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Island of Hawaii Dolphin & whale watching

Our most recommended Island of Hawaii Dolphin & whale watching

Kailua-Kona: Whale Watching Cruise

1. Kailua-Kona: Whale Watching Cruise

Hawaii is the only state in the United States where humpback whales mate, calve and nurse their young. Humpbacks may find Hawaii suitable because of the warm waters, the underwater visibility, the variety of ocean depths and the lack of natural predators. Mothers can be seen breaching alongside their calves and males can be seen competing with one another for females in fierce head-to-head battles. Join a 2.5-hour cruise as you follow these magnificent sea creatures and listen to their singing using the underwater hydrophones. Snacks and beverages will be available during your cruise providing a unique and memorable experience for the whole family.

Big Island: 3 Hour Waikoloa Snorkeling & Sailing Adventure

2. Big Island: 3 Hour Waikoloa Snorkeling & Sailing Adventure

The iconic Spirit of Aloha provides the ultimate in sailing comfort and snorkeling fun. Choose from morning or afternoon excursions, where you are likely to see dolphins, sea turtles and other marine life unique to the warm waters of Hawaii. Explore parts of the Big Island Kona coast on the Waikoloa and Kohala-Kona coastline aboard a 54-foot sailing catamaran. Dolphins, green sea turtles and seasonal whales are some of the creatures that can be seen. Board from Anaehoomalu Bay to snorkel, sail, enjoy and relax. The custom-designed sunset-orange and maile lei sail is a stunning contrast to the azure Pacific as it sails along the blue Pacific ocean. Itineraries include morning and afternoon snorkel sails, and sunset cruises. The beautiful 53-foot (16-m), custom-built catamaran offers a smooth, comfortable, and relaxing ride. There is onboard bar, plenty of shade, 2 restrooms, ample seating both indoors and outside, fresh-water shower rinse, and a sound system. Lifeguard-certified, in-water guides are there for your service and comfort. During whale season December through April, majestic humpbacks are likely to be spotted. Snacks and beverages served aboard.

From Hawaii: Eco-Friendly Snorkeling Experience with BBQ

3. From Hawaii: Eco-Friendly Snorkeling Experience with BBQ

Join a morning snorkeling and dolphin-watching cruise with paddleboards and kids' activities from Kailua-Kona and explore the underwater world off the coast of Hawaii. Enjoy a light breakfast, a barbecue lunch, and a full-service premium cash bar throughout your trip. Start with an early-morning departure and cruise ten miles down the spectacular Kona coastline to reach your snorkeling destination for the day, a protected marine sanctuary. As you travel, enjoy a light breakfast of tropical fruits, assorted pastries, bagels, juices, teas, and Kona coffee. Then, sit back and enjoy the boat's comfortable amenities, including a large shaded cabin with cushioned seating, 3 restrooms, and freshwater showers. Once you arrive at your snorkeling spot, get kitted out with your mask, fins, and snorkel. Prescription masks are also available. If you're new to snorkeling, take advantage of a short introduction to snorkeling offered by the lifeguard-trained crew. You'll also have access to a host of flotation toys, including noodles, vests, inner tubes, and more. Or, make use of the stand-up paddleboards available on board at no additional cost. A waterslide and high-dive platform also provide endless entertainment for the kids. Or, if you just feel like kicking back and doing nothing, check out the floating "relaxation station". Your crew will even swim your refreshments out to you at your station. And while you're exploring, having fun, or just unwinding, the crew will be preparing lunch. Once you're done snorkeling, belly up to a full-service premium cash bar, featuring a large selection of liquors, mixes, and local brews. Your Kona snorkeling cruise comes to an end with a return transfer back to the harbor in Kailua-Kona.

From Keauhou Bay: Snorkel Cruise to Captain Cook's Monument

4. From Keauhou Bay: Snorkel Cruise to Captain Cook's Monument

Embark on an unforgettable day at sea from Keauhou Bay to Captain Cook's Monument on a guided Yacht trip. Enjoy scenic views of the Kona coast as you sail and indulge in tasty light snacks and tropical fruit juice. Meet your guide at the Keauhou Bay Pier. Hop aboard, relax and enjoy the ride. Cruise past rock formations, stop at beautiful coves, and soak in the views. Set sail along the beautiful Kona coast on a trip from Keauhou Bay, marvel at the ancient Kealakekua Bay, and see the Captain Cook Monument. Splash into the clear waters to swim, snorkel, or sunbathe onboard. Spot the colorful fish underneath the water, and take photos with your marine camera of the dolphins and other marine life. Enjoy site briefings and snorkeling tips from the crew members. Life jackets, floatation noodles, viewfinder boards, masks, fins, and snorkels are provided. Energize yourself with fruits and tropical juice. The crew will help you enter and exit the water if needed and will provide fish identification cards. They will even take you on a guided snorkeling tour.

