Ko Olina ocean adventures vs Ocean Joy snorkelling tour

Question

We're looking at doing a snorkelling morning tour end of November. It would be with 2 young kids (3 and 6). We've done them before on other islands and the kids like them. My oldest has gone in to snorkel back in April.

Trying to decide between Ko Olina ocean adventures and Ocean joy as both seems the most recommended/highest rated. Online, there seems to be an edge to Ko Olina ocean adventures but small.

I'm trying to understand how they compare in case anyone has done both. From reading online, it seems the Ocean joy one goes further and does 1 stop only. With the tour lasting 3.5 hours. The Ko Olina adventures seem to do 2 stops so it doesn't sail as much. There seems to be some comments suggesting the staff at Ko Olina adventures might be a little bit more friendly as well.

I think our criterias would be:

1. Which one is better for young kids. which tour is more kid friendly with a more kid friendly staff.

2. Which one will they see more marine life on (ex: dolphins and turtles)

Answer

Both Ko Olina Ocean Adventures and Ocean Joy are excellent choices for a morning snorkeling tour on Oahu, and both are highly rated for families. Since you’re traveling with young kids (ages 3 and 6), the main differences to consider are duration, number of stops, sailing time, and the overall kid-friendliness of the crew.

Here’s a detailed comparison based on the criteria you mentioned:

Kid-Friendly Experience: Ko Olina Ocean Adventures is generally considered more family-oriented for younger children. Because the tour is shorter in sailing distance and includes two snorkeling stops, it provides more flexibility for kids who may get restless on longer trips. Many reviewers comment that the staff are especially patient and accommodating with little ones, offering reassurance and guidance while snorkeling.
Ocean Joy has a slightly longer tour (about 3.5 hours) with one main snorkeling stop. While it’s still family-friendly, the extended sailing time may be challenging for very young children, especially if they aren’t used to sitting for a long boat ride. The staff are professional, but the overall vibe can feel a bit more “tourist-focused” rather than tailored to young kids.
Both companies provide life jackets, flotation devices, and kid-size snorkeling gear, but Ko Olina may offer a bit more hands-on support for first-time little snorkelers.

Marine Life Viewing: Ocean Joy typically sails further offshore, which can increase your chances of spotting larger marine life like dolphins or manta rays. However, Ko Olina Ocean Adventures’ multiple stops mean you get more opportunities to see turtles, reef fish, and coral in shallow waters—this can be more engaging for young children who enjoy seeing colorful fish up close.
Neither company can guarantee dolphin sightings, as these are wild animals, but both have strong track records. For younger kids, being able to see turtles and fish without long stretches of boat travel can be a more rewarding experience.

Summary & Recommendation:

For families with very young kids (3–6 years), Ko Olina Ocean Adventures is often the better fit due to shorter boat time, two snorkeling stops, and staff who are more focused on making the experience comfortable and fun for little ones.
If your family is comfortable with longer boat rides and you’re hoping to maximize the chance of seeing dolphins or other offshore marine life, Ocean Joy could be a good option, especially for kids who are already comfortable on boats.
Consider morning departure times for calmer waters and the best chance at seeing marine life. Both companies provide life jackets, flotation gear, and instruction, but Ko Olina’s smaller sailing distance and multiple stops make it particularly suitable for kids new to snorkeling.

Overall, for a family with a 3-year-old and a 6-year-old, Ko Olina Ocean Adventures offers a slightly more relaxed, kid-focused experience while still providing great snorkeling opportunities and a chance to see turtles and tropical fish up close.