Kailua Kona: Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise

Embarking on a Kailua Kona humpback whale watching adventure is an opportunity to witness the majestic giants of the sea in their natural habitat. From December to March, visitors can join a 2.5-hour cruise and spot these magnificent creatures as they migrate through the warm Hawaiian waters. With knowledgeable naturalists providing expert commentary, guests can learn about the whales’ behavior and the surrounding marine ecosystem. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable experience, this guaranteed whale-watching tour promises to deliver an educational and awe-inspiring adventure. But the real question remains: what else might you encounter during this remarkable journey?

This experience made our list of the 11 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Island Of Hawaii.

Key Points

• Kailua Kona offers a 2.5-hour humpback whale watching cruise from December to March, providing the opportunity to spot various marine life.
• The cruise is priced from $118.92 per person and includes complimentary repeat trips if no whales are spotted.
• Guests can listen to whale songs through hydrophones and learn from a knowledgeable marine naturalist during the excursion.
• The cruise is wheelchair-friendly and designed to accommodate diverse accessibility needs, with amenities like snacks, drinks, and reef-safe sunscreen provided.
• The cruise has an overall rating of 4.2/5 based on 25 reviews, with praise for the friendly guides and informative naturalist.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

The Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise, located in Kailua Kona, Hawaii, offers an exhilarating opportunity to witness the magnificent marine giants up close.

Priced from $118.92 per person, this 2.5-hour cruise guarantees whale sightings, with a complimentary repeat trip if no whales are spotted. The experience includes snacks, drinks, and a marine naturalist host.

Boasting a 4.2/5 rating based on 25 reviews, the cruise is praised for its friendly guides, informative naturalist, and large boat capacity, though some note occasional crowding during prime whale sightings.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the adventure is an accessible and flexible option for whale enthusiasts.

Schedule and Meeting Information

For this whale watching adventure, guests are asked to arrive at 12:30 PM for a 1:00 PM departure from the left side of Kailua Pier.

The meeting point is Kanoa II, which departs from the designated area. Free parking is available at the Body Glove Cruises Retail Store, located at 75-5629 Kuakini Hwy., Kailua Kona, HI 96740.

Arriving early and parking at the provided location will ensure a smooth start to the 2.5-hour excursion, during which guests can expect to view humpback whales, spinner dolphins, pilot and sperm whales, manta rays, and sea turtles.

Whale Watching Experience

Guests can expect to view humpback whales from December to March, when these majestic creatures migrate to Hawaii’s warm waters to breed and nurture their young.

The cruise uses underwater hydrophones to allow guests to listen to the whales’ captivating songs. While the primary focus is on humpback whales, the tour may also spot other marine life, including spinner dolphins, pilot and sperm whales, manta rays, and sea turtles.

The naturalist guide on board provides expert commentary, enhancing the overall educational experience.

With a whale sighting guarantee and the option to join the cruise again for free if no whales are spotted, guests can feel confident in their chances of witnessing these magnificent ocean giants.

Cruise Highlights

Aboard the Kanoa II, guests embark on a thrilling adventure, seeing the captivating world of humpback whales. From December to March, these majestic creatures return to the warm waters of Hawaii to breed and nurse their young. Guests have the opportunity to listen to the whales’ hauntingly beautiful songs using underwater hydrophones, adding a deeper dimension to the experience. Beyond whales, there’s a chance to spot other marine life, including spinner dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, manta rays, and sea turtles, creating a truly diverse and unforgettable encounter.

Experience	Description
Whale Sightings	View humpback whales in their natural habitat
Whale Songs	Listen to the whales’ mystical vocalizations
Marine Life	Potential sightings of other fascinating sea creatures
Educational Host	Learn from a knowledgeable marine naturalist
Amenities	Enjoy snacks, drinks, and optional cocktails

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Inclusions and Accessibility

The Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise includes a range of amenities and caters to guests with various accessibility needs.

Snacks and drinks are provided, along with a marine naturalist host to enhance the educational experience. Reef-safe sunscreen is also available, and gratuities are covered.

For those who wish to indulge, cocktails can be purchased. Importantly, the cruise is fully wheelchair friendly, ensuring everyone can comfortably enjoy the whale watching adventure.

With these thoughtful inclusions and accessible accommodations, the Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise aims to create an inclusive and memorable experience for all guests.

Customer Feedback

According to the provided information, the Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars based on 25 reviews.

The cruise’s guides and service receive the highest ratings at 5 out of 5. The transportation aspect is also praised, earning 4.8 out of 5 stars.

While the value for money is rated 4.4 out of 5, some reviewers note occasional crowding during whale sightings.

Planning Your Adventure

Planning your Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise starts with ensuring you’re prepared for the experience.

To make the most of your outing, consider the following:

• Dress in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable on the open water.
• Bring sun protection, such as a hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen.
• Pack a small snack or water, though refreshments are provided onboard.
• Familiarize yourself with the meeting location and arrive on time to ensure a smooth departure.
• Review the cancellation policy and make any necessary arrangements in advance.

Additional Information

Several additional details can help ensure a memorable Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise.

The cruise departs from Kailua Pier, with free parking available at the nearby Body Glove Cruises Retail Store. Guests should arrive by 12:30 PM for the 1:00 PM departure.

The cruise includes snacks, drinks, a marine naturalist host, reef-safe sunscreen, and gratuities. Cocktails are also available for purchase.

The large boat provides wheelchair accessibility, accommodating guests with disabilities.

While the overall rating is 4.2/5, reviewers praise the friendly guides, informative naturalist, and value for money, noting some crowding during peak whale sightings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, guests can bring their own food and drinks on the cruise. However, snacks and drinks are also provided as part of the cruise package, and cocktails are available for purchase on board.

Is There a Restroom on the Boat?

Yes, the boat has restrooms on board for guests to use during the cruise. The restrooms are fully accessible and provide a comfortable experience throughout the 2.5-hour excursion.

What Kind of Photography Equipment Is Allowed?

The cruises allow guests to bring any photography equipment they’d like, from smartphones to DSLRs. Guests are encouraged to capture the whales and other marine life they encounter during the excursion.

Can I Get a Refund if I Get Seasick?

If guests get seasick, they can receive a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours before the cruise. The operator offers a whale sighting guarantee, so guests can join again for free if no whales are spotted.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Cruise?

The humpback whale watching cruise does not have a minimum age requirement. Children of all ages are welcome to join the tour, though parents should consider whether their young kids will enjoy the experience.

Recap

The Kailua Kona: Humpback Whale Watching Adventure Cruise offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness the majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat. With a satisfaction guarantee, knowledgeable guides, and accessibility features, this cruise is a must-do for anyone visiting the Kona coast during the whale-watching season. An educational and enjoyable outing that allows guests to enjoy the beauty of Hawaii’s marine life.

You can check if your dates are available here: