The Kohola Whale Watching Excursion offers an exceptional opportunity to witness the majestic humpback whales and other marine life up close. Departing from Honokohau Harbor in Kailua-Kona, this eco-friendly tour provides personalized attention on a small boat, ensuring an intimate encounter with the wonders of the ocean. With complimentary snorkeling equipment and snacks, the experience caters to travelers seeking an unforgettable adventure. However, the true highlight of this excursion lies in the potential sightings of these magnificent creatures, leaving participants in awe and anticipation.
Key Points
- The Kohola Whale Watching Excursion is a highly-rated 5.0 out of 5.0 based on 17 reviews, with 100% traveler recommendation.
- The tour departs from Honokohau Harbor in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and starts at 1:00 PM.
- Inclusions cover snorkeling equipment, snacks, soda, and bottled water, with encouragement to bring a reusable water bottle.
- Participants must be at least 4 feet tall and under 250 pounds, and the tour is not suitable for those with certain medical conditions.
- Travelers praise the knowledgeable crew, close encounters with whales and dolphins, and the smaller boat design for enhanced visibility.
Overview
The Kohola Whale Watching Excursion is a highly-rated tour on the Big Island of Hawaii, USA.
With a 5.0 rating based on 17 reviews, the tour boasts a 100% traveler recommendation.
The tour takes place at Honokohau Harbor, Kailua-Kona, and departs at 1:00 PM.
Included in the tour are snorkeling equipment, snacks, soda, and bottled water.
Participants must be at least 4 feet tall and under 250 lbs.
The tour is not suitable for those with certain health conditions and is not wheelchair accessible.
Group size is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers.
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Meeting and Pickup
Where is the meeting point for the Kohola Whale Watching Excursion?
The meeting point is at Kiwailuka Big Island Hawaii, Honokohau Harbor, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA.
To get there, enter Kealakehe, then turn right and left after the gas station.
Park at the bathroom pavilion with the brown roof on the north side of the harbor.
The tour starts promptly at 1:00 PM and returns to the meeting point.
Ensure you arrive on time as the boat does not wait for late arrivals.
Inclusions
Included in the Kohola Whale Watching Excursion are use of snorkeling equipment, snacks, soda/pop, and bottled water.
Travelers are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottle to reduce waste. The snorkeling gear provided allows guests to explore the underwater world and potentially encounter marine life.
While refreshments are included, the tour does not provide a full meal, so participants may want to bring additional food if needed.
These inclusions aim to enhance the overall experience while remaining budget-friendly for the adventurous traveler seeking a memorable whale watching tour.
Requirements and Restrictions
To participate in the Kohola Whale Watching Excursion, travelers must meet certain physical and health requirements.
Guests must be at least 4 feet tall and under 250 pounds. Those with back problems, pregnancy, heart issues, or recent major surgery (within 6 months) are not suitable.
The excursion is not wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed. Guests must be able to climb a vertical ladder for snorkeling.
The tour is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers to ensure personal attention from the knowledgeable crew.
Customer Reviews
The customer reviews for the Kohola Whale Watching Excursion highlight the exceptional experience that travelers enjoyed.
Reviewers praised the knowledgeable crew, who provided personal attention and allowed them to encounter whales and dolphins up close. The smaller boat was noted as enhancing visibility of the sea life.
Travelers felt like family and appreciated the crew’s professionalism, even in rough seas. Older travelers particularly enjoyed the tour, with one reviewer commenting on seeing humpbacks up close.
Pricing and Cancellation Policy
The Kohola Whale Watching Excursion is priced from $155.00 per person.
This budget-friendly tour offers exceptional value:
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience
- Secure your spot with the "Reserve Now and Pay Later" option
- Pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees
- Adventure-seekers can enjoy the tour without breaking the bank
- Flexible booking ensures you can plan your Hawaii trip with ease
Highlights of the Excursion
With a smaller boat design, the Kohola Whale Watching Excursion enhances visibility of the captivating sea life. Knowledgeable crew provide personalized attention, sharing their expertise about the whales, dolphins, and other marine creatures encountered.
Guests can listen to the haunting whale songs through an underwater microphone, adding to the immersive experience. Whether encountering humpback whales up close or spotting playful dolphins, the Kohola tour offers an incredible opportunity to witness the wonders of Hawaii’s marine ecosystem.
With a maximum of 6 travelers, the intimate group size ensures a memorable, family-like adventure.
What to Expect on the Whale Watching Tour
Participants of the Kohola Whale Watching Excursion can expect a well-organized and immersive experience on the water. The small boat size enhances visibility, and the knowledgeable crew provides personalized attention.
Highlights of the tour include:
- Encountering majestic humpback whales and playful dolphins
- Using an underwater microphone to listen to whale vocalizations
- Snorkeling with provided equipment to observe marine life up close
- Enjoying refreshing snacks, sodas, and bottled water
- Disembarking at the same convenient starting point after the tour
The tour’s moderate activity level and reasonable pricing make it suitable for a wide range of travelers seeking an unforgettable whale watching adventure in Hawaii.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Children Allowed on the Tour?
The tour requires participants to be at least 4 feet tall and under 250 pounds. While children are allowed, they must meet the minimum height and weight requirements. Parental supervision is necessary for younger guests.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?
Participants are welcome to bring their own snorkeling gear if they prefer. The tour provides snorkeling equipment, but using personal gear can be a more comfortable option. Bringing your own mask, snorkel, and fins is permitted on the excursion.
How Often Do You Spot Whales on the Tour?
According to the tour details, whales are commonly spotted during the Kohola Whale Watching Excursion. The knowledgeable crew is skilled at locating and observing these magnificent creatures, providing an excellent opportunity for travelers to witness whales in their natural habitat.
Is There a Restroom on the Boat?
The tour boat does not have a restroom on board. However, guests can use the restrooms at the Honokohau Harbor meeting point before the excursion departs. Guests are advised to plan accordingly for the 2-3 hour duration of the tour.
Can I Take Photos/Videos During the Tour?
Passengers are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the tour. However, it’s important to be mindful of others and avoid using flash or obstructing views. Some tour operators may have specific guidelines to ensure an enjoyable experience for all.
The Sum Up
The Kohola Whale Watching Excursion offers a personalized and eco-friendly adventure, where guests can expect to encounter magnificent marine life under the guidance of a knowledgeable crew. With complimentary snorkeling equipment and snacks, and a maximum group size of six, this highly-rated tour provides an intimate and unforgettable experience for those seeking a budget-friendly and practical way to explore the wonders of Kailua-Kona’s waters.
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