Big Island, Hawaii Whale Watching Tour

We’ve all heard the captivating tales of humpback whales migrating to the warm Hawaiian waters each year. Now, imagine witnessing these majestic creatures up close and personal on a whale watching tour around the Big Island. With an experienced crew and expert naturalists, you’ll gain valuable insights into the behaviors and habitats of these gentle giants. The opportunity to spot not just whales, but also dolphins and stunning coastal landscapes, makes this tour a must-try for nature enthusiasts. Let’s explore further and discover why this adventure is so highly recommended.

Key Points

• A whale watching tour in Big Island, Hawaii that allows guests to witness the annual humpback whale migration aboard the Kibou vessel.
• The tour includes expert naturalist narration, snacks, bottled water, and bathroom facilities, with a capacity of 30 travelers.
• The tour departs from Iruka Hawaii Dolphin and Manta Tours, Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, with a recommended arrival time before 1:30 PM.
• Travelers praise the knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating crew, including Captain Lena, Mitch, and Scott, for enhancing the educational experience.
• Guests commonly report frequent humpback whale sightings, including close encounters with whale breaches and interactions with mothers and calves.

Overview of the Whale Watching Tour

The Whale Watching Tour in Big Island, Hawaii offers an opportunity to witness the annual humpback whale migration aboard the 30-person Kibou vessel in Kailua-Kona.

With 54 reviews and a 96% traveler recommendation, the tour includes snacks, bottled water, and bathroom facilities.

The meeting point is at Iruka Hawaii Dolphin and Manta Tours in Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, and the tour starts at 1:30 PM, ending at the same location.

Expert naturalists provide narration and spotting tips during the cruise, ensuring a high likelihood of whale encounters, coastal views, and photo opportunities.

Tour Details and Inclusions

A 30-person vessel called the Kibou will take us out to experience the annual humpback whale migration in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

The tour includes snacks, bottled water, and bathroom facilities onboard. We’ll depart from the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor and return to the same location, with the tour lasting from 1:30 PM to the end of the day.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infants are welcome to sit on laps.

The expert naturalists on board will provide narration and spotting tips, so we can anticipate likely whale encounters, coastal views, and great photo opportunities.

Meeting Point and Schedule

Although the meeting point for this whale watching tour is at the Iruka Hawaii Dolphin and Manta Tours in Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, Kailua-Kona, we’ll want to arrive a bit early to check in and prepare for our 1:30 PM departure.

The tour is scheduled to last about the same amount of time, ending at the same location.

While the tour accommodates up to 30 travelers, it’s important to note that it’s not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

Crew and Naturalist Expertise

According to the knowledge provided, the crew and naturalist expertise on this whale watching tour is a highlight for many travelers.

The reviews praise the staff for being knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating, enhancing the overall experience.

Some key points about the crew and naturalists:

• Expert naturalists provide narration and spotting tips during the cruise, helping guests locate and understand the whales.
• Specific crew members like Captain Lena, Mitch, and Scott receive exceptional feedback for their service.
• Travelers report positive interactions and educational experiences with the knowledgeable and personable crew.

Whale Sighting Experiences

The whale sighting experiences on this tour appear to be a highlight for many travelers. According to reviews, guests commonly report seeing active humpback whales, including mothers with calves, as well as spinner dolphins. Some reviews even mention close-up encounters and memorable moments, such as whale breaches and playful behavior. However, a few experiences noted challenges in visibility due to distance from the whales. The table below provides a visual representation of the types of whale sightings travelers can expect on this tour.

Sighting Type	Frequency*	Proximity
Humpback Whales	High	Medium
Mothers with Calves	Moderate	Close
Whale Breaches	Low	Close
Spinner Dolphins	Moderate	Medium

*Frequency based on traveler reports

Dolphin and Coastal Viewing

Along With the impressive whale sightings, many travelers also report enjoying the coastal views and dolphin encounters during the Whale Watching Tour in Kailua-Kona.

Along the cruise, guests have the opportunity to see:

• Spinner dolphins playfully swimming alongside the boat
• Breathtaking panoramic views of the Big Island’s lush, volcanic coastline
• Colorful sunsets over the Pacific Ocean, creating picturesque photo ops

These additional sightings and scenic elements further enhance the overall whale watching experience, leaving guests with a well-rounded and memorable adventure.

Cancellation Policy and Customer Service

While some travelers have expressed disappointment due to last-minute cancellations, the company emphasizes its commitment to safety and customer satisfaction.

They encourage future visits despite past cancellations, which were necessary due to weather and safety concerns. The company values transparency and give you a positive experience for all guests.

If a tour is cancelled, they work to accommodate rescheduling or issue full refunds. Feedback, both positive and negative, is taken seriously, and the crew makes every effort to ensure memorable encounters with Hawaii’s magnificent marine life.

Customer service is a top priority.

Traveler Feedback and Recommendations

Travelers overwhelmingly praise the knowledgeable and friendly crew, who provide personalized attention and enriching educational experiences. Many guests highlight the crew’s exceptional service, singling out specific individuals like Captain Lena, Mitch, and Scott for their outstanding contributions.

The overall experience is further enhanced by:

• Sightings of active humpback whales, including mothers with calves, and spinner dolphins
• Close-up encounters and memorable moments, such as breaches and playful whale behavior

Although a few reviews noted challenges with visibility, the majority of travelers report satisfying wildlife encounters that meet or exceed their expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

We recommend checking the tour details, as most allow you to bring your own food and drinks on board. However, the tour may provide complimentary snacks and bottled water, so double-checking is advised.

Is There a Gift Shop or Souvenir Shop on the Boat?

While the tour doesn’t have a gift shop onboard, you’re welcome to purchase souvenirs from the Iruka Hawaii Dolphin and Manta Tours shop at the meeting point before or after the whale watching experience.

Can I Use My Drone to Capture Aerial Footage of the Whales?

We understand the desire to capture aerial footage, but we cannot allow the use of drones on this tour. The safety and comfort of our guests are our top priorities. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to providing you with an unforgettable whale watching experience.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?

Based on the tour overview, we recommend checking with the crew about photography policies. While personal photography is generally allowed, there may be some restrictions to protect the whales and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all participants.

How Often Do the Whales Typically Breach or Engage in Surface Activity?

Based on the reviews, we can expect to see the whales engage in active behaviors like breaching and playing at the surface fairly often during the tour. While sightings can vary, many travelers report memorable close-up encounters with the whales.

The Sum Up

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Big Island, Hawaii Whale Watching Tour. Witness the annual migration of humpback whales aboard the Kibou vessel, complemented by expert naturalist guidance and stunning coastal views. With a capacity of 30 passengers, this highly recommended tour promises an engaging and educational experience for nature lovers. Don’t miss the chance to create cherished memories of these magnificent creatures.