If you want the best of Oahu’s leeward coast, Waianae boat tours make it easy to choose your lane. You can slip onto a small eco boat at sunrise for dolphin sightings and clear snorkel stops, or board a bigger catamaran with shade, lunch, and a waterslide if comfort wins. Winter brings humpbacks, reefs draw turtles, and the harbor starts early. The trick is knowing which boat actually fits your day.
Key Takeaways
- Waianae boat tours usually last 2–4 hours, departing from Waianae Harbor or Ko Olina, with morning check-ins offering calmer seas and clearer visibility.
- Best dolphin and snorkel options range from budget catamaran sails around $89 to semi-private eco safaris costing $180–$245.
- Small-group tours carry about 10–16 guests for guided wildlife encounters, while larger catamarans add lunch, waterslides, shade, and restrooms.
- Common sightings include spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, and humpback whales, with whale watching best from December through March.
- Choose operators following NOAA wildlife guidelines, as crews may adjust snorkeling or water entry based on safety, visibility, and animal welfare.
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Best Waianae Boat Tours at a Glance
From quick whale-watch sails to full dolphin-and-snorkel safaris, Waianae’s best boat tours cover a wide range of budgets and styles. You’ll find 3 to 4 hour trips leaving Waianae Harbor or nearby Ko Olina, with most adult fares landing between $140 and $245. The West Oahu dolphin-and-snorkel sail also includes lunch as part of the experience. Many travelers choose West Side ocean packages for the variety of dolphin and snorkel options available from Waianae.
For a crowd-pleasing Snorkel Tour, top-rated catamaran cruises pair wild dolphin spotting with lunch, slides, and reef time. If you want a more intimate Dolphin Swim experience, small-group safaris led by marine biologists keep groups around 10 to 16 and focus on conservation, shade, and easier in-water guidance. Budget travelers can still get on the water with short Whale Watching or dolphin sails from about $89 to $140. Many of these trips fall under West Oahu ocean tours departing from Ko Olina and Waianae. Expect strong odds of seeing spinner dolphins, turtles, and winter humpbacks, plus salty spray and occasional choppy seas.
How to Choose the Right Waianae Boat Tour
You’ll get the best fit by matching your tour style to your day on the water, from easy 2 to 3 hour catamaran sails out of Waianae or Ko Olina to longer offshore runs that can bring spinner dolphins, turtles, and winter whales into view. Some operators also offer North Shore marine life cruises focused on dolphins, turtles, rays, and seasonal whales. Families who want a softer introduction to ocean excursions may also prefer turtle snorkel cruises with water slides and a more kid-friendly setup. If you’re prone to seasickness, choose a gentler boat, read reviews for calm crew support and clear ladder entry, and don’t treat a high-speed ride like a free roller coaster. It also pays to check what’s included, from snorkel gear to restrooms and refund policies, so you know exactly what kind of morning you’re booking. Travelers also comparing Oahu water outings often look at Kaneohe Bay sandbar tours for a calmer, family-friendly option.
Tour Style Match
How do you pick the right Waianae boat tour when the options range from quiet eco-safaris to lively catamarans with a waterslide? Start with your travel style. If you want close-up wildlife time, book a small-group trip like the Small-Group Dolphin Turtle & Whale Safari. You’ll get a more personal pace, smart guidance, and better odds for Snorkeling with Turtles in clear West Oahu water.
If your crew wants more action, choose a Poseidon catamaran. The waterslide, lunch, and roomy deck turn the day into a floating playground. Some tours also include Waikiki pickup and lunch, which can make planning much easier for first-time visitors. Many travelers also compare Ko Olina cruises when weighing West Side departure options. If humpbacks are your focus, look for a West Oahu Deluxe Whale option during winter. Want the easiest, cheapest outing? Short Waikiki cruises work well, but Waianae launches usually give you more offshore wildlife and brighter dry-side visibility to enjoy. Morning departures are often a smart pick because calmer water and clearer early conditions can make snorkeling more enjoyable.
