Absolutely amazing experience! I have always wanted to swim with dolphins. So I booked for myself (age 41) and my 2 boys (ages 9 and 11) We watched the dolphins there for our first few days staying at the Hilton and that just got us even more excited with anticipation. The employees there at dolphin quest were fantastic. Natalie was standing by answering tons of questions for us the day before. She was so kind and passionate about the dolphin care. Jasmine was our "trainer guide". She was amazing! I was giddy the entire time. It was the 3 of us in my family along with 2 other girls that were sisters in our group. It was totally personalized. We got to swim next to them, learn some hand motions to train them, hug them, watch them jump, swim underneath us, and she even gave us a little anatomy lesson on the unique parts of a dolphins body. I was so impressed. A photographer was standing by for the full 30 minutes and took some great pictures of us. All in all, it completely checked all the boxes for me and more. My boys loved it and I felt like a little kid with my own excitement. HIGHLY recommend this experience! Hands down it was worth every penny and more! read more

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We visited Dolphin Quest Bermuda on August 16, 2023 - 2 adults and 2 kids ages 5 and 7. Check-in was easy and the gift shop was well-stocked with cute marine animal plushes at reasonable prices as well as other souvenirs such as picture frames, jewelry, magnets, thermoses, ice cream bars, snacks and drinks to name a few. We chose to do the "Discover Dolphins" experience where you sit or kneel on a platform in the water. Eduardo gave a great talk about the facility and dolphins before we were introduced to our photographer (Caitlin or Katelyn .. I'm not sure how exactly to spell her name but she was friendly and wonderful) and our dolphin trainer, Ben, who was also wonderful. We got to spend 10 minutes interacting with 3 dolphins - Devin, Juniper and Ealy. Our kids each fed a fish to a dolphin, we got to ask a dolphin to spin in the water, let a dolphin rest it's face in our hands and other fun interactions. The 10 minutes goes by before you know it and the kids were sad for it to be over but they thoroughly enjoyed every moment! The facility has lockers available for you to place your belongings. You can bring your own lock but if you don't, they can provide one to you and the key is kept by the trainer you're with. There are 2 outdoor changing rooms. If you forgot to bring towels with you, they can provide you with towels. After you're all dried off, you go back to the gift shop. There's a room in the back with computer terminals and you can look at all your photos. You can purchase select photos or you can choose to purchase all the photos that were taken (they have different packages available). You'll be provided with a code via email for you to access your photos through their website. We all really enjoyed our experience and would definitely recommend Dolphin Quest Bermuda! In fact, our kids said they'd love to do it again! read more

Absolutely Amazing experience for my 10 year old daughter, she loved learning and swimming with the Dolphins. All the staff were amazing, so professional and very informative. We loved watching our daughter live out one of her dreams. read more

Dolphin Quest - Tours Near Me - Waikoloa, Hawaii

What a terrific experience for my entire family. Swimming, playing, and interacting with several amazing dolphins. This attraction is an asset to Hilton Waikoloa village. read more

Been a childhood dream of mine to see a dolphin in real life! This experience was absolutely MIND BLOWING! These dolphins are so well cared for. The trainers were so nice and full of information. The dolphins are so beautiful and it was so awesome being able to learn about them, swim with them, take pictures with them and have a childhood dream become a reality for me. Thank you Dolphin Quest, well worth the money!!! read more

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Awesome experience! My daughter loved her interactions with dolphins. Very nice and knowledgeable instructors! Definitely recommend.

