Hawai'ian Marine Life

Ocean Views & Swim

Guests may enjoy an optional swim before wine tasting in the luminous turquoise and sapphire waters of Hawaiʻi’s coastline.

Sea temperatures range from approximately 70°F in winter to 80°F in summer. These vibrant, life-filled waters are home to a rich diversity of marine species.

We invite you to enter with care and respect, helping us protect this delicate ocean world as you experience its beauty firsthand. Dive into its untamed blues and share in its wonder.

Artisan Photo Gallery

Specialty Photography by

$155 per group

Hawai'ian Green Sea Turtles

Spinner Dolphins

Humpback Whales

Hawai'ian Monk Seals

Rays- Eagle, Manta & Sting

Honolulu Locals Directory

Honu

In Hawaiian culture, honu are symbols of good luck, endurance, and guidance, often regarded as ʻaumākua, or family guardian spirits.

They are among the largest sea turtles in the world, growing up to four feet long and weighing between 300 and 400 pounds. They’re called “green” not because of their shell, but because of the greenish fat beneath their skin. Along the south shore of O‘ahu, these turtles regularly visit a popular cleaning site known as Turtle Canyons, where golden-eye surgeonfish feed on the algae growing on their shells, called the carapace.

Nai'a

Hawaiian spinner dolphins, known locally as nai‘a, are famous for their acrobatic spins out of the water — sometimes rotating up to seven times in a single jump.

They’re smaller than many dolphins, usually about six to seven feet long, and travel in large pods. These dolphins hunt for fish and squid offshore at night, then return to calm, shallow bays during the day to rest and socialize. In Hawaiian culture, dolphins are seen as symbols of protection, playfulness, and strong family bonds.

Because they use nearshore waters to rest, it’s important to give them space, helping keep them healthy and stress-free.

Koholā

Every winter, between December and April, thousands of humpback whales migrate from Alaska to the warm waters of Hawai‘i to breed, give birth, and nurse their calves.

These whales can grow up to about 50 feet long and weigh as much as 40 tons. You’ll often see them breaching, tail slapping, and even spy-hopping to look around. In Hawaiian culture, whales are respected as powerful ʻaumākua, or ancestral guardians — and today they’re protected by law, making Hawai‘i one of the world’s most important humpback whale sanctuaries.

Hawaiian monk seals, known as ʻīlio-holo-i-ka-uaua, are one of the rarest seal species in the world and are found only in Hawai‘i.

They spend much of their time resting on beaches and rocky shores, so if you see one, it’s important to give them plenty of space. In Hawaiian culture, they’re respected as ocean guardians — and today they’re protected by law as an endangered species.

īlio-holo-i-ka-uaua

ka-uaua

īlio-holo-i-

Hawaiian rays, including the beautiful spotted eagle ray, are often seen gliding through the water like underwater birds.

Spotted eagle rays are easy to recognize by their long tails and white spots, and their wingspan can reach up to ten feet across. They use their flat teeth to crush shellfish hiding in the sand and reef. In Hawaiian culture, rays are associated with grace and protection — and spotting one is always a special treat while out on the water.

Hihimanu

Hāhālua

I'a fish

Nautical Wine Tours

Photography Package

By

Zosha Photography LLC

Stories written in water and light

The photography package includes both onboard and underwater photography. Let us know if you prefer natural, candid images without the paparazzi feel, or if you’d like to take time during your cruise for an intentional, guided photo session.

In the water, learn how to glide, pose, and create dynamic angles alongside Hawaiʻi’s vibrant marine life and sculptural coral formations.

Each guest receives a minimum of 20 professionally edited photographs, ready to share or print. Unique packages available upon request.

Select photo package when booking.

$155 per group