Kona: Speedboat Snorkel Cruise and BBQ on the Boat

5. Kona: Speedboat Snorkel Cruise and BBQ on the Boat

Discover the beautiful coastline aboard the Kibou zodiac vessel. Search for playful dolphins in the gorgeous blue Hawaiian waters, snorkel with exotic underwater species, and enjoy a hearty Hawaiian-style BBQ lunch. After meeting your crew and boarding the boat, begin by searching for majestic dolphins in the shimmering ocean surrounding Kona. Learn a bit about marine biology, Hawaiian history, and local traditions. Stop in a spectacular bay with a vibrant reef and enjoy plenty of time for snorkeling. Swim with wild turtles and exotic tropical fish as you explore the underwater world. After snorkeling, the crew will bring out the barbecue and cook up a delectable meal. Once finished snorkeling and with lunch, travel to a second snorkel spot to try and see more wildlife and potentially some manta rays, before heading back to the meeting point.

Big Island: Kealakekua Bay, Captain Cook & Marine Life Tour

6. Big Island: Kealakekua Bay, Captain Cook & Marine Life Tour

Experience a true Hawaiian adventure and observe Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins as they travel along the coast. Snorkel in Kealakekua Bay and marvel at the range of corals and marine life.  Your modern, 24-passenger catamaran allows you to sit back, relax and enjoy the view of Kona’s coast while enjoying on board snacks and beverages. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the memory of this unique excursion.

West O'ahu: Swim with Dolphins Catamaran Cruise

7. West O'ahu: Swim with Dolphins Catamaran Cruise

Go on an exciting cruise on the lookout for dolphins. Board a double-hulled catamaran and enjoy a comfortable and stable ride as you enjoy the scenery and look for the sea creatures. Relax aboard the vessel and take in the breathtaking views of the ocean and the mountains. Luxuriate on the clear waters of West O’ahu, and look for the wild dolphins swimming gracefully in small or large groups Search also for Hawaiian green turtles, tropical island fish, and other rare wild sea creatures. During the winter months, you also might catch sight of the annual migration of humpback whales as they playfully swim the West O’ahu ocean waters. On your return journey, view the majestic cascading views of the Waianae Mountain range as you voyage back towards port.

Kona: Kalaoa Midday Whale Watching Tour

8. Kona: Kalaoa Midday Whale Watching Tour

Marvel at humpback whales on a catamaran cruise as it's finally the time of year when these creatures return to the Hawaiian islands. Learn about the majestic creatures and the local area as you sail aboard the Kibou. Sit back and enjoy views of whales, turquoise waters, and mountains. Step aboard the Kibou in Kalaoa and explore the incredible Kailua-Kona coast while searching for humpback whales migrating from Alaska. Get up-close views of the whales as they breach the surface of the water. Learn about the majestic creatures and the local area from the experienced crew. Bring your own drinks, sit back and relax on the catamaran, enjoying views of the beautiful turquoise waters and mountainous island. Return to shore, your head full of memories that will last a lifetime.

Kailua Kona: Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise

9. Kailua Kona: Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise

See majestic humpback whales and listen to them sing on this whale watching cruise from Kailua Kona, Hawaii. Over 8,000 humpback whales journey over 3,500 miles to Hawaii every year. Between December and April, these incredible creatures gather to breed and raise their young. This 2.5-hour whale-watching experience in Kona offers you an incredible opportunity to view humpback whales up close in their natural habitats. Hear the whales sing with unique underwater hydrophones. Keep your eyes open for other marine creatures like spinner dolphins, pilot and sperm whales, manta rays, sea turtles, and more. Whale sightings are guaranteed or you can join the cruise again for free.

Honokohau: Kona Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

10. Honokohau: Kona Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Take a trip to see humpback whales in the Pacific Ocean, with guaranteed sightings. Enjoy an up-close experience with these magnificent creatures. Head to Honokohau Harbor to board the 53-foot sailing catamaran and start your tour. Cruise along the Kona coastline as you admire the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Learn about the unique behavior of whales from your experienced captain and guides. Watch these gentle giants and they fluke, spy hop, and breach out of the water.

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What people are saying about Island of Hawaii

Overall rating

2.0 / 5

based on 1 reviews

We were fortunate and had good whale activity and great weather. As for hangloose they were excellent! Very nice and also entertaining. They gave us plenty of time watching and following the whales. They had free snacks and drinks and were very attentive to come around and offer snacks and drinks which I thought went above and beyond. I definitely recommend this company! I had to switch the day of the tour because of weather. I called ahead of time and they were really nice and easy to work with!

It was fantastic! We could not have had a better experience! Simon, Hayden, and Jonah were all great with the knowledge they shared. While they can’t guarantee that you’ll see a whale, they took us out to the best possible location. Even after we saw several, they continued to be in search and provided a fabulous experience!

Saw whales up close. also spinner dolphins but they only breached the water, guess they were not in a mood to show off at the moment.

The captain was willing to stay with the cruise until we had excellent luck with the whale sightings.

We saw many whales and spinner dolphins. Crew was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.