5 Best Whale Watching in Kona For Nature Enthusiasts
Are you going to Kona and need help deciding which whale watching tour to take? Look no further – this blog post is the perfect resource for you.
We have compiled a list of the best whale watching tours in Kona based on cost, customer reviews, and our personal experience.
You will find plenty of boat tours around Kona that promise an unforgettable experience, but few can match up to the quality of the tours we have selected. These tours offer a unique and memorable experience that will stay with you long after your trip.
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Don’t have time to read about all the tours on this list? No worries—we have spotlighted the best whale watching tour in Kona below to make things easy for you.
Whale Watching With Hang Loose Boat Tours
Top-rated tour in Kona, offering a thrilling three-hour journey aboard a modern luxury catamaran. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and dedicated to providing excellent customer service throughout your adventure.
Note: Towards the bottom of this article, you will find information about the best places to see whales on Kona without a tour and tips to help you make the most of your whale watching experience.
(1) Whale Watching With Hang Loose Boat Tours
Duration: 3 Hours (Approximately)
Departure: 74-425 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Prepare for an unparalleled whale watching experience with Hang Loose Boat Tours in Kona. This tour is one of the top things to do on the Big Island, so add it to your list.
The tour will take you on a three-hour whale watching journey aboard their modern 24-passenger luxury catamaran, designed for optimal comfort and stability on the open ocean.
Guests will witness the spectacular humpback whales as they arrive in the Hawaiian Islands after a 3,000-mile journey to breed, calve, and nurse their young ones from Alaska.
With underwater hydrophones on board, you can even listen to the mesmerizing songs of the humpback whales as they roam their natural habitat.
Keep an eye out for delightful spinner dolphins as a bonus. What better way to enjoy your vacation than sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying the breathtaking views of the beautiful Island of Hawaii while sipping on drinks as part of the adventure?
10/10 experience. We were lucky to see whales, dolphins, manta rays, and a sea turtle. Aiden and the whole crew were amazing! So welcoming and friendly.
— Cari, TOUR REVIEW
(2) Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Tour
Duration: 3 Hours (Approximately)
Departure: 74-425 Kealakehe Pkwy #16, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Captain Zodiac is another reputable tour company on the Big Island offering whale watching tours. During the tour, guests will experience humpback whales up close on their 24-foot zodiac boat.
Your knowledgeable captain will share interesting facts about the whales while making sure to follow viewing rules. You can listen to the beautiful whale songs through underwater microphones, adding to the magic of the trip.
With a small group of 16 passengers, you’ll have a front-row view to see these majestic creatures just a few feet above the water. Keep an eye out for playful dolphins and other marine life, and if time permits, guests will explore the fascinating sea caves, lava tubes, and rugged coastline.
“This was the best whale watching excursion we have ever been on. Captain Rick and Brenna from Captain Zodiac were excellent. They both were very knowledgeable and personable and made it a great experience from start to finish. We were lucky enough to see so many whales on our trip and even saw a few breaches.“
— Lisa, TOUR REVIEW
(3) Whale Watch Excursion With Body Glove Cruises
Duration: 2.5 Hours (Approximately)
Departure: 75-5629 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
The Whale Watching Excursion With Body Glove Cruises is an extraordinary two-and-a-half-hour whale-watching tour offering you a chance to witness these majestic creatures up close.
During the tour, you’ll also listen to the melodious humpback whales through the underwater hydrophone, making this encounter even more magical.
Keep your eyes peeled for a delightful array of marine life, including spinner dolphins, pilot and sperm whales, manta rays, sea turtles, and more, creating a truly unforgettable Hawaiian adventure.
Plus, with guaranteed sightings, you can enjoy peace of mind, and in the unlikely event of missing a sighting, you’ll have the opportunity to come back for another tour absolutely free (based on availability)
“I loved seeing the whale’s tail come out of the water, and I loved the spinner dolphins. This cruise was very relaxing, and the crew was helpful and attentive.“
— Kathy, TOUR REVIEW