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Safety And Seasickness
The right fit isn’t just about slides, snacks, or whale season. You also want safety-first policies and a plan for seasickness, because offshore dolphin runs can turn queasy fast. Smart operators won’t let you enter the water if currents, surge, visibility, or marine hazards look wrong. Similar standards apply on snorkel trips and charters departing from nearby harbors. Responsible crews also follow wildlife viewing distances and avoid entering protected animals’ space.
- Choose shorter 1 to 3 hour nearshore cruises or sheltered West Oahu launches.
- Look for stabilizing hulls, shaded seating, private restrooms, and easy boarding ladders.
- Book crews with passenger-care training, ideally a lifeguard‑certified crew and small groups.
- Check cancellation rules, since good captains reschedule when conditions aren’t safe.
If you’re motion-prone, take prevention on time, sit mid-ship, sip water, skip heavy drinks, and keep the bathroom close. Your stomach will thank you later. Oahu also offers sunset cruises alongside snorkel boats and other top cruise options, so comfort features matter across many tour styles.
Best Waianae Dolphin Swim Tours
If you want the best Waianae dolphin swim tours, you’ll find standout small-group safaris that pair wild dolphin sightings with reef snorkeling and guides who actually teach you what you’re seeing. You can choose a nimble marine safari or a roomier catamaran, with most trips running about 3 to 4 hours from Waianae and adding useful perks like shade, restrooms, lunch, or even a waterslide if you’re feeling bold. Before you book, it’s smart to compare crew style, group size, and what’s included, because the best tour for you might be the one with marine biologists on board and the calmest path back to the boat.
Top Dolphin Swim Picks
Plunge into Waianae’s best dolphin swim tours and you’ll find a clear split between intimate small-boat trips and lively bigger catamarans. If you want classic dolphin tours, you can Swim with Dolphins on 3 to 4 hour outings that often pair Turtle Snorkeling, lunch, and West Oahu views. For travelers comparing island launch points, Waikiki departure options can also shape how you plan a snorkel-and-sail day on Oahu. Travelers without a rental car may also want hotel pickup options when comparing ocean tours across Oahu.
- Semi-private boats usually carry 10 to 16 guests and cost about $180 to $245.
- Many trips include marine-biologist guides, free cancellation, and a smart ethical focus.
- Bigger catamarans fit up to 42 passengers, add waterslides and extra decks, and run about $179 to $199.
- Expect frequent wild sightings, but bring motion sickness meds and reef-safe sunscreen.
Several dolphin swim tours in Oahu rank among the most popular ways to combine wildlife viewing, snorkeling, and scenic boat time on the west side. You’ll hear excited splashes, scan bright blue water, and quickly learn whether you prefer space, slides, or a quieter ride offshore.
Small-Group Marine Safaris
Often, Waianae’s best dolphin swim tours feel more like marine safaris than party cruises, with just 10 to 16 guests on board and a naturalist or marine biologist guiding the day. You get 3 to 4 hours to focus on wildlife, not crowds, and the mood stays intimate, curious, and calm.
These small-group marine safaris center on ethical encounters, so crews won’t force approaches while swimming with dolphins or send you in if currents, visibility, or animal welfare look wrong. Typical routes pair spinner or bottlenose sightings with a turtle snorkel, and from December through March you might spot humpbacks too. Expect clearer Waianae water, smart commentary, and real flexibility. These family-friendly tours are especially well suited to first-time visitors who want a calmer, more educational introduction to Oahu’s marine life. Bring motion-sickness meds, a rash guard, and patience for splashy, sometimes chaotic entries. It’s adventure, not choreography, out there.
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Catamarans And Inclusions
For travelers who want more comfort without losing the wildlife focus, Waianae’s dolphin swim tours frequently use double-hulled catamarans that feel steady and roomy even when the coast gets choppy. On a catamaran cruise, you’ll usually get shaded seating, restrooms, snorkel gear, and guidance from marine biologists or naturalists. Many itineraries also highlight ocean views alongside chances to spot dolphins, whales, and turtles. These features also make them strong group options for families and friends traveling together.
- Expect 2 to 4 hours on the water, with dolphin, snorkel, or whale combos.
- Prices often start near $89 and can reach $199 with lunch and waterslides.
- Some boats add double-decker views, freshwater showers, private restrooms, and premium bars.
- Crews may limit groups or skip water entry when visibility drops or dolphins need space.
Some Hawaii operators also promote turtles guaranteed snorkel experiences, which can appeal to travelers comparing wildlife-focused catamaran outings across Oahu.
A Snorkel Sail often feels easygoing, with salt spray, clear narration, and the occasional squeaky kid on the slide too.
Best Waianae Dolphin Watch Cruises
While Waianae’s calm morning coast can feel almost too pretty to be real, the best dolphin watch cruises here earn their reputation with more than scenery. You’ll find standout Dolphin Watching trips that balance wildlife respect, clear safety calls, and smart crew guidance. Many Oahu dolphin tours from Waianae also combine swim, watch, and snorkel options for travelers who want more than a simple sightseeing cruise. Travelers comparing marine excursions elsewhere on Oahu often also research boat rentals for exploring Kaneohe Bay.
| Tour | Why choose it | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Dolphin Safari | 4.9 from 615 reviews | $194 |
| Small-Group Safari | 10 guests, biologists | $245 |
| West Oahu Sail | Catamaran, lunch options | $140 |
| Sea-fari style trips | Conservation focus | Varies |
If you want expert insight, book the semi-private safari. If value matters, choose the catamaran sail. Some travelers compare dolphin watch and swim tours first, since not every Oahu experience includes in-water time with marine life. You may also spot Whale sightings in season. Some outings mention Snorkeling with sea turtles, but seas shift fast, so operators may limit water entry when visibility drops. Rash guards help in 77 to 81°F water.
Best Waianae Snorkel Tours With Turtles
If you want calm, clear turtle snorkeling, Waianae puts you on Oahu’s drier west side where warm blue water often brings the best visibility. You’ll find family-friendly tours that last about three hours, often include lunch, and range from nimble small-group boats to catamarans with waterslides that keep kids grinning. Some luxury options also combine snorkeling with a dolphin watch and a local buffet for a more upscale West Oahu day on the water. Some tours also include gear and guidance similar to a Turtle Canyon snorkel adventure, which can help first-timers feel more prepared in the water. Conditions still call the shots, so your crew may pause water entry if currents or visibility turn rough, but that careful approach usually makes the trip feel smarter and more relaxed. For travelers comparing Oahu turtle spots, Waianae stands out for pairing frequent marine life sightings with generally sunny west-side conditions.
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Turtle Snorkel Highlights
Often, the best Waianae turtle snorkel tours head straight for the Makaha and Makua reef cleaning stations, where green sea turtles glide through clear blue water as reef fish flicker around them. You slip in and watch the slow ballet below, with sunlight flashing across shells and coral heads. Like a Turtle Canyon snorkel, these trips often work best in calm morning conditions when visibility is higher and the water is smoother.
- Most trips last 3 to 4 hours and leave mid-morning from Waianae or Ko Olina.
- Expect about $139 to $199 per adult, depending on lunch, photos, or a waterslide.
- Small-group eco tours, often capped at 10 to 16 guests, use marine naturalists and may guarantee sightings.
- Summer and fall usually bring the clearest turtle snorkel conditions, with warm 79 to 81 degree water.
Choose a nimble RIB or roomy catamaran. Both make turtle cleaning stations easy to reach. Oahu travelers comparing ocean activities often also research jet ski rental spots before planning a full adventure day. Before heading out, use a simple 5-step plan for visiting Waianae Harbor so your departure goes more smoothly.
Best Family-Friendly Options
Usually, the best family-friendly Waianae snorkel tours make the day feel easy before you even reach the reef. You’ll notice the wins fast: shade, a private restroom, and small groups. Oʻahu Sea-fari Expeditions keeps trips intimate, with marine biologists guiding kids and first-time snorkeling without fuss.
If you want value, the West Oahu Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Sail adds lunch, roomy catamaran seating, and easy boarding for about $140 per adult. Many families prefer snorkel tours with lunch because they turn the outing into a full ocean day without extra planning. Families who prefer a shorter outing can also look for a marine life cruise style trip from nearby Haleiwa that focuses on wildlife viewing without turning the day into a marathon. Dedicated turtle safaris often guarantee sightings, while lifeguard-certified crews and reef-safe habits help you relax. Semi-private boats cap guests at 16, so young swimmers get real attention. Morning departures at 7:00 or 10:30 also help with naps and moods. For extra comfort, larger sailing catamarans add restrooms, shaded space, Dolphins, and seasonal whales too. If you’re planning to pair your boat day with land-based shopping, the nearby Aloha Stadium Swap Meet & Marketplace is open every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday with over 400 vendors in a open-air market setting.
