4 Up-Close Encounters with Sea Creatures

Sharks and whales and manatees—oh my! For a kid fascinated by marine life, there’s nothing more exciting than interacting with a finned friend in its natural habitat. Got a water baby in your family? Here are four encounters that let you get up-close and personal with some not-so-scary sea creatures.

Go Eye-to-Eye With a Blue Whale: Dana Point, California

In Southern California, the greatest show on earth happens every year from May to October, when blue whales arrive by the hundredfold to spend the summer in the krill-rich waters off Dana Point. For an intimate look at these ocean giants, which can grow up to 100 feet long, hop onboard Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari, departing from Dana Point Harbor. There’s no need to bring a waterproof camera; the 50-foot Manute’a sailing catamaran is equipped with two underwater viewing pods for close encounters with whales and dolphins.

Snorkel with Sea Turtles: Oahu, Hawaii

The quartet of manmade, crescent-shaped lagoons at Ko Olina on Oahu are slices of calm-water heaven for families with small children. Once a haven for Hawaiian royalty to rest and relax, the area now attracts local beach goers and guests from Aulani, the Disney resort. Wild Side Specialty Tours, based in Wai'anae, offers opportunities to swim with wild dolphins or snorkel up to a “turtle cleaning station” where you can witness sea turtles being groomed by reef fish. Traveling with toddlers? Attend the daily, oh-so-tame fish feeding session at JW Marriott Ihilani Resort.

( MORE: Planning a trip to Oahu? Start here. )