Oahu Waikiki Sunset Splash & Swim: A Complete Guide

Are you headed to Oahu, and does the idea of a sunset swim in Waikiki sound pretty close to perfect? Very likely, you’ve stumbled upon the ‘Waikiki Sunset Splash & Swim’ tour. Is it worth it, though? That is certainly the big question. It’s almost a promise of amazing memories and magical moments, but before you grab your swimsuit, let’s take a relaxed look at just what this tour brings to the table. I’m here to give you the lowdown on all things Waikiki Sunset Splash & Swim, very much including if it’s right for you.

What Exactly is the Waikiki Sunset Splash & Swim?

Okay, so, first things first, what’s the actual deal with this tour? This Waikiki Sunset Splash & Swim is more or less a boat tour, typically on a catamaran, that heads out from Waikiki in the late afternoon. People are drawn by the promise of experiencing that super stunning Hawaiian sunset from the water, usually with the chance for a swim or snorkel, too. It’s almost designed to be a relaxing and visually delightful experience. The tours tend to be a few hours long, so there’s a decent amount of time to soak up the scenery, that is if that’s what you’re after.

Some tours, it appears, include drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and possibly snacks, yet it varies. The ‘splash’ element tends to be some opportunity for water activities, like swimming in the ocean or maybe even some snorkeling, relying on conditions and the exact tour you select, too. Does this sound a bit like the vacation experience you imagined? Then keep reading.

What Can You Expect on the Tour?

Right then, so, what’s a typical Waikiki Sunset Splash & Swim tour actually look like, you ask? Arguably, most tours begin with you meeting at a departure point, frequently near the Waikiki beachfront. Once aboard the catamaran, it will be more or less a relaxed sail along the coast, and people tend to get wonderful sights of Diamond Head and the Honolulu skyline.

A significant highlight tends to be when the boat anchors at a great spot, frequently near a reef, for you to partake in swimming and maybe even some snorkeling, but that is really condition-dependent. The equipment is usually supplied, as I understand it. Finally, the crescendo of the tour is absolutely when the sun starts dipping below the horizon, turning the sky into an artwork of colors. Do keep in mind, that conditions can play a part, so, very much like anything involving nature, sometimes the sunset might be hidden by clouds; it’s hard to say, but that’s life. Anyhow, that is likely a breakdown of what the tour could bring.

The High Points

Right, so, what makes this trip attractive? It might be, I believe, the chance to see Waikiki from a totally different perspective. Watching the Honolulu skyline fade into twilight as the sun dips below the ocean is almost a must-see when you are there, that is just gorgeous. The feeling of floating on the water as you watch it is special, so I hear. It is very perfect for couples seeking a romantic evening, but that said, families could definitely enjoy it, in my experience.

The ‘splash’ component, swimming and snorkeling, can be an awesome inclusion for anyone eager to see marine life up close, or simply to cool off from that Hawaiian heat. It almost offers a neat contrast between relaxed sailing and energizing water activities, too. Plus, for people traveling alone, such tours tend to be an excellent opportunity to socialize and meet new folks. Who knows, you might make a great contact.

Possible Drawbacks

Now, yet, nothing’s ever 100% perfect, and there can be some drawbacks worth weighing. Such tours tend to be pretty dependent on weather conditions, after all. Rough seas, so I hear, may cancel the trip altogether, and cloudy days might really dampen the sunset views, clearly.

Next, the number of people on the boat is that some tours can feel a bit busy, relying on the boat’s capacity, too. That’s very likely going to impact the sensation of having an intimate sunset viewing experience. If you tend to get seasick, it might be best to pop a remedy beforehand because, clearly, no one wants to spend the evening feeling unwell, especially not when on vacation. Lastly, that bit of swimming could be less amazing relying on where the boat moors; it’s very likely to be wonderful, but not a dead cert. Weigh up the pros and cons.

Choosing the Perfect Tour

Okay, should you still be thinking this sounds right up your street, then how do you pick the most amazing tour for your needs? To begin with, you have to give a good look over at the various tour operators in the area and read a bunch of reviews, so, too, it’s almost essential. That helps in finding one that usually delivers a reliably stellar experience. Take into account the size of the catamaran to get a sense of how busy it’s apt to feel.

The inclusion of amenities, it’s almost a thing to look at, too, like beverages, snacks, or snorkel equipment, really makes the activity worth your bucks. It is important to clarify if there are options for open bar or not when alcohol is involved. You can almost see if they run smaller, more intimate cruises if a busy boat isn’t right for you. Look, if possible, for tours that concentrate on responsible tourism, especially those which adhere to stringent environmental guidelines and promote marine conservation. It is always really excellent to support tourism companies that do the right thing.

What to Bring With You

Are you thinking, “Yep, this sounds awesome, what should I bring?” This might be useful. Clearly, it’s essential to pack a towel, very likely sunscreen, and perhaps a cover-up. If you tend to get cold easily, that is, as the temperature might dip once the sun sinks.

Definitely bring your camera or your phone to take all those sundown pics; they’re very much what we want, are they not? Think about waterproof casings for phones should you be planning to get them wet when swimming. Do wear a swimsuit under your attire. Ultimately, very much anything you take, make sure it’s in a waterproof bag, too, for keeping your valuables safe and away from water splashes.

Is It Really Worth It?

And here we are: is the Waikiki Sunset Splash & Swim worth the funds and the time? Usually, it boils down to what you expect from the tour. For somebody hoping to view beautiful sundown sights, get some swimming done in that awesome ocean, and very likely make memories that last, I reckon this excursion definitely has value. Just remember, conditions will always impact the day.

Having weighed the potential cons and thought of ways to handle any negatives, like maybe choosing a smaller tour group and preparing for sea conditions, there’s very good reason why so many people absolutely rave regarding these cruises. If that thought of an evening on the water, that wonderful sun reflecting on the crests as you sip something cold is perfect for you, then yeah, very likely it’s going to be super perfect. Very rarely will I say you MUST DO IT, but consider this strongly.

I think a good analogy would be buying fresh sushi at a high end eatery versus making it at home. At the restaurant the fish is top quality and cut perfectly and the preparation has been done by an experienced expert chef who’s done it thousands of times. If you like raw fish it’s going to be well worth paying somebody who knows what they’re doing, in order to get a delicious treat.

Real Stories From The Sea: Tourist Reviews

One happy traveler on TripAdvisor said the trip “was the high point of my vacation. Seeing the sunset from the water while swimming was sensational!” Conversely, one user commented that their journey was “very cramped, with a lot of folks, yet, the sunset view saved it.” Very much different opinions of the exact same activity; so that shows why it really varies!

What Else Can You Do In Waikiki?

As long as you are planning your schedule, it might be good to see just what else there is. Have a look along the waterfront shops; there are loads and loads of souvenir and specialty locations. Have a go at surfing or even simply get those tan lines building up on that popular, sweeping beach. And if it’s food you’re after then clearly there are tons and tons of great eateries around. No excuse not to experience Oahu to the max.

Ultimately it should be all regarding chilling and enjoying, in some respects; that’s why you reserved that break in the very first place.