Best Waianae Whale Watching Tours
For one of West Oahu’s most memorable wildlife outings, Waianae whale watching gives you a front-row seat to humpback season from about December through March. On Oahu, you’ll find scenic sails, helpful crews, and a real chance to spot a Whale breaching beyond the coast. For many visitors, it also works well as a first-day tour that introduces Oahu’s coastal scenery right away.
Waianae whale watching puts you close to Oahu’s humpback season with scenic sails and unforgettable breaching views offshore.
Many travelers consider these among the top options for whale watching tours on Oahu.
- Book the West Oahu Deluxe Whale Watching Sail from Waianae Harbor for a 2-hour catamaran cruise from about $89.
- Choose charters with guaranteed sightings, so you’ll usually get a return ride if whales stay hidden.
- Look for afternoon or sunset departures, when spouts and breaches often light up the horizon.
- Reserve early if you want premium tours with marine biologists, binoculars, and sharp narration.
For smoother planning, review the pickup options and timing details before your West Oahu Deluxe Whale Watching Sail.
You’ll hear excited shouts, camera clicks, and the slap of water if the show gets dramatic.
Best Small-Group Waianae Boat Tours
A handful of Waianae’s best boat tours keep the guest list small, so you don’t have to fight for rail space when dolphins surface or a turtle glides below the reef. On Oʻahu Sea-fari Expeditions, you’ll ride with just 10 to 16 guests, plus marine biologists or naturalists who explain what you’re seeing without turning the trip into class.
If you want the most intimate option, the Small-group Dolphin, Turtle & Whale Safari caps numbers around 10. You get 3 to 4 hours on the water, shade, a private bathroom, and a strong 5.0 rating. Other short Waianae safaris keep groups around 4 to 16 and focus on dolphin swims, turtle reef snorkels, and winter whales. Crews put safety first, so if seas get rough, nobody plays hero. Travelers comparing island experiences often also look at Windward Coast tours from Kāneʻohe for sandbar and Kualoa options.
Best Family-Friendly Waianae Boat Tours
Traveling with kids changes the math, and Waianae’s best family-friendly boat tours make that easier with shade, restrooms, calmer west-side water, and crews that know how to keep things relaxed.
- Choose Oʻahu Sea-fari’s Best of the West for marine biologists, shade, a private restroom, and just 10 to 16 guests.
- Pick the Wild Dolphin Watching and Snorkel Safari if your crew wants turtles, wild dolphins in Oahu, and smoother water.
- Book the semi-private Dolphin, Turtle & Whale Safari for expert narration, a bathroom, shade, and an easy educational pace.
- Keep it simple with shorter catamaran sails near Waianae, where stable decks, shaded seating, and lower seasickness risk help.
These family-friendly snorkeling tours let you focus on smiles, salt air, and spotting fins instead of logistics.
Best Waianae Boat Tours With Lunch
Cruising with lunch built in turns a Waianae boat day into an easy win. You get more ocean time and less planning, which feels especially good after a salty Snorkel stop. Top picks include a 3-hour luxury catamaran dolphin watch and snorkel sail from about $140, plus a 4-hour Poseidon trip with a waterslide from about $199.
| Tour vibe | Why it feels good |
|---|---|
| Scenic catamaran | You relax under shade, hear waves hiss, and still get lunch. |
| Waterslide adventure | You laugh, splash, and maybe swim with Dolphins if conditions allow. |
Many tours also include snorkeling gear, restrooms, and a simple sandwich lunch. Check reviews, free cancellation, and safety policies first, because ethical crews won’t force wildlife encounters or risky water time.
