Oahu Whale Watching Excursion

The Oahu Whale Watching Excursion is a captivating adventure that allows visitors to witness the majestic humpback whales during their annual migration. Aboard a comfortable monohull boat or catamaran, guests embark on a 2-hour journey to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. With an experienced crew and a guaranteed whale sighting, the tour promises an unforgettable experience filled with awe-inspiring moments, from breaching to feeding behaviors. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a unique encounter, this excursion offers a chance to learn about the wonders of Oahu’s marine life. However, the true highlight of the tour may just lie in the unexpected surprises that await.

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

Key Points

• 2-hour small group cruise to observe humpback whales off the coast of Oahu, with guaranteed whale sightings and a free trip if no whales are spotted.
• Experienced crew provides up-close views of whales engaging in various behaviors, including breaching, feeding, and playing.
• Travelers can choose between a monohull boat or catamaran for the tour, which operates during the humpback whale migration season (December to May).
• Complimentary snacks and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages are provided to enhance the overall whale watching experience.
• The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, with full refunds available up to 24 hours in advance or in case of weather cancellations.

Overview of the Excursion

The Oahu Whale Watching Excursion is a popular tour that allows visitors to observe humpback whales migrating through Hawaii’s warm waters from December to May.

With over 590 reviews and a Certificate of Excellence, this small group tour guarantees whale sightings during the 2-hour cruise aboard either a monohull boat or catamaran. Passengers can expect to watch the whales swim, feed, breach, and play from up close.

The tour also includes snacks and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. Located at the Kewalo Basin Harbor in Honolulu, the excursion is cancelable up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and is subject to weather cancellations with alternate dates or full refunds offered.

Whale Watching Experience

Aboard the small group tour, guests embark on a thrilling 2-hour cruise to spot majestic humpback whales as they migrate through Hawaii’s warm waters.

With the guarantee of whale sightings, the experienced crew expertly navigates the boat to get up-close views of these magnificent creatures.

Guests may witness whales:

• Swimming gracefully through the ocean
• Breaching the surface in a spectacular display
• Feeding on the abundant marine life
• Playfully interacting with one another

The tour’s intimate setting allows for an immersive experience, providing the opportunity to observe the whales’ natural behaviors and learn about their fascinating biology and migration patterns.

This whale-watching excursion is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Oahu.

Boat Options and Tour Duration

Guests can choose between a monohull boat or a catamaran for their 2-hour whale-watching cruise off the coast of Oahu.

Both vessels offer excellent visibility and stability, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

The tours take place from December to May when humpback whales migrate through Hawaii’s warm waters. Passengers will have the chance to see these majestic creatures swim, feed, breach, and play.

The small group size guarantees whale sightings, and the tour even offers a free trip in case no whales are spotted.

With provided snacks and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, guests can sit back, relax, and enjoy the natural wonders of Oahu’s marine life.

Whale Behavior and Sightings

During the whale-watching cruise, guests can expect to witness an array of captivating whale behaviors. Humpback whales put on quite a show, breaching the surface in powerful leaps and slapping the water with their massive tails. Passengers may also observe the whales feeding, with their huge mouths agape, engulfing mouthfuls of plankton and small fish. Plus, they often engage in playful interactions, such as spy-hopping – where they vertically breach the surface to get a better view of their surroundings.

Some other remarkable whale behaviors include:

• Tail-slapping, where they forcefully strike the water with their tails
• Pectoral fin-slapping, where they lift their massive fins and slap the surface
• Fluke-up diving, where they dive headfirst with their tails raised high
• Logging, where they rest motionless on the surface like floating logs

Included Amenities

The whale watching tour includes a variety of complimentary snacks and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy during the excursion. Participants can refuel with tasty snacks and refreshing drinks as they spot the magnificent humpback whales. The selection of included amenities is designed to enhance the overall whale watching experience.

Snacks	Beverages
Trail Mix	Water
Granola Bars	Juices
Assorted Fruits	Soft Drinks

These complimentary offerings ensure travelers stay energized and hydrated throughout the 2-hour cruise, allowing them to fully enjoy the wonder of witnessing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Meeting Point Details

At Kewalo Basin Harbor, the meeting point for the Oahu Whale Watching Excursion is located in Slip F28, within the Hawaii Nautical – Honi Olani facility in Honolulu, HI 96813.

Guests will find:

• A well-marked sign for the tour company at the harbor entrance
• A bustling launch area with small boats and catamarans
• A covered waiting area with benches and shade
• Friendly staff ready to greet participants and provide instructions

From this convenient and accessible location, the tour departs for its 2-hour whale watching adventure off the Oahu coast.

Guests can look forward to an unforgettable experience spotting these magnificent marine creatures in their natural habitat.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Travelers can cancel their Oahu Whale Watching Excursion up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour is also subject to weather cancellation, in which case an alternate date or full refund will be offered.

Plus, a minimum number of participants is required, and guests will receive an alternate date or full refund if the minimum isn’t met.

This ensures flexibility and peace of mind for all travelers. The cancellation policy is designed to provide a hassle-free experience, allowing guests to book with confidence.

Whether it’s due to inclement weather or low participation, the tour operator is committed to accommodating travelers’ needs and providing a full refund when necessary.

Additional Information

Along With the flexible cancellation policy, the Oahu Whale Watching Excursion offers several other noteworthy features that contribute to an exceptional experience for guests. The small group size ensures personalized attention, while the choice between a monohull boat and a catamaran provides options to suit different preferences.

Participants can expect to witness humpback whales performing a variety of behaviors, from swimming and feeding to breaching and playing, during the 2-hour cruise. The tour also includes complimentary snacks and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, enhancing the overall comfort and enjoyment of the excursion.

Watch whales swim gracefully through the azure waters.

Observe humpbacks breach the surface in dramatic fashion.

See whales engage in playful behavior, such as tail slapping.

Capture stunning photographs of these majestic marine mammals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

The tour appears well-suited for families with young children. It offers a 2-hour cruise, free tour if no whales are seen, snacks, and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, making it an engaging and comfortable experience for all ages.

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

Yes, guests can bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks on the tour. The tour provider offers snacks and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, but allowing guests to bring their own items provides more flexibility for the experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions or requirements. Children of all ages are welcome to join the whale watching excursion. There aren’t any special accommodations or considerations, and families can participate together.

Can I Take Professional Photography Equipment on the Boat?

Passengers can bring professional photography equipment on the boat. The tour operator encourages guests to capture the whales and scenery during the 2-hour cruise. However, they may have restrictions on the size or type of equipment allowed.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

The tour operator offers a standard 2-hour whale watching excursion, but doesn’t mention an option to extend the duration. Travelers would need to inquire directly with the operator about the possibility of booking a longer tour.

Recap

The Oahu Whale Watching Excursion is a must-do activity for visitors seeking an intimate encounter with humpback whales during their migration.

Aboard a comfortable monohull boat or catamaran, guests can witness the whales’ captivating behaviors while enjoying complimentary refreshments and the convenience of a flexible cancellation policy.

With an experienced crew and a guaranteed sighting, this tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to connect with the wonders of Oahu’s marine life.