The Kawaihae Whale Watch offers a unique opportunity to witness the majestic humpback whales that migrate to the Kohala Coast each winter. With a guaranteed sighting, guests can enjoy a stable catamaran cruise while expert guides share insights into the whales’ captivating behaviors. Whether it’s the midday or late afternoon departure, travelers have multiple chances to spot these impressive creatures breaching, spouting, and splashing in their natural habitat. As if the whales themselves weren’t enough, the cruise also provides complimentary refreshments to keep explorers energized throughout the adventure. There’s certainly more to discover about this remarkable experience.
Key Points
- Kawaihae Whale Watch offers a whale sighting guarantee between December and April, ensuring customers the opportunity to spot whales during their seasonal migration.
- Cruises along the Kohala Coast allow passengers to witness whales breaching, spouting, and splashing, providing an unforgettable whale watching experience.
- The stable catamaran platform offers unobstructed views, and midday and late afternoon departure options maximize whale sighting opportunities.
- Expert guides provide insightful commentary on the whales’ behavior and the local marine ecosystem, enhancing the overall experience.
- Complimentary refreshments, including soft drinks, juice, and water, are provided throughout the cruise, keeping guests hydrated and focused on spotting the whales.
Whale Sighting Guarantee
The Kawaihae Whale Watch offers a whale sighting guarantee between December and April, ensuring customers the opportunity to spot these majestic creatures during their seasonal migration.
During the cruises along the Kohala Coast, passengers can expect to witness whales breaching, spouting, and splashing in the waters. The tours depart either midday or in the late afternoon, providing multiple options for visitors.
With the guarantee, customers can rest assured they’ll have the chance to see whales, making the Kawaihae Whale Watch a must-do activity for anyone seeking an unforgettable whale watching experience.
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Catamaran Cruise Experience
A thrilling catamaran cruise along the Kohala Coast allows passengers to spot whales in their natural habitat.
The excursion offers several key highlights:
- Unobstructed views from the stable catamaran platform to spot whales breaching, spouting, and splashing.
- Midday and late afternoon departure options to maximize whale sighting opportunities.
- Complimentary refreshments including soft drinks, juice, and water to keep guests hydrated and energized.
- Expert guides who provide insightful commentary on the whales’ behavior and the local marine ecosystem.
With the guarantee of whale sightings from December through April, this catamaran cruise is an unforgettable way to witness the majestic creatures up close in their natural environment.
Whale Behavior Highlights
From their vantage point aboard the catamaran, guests can witness whales exhibiting a range of captivating behaviors, such as breaching, spouting, and splashing.
Breaching, when a whale leaps partially or entirely out of the water, is a sight to behold as it creates an impressive splash.
Guests may also observe whales spouting, or forcefully expelling air and water from their blowholes.
Plus, the whales may engage in lively splashing, slapping their tails or pectoral fins against the water’s surface.
These dynamic displays provide an unforgettable glimpse into the whales’ natural habitat and behaviors.
With the expert guidance of the crew, guests can better understand and appreciate the wonders of these magnificent marine mammals.
Departure Time Options
Guests can choose between a midday or late afternoon departure for their whale watching cruise, allowing them to tailor their experience to their preferences. The midday departure provides the opportunity to spot whales in the prime hours of the day, while the late afternoon option offers the chance to witness the whales’ evening activities.
The cruise duration is approximately 2-3 hours, ensuring ample time to observe the majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Regardless of the departure time chosen, visitors are guaranteed to have an unforgettable encounter with these magnificent marine mammals.
The departure time options include:
- Midday departure
- Late afternoon departure
- Approximately 2-3 hour cruise duration
- Flexibility to choose the preferred experience
Complimentary Beverages
The Kawaihae Whale Watch cruise offers guests complimentary soft drinks, juice, and water to enjoy throughout their whale watching adventure. These refreshing beverages are included in the tour price, so guests don’t have to worry about bringing their own drinks.
Whether it’s a hot day or a cool afternoon, the complimentary beverages provide a welcome respite and help keep everyone hydrated. The crew ensures the coolers are well-stocked, so there’s no need to purchase additional drinks.
This thoughtful inclusion enhances the overall experience, allowing guests to focus on spotting whales without the hassle of packing or purchasing drinks separately.
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Taxes and Gratuities
Along With the complimentary beverages, all taxes, fees, and handling charges are included in the Kawaihae Whale Watch tour price, ensuring a hassle-free experience for guests. Further, the gratuities for the crew are also covered, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the whale watching adventure without worrying about additional costs.
The tour package includes:
- All applicable taxes and fees
- Handling charges for the catamaran cruise
- Gratuities for the knowledgeable and friendly crew
- A complete prepaid experience, from start to finish
This all-inclusive approach allows guests to focus on the exciting prospect of spotting whales breaching, spouting, and splashing along the Kohala Coast.
Meeting Point Details
According to the information provided, the Kawaihae Whale Watch tour departs from a specific meeting point located at 61-3527 Kawaihae Rd, Waimea, HI 96743, USA.
To reach this meeting point, guests need to:
- Bear left onto Akoni Pule Hwy270 from Highway 19
- Head north on Route 270 until they spot the green gate enclosing the port
- Take the first left into the green gate (Gate 1)
- Take a left at the sign for Gate 13
- Follow the paved road until it ends at a gravel parking area
- The vessel ‘Kohola’ is docked at slip S-01.
Additional Recommendations
Passengers should bring along a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun’s glare while on the Kawaihae Whale Watch cruise. Plus, a light jacket is recommended to guard against any sea spray or breezes.
Service animals are permitted, though infants must remain on laps during the tour. The vessel is a fast powerboat, which means there’s potential for wet sea spray. The tour has a maximum capacity of 6 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes to ensure stability on the boat.
Bring a camera or binoculars to capture the whales in action.
Stay hydrated by bringing a water bottle or taking advantage of the complimentary beverages.
Dress in layers to accommodate the changing weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Food Provided on the Whale Watching Tour?
The tour provides complimentary soft drinks, juice, and water. However, it does not include any food items. Passengers are advised to bring their own snacks or meals if they wish to eat during the whale watching cruise.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Yes, passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the whale watching tour. The tour provider allows outside food and beverages to be brought aboard, so guests can enjoy their own snacks and refreshments during the excursion.
What Is the Policy for Cancellations or Refunds?
The cancellation policy is flexible, allowing full refunds for cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour. There may be reduced refunds for last-minute cancellations, so it’s best to contact the operator directly for their current policy.
Are Binoculars Available for Use on the Boat?
Binoculars are not provided on the boat, but passengers are welcome to bring their own. Guests are encouraged to bring any additional equipment they may need to enhance their whale-watching experience.
Is There a Restroom on the Vessel During the Tour?
Yes, there is a restroom on the vessel during the whale watching tour. The boat is equipped with a functional restroom for the convenience and comfort of passengers throughout the duration of the excursion.
Recap
Kawaihae Whale Watch offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the majestic humpback whales along the Kohala Coast.
With a guaranteed sighting experience, guests can observe the whales’ captivating behaviors from the comfort of a stable catamaran.
Complemented by expert commentary and refreshments, this adventure promises an unforgettable encounter with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
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