Guaranteed Whale Watch in Kona

The Kona Whale Watching Cruise is a popular attraction that guarantees visitors a whale sighting during their 3-hour tour along the Kona coastline. Aboard a 48-foot Delta boat, passengers can expect to see humpback, pilot, or false killer whales, all under the guidance of a professional crew. With safety as the top priority, the tour includes bottled water and light snacks, though gratuities are not covered. But what truly sets this experience apart is the thrill of witnessing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat – an opportunity that’s hard to come by, even for the most seasoned whale enthusiasts.

Key Points

• The Kona Whale Watching Cruise offers a 3-hour tour with a guaranteed sighting of at least one humpback, pilot, or false killer whale.
• The tour operates on a 48-foot Delta boat and includes bottled water, light snacks, and a professional guide.
• The tour departs from the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor and is not wheelchair accessible, with life vests required for children under 5.
• The tour has a minimum passenger requirement to ensure financial viability and maintain the quality of the experience.
• The cancellation policy provides full refunds for cancellations made 24 hours or more in advance, with partial refunds for shorter notice.

Overview of the Whale Watching Cruise

The Kona whale watching cruise offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning Kona coastline aboard a 48-foot (15-meter) Delta boat.

During the 3-hour tour, guests can enjoy the beautiful scenery and search for whales, including humpback, pilot, and false killer whales.

The cruise provides bottled water and snacks, ensuring a comfortable and refreshing experience.

A professional guide is on hand to share their knowledge and help spot the whales.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, children under 5 can participate by bringing their own life vests.

Sightings: Guaranteed Whale Encounters

Guaranteed Whale Watch in Kona

One of the key highlights of the Kona whale watching cruise is the guaranteed sightings of at least one whale, whether it be a humpback, pilot, or false killer whale. This promise ensures that passengers won’t leave disappointed, as the tour operators are confident in their ability to locate these majestic creatures.

If the unexpected happens and no whales are spotted, the company will provide a voucher for another tour, allowing guests to try again at no additional cost. This guarantee demonstrates the operators’ commitment to delivering an exceptional whale watching experience, making the tour a must-do activity for anyone visiting Kailua-Kona.

Inclusions: What’s Covered in the Tour

The Kona whale watching cruise comes with a variety of inclusions to enhance the overall experience. Bottled water and light snacks are provided to keep passengers refreshed and energized throughout the 3-hour tour.

Plus, a professional guide accompanies the group, sharing their expertise about the marine life and the surrounding Kona coastline.

The tour package includes:

1. Bottled water
2. Snacks
3. Professional guide
4. Gratuities not included

These amenities ensure that guests can fully enjoy the whale watching adventure without having to worry about their basic needs. The knowledgeable guide further enriches the experience by offering insights and information about the whales and the local environment.

Meeting Point and Duration

Passengers meet up at the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor to begin their 3-hour whale watching cruise along the Kona coastline.

The tour departs from this convenient meeting point, where guests will board the 48-foot (15-meter) Delta boat.

Once aboard, the knowledgeable guide will lead the group on an exciting expedition to spot some of the region’s incredible marine life.

The tour duration is 3 hours, providing ample time to explore the Kona coastline and search for whales.

Whether guests are hoping to see humpback, pilot, or false killer whales, the tour guarantees at least one whale sighting, or you will receive a voucher for another tour.

Accessibility and Life Vest Requirements

This whale watching tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. The boat is spacious and comfortable, but it’s not designed to accommodate wheelchairs.

Children under 5 must provide their own life vests for the excursion. Safety is the top priority for this whale watching adventure.

The crew is happy to assist passengers with limited mobility as much as possible.

Minimum Passenger Requirement

Guaranteed Whale Watch in Kona

In order to operate, the whale watching tour requires a minimum number of passengers to be booked. Failure to meet this threshold may result in the tour being cancelled. The minimum passenger requirement is in place to ensure the financial viability of each excursion.

This policy helps the tour company cover the fixed costs associated with running the 48-foot Delta boat, including fuel, crew, and maintenance. Passengers should be aware of this minimum passenger rule when booking their tickets.

If the requirement isn’t met, guests will be notified of the cancellation and provided the option to rebook or receive a full refund. This policy helps maintain the reliability and quality of the whale watching experience.

Cancellation Policy

Guaranteed Whale Watch in Kona

The tour company has a clear cancellation policy in place to ensure transparency and flexibility for guests.

Full refunds are offered if you cancel your reservation at least 24 hours in advance.

Partial refunds (50% of the ticket price) are available if you cancel between 12-24 hours before the tour.

No refunds are provided for cancellations made within 12 hours of the scheduled departure.

The tour may be canceled due to inclement weather or other safety concerns, in which case you’ll receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.

Additional Important Information

Along With the cancellation policy, there are a few other important details to be aware of when booking this whale watching tour in Kona.

The boat isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility issues should take this into consideration.

Children under 5 must provide their own life vests, as the tour company doesn’t supply them.

Plus, there’s a minimum passenger requirement to operate the tour, so it may be canceled if not enough people book.

While bottled water and snacks are provided, gratuities for the professional guide aren’t included in the tour price.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the cruise. The tour provides bottled water and snacks, but guests are welcome to supplement with their own items to enjoy during the 3-hour excursion.

Do I Need to Make a Reservation in Advance?

Yes, making a reservation in advance is recommended. This ensures availability on the desired date and time. Reserving ahead also allows the operator to better plan and accommodate the number of passengers.

What Is the Refund Policy if I Need to Cancel?

The refund policy typically allows for a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours may result in a partial refund or no refund, depending on the operator’s policy.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Children?

Yes, there are discounts available. Children under 5 receive a complimentary life vest, while seniors may qualify for a discounted ticket price. Be sure to inquire about any applicable discounts when booking the whale watching tour.

Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Whale Watching Tour?

Yes, passengers are encouraged to take photos and videos during the whale watching tour. The professional guide can provide tips on capturing the best shots of the whales.

Recap

The Kona Whale Watching Cruise provides a unique opportunity to spot whales along the Kona coast.

With a guarantee of at least one whale sighting, the 3-hour tour on a 48-foot Delta boat is led by a professional guide.

Passengers can expect to see humpback, pilot, or false killer whales, and the tour includes bottled water and light snacks.

Safety is a top priority, with crew assisting passengers with limited mobility.