The Whale Watching Excursion promises a memorable encounter with the majestic creatures of the deep. This small-group experience departs from Honokohau Harbor, where travelers can marvel at the whales’ natural habitat. With snorkeling equipment, snacks, and refreshments provided, the excursion offers a chance to explore the underwater world of these magnificent animals. Whether you’re an experienced snorkeler or a novice, the clear cancellation policy and well-equipped gear ensure a positive experience. But what awaits you beneath the surface is a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that may just leave you captivated long after the excursion has ended.

Key Points

  • The whale watching excursion offers the opportunity to observe whales in their natural habitat, with a maximum of 6 travelers for an intimate experience.
  • The tour includes snorkeling equipment, snacks, soda/pop, and bottled water, catering to the needs of participants.
  • The meeting location is at Honokohau Harbor, with clear directions provided to ensure an easy arrival.
  • The activity is suitable for moderately fit individuals, with some restrictions on height, weight, and medical conditions.
  • The tour has a clear cancellation policy, allowing travelers to cancel up to 24 hours before departure without fees.

Overview of Whale Watching Excursion

The Whale Watching Excursion on the Big Island of Hawaii is a popular activity that offers participants the opportunity to observe these majestic marine creatures in their natural habitat.

Guests can expect to use snorkeling equipment, enjoy snacks and beverages, and embark on a guided tour of the breathtaking Hawaiian coastline.

With a maximum of 6 travelers, this small-group experience ensures personalized attention and a more intimate encounter with the whales.

The tour departs from the Honokohau Harbor, and participants must meet at the designated location 15 minutes prior to the 1:00 pm start time.

This excursion is suitable for moderately fit individuals who can climb a vertical ladder for snorkeling.

Included Items for Travelers

Travelers on the Whale Watching Excursion can enjoy the use of snorkeling equipment, as well as snacks, soda/pop, and bottled water included in the tour package. This helps ensure guests are comfortable and hydrated during their adventure.

The snorkeling gear allows participants to easily explore the underwater world and potentially spot marine life during the outing. The included snacks and beverages also help keep energy levels up throughout the tour.

Meeting Location and Directions

Visitors meet at Kiwailuka Big Island Hawaii, located in Honokohau Harbor in Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. They’ll need to enter Kealakehe and make the first right, then turn left after the gas station, and park at the bathroom pavilion on the north side of the harbor with the brown roof, between the two boat ramps. The meeting point is just a short walk from the parking area, and travelers should arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled 1:00 pm departure.

Departure Time Location Directions
1:00 pm Honokohau Harbor Enter Kealakehe, right, left after gas station, park at bathroom pavilion
Meeting Point Bathroom Pavilion North side of harbor, between boat ramps, brown roof
Arrival Time 15 minutes prior Meet guides at scheduled departure
Parking Free At bathroom pavilion
Walking Distance Short From parking to meeting point

Activity Details and Requirements

The tour begins at 1:00 pm and accommodates a maximum of 6 travelers.

The excursion isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed.

Participants must be at least 4 feet tall, under 250 pounds, and haven’t undergone major surgery in the past 6 months. They’ll need a moderate level of physical fitness, as they’ll need to climb a vertical ladder for snorkeling.

The excursion isn’t recommended for those with back problems, heart conditions, or other serious medical issues, as well as pregnant travelers.

Snorkeling equipment, snacks, soda, and bottled water are included in the experience.

Policies and Cancellation

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking for this whale watching excursion. Travelers can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time without incurring any fees.

This policy allows for flexibility in case plans change unexpectedly. The tour has a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

Clients can feel confident in their booking, knowing they can make adjustments if needed. The clear cancellation policy and small group size contribute to the overall positive experience of this whale watching adventure on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Snorkeling Equipment and Gear

The whale watching excursion provides snorkeling equipment for guests, including masks, snorkels, and fins. Participants can use the provided gear to explore the waters and potentially catch glimpses of whales and other marine life during the tour.

The snorkeling equipment is of high quality and well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience for all participants. The tour also includes:

  1. Masks with anti-fog coating for clear underwater visibility.
  2. High-quality snorkels that allow for easy breathing.
  3. Comfortable, adjustable fins that provide efficient propulsion through the water.

The availability of this specialized equipment makes the whale watching excursion an engaging and accessible activity for both experienced and novice snorkelers alike.

Snacks, Soda, and Bottled Water

Along With the provided snorkeling equipment, the whale watching excursion also includes an assortment of refreshments for participants.

These include snacks, soda or pop, and bottled water to keep guests hydrated and energized throughout the activity.

The snacks offered are typically light and easy to eat, such as energy bars or trail mixes, providing a quick source of fuel.

The soda and bottled water help replace any fluids lost during the outing, ensuring guests remain comfortable and able to fully enjoy the whale watching experience.

These complimentary refreshments are a thoughtful inclusion that enhances the overall experience and caters to the needs of the participants.

Maximum Travelers and Accessibility

The whale watching excursion has a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience for all participants.

Plus, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are permitted.

Guests must also meet certain physical requirements, such as being at least 4 feet tall, under 250 pounds, and having undergone no major surgery in the past 6 months, to ensure their safety and comfort during the snorkeling portion of the activity.

The tour’s accessibility guidelines include:

  1. Guests must be able to climb a vertical ladder for snorkeling.
  2. The activity isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
  3. A moderate level of physical fitness is required to fully enjoy the excursion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Typical Duration of the Whale Watching Excursion?

The typical duration of the excursion is not specified in the provided information. The details only mention the start time of 1:00 pm, without indicating the total length of the activity.

Are Children Allowed to Participate in the Whale Watching Excursion?

According to the details provided, children are allowed to participate in the whale watching excursion as long as they meet the minimum height requirement of 4 feet. However, there’s no specific mention of a minimum age limit.

Is There an Age or Weight Limit for the Snorkeling Portion of the Tour?

The snorkeling portion of the tour has specific requirements. Participants must be at least 4 feet tall, under 250 pounds, and have not had major surgery within the past 6 months. Plus, they must be able to climb a vertical ladder for snorkeling.

Are There Any Specific Clothing or Gear Requirements for the Whale Watching Excursion?

The tour requires participants to wear appropriate clothing and gear for snorkeling, such as swimsuits, water shoes, and sun protection. No specific clothing is mentioned for the whale watching portion of the excursion.

Is There an Option to Upgrade or Add Additional Activities to the Whale Watching Excursion?

The whale watching excursion doesn’t appear to offer any upgrade or additional activity options. The details provided suggest the experience is focused solely on whale watching and includes only the listed included items.

Recap

The Whale Watching Excursion offers a unique opportunity to observe whales up close in their natural habitat.

With a small group size, quality snorkeling gear, and refreshments provided, the experience is suitable for both experienced and novice snorkelers.

The clear cancellation policy and accessibility make it a compelling choice for those seeking an intimate, underwater exploration of the whales’ world.