Whale Watching On The Big Island

If you’re looking to witness the majestic humpback whales and playful spinner dolphins in their natural habitat, we’d recommend considering the whale watching tours on the Big Island. Operated by Hang Loose Boat Tours, these excursions take place aboard a comfortable catamaran and are led by experienced guides. With safety measures in place, you can enjoy the breathtaking sights and sounds of these magnificent creatures. But to truly understand the enchanting experience, you’ll have to…

Key Points

• The Hang Loose Boat Tours offers whale watching tours on a 24-person catamaran, providing opportunities to observe humpback whales and spinner dolphins.
• The tours typically last 2.5 to 3.5 hours, with a high recommendation rate and 4.7 rating from 456 reviews.
• The tour includes bottled water, snacks, a professional guide, and gratuities, with hydrophones available for listening to whale songs.
• The meeting point is at Hang Loose Boat Tours in Kailua-Kona, with timely arrival being crucial as the boat does not wait for latecomers.
• Considerations for health and safety include avoiding the tour for those with back problems or advanced pregnancy, and preparing for potential seasickness.

Overview of the Whale Watching Tour

The whale watching tour on the Big Island is a popular activity that allows visitors to observe these majestic marine mammals in their natural habitat.

Operated by Hang Loose Boat Tours, the tour takes place on a 24-person catamaran and lasts approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

With a 94% recommendation rate from 456 reviews and a 4.7 rating, this tour offers an incredible opportunity to see humpback whales during their breaching season as well as spinner dolphins.

The tour includes bottled water, snacks, and a professional guide, along with hotel pickup and drop-off for your convenience.

Boat and Tour Details

Let’s take a closer look at the boat and tour details.

The tour operates on a 24-person catamaran, though some reviews mention a larger boat. The maximum capacity is 48 travelers.

The tour typically lasts around 2.5 hours but can extend to 3.5 hours. Included in the price are bottled water, snacks, a professional guide, gratuities, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Hydrophones are available to listen to whale songs. The tour offers opportunities to see humpback whales during breaching season and spinner dolphins.

However, the boat may not be suitable for those with back problems or advanced pregnancy, and seasickness is a consideration.

Meeting Location and Directions

The meeting point for the whale watching tour is Hang Loose Boat Tours, located at 74-381 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA.

To get there, follow the signs to the harbor, take the first road right, pass Gentrys Kona Marine, and turn left. You’ll meet the crew under the pavilion.

Once the tour is over, the boat will return you to the same meeting point. Be sure to arrive on time, as the boat won’t wait for latecomers.

With these clear directions, you’ll have no trouble finding the departure location.

Health and Safety Considerations

Although the whale watching tour is generally safe, there are a few health and safety considerations to keep in mind.

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or advanced pregnancy, as the boat may experience some motion. For those prone to seasickness, we advise taking Dramamine in advance.

The boat isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility issues should exercise caution. Passengers may experience splashes, so we recommend wearing swimsuits and bringing a change of clothes.

Traveler Experiences and Highlights

Based on the numerous positive reviews, it’s clear that the majority of travelers thoroughly enjoyed their whale watching experience on the Big Island.

Many praised the friendly and knowledgeable crew, raving about the ample whale sightings, including:

1. Spotting mother-calf whale pairs
2. Witnessing the acrobatic displays of spinner dolphins
3. Even catching a glimpse of a shark!

While some mentioned disappointment with the boat size or seating arrangement, the overall consensus is that this tour provides a memorable and worthwhile outing.

To get the most out of it, we recommend bringing seasickness medication if prone, and packing a change of clothes for potential splashes.

Potential Drawbacks and Suggestions

While the majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive, we should address some of the potential drawbacks mentioned by past participants.

Some were disappointed by the boat size and seating arrangement, which didn’t quite meet their expectations. Motion sickness can also be an issue, so we advise taking Dramamine in advance if you’re prone to seasickness.

Plus, the tour may not be suitable for travelers with back problems or advanced pregnancy. To make the most of your experience, we suggest wearing swimsuits and bringing a change of clothes, as splashes are possible.

Whale Sighting Guarantees

One of the most appealing aspects of this whale watching tour is the guarantee offered by the tour provider. If you don’t spot whales during your excursion, you’ll get to take another trip for free.

This guarantee speaks to the high confidence the tour operator has in delivering a whale sighting experience:

1. The tours operate during the peak humpback whale migration season, ensuring a greater likelihood of encountering these majestic creatures.

2. The guides are highly skilled at spotting whales and know the best locations to find them.

3. The tour’s hydrophones allow you to listen for whale songs, further enhancing your chances of a successful outing.

Pricing and Booking Information

The whale watching tour on the Big Island’s prices start from $109.00 per person. This includes bottled water, snacks, a professional guide, gratuities, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, often extended to 3.5 hours. Capacity is a maximum of 48 travelers aboard a 24-person catamaran.

Booking is available online, and confirmation is received at the time of booking. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour may operate with a multi-lingual guide.

Wear appropriate clothing and consider motion sickness medication if needed for the best experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Restrictions on Bringing Cameras or Binoculars?

We’re happy to let you know that you’re welcome to bring your camera and binoculars on the whale watching tour. This will allow you to capture fantastic photos and get a closer look at the whales and other marine life.

Can I Request a Specific Boat or Seating Arrangement?

While we can’t guarantee specific boats or seating arrangements, the tour operator will do their best to accommodate your preferences. We recommend arriving early to discuss any special requests with the crew.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Child Policies for the Tour?

According to the tour details, there don’t seem to be any age restrictions. Children are welcome, but it’s best to check with the tour provider about any specific policies or recommendations for families with young kids.

How Often Do the Whale Watching Tours Operate During the Season?

The whale watching tours operate daily during the peak whale watching season, which typically runs from December through April. We recommend checking the tour provider’s schedule when booking your tour to ensure availability.

Is It Possible to Combine the Whale Watching With Other Activities on the Big Island?

Absolutely! We can easily combine the whale watching tour with other activities on the Big Island like visiting volcanoes, hiking, or exploring the island’s stunning beaches. This makes for a well-rounded Hawaiian adventure.

The Sum Up

Whale watching on the Big Island with Hang Loose Boat Tours promises an unforgettable experience. With a high-quality catamaran, knowledgeable guides, and safety measures in place, we can expect to observe majestic humpback whales and playful spinner dolphins up close. While sightings can’t be guaranteed, the tour’s stellar reputation and reasonable pricing make it a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts visiting the island.