Kailua Kona: Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise

The Kailua Kona Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise offers a unique opportunity to witness the majestic marine life of Hawaii’s Big Island. This 2.5-hour journey, available from December to March, guarantees whale sightings or a complimentary repeat cruise. Departing from Kailua Pier, guests can enjoy snacks, listen to whale songs, and potentially spot not only humpback whales but also spinner dolphins and manta rays in their natural habitat. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable experience, this cruise promises to captivate and leave you yearning for more.

This experience made our article of 12 Exceptional Cruises And Boat Tours In Island Of Hawaii.

Key Points

• A 2.5-hour whale watching excursion that departs from Kailua Pier in Kailua Kona, Hawaii during the peak whale watching season from December to March.
• Offers a 100% whale sighting guarantee, with a free repeat cruise if no whales are spotted.
• Includes snacks, drinks, and the opportunity to listen to whale songs through hydrophones.
• Provides the chance to see not only humpback whales, but also spinner dolphins, pilot whales, and manta rays.
• Fully wheelchair accessible with free parking available, and a recommended arrival time of 12:30 PM for the 1:00 PM cruise.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise in Kailua Kona, Hawaii, offers a 2.5-hour excursion to view these majestic marine mammals.

Priced from $135.14 per person, the tour guarantees whale sightings, with a free repeat cruise if no whales are spotted. The season runs from December to March, when humpback whales birth and nurture their young.

Guests must arrive by 12:30 PM for the 1:00 PM departure. The cruise includes snacks, drinks, and the opportunity to listen to whale songs using underwater hydrophones.

Visitors may also spot other marine life, such as spinner dolphins, pilot whales, and manta rays.

Whale Sightings Guaranteed

Although the Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise guarantees whale sightings, the operator also offers a free repeat cruise if no whales are spotted during the 2.5-hour excursion. This "whales or it’s free" policy ensures customers have the best chance of witnessing the gentle giants of the sea. The crew’s expertise and use of hydrophones to detect whales’ songs contribute to the high probability of sightings. Even if the main attraction is elusive, the cruise offers opportunities to spot other marine life, making it a worthwhile experience regardless.

| Encounter Rate | Guarantee | Free Repeat Cruise |

| — | — | — |

| 100% | ✓ | ✓ |

| 99-75% | ✓ | ✓ |

| 74-50% | ✓ | ✓ |

| 49-0% | ✓ | ✓ |

Seasonal Highlights

When humpback whales migrate to the waters off Hawaii’s Kona Coast each winter, the Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise provides an opportunity to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

The peak season runs from December through March, when the whales birth and nurture their young. During this time, guests can listen to the whales’ captivating songs through underwater hydrophones and may also spot spinner dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, manta rays, and sea turtles.

With a guaranteed whale sighting or a free repeat cruise, this 2.5-hour excursion offers an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Departure Details

Guests depart for the Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise at 1:00 PM, so it’s recommended to arrive at the Kanoa II departure point located on the left side of Kailua Pier by 12:30 PM.

It’s recommended to arrive at the Kanoa II departure point on the left side of Kailua Pier by 12:30 PM for the 1:00 PM whale watching cruise.

Free parking is available at the nearby Body Glove Cruises Retail Store.

The 2.5-hour cruise is fully wheelchair accessible, and guests can reserve their spot and pay later with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Refunds aren’t offered for late arrivals, so punctuality is essential to make the most of this whale watching adventure.

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Experience Highlights

The Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise offers an unparalleled opportunity to view these majestic creatures in their natural habitats. Guests can listen to the whale songs using underwater hydrophones, capturing the essence of these gentle giants.

Beyond whales, the cruise also provides the chance to spot spinner dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, manta rays, and sea turtles. Snacks and drinks, including cocktails, are included, ensuring a comfortable and refreshing experience.

With the guarantee of whale sightings or a free repeat cruise, this adventure promises an unforgettable and rewarding encounter with Hawaii’s marine life.

Accessibility and Booking

The Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise is fully wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all guests.

Guests can reserve their spot and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The cruise departs from the left side of Kailua Pier, and free parking is available at the nearby Body Glove Cruises Retail Store.

Visitors should arrive by 12:30 PM for the 1:00 PM departure. However, refunds aren’t available for late arrivals.

Customer Reviews

Customers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on the Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise, with an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 31 reviews.

The boat’s comfort, service quality, and knowledgeable staff have been praised, with the guide and transportation both earning 4.8/5 ratings.

Reviewers have enjoyed watching the whales in their natural habitats and have appreciated the opportunity to listen to their songs via underwater hydrophones.

Many have also mentioned spotting other marine life such as dolphins, whales, and sea turtles.

Additional Information

Along With the knowledgeable marine naturalist host, the Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise recommends that visitors bring a credit card and cash for any onboard purchases. This is important as the cruise doesn’t offer refunds for late arrivals.

The tour is fully wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for all guests. Visitors should plan to arrive at the Kailua Pier 30 minutes before the 1:00 PM departure time to ensure a smooth start to their whale watching experience.

With a guarantee of whale sightings or a free repeat cruise, this adventure isn’t to be missed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Safety Protocol for This Cruise?

The cruise provides life jackets and safety briefings. Participants must follow crew instructions and remain seated during the tour. The boat is fully accessible and meets all safety regulations. Late arrivals may not be permitted to board for safety reasons.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Guests can’t bring their own food and drinks on the cruise. However, snacks and drinks are provided, and guests can purchase cocktails. The cruise aims to offer a comfortable and enjoyable experience for passengers.

Are There Restrooms Available on the Boat?

Yes, there are restrooms available on the boat. Guests can access the onboard restrooms during the 2.5-hour whale watching tour. The restrooms provide a convenient option for passengers throughout the duration of the excursion.

Is This Tour Suitable for Children?

The humpback whale watching cruise is suitable for children. It includes snacks and drinks, and the boat is fully wheelchair accessible, suggesting it accommodates families. However, it’s best to confirm any specific child-friendly policies or requirements before booking.

How Close Can the Boat Get to the Whales?

The boat can get quite close to the whales, though it’s required to maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing them. Passengers can expect to see the whales up close, but won’t be able to approach them directly.

The Sum Up

The Kailua Kona Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise offers an unforgettable 2.5-hour journey from December to March. With a guaranteed whale sighting or a free repeat, guests can witness the majestic humpback whales, spinner dolphins, and manta rays in their natural habitat. The cruise departs at 1:00 PM from Kailua Pier, providing snacks and hydrophone-enabled whale songs for a truly immersive experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: