Oahu: Whale Watching Afternoon Sailing Cruise

The Oahu Whale Watching Afternoon Sailing Cruise offers a unique opportunity to witness the majestic Pacific Humpback whales during their annual migration. As you set sail on a comfortable boat, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Oahu’s landscapes while enjoying complimentary beverages and insights from a knowledgeable guide. This two-hour excursion, priced at $107.62 per person, promises an unforgettable adventure amidst the beauty of Hawaii’s waters. With a wildlife guarantee and rave customer reviews, the Oahu Whale Watching Afternoon Sailing Cruise is sure to leave you in awe of nature’s wonders. But what else can you expect from this captivating experience?

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Whale Watching Experiences In Oahu.

Key Points

• A 2-hour excursion to view Pacific Humpback whales during their migration to Hawaii from December to April.
• Comfortable sailing or catamaran experience with a live tour guide and complimentary beverages.
• Opportunities to observe 25- to 40-ton whales and enjoy scenic views of Oahu’s mountains, landscapes, and beaches.
• Includes 4-hour parking validation but no food or tips.
• Mixed customer reviews on whale sightings, but a wildlife guarantee is provided if no whales are spotted.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The Oahu Whale Watching Afternoon Sailing Cruise offers a 2-hour excursion to view Pacific Humpback whales in their natural habitat. Priced from $107.62 per person, the cruise features a live tour guide who’ll share insights about the whales’ migratory travels.

Guests can relax on a comfortable sailing boat or catamaran and enjoy Oahu’s lush mountains, volcanic landscapes, and beaches. The tour includes beverages and a 4-hour parking validation, though food and tips aren’t included.

Unfortunately, the cruise isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. The experience has received mixed reviews, with some customers reporting they didn’t spot any whales during the tour.

Experience Highlights

On the Oahu Whale Watching Afternoon Sailing Cruise, guests can view Pacific Humpback whales from a safe distance and learn about their migratory travels from the live tour guide.

The cruise also allows visitors to enjoy Oahu’s lush mountains, volcanic landscapes, and beaches while relaxing on a comfortable sailing boat or catamaran.

Passengers can sip on complimentary beverages like soda, juice, and water as they take in the stunning scenery.

This 2-hour experience offers the chance to witness the impressive 25- to 40-ton whales that grace Hawaiian waters annually during their migration from December through April.

Whale Migration Facts

When do the humpback whales migrate to Hawaii?

Humpback whales migrate to Hawaii from December through April each year. Thousands of North Pacific humpback whales grace Hawaiian waters annually, making it a prime destination for whale watching.

These majestic creatures can weigh between 25 to 40 tons, making them the fifth-largest whale species worldwide. Their migratory travels bring them from their summer feeding grounds in Alaska to the warm, protected waters of Hawaii, where they breed, give birth, and nurse their young.

The humpback whale’s presence in Hawaii is a true natural wonder, drawing visitors from around the world to witness their awe-inspiring displays and behaviors.

Included in the Cruise

The cruise includes a sailing or catamaran experience, with a knowledgeable captain and crew guiding passengers throughout the journey.

Participants can enjoy complimentary beverages, including soda, juice, and water, to stay refreshed during the 2-hour excursion.

Plus, the cruise provides 4-hour parking validation, ensuring hassle-free transportation to and from the departure point at the Port Waikiki kiosk near the Hilton Hawaiian Village Pier.

While food and tips aren’t included, the cruise offers a comfortable and informative way to observe the magnificent Pacific Humpback whales during their annual migration to Hawaiian waters.

• Sailing or catamaran cruise
• Complimentary beverages
• 4-hour parking validation

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Preparing for the Cruise

Preparing for the cruise involves packing a few essential items to make the most of the whale watching experience.

Sunglasses are a must to shield your eyes from the sun’s glare on the water. Choose weather-appropriate clothing that can protect you from both the sun and any potential wind or rain. As the tour operates rain or shine, be prepared for any conditions.

Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the majestic whales and stunning island scenery. Plus, staying hydrated is important, so pack a water bottle.

With these simple preparations, you’ll be ready to embark on an unforgettable whale watching adventure off the coast of Oahu.

Cruise Details

The Oahu Whale Watching Afternoon Sailing Cruise takes passengers on a two-hour journey to observe the majestic Pacific Humpback whales in their natural habitat.

The cruise departs from the Port Waikiki kiosk near the Hilton Hawaiian Village Pier, offering breathtaking views of Oahu’s lush mountains, volcanic landscapes, and beaches.

Onboard, guests can enjoy beverages such as soda, juice, and water, while learning about the whales’ migratory travels from the live tour guide.

The experience highlights include:

• Viewing the whales from a safe distance
• Relishing the comfortable sailing boat or catamaran
• Exploring Oahu’s stunning natural beauty

The cruise operates rain or shine, and a wildlife guarantee is provided in case no whales are sighted.

Wildlife Guarantee

If no whales are sighted during the cruise, the operator provides a wildlife guarantee. This allows passengers to either re-ride the tour for free or apply the ticket value towards another trip.

The guarantee ensures customers don’t miss out on seeing these majestic creatures during their Oahu adventure. Humpback whales are seasonal visitors to Hawaiian waters, typically arriving from December through April.

While sightings can’t be 100% guaranteed, the operator is committed to providing a satisfying whale watching experience. With a fleet of comfortable sailing boats and catamarans, passengers can relax and take in the stunning island scenery as they search for the elusive whales.

Customer Feedback

While the wildlife guarantee offers a safety net for customers, the overall customer reviews for this Oahu whale watching cruise paint a mixed picture.

Some praised the stunning scenery and knowledgeable guides, while others were disappointed with the limited whale sightings and lack of excitement.

The cruise seems to deliver a relaxing experience, but may fall short in terms of delivering on the promised "whale watching" aspect.

As one reviewer noted:

• "We hardly saw any whales. The cruise itself was nice, but I was hoping for more whale activity."
• "The guides were great, but we just didn’t see much wildlife."
• "Beautiful views, but not enough whale action for the price tag."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The cruise allows guests to bring their own food and drinks, but beverages like soda, juice, and water are provided. Bringing your own snacks and drinks can help enhance the overall experience.

Do I Need to Book the Cruise in Advance?

It’s recommended to book the whale watching cruise in advance as spots may fill up, especially during peak seasons. This allows you to secure your spot and avoid disappointment on the day.

Is There a Minimum Number of Passengers Required?

There’s no minimum number of passengers required for the activity. Guests can book the whale watching cruise individually, and the tour will operate as long as there’s at least one participant signed up.

Can I Request a Specific Departure Time?

Customers can’t request a specific departure time for this cruise. The tour operates on a set schedule, and all passengers depart together at the scheduled time. Flexibility on departure time is not offered for this activity.

Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available?

The cruise provider doesn’t offer any discounts or packages at this time. However, customers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund if needed.

Recap

The Oahu Whale Watching Afternoon Sailing Cruise offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the majestic Pacific Humpback whales during their annual migration. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Oahu’s landscapes while sailing on a comfortable boat, accompanied by an expert guide. With a wildlife guarantee and ample amenities, this 2-hour excursion promises an unforgettable experience amidst the beauty of Hawaii’s waters.

You can check if your dates are available here: