Humpback Whale and Dolphin Watch in Kona

Exploring the breathtaking Kona Coast is a must-do for nature enthusiasts. The Humpback Whale and Dolphin Watch tour offers a chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. With an expert naturalist guide, guests can enjoy up-close encounters and listen to whale songs through a hydrophone. Running from December to April, this educational adventure promises an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking to connect with the wonders of the ocean. What makes this tour truly unique, however, is…

This experience made our article of 10 Incredible Dolphin Watching Tours In Big Island of Hawaii.

Key Points

• Intimate small-group whale watching cruise along the Kona Coast with a maximum of 28 passengers.
• Opportunity to spot humpback whales and other whale species, such as pilots and beaked whales, during the peak migration season from January to March.
• Knowledgeable naturalist guides provide live commentary and allow participants to listen to whale songs through a hydrophone.
• Excellent value for money, with pricing starting from $99 per person and free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the experience.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.

Overview of the Tour

This tour offers an intimate and educational experience for whale watching along the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.

Travelers can expect a small-group cruise with a maximum of 28 passengers to increase the chances of spotting whales. A knowledgeable naturalist guide provides live commentary and uses a hydrophone to let participants listen to whale songs.

The tour operates during the winter migration season when humpback whales, as well as other whale species, can be observed.

With a 96% traveler recommendation, this tour provides an excellent opportunity to witness the magnificence of these marine mammals.

Whale Watching Season in Kona

The whale watching season in Kona typically runs from December to April, coinciding with the annual migration of humpback whales to the warm waters off the Kona Coast.

During this time, visitors have the opportunity to spot these majestic creatures breaching, spy-hopping, and engaging in other behaviors.

The best sightings often occur between January and March when the whales are most active.

Travelers should note that while the tour offers potential sightings of various whale species, including pilot whales and beaked whales, the primary focus is on the iconic humpback whales during their winter stay in Hawaii.

Tour Features and Inclusions

The tour includes knowledgeable naturalist guides who provide live commentary throughout the small-group cruise, which has a maximum capacity of 28 passengers.

Participants can listen to the whales’ songs through a hydrophone and potentially spot various whale species, including humpbacks, pilots, beaked, and melon-headed whales.

The experience offers:

• An intimate and educational encounter with these magnificent creatures.
• Opportunities to capture stunning photographs and videos.
• The chance to learn about the whales’ behavior and migration patterns from the experts.

Participants should bring reef-safe sunscreen, jackets, and cameras to fully enjoy this unforgettable adventure.

Booking and Pricing Details

The tour’s pricing starts from $99.00 per person, offering excellent value for this intimate whale watching experience.

Customers can book the tour with flexibility, as the company allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Booking options include the convenient "Reserve now, pay later" feature, which enables travelers to secure their spot without an upfront payment.

The company’s cancellation policy provides peace of mind, ensuring customers can adjust their plans if needed.

Meeting Location and Accessibility

Travelers meet for the whale watching tour at the Keauhou Shopping Center, located at 78-6831 Ali’i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740.

The tour ends at 78-7138 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740.

However, this experience isn’t wheelchair accessible and not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.

Key considerations:

• No restroom facilities on the boat
• Children must be accompanied by adults
• Recommended for ages 5 and up

While the tour offers an intimate and educational whale watching experience, it’s crucial to carefully review accessibility and suitability details before booking.

Onboard Amenities and Facilities

Naturalist guides accompany participants on the whale watching tour and provide live commentary. Facilities on the boat are limited, as there are no restroom facilities available. Children must be accompanied by adults, and the tour is recommended for ages 5 and up. For the comfort and safety of all guests, the boat is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.

Onboard Amenities	Included	Restrictions
Naturalist guides	Yes	N/A
Hydrophone	Yes	N/A
Restroom facilities	No	N/A
Life jackets	Yes	N/A
Recommended age	5+	Adults must accompany children

Guest Reviews and Feedback

Many have praised the tour’s overall experience, with numerous travelers highlighting the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to witness whale sightings.

However, some reports have noted limited sightings and concerns about health issues. The feedback also suggests the need for clearer communication regarding tour suitability.

The tour maintains a strong 4.8 rating based on 24 reviews, with travelers expressing the following sentiments:

• "An unforgettable experience, worth every penny!"
• "The guides were passionate and brought the whales to life."
• "Seeing the humpbacks breach was simply breathtaking."

Preparing for the Whale Watching Experience

Preparing for the whale watching experience requires a few essential items. Participants should bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect their skin while on the water.

A warm jacket or sweater is also recommended, as the ocean breeze can be chilly. Don’t forget to pack your camera to capture the majestic humpback whales.

Binoculars can enhance your whale watching experience, allowing you to observe the gentle giants from a distance.

Finally, hydration is key, so be sure to bring a water bottle. With these items in tow, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy the breathtaking Kona Coast whale watching tour.

Sum Up

The Humpback Whale and Dolphin Watch in Kona offers an intimate and educational adventure along the stunning Kona Coast. With a naturalist guide, guests can listen to whale songs and witness the majestic humpback whales during their winter migration. This tour is a must-do for nature enthusiasts looking to observe these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat.