing short of miraculous--WHERE ELSE can you do this?!! Feed them fish, listen to them under water using echolocation to find a ring you threw--AMAZING!!! Do it! You won't be disappointed. read more

Chelsea, our trainer, for The Encounter was great. My niece and I really enjoyed our time with the dolphins. Chelsea was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. We were given lots of time to play with the dolphins and even got to experience the baby dolphin as well. Would definitely recommend this to others! read more

I had the 50-min session, the only negative (apart of price) was that snorkels were forbidden therefore it was difficult to constantly gasp for air while watching the dolphins underwater. Not sure why they don't allow use of snorkel. read more