Best Waianae Boat Tours With Waikiki Pickup
If you’re staying in Waikiki, these Waianae boat tours make the day easy with hotel pickup and a smooth ride to the harbor. You can expect mid-morning departures, early afternoon returns, and useful extras like lunch, snorkel gear, and sometimes even a waterslide if you like a little splash with your sightseeing. With catamarans, double-deck boats, and popular tours that can sell out fast, you’ve got solid options if you want less planning and more time watching for dolphins offshore.
Tours With Hotel Pickup
Skip the rental car and let Waikiki pickup do the heavy lifting. If you want Waianae boat tours without the freeway puzzle, these hotel pickup options keep things easy and beach-day smooth. You can book a dolphin swim catamaran from about $179 to $199 per adult, while some seasonal whale sails land closer to $89 to $99.
- Oahu Dolphin and Snorkel Tour offers Waikiki pickup, runs 3 hours, and starts around $183.
- Honolulu Dolphin Swim and Turtle Snorkel Excursion also includes Waikiki pickup and earns strong reviews.
- Most tours last about 3 to 4 hours and often sell out fast.
- Free cancellation appears often, so you can reserve early without sweaty palms.
For you, that means less planning, more salt air, and a faster path to West Oahu water.
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Inclusions And Timing
Waikiki pickup gets you to the harbor with less hassle, but the real question is what the day actually includes and when it starts. Most Waianae outings with Waikiki pickup run about three hours, with morning check-ins from 7:00 to 11:30 so you get calmer water, brighter visibility, and less chop.
You’ll usually get snorkeling gear, lunch or sandwiches, drinks, a restroom onboard, and a trained crew that covers safety and marine life. Some trips include biologists, which adds context to dolphin sightings and snorkeling with wild reef fish and turtles. Expect to arrive 20 to 30 minutes early, then board a catamaran or rigid inflatable with sun and shade. Prices often land around $166 to $199, with premium safaris at $245 and up. Conditions always decide water entry.
Best For Waikiki Guests
For guests staying in Waikiki, the best Waianae boat tours are the ones that handle the ride west and still give you a full morning on the water. You skip the rental car puzzle and still get time to swim with dolphins, snorkel turtle spots, and settle into a catamaran with shade, restrooms, and lunch.
- Choose Waikiki pickup if you want easy logistics and more beach time later.
- Look for 3 to 3.5 hour tours priced about $166 to $199 per adult.
- For stronger reviews, check the Honolulu Dolphin Swim and Turtle Snorkel Excursion, around 4.8 stars.
- Book early. Many popular Waikiki pickup trips are labeled likely to sell out.
You’ll often ride larger boats like double-decker catamarans, with salty breezes and fewer planning headaches overall.
Waianae Boat Tours by Price
Start with your budget, then match it to the kind of day you want on the water. During whale season, budget sails start near $89, while West Oahu Dolphin Watch trips with snorkeling and lunch usually land in the $140 to $199 range.
| Price | Tour style | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|
| $89 | Seasonal whale sail | Breezy deck, spouts on the horizon |
| $140 | Dolphin watch + snorkel | Salt spray, reef colors, simple lunch |
| $183 | Dolphin and snorkel tour | Fast sightings, bright masks, blue water |
| $194 to $199 | Dolphin swim safari | Waterslide laughs, fins kicking, louder energy |
| $245+ | Small-group wildlife safari | Quieter boat, expert narration, closer attention |
If you want more space and deeper wildlife insight, prices rise quickly. Choose the mood first, then book early.
Best Private and Luxury Waianae Charters
Private-charter days in Waianae shift the whole mood from crowded excursion to choose-your-own-ocean afternoon. You set the pace, whether you want fishing, snorkeling, or a sunset run, and many private charters last about five hours from roughly $600 per group.
- Book a luxury catamaran if you want shade, restrooms, lunch, and roomy decks for two to three easy hours.
- Pick boutique trips with 10 to 16 guests for naturalist guidance, quieter wildlife viewing, and more personal service.
- Look for Ko Nau Lani or Poseidon when comfort matters. Showers, premium bars, and double-decker views make the ride smoother.
- Add catered lunches or photography packages for a VIP day.
Peak dates sell fast, so reserve early if privacy matters. Your future self will thank you.