Experience of a lifetime. So glad we did it! The care and attention to the Dolphins is what made us decide to experience the Dolphin Quest offering at the Hilton Waikoloa. The caretakers are always Dolphin first which helps to educate and endure the visitors to them. Glad we did this and happy it was so close, safe for human and Dolphin and on the Big Island! read more

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We had an Excellent Experience this morning. Our Trainer/Guide Jasmine is very good at her job and we could see she really enjoys what she does. This made our experience fun and fact filled! We met Eva and Pele and it was just awesome seeing them, interacting with them and having some fun! Eva is 50yo! Wow! She was so sweet and fun. Pele is 36yo and was very impressive with her jumps and playfulness! Any nay sayers about Dolphins in Prison should learn more about these wonderful Dolphins and the Great people who take care of them! My kids really loved the experience and it is great to learn that these Dolphins are Shallow Water Bottle Nose and the lagoon habitat is ideal for them. It would be great if the Hilton could give up a little more of the salt water lagoon for the Dolphins. Maybe build a new dock across from the Lagoon Falls to the rocky outcropping by the Lagoon Restaurant deck. Excellent Experience, and Great Staff that take care of them, train them and love them! A Once in a Lifetime Experience! Mahalo! read more

This dolphin experience was absolutely wonderful. My friends and I had a lot of fun and the trainer Kayla was great. She answered all,of our questions and was very knowledgeable and informative and obvious loves these animals very much. We would do this again in a heartbeat. read more

Dolphin Quest - Tours Near Me - Waikoloa, Hawaii

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AMAZING EXPERIENCE!!! Kayla was so patient with my son who is 2. He was nervous at first and she was so good with him. She even let him feed the dolphin (and pet the dead fish) every time we walked past after that he wanted to pet the dolphins again! Definitely doing it when we come back! read more

This gets zero stars. We stayed here because of a crazy time share deal but I had no ideas that had this inhumane enclosure here. These poor 15 dolphins have the tiniest and most shallow pool I have ever seen. Just 20 feet over there is a lagoon that is 50 times its size. There are less people in the lagoon than dolphins in their only enclosure. They were most likely born into captivity and will spend their whole lives in this tiny enclosure. I hate this place and my vacation was just ruined. read more

This was an amazing experience for my daughters. The dolphins seemed to love the interaction and treats. The photo package was well worth it also. Great experience all around, definitely worth the price. read more

Dolphin Quest - Tours Near Me - Waikoloa, Hawaii

Great experience I loved the experience the guides have so much passion for what the fo and share it with you. The dolphins are very well cared for and I learned so much. My husband did this in Mexico and said this was so much better then his experience. read more

Dolphin Quest - Tours Near Me - Waikoloa, Hawaii

Absolutely unbelievable experience. Super friendly staff, super friendly dolphins, and a joyous experience all around. Great for adults, kids, couples and families! read more

Our 7 year-old daughter and I had a wonderful experience with Lehua, an 8 year-old dolphin! The trainer Allison was awesome; she made sure each person in the group had the opportunity to interact with Lehua; she was patient and spent a lot of time afterwards with our group answering various questions. Lehua was a gentle and gorgeous creature! I only wish their photo packages were more affordable or had a la carte options. read more

Dolphin Quest - Lehua kissing our daughter - Tours Near Me - Waikoloa, Hawaii

Swimming with the dolphins is actually quite saddening. These poor creatures are highly intelligent, they have complex languages and strong family bonds. And the trainers starve them by requiring them to perform for their only food source. I cannot understand for the life of me how these business still have customers. read more

It might have been a once in a lifetime opportunity for our grandkids...so my husband and I decided to splurge and give them this opportunity to be up close and personal with the dolphins. We want our grandkids to learn to be compassionate and caring about animals, we felt this experience would help build awareness of the importance and responsibility for the care of animals. Being as close as they were to the dolphins, swimming alongside of them, and listening to the trainers tell and show them that the dolphins are important and must be cared for created a real connection for our kids. They became more aware about the types of paper straws that were used on the island and talked about the danger of plastic and how it kills sea life. I know some are shaking their heads as they read this and say they can learn this lesson from books...and, yes you can learn so much from a book or online. But life lessons are learned from experience...they are still talking about caring for dolphins...they're still worried about plastic straws and that's a start in the right direction as far as I'm concerned. Expensive!! I counted heads and did the math to try and figure how much they were making for 30 minutes of encounter time with the dolphins...and then figured in how many encounters they do a day and there were at least 3 to 4 full groups several times a day $$$$ Water flows in from the ocean and cost of fish to feed them, trainers/educator pay, not sure their cost to be where they are at the Hilton (but, they are not affiliated with the hotel). Just wondering and trying to figure why the charge per person has to be so high. But.....every day there were adults and kids participating. My hopes are that there is money going to further the efforts of cleaning up the oceans. read more

