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Ocean Joy Cruises, Hawaii
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DOLPHIN SMART PROGRAM

Dolphin Smart Logo
We are blessed to live and operate on the Wai’anae Coast of O’ahu, Hawai’i.  We happen to share this pristine coastline with several resident pods of Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins.  They live and play on this side of the island and we are honored to be able to witness them in their natural environment.

Sadly, over the years we’ve seen a growth in swim-with-dolphins tours here on our coast.  These tours insist on dropping people directly into the path of these wild animals.  Scientists say this invasive activity is the likely cause for a noticeable decline in Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin sightings and activity.

We are committed to view our nai’a (dolphin) friends in a respectful, safe and responsible manner.  This means only viewing them from aboard our catamaran and following the strict guidelines of NOAA’s Dolphin SMART program.

Dolphin SMART is a unique voluntary recognition and education program encouraging responsible viewing of wild dolphins. Program participation is for commercial businesses conducting and booking wild dolphin tours, or any commercial vessel that may opportunistically view wild dolphins.

Ocean Joy Cruises is proud to support the efforts of NOAA’s Dolphin SMART program in promoting responsible stewardship of wild dolphins in coastal waterways.  We were one of the first two recognized Dolphin SMART participants in the state of Hawai’i.

Mission: To promote responsible stewardship of wild dolphins in coastal waterways. 

Dolphin SMART Program Purpose:
  1. Minimize the potential of wild dolphin harassment caused by commercial viewing activities.
  2. Reduce expectations of close interaction with wild dolphins in a manner that may cause harassment.
  3. Eliminate advertising that creates expectations of engaging in activities that may cause harassment.
  4. Promote stewardship of local coastal waterways.

The Dolphin SMART program offers participation incentives for businesses that follow the program criteria and educate their customers about the importance of minimizing wild dolphin harassment. It also includes an important research component that provides insight about the daily lives of the local, wild dolphin populations. For more information about Dolphin SMART, please visit http://www.dolphinsmart.org

NOAA is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

NOAA is a scientific agency within the US Department of Commerce focused on the conditions of the oceans and the atmosphere.  NOAA warns of dangerous weather charts seas and skies, guides the use and protection of ocean and coastal resources, and conducts research to improve understanding and stewardship of the environment.

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* All photos and videos were taken while viewing from a responsible distance.  The dolphins or whales in these photos and videos approached the boat while the engines were in neutral or off. All underwater photos and videos of dolphins and whales were taken with a remote device while following guidelines for responsible viewing.

  • TripAdvisor
“Perfect Tour..."
​
Reviewed April 19, 2019

We had a wonderful time with Ocean Joy Cruises. The crew was very helpful and knowledgeable as well . Capt . John knew us moving looking for wildlife and we got to see turtles, dolphins and whales ... it was truly amazing. The lunch was a great hot meal with Hawaiian pork and chicken. Drinks made at the bar were thirst quenching. They had a photographer onboard so no need to get your phone or camera equipment wet or bring topside. You had the option to buy ALL of her photos from the trip for 40.00 sent via email link. We had great pics from cruise and she also included some of her other wildlife photos which were beautiful. We were staying at Aulani, so we drove but you also had the option for bus pick up from downtown or local area. Thank you Capt. John and crew for a perfect 4 hour tour. We will be back

Visited April 2019
  • TripAdvisor
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