What Travelers Say About Waianae Boat Tours
Dig into reviews of Waianae boat tours and you’ll notice a clear pattern. You’re likely to rave about wildlife first. Guests love spotting wild dolphins, especially spinner and bottlenose pods, and many mention a sea turtle gliding below the snorkel line. Crews also earn praise for calm instructions, local knowledge, and genuine care.
| What you’ll hear | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Wild dolphin sightings | Memorable, often trip-defining |
| Sea turtle encounters | Great for snorkelers |
| Caring crew | Better guidance and education |
| Seasickness complaints | Tough for sensitive travelers |
| Small-group tours win | More ethical, less chaotic |
You’ll also see practical notes. Some travelers report seasickness, even with medication. Others mention crowded entries, awkward ladders, and bathroom access. Still, ratings stay strong, especially for smaller conservation-minded boats.
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Seasickness and Safety on Waianae Boat Tours
Often, the biggest surprise on a Waianae boat tour isn’t the dolphins. It’s seasickness. Deep-water runs can get bouncy, and some travelers still feel miserable even after Dramamine. If you know you’re sensitive, plan like a pro and pick operators using stable catamarans, which usually roll less than smaller inflatables.
- Bring non-drowsy meds or ask your doctor about scopolamine.
- Arrive early, listen closely, and follow water entry instructions.
- Choose shade, drink water, and wear a rash guard.
- Look for private restrooms, life jackets, and trained guides.
You’ll also want to respect each company’s safety policies. Good crews won’t force snorkeling in poor visibility, rough surge, or strong currents. If they cancel or keep you onboard, that’s smart seamanship, not bad luck. Your stomach may grumble, but your trip stays safer.
When to Book Waianae Boat Tours for Best Availability
Usually, the best Waianae boat tours disappear from the calendar sooner than you’d think, especially when winter whales arrive and holiday travelers stack the coast. If you want popular West Oahu dolphin and snorkel catamaran trips, book 2 to 4 weeks ahead during December through April.
For guaranteed whale-season departures from late December into early May, reserve 3 to 6 weeks early. Sunset humpback sails often carry fewer passengers and fill fast. Small-group safaris, marine-biologist outings, and boutique charters can vanish even sooner, so give yourself 4 to 8 weeks if your date really matters.
If you’re flexible, you can still get lucky. Shorter Waikiki cruises and some afternoon Waianae whale watches sometimes open up within the same week. Check cancellation windows, choose refundable fares, and stalk cancellations 24 to 72 hours out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Age Restrictions for Dolphin Swim or Snorkel Tours?
Yes, you’ll often face age requirements for dolphin swim or snorkel tours. You should check each operator’s supervision policies and liability waivers, since some allow all ages, while others restrict younger children for safety.
Can Non-Swimmers Join Waianae Boat Tours Safely?
Yes, you can join safely; forewarned is forearmed. You’ll get life jackets, shore briefings, and often seasickness remedies. You can stay onboard, enjoy wildlife viewing, and count on crew prioritizing safe conditions over water entry.
What Should I Bring on a Waianae Boat Tour?
Bring sun protection like reef-safe sunscreen and a hat, plus a towel, rash guard, motion remedies, waterproof storage, ID, payment, and your camera. You’ll stay comfortable, protect coral, handle spray, and capture great underwater photos.
Are Marine Sightings Guaranteed on Waianae Boat Tours?
No, marine sightings aren’t guaranteed; they’re a roll of the dice. You face wildlife variability and weather dependency, while operators prioritize safety. You’ll want tour operator feedback, since some offer rebooking or refund options.
Do Waianae Boat Tours Provide Reef-Safe Sunscreen or Gear?
Some do, but you shouldn’t count on sunscreen availability. Bring your own reef safe products. You’ll often get snorkeling equipment, while rental gear like wetsuits or rash guards depends on the operator, so confirm before booking.
Conclusion
Book early if you’re eyeing winter weekends. Some of the smallest Waianae boats carry only 10 to 16 guests, and those spots vanish fast. If you want calm water, clear views, and the best odds for dolphins, you’ll want a morning departure. Then you can settle in, hear the slap of waves on the hull, and scan the blue horizon for fins, turtles, or a humpback breach. Not a bad way to spend three hours.
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