Pelagic Wildlife Excursion

The Pelagic Wildlife Excursion offers an exceptional opportunity to take in the vibrant marine ecosystem of the Kona Coast. Guests embark on a safari-like adventure aboard a small, open-air zodiac boat, venturing into the waters to catch glimpses of a diverse array of captivating creatures. From majestic whales and playful dolphins to elusive sharks and curious seals, the expedition promises an up-close encounter with the wonders of the deep. With a comprehensive package that includes a picnic snack, rafting, and transportation, the Pelagic Wildlife Excursion provides a convenient and complete way to explore the rich natural treasures of this remarkable region. What awaits those who embark on this journey is a truly unforgettable experience.

Key Points

• This tour offers an immersive wildlife-watching experience on the Kona Coast and in Kealakekua Bay, allowing sightings of various marine animals like whales, dolphins, sharks, and seabirds.
• The tour is conducted on a small, open-air zodiac boat, providing a safari-like experience with up-close and personal encounters with up to 17 whale and dolphin species.
• The tour package includes local taxes, a picnic snack, a rafting expedition, and hotel pickup and drop-off services, ensuring a comprehensive and hassle-free experience.
• Participants must have a moderate physical fitness level and are responsible for bringing their own cameras and GoPros to capture the incredible sights.
• The tour departs promptly at 9:00 am from Honokohau Marina, ensuring the best chance of spotting the diverse pelagic wildlife on the Kona Coast and in Kealakekua Bay.

Overview of the Tour

The Pelagic Wildlife Excursion on the Kona Coast and in Kealakekua Bay offers year-round wildlife-watching opportunities, enabling visitors to spot a variety of marine animals, including whales, dolphins, sharks, seals, and birds.

The tour takes place on a small, open-air zodiac boat, providing a safari-like experience that allows travelers to get up close and personal with up to 17 different whale and dolphin species.

The excursion offers a unique chance to witness the natural wonders of Hawaii’s coastline and marine ecosystem in an intimate, immersive setting.

Guests can expect to enjoy a picnic snack, a rafting expedition, and hotel pickup and drop-off as part of the inclusive package.

Included in the Excursion

The tour package includes several amenities to enhance the overall experience. Local taxes, a picnic snack, and a rafting expedition are all part of the inclusive offerings.

Plus, guests receive hotel pickup and drop-off services, as well as gratuities, ensuring a seamless and worry-free adventure.

However, participants are responsible for bringing their own cameras and GoPro devices to capture the stunning natural scenery and wildlife encounters.

This excursion offers a comprehensive package, providing everything guests need to fully enjoy the marine wonders of the Kona Coast and Kealakekua Bay. With these inclusions, travelers can focus on the wildlife-watching and enjoy the safari-like experience to the fullest.

Meeting Point and Pickup

Guests begin their Pelagic Wildlife Excursion at the Captain Zodiac meeting point in Honokohau Marina, where they’ll embark on their safari-like adventure.

The tour starts promptly at 9:00 am, so it’s important for guests to arrive on time.

Once everyone is gathered, the small, open-air zodiac boat will depart from the marina and head out to explore the Kona Coast and Kealakekua Bay.

At the end of the excursion, the boat will return to the same meeting point where the adventure began, completing the day’s wildlife-watching experience.

Tour Start Time

The Pelagic Wildlife Excursion departs promptly at 9:00 am from the Captain Zodiac meeting point in Honokohau Marina, allowing guests to maximize their time on the water.

Guests will be able to observe the diverse marine life along the Kona Coast and in Kealakekua Bay during this safari-like experience.

This early departure ensures travelers have the best chance of spotting whales, dolphins, sharks, seals, and a variety of seabirds.

The open-air zodiac boat tour provides an up-close and personal encounter with Hawaii’s pelagic wildlife, with the possibility of seeing up to 17 different whale and dolphin species.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own cameras and GoPros to capture the incredible sights they’ll witness during this immersive, three-hour excursion.