Excellent program. We were able to pet the Dolphins and feed them.We met 3.They do some tricks and are very social friendly animals. It was educational as well.They are well treated and cared for and live longer than in the wild.This program helps support them. I highly recommend it.They provide life vests but I was never over my head (I'm 5'4"). Good for everyone who is not afraid of the water!! read more

Soooo fun. Best part of our trip was swimming with the dolphins. Facility ran by vets so they take good care of the dolphins. Amazing experience that I highly recommend. read more

Dolphin Quest - Family fun - Tours Near Me - Waikoloa, Hawaii

Amazing experience! I've always wanted to swim with the dolphins and this exceeded my expectations and was well worth the $$$$! First off, the participants were divided up into small groups of approximately 5-6 people per guide. Next we were briefed about the dolphins such as their names, ages, and a little bit about their personalities. We got into the water and our guide started going over some hand commands, which was fun to watch and then use on these beautiful mammals. They really are smart...and sweet! Each of us got a chance to pet and handle the two dolphins that were ready for us and both were awesome!!! I'd do it again! read more

Our boys had the absolute time of their life. All the staff were awesome, the pictures were perfection, and the memories are forever. Thankful for your team! read more

Was really looking forward to this part of our trip. Sadly disappointed. The group was made up of my two grandchildren another boy and a gentleman approximately in his 40's. The older man pushed and over took most of the entire presentation. I asked for one photo op of my two boys having the dolphin close to their faces either kissing or dolphin kissing their cheek . Neither happened . The gentleman of course made that happen for himself . Pictures were far less than what I saw available. When I went to go in and purchase them the gentleman was in there "pirating" his photos. I paid for mine. Lots of money to feel this disappointed. Lesson learned read more

I just wish the photographer had asked my 13 year old son to look at the camera at least once with the dolphin so we could have pulled purchased a picture. We got plenty of pictures but none were very good. Luckily I got some good ones on my iPhone. But I would have purchased at least a few had they been nice photos. read more

Amazing experience. The trainers made it an unforgettable experience. I would recommend this program to anyone who wants an intimate experience with these beautiful creatures. read more

Our family took part in the 9:30am program on July 19, 2022 and had a great time. We learned a lot about these magnificent creatures and we're glad to hear how proceeds help these animals. We were with Allyson who was absolutely phenomenal and full of enthusiasm! You can tell she loves her job and the dolphins. Her knowledge on the dolphins was extensive, she explained everything extremely well, and most of all, she made the experience so much fun for my family. We could not have asked for anyone better to be with for our experience. If all trainers are like her, then you are very fortunate! Please thank her for us! read more

Kids had a blast and the staff was awesome! Learned a lot about the dolphins and they were very interactive.

Absolutely amazing experience! Our trainer was incredibly kind and considerate of each person. He answered all of our questions and provided so much interesting information about the dolphins. read more

This is the third - time experience with Dolphin Quest. Our three grandchildren have swim with the Dolphins. The first one June 2016, second June 2019 & third June 2022. Each experiences' were amazing, exciting & fun. The staff does a great job with the small group interacting with the dolphins' The staffs' are very knowledgeable and skillful making the experience educational- enjoyable. They are patient, organized, friendly & make sure all participants have an opportunity to swim -play and pet the Dolphins'. The Dolphin Quest - Dolphin swimming area is located in large water lagoon area. Beautifully located at the Hilton resort-Waikoloa. My grandchildren had plenty time 45 minutes or longer to enjoy quality time with the dolphins. Didn't feel rushed or limited contact with the dolphins. They also enjoyed swimming at the Hilton swimming pool & slide - you can purchase a day pass. They're locations for lunch. You have the option to purchase photo package - the pictures are great. I highly recommend Dolphin Quest. read more

Thank you Dolphin Quest for being attentive towards our special needs daughter! This was an amazing experience for all of us as a family! I would highly suggest this to any family with special needs children with autism and being non verbal. Thank you Dolphin Quest team for helping us! We will definitely be back on a longer time slot for the next time! read more

Amazing experience even though we didn't swim with the dolphins because our daughter is only 3 years, it was a great experience to see the dolphins upclose, interact with them and learn so much about these swet creatures. My daughter was beyond thrilled!! Highly recommend. read more

Awesome adventure. Perfect thing to do on vacation. They dolphins are amazing. The staff there are kind and patient and absolutely love those dolphins. They setup perfect moments. And it was such an amazing thing to swim with them. Will definitely do this again. read more

I was a bit conflicted before signing up for this. But after participating and learning about how they care for the animals , I felt much better about their being kept in captivity. I truly enjoyed my experience. read more

Excellent experience. The staff is great, friendly, knowledgeable and kind. Only thing I recommend to reserver early since space is limited and it always book full. I booked for family not knowing how the swim would be and tried to add myself to it later and was book full. Do not have to be an expert swimmer or even good one just not be afraid of big animals is ok. read more

My family and I absolutely loved our Encounter Deluxe - Family & Friends at Dolphin Quest Hawaii (Swim with Dolphins) as it was the best and most memorable experience we have had/ done during our stay at the property. We had Katie as our instructor- who was just so great with kids and a kind human all around. She knew so much and it was pretty cool to learn from her and to get all our questions answered! We loved our experience with Lihue and also go to meet the baby in training (her aunt- forgot her name). You can tell this company really cares about one's experience and I truly felt like she/ they went the extra mile for our toddlers. We had such an amazing time; thank you for the beautiful memories and pictures as well. I highly recommend Dolphin Quest Hawaii - Swim with Dolphins and ask for Katie ;). read more

Don't miss this special gem located on the other side of the Punchbowl. I can not wait to return to the Kahala Hotel & Resort to swim, dine and relax near the dolphins. my 12 year old son will never forget his 2 thirty minute segments interacting and learning about his new dolphin friends. I give the entire experience not only 5 stars, but a double Shaka! M. from Ma'alaea Maui, & Dallas, Texas read more

Fabulous experience! The staff was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and obviously love their dolphins. They do a great job creating and documenting photo ops. As guests, we are taught how to give instruction to the dolphins and had a chance to interact with several of them, learning personalities and skills. This was never on my radar; I was never interested in this type of experience, but I went because of my kids and their desire. so glad I did. It was an experience I'll hold on to for life! There's nothing like it! read more

I feel quite conflicted with the whole animal in captivity thing. Dolphins especially being so smart, I have reservations in supporting a business that may be exploiting these wonderful animals for profit, however, my concerns were alleviated after a little walkabout by the Dolphin Quest center, and stopping by the front desk to ask questions. Furthermore, the dolphin handlers really seem genuinely interested in the Dolphins happiness and don't push them to do anything they don't want to do. I appreciate that care and respect. It's a pricier family activity, but if you or your kids are animal lovers, then this is an activity worth the money. read more

I know this review is super long but please read if you're planning or thinking about this attraction. Save your money or at least don't book this tour without witnessing another group on this tour first. Had I really paid attention to other yelp reviews I would have picked up the negative reviews came from adults going without small children. They too felt cheated and deceived. The positive reviews appeared to come from families with small children, where they don't have a lot of interactive marine life safe alternatives. You ain't taking a 5 year old snorkeling with wild dolphins or night diving with Manta Rays. So we booked this "Deluxe Encounter" tour solely based on their various advertising. I had envisioned actually swimming with live dolphins, for 45 minutes, based on the price and their website. Were we wrong. You'd think swimming with dolphins actually involved some swimming. Nope. Check out this misleading deceitful half truth BS directly from their web page "Feel the thrill of a lifetime as you touch, swim with and even kiss a dolphin! Let loose, laugh and have loads of fun swimming with dolphins in our tropical paradise settings in Hawaii, Oahu and Bermuda. " Let me give you the run down so you can use your $184.00 more wisely. They tell you to get there 30 minutes early but that time is consumed with sitting in an open office adjacent to the dolphin lagoon. Just a legal form to fill out then a long wait. I guess the clock starts ticking as they fit you with a life vest and mask. There goes 10 minutes of "swim time". Then you stand on shore, get a mostly useless lecture on the wonderful life of the dolphins in captivity, there goes another 10 minutes of "swim time". Then from the shore again you get to watch the dolphins swim real fast, jump up and do a flip, that anyone at the resort walking by can witness for free, there goes another 5 minutes of your 45 minute swim. Then comes the approximate 20 minutes of "actual swim time". What a bunch crap. You're in a group of 6 in waist deep water the whole time, you got to wonder why the life vests, maybe an insurance company requirement? Back to the "swim" which is more of they call your name and it's your turn to pet a dolphin for about 5 to 10 seconds so they can snap pictures and take video of you petting the dolphin so they can sell them back to you at $20 a pop. Don't count on having your buddies taking these pictures themselves from shore because they, the cameramen, will position themselves between you with the dolphin and your friend that you asked to "take your camera and get a couple shots of you with your camera". Then they drag out the picture taking of the other people in your group getting their 10 seconds. There are lengthy gaps and lots of small talk by the trainer between each petting so their photographers can set up and angle the shots. Then comes the big climax, they call your name again to get your picture by their photographers, now hugging and or kissing the dolphin. Enjoy this time because this is the "swim", you just don't know it yet. You may get 15 seconds with the dolphin you may get a solid minute. That time is determined by the photographers trying to get the "money shot". Again as a means to sell the pictures and video of you with the dolphin that your friend was too obstructed from getting on shore. This process of taking pictures burns another 10 minutes, feel privileged if you actually made contact with the dolphin for more than 45 seconds total over the course of your petting and hugging/kissing time. So what to do with the last 10 minutes of your $184.00 "Deluxe Encounter" tour? Remember that mask that you wasted valuable "swim time" getting fitted for. Still in waist deep water you squat down and attempt to get your face below the waterline which by the way is a complete struggle because of the meaningless life vest you are wearing is forcing you above the water line. They have the dolphin swim by real fast a dozen or so times and you get to see it swim under the water through the prospective of a mask. YIPPY! Your tour is now over just shy of 45 minutes and for $184.00 a person and they will remind you to check out your pictures of yourself petting and hugging a dolphin, for sale in the gift shop. Buyer beware this is one expensive photo op to pet, hug and kiss dolphins. THERE IS NO SWIMMING WITH THE DOLPINS. That is a flat out lie. Look at the pictures posted by other Yelp reviewers, they are all petting and hugging,of dolphins. I know this is how capitalism works but Dolphin Quest be aware this is how Yelp works. We expose the misleading advertising and tell about our actual experiences and empower other consumers to make educated decisions. I'm going to end this review with this. I felt more upset for the caged dolphins doing what they had to do to do get a fish then the 45 minutes of my life, I'll never get back and the $184.00 wasted. read more

Dolphin Quest - Tours Near Me - Waikoloa, Hawaii

Easily the best experience I've had. Our guide Kayla was amazing! Very informative and fun! We wanted the dolphins to kiss us and she made that happen. Overall it was 30 minutes long, but a lot was done in a short time. We got to meet multiple dolphins including a baby! You tell the dolphins to do tricks yourself and even feed them! I recommend this to anyone who travels to Hawaii! read more

Dolphin Quest - Saying bye to the dolphin - Tours Near Me - Waikoloa, Hawaii

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This was a wonderful experience for the family. Seeing my kids smile and hearing them laugh with pure joy was worth the price. I have to admit the price had me thinking twice but in the end it was worth it. My littlest one was nervous but our guide/instructor was excellent at putting him at ease and engaging him in the experience. The pictures came out wonderful and captured the all the best parts of our time with the dolphins. read more