Participant Requirements

Physical fitness and age restrictions apply for the Pelagic Wildlife Excursion. Participants must possess a moderate level of physical fitness, as the tour involves moderate exertion during the rafting portion.

The activity isn’t recommended for those with back/neck problems, pregnant women, or travelers with heart/medical conditions. Minimum age requirement is 4 years, making the tour suitable for families with young children.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 12 travelers, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience. Guests are encouraged to bring their own cameras and GoPros to capture the up-close encounters with the diverse marine wildlife found along the Kona Coast and in Kealakekua Bay.

Sightings and Experiences

Year-round, the Pelagic Wildlife Excursion offers guests the opportunity to witness a diverse array of marine creatures, including whales, dolphins, sharks, seals, and a variety of bird species, in their natural habitats along the Kona Coast and in Kealakekua Bay. Guests embark on a safari-like experience aboard a small, open-air zodiac boat, where they can observe up to 17 different whale and dolphin species. The tour provides a unique and up-close encounter with Hawaii’s captivating marine life, allowing visitors to learn about the various species and their behavior.

Sightings	Frequency
Whales	Common
Dolphins	Frequent
Sharks	Occasional
Seals	Rare
Seabirds	Abundant

Reviews and Recommendations

With a Badge of Excellence and 27 reviews, the Pelagic Wildlife Excursion is highly recommended for an up-close whale experience and learning about Hawaii’s marine wildlife.

Guests consistently praise the safari-like experience, which offers the chance to see up to 17 different whale and dolphin species year-round along the Kona Coast and in Kealakekua Bay.

The small, open-air zodiac boat provides an intimate, immersive encounter with these magnificent creatures.

Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides, who share their expertise on the local marine life.

Whether it’s witnessing breaching whales or curious dolphins, this excursion delivers an unforgettable window into Hawaii’s vibrant pelagic ecosystem.

Additional Information

The Pelagic Wildlife Excursion has a few important limitations for prospective participants – it’s not recommended for those with back/neck problems, pregnant women, or travelers with heart/medical conditions, and a minimum age of 4 years and moderate physical fitness level are required. Plus, the tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers.

Limitation	Reason
Back/Neck Problems	Difficult to navigate small zodiac boat
Pregnancy	Safety concerns in small boat
Heart/Medical Conditions	Strenuous nature of tour
Age Minimum	Safety considerations for young children
Physical Fitness	Moderate activity level required

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. The tour provides a picnic snack, but bringing additional items is permitted to enjoy during the excursion. Staying hydrated and fueled is recommended for the duration of the wildlife-watching experience.

Is There a Restroom Available on the Boat?

The boat has limited space, but there is a restroom available for passenger use during the tour. Guests should be mindful of the small size and plan accordingly for their comfort and convenience.

How Stable Is the Zodiac Boat During the Excursion?

The zodiac boat is quite stable during the excursion, designed to handle the open-water conditions. Its inflatable sides and low-profile design provide a smooth, comfortable ride even in choppy seas. Passengers can feel secure as they navigate the marine environment.

What Should I Wear to Stay Comfortable During the Tour?

Participants should wear lightweight, quick-drying clothing that can get wet, such as swimsuits, rash guards, or board shorts. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended to prevent slipping on the boat. Bringing a light jacket or windbreaker is also advisable for cooler ocean breezes.

Can I Request a Private or Customized Tour Experience?

Yes, guests can request a private or customized tour experience. The tour company offers flexible options to accommodate individual preferences and group sizes. Customized tours allow visitors to personalize their wildlife-watching adventure along the Kona Coast and in Kealakekua Bay.

Recap

The Pelagic Wildlife Excursion offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the captivating marine life of the Kona Coast.

With a comprehensive package that includes a picnic snack, rafting expedition, and hotel transportation, this tour provides a seamless and enriching experience for exploring the diverse array of whales, dolphins, sharks, seals, and seabirds that inhabit the region’s waters.