Whale watching in Kona, Waikoloa is an unparalleled experience. Visitors can embark on a captivating tour that guarantees sightings of the majestic North Pacific humpback whales and their calves. Operating during the peak season from December to April, this intimate excursion accommodates a small group, ensuring personalized attention. With scenic coastal views and complimentary refreshments, the tour promises an unforgettable adventure. However, the real highlight lies in the tour’s unique guarantee and refund policy, leaving travelers eager to discover more.
Good To Know
- Guaranteed sightings of North Pacific humpback whales and their calves during the seasonal tour from December to April on the Big Island of Hawaii.
- Intimate whale watching experience with a maximum capacity of 17 travelers, priced at $116.32 per person.
- Flexible departure times throughout the day and scenic views of the Kona-Kohala coast during the tour.
- Refreshments provided, including bottled water, soda, and juice, along with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.
- Tour rated 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 96 reviews, highlighting friendly crew and memorable whale encounters.
Tour Overview
The Whale Watching Tour: Whales Guaranteed in Kona Waikoloa is a seasonal tour that operates from December to April on the Big Island of Hawaii, USA.
This tour has a maximum capacity of 17 travelers and is priced from $116.32 per person. The tour offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Guests can enjoy guaranteed sightings of North Pacific humpback whales and their calves, along with scenic views of the Kona-Kohala coast. Refreshments, including bottled water, soda, and juice, are provided during the tour.
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Experience Highlights
Guests on this Whale Watching Tour can look forward to guaranteed sightings of North Pacific humpback whales and their calves as they cruise along the Kona-Kohala coast.
The tour offers magnificent views of the scenic shoreline. Refreshments, including bottled water, soda, and juice, are provided throughout the excursion.
Departure times are available at various points throughout the day, allowing for flexibility in scheduling. The tour has a maximum capacity of 17 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
Meeting and Pickup
To get to the meeting point, guests should park at A-Bay Beach Park and then walk toward the beach, where they’ll find the check-in banner.
The departure point is Anaehoomalu Bay, Waikoloa Beach Resort. Guests need to arrive at the meeting point located at 69-1081 Kuualii Pl, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, USA.
The tour departs from this location, so guests should allow enough time to check in and board the vessel. Specific departure times are available throughout the day, so guests should confirm their schedule when booking the tour.
Accessibility and Booking Requirements
Though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infants are welcome to sit on laps. Service animals are allowed on board.
Booking the tour is straightforward – guests receive confirmation upon booking and need to provide their hotel details or contact number.
The tour has specific requirements:
- Confirmation received at the time of booking
- Hotel details or customer contact number required
- Gratuity is suggested but at the discretion of your
Whale Watching Season and Tour Dates
The Whale Watching Tour in Kona Waikoloa is a seasonal experience, running from December to April each year. This prime humpback whale watching season allows guests to witness the magnificent marine giants as they migrate to Hawaii’s warm waters. The tour operates on various departure times throughout the day, catering to different schedules.
Departure Time | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
8:00 AM | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
10:00 AM | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
12:00 PM | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
2:00 PM | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
4:00 PM | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
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Vessel and Crew Information
The Whale Watching Tour operates aboard a spacious and comfortable catamaran that accommodates up to 17 guests.
The vessel features:
- A covered top deck providing panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding waters.
- A lower deck with bench seating and a shaded observation area.
- A small indoor cabin equipped with a snack bar and restroom.
The experienced crew consists of a knowledgeable captain and a marine naturalist who provide insightful commentary about the whales and their marine habitat throughout the tour.
With their expertise and the boat’s maneuverability, the crew aims to deliver an exceptional whale watching experience.
Whale Sighting Guarantee and Refund Policy
If guests don’t see any whales during their tour, the company offers a full refund. The whale sighting guarantee is a major selling point of this excursion.
Humpback whales are present off the Kona-Kohala coast from December to April, and the tour company is confident they can deliver sightings. If the whales prove elusive, guests receive a full refund, no questions asked.
This policy provides peace of mind and ensures customers get the whale watching experience they paid for. The generous cancellation policy further demonstrates the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Guests have shared a range of feedback about their experiences on the Whale Watching Tour in Kona Waikoloa.
The tour boasts an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 96 reviews.
Positive feedback highlights the:
- Friendly and knowledgeable crew
- Smooth boat ride with magnificent coastal views
- Memorable encounters with whales and their calves
However, some guests reported a lack of engagement from the captain, rough waters, and fewer whale sightings compared to other tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?
There is no minimum age requirement specified for this tour. Infants are allowed to participate but must sit on laps. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, however, service animals are permitted.
Are There Any Restrictions on Photography or Videography During the Tour?
Guests are generally permitted to take photos and videos during the tour. However, the tour operator advises avoiding flash photography as it may disturb the whales. Participants are encouraged to be respectful of the marine environment and wildlife.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Whale Watching Experience?
You don’t need any special equipment for the whale watching experience. A camera, binoculars, and comfortable clothing are recommended to fully enjoy the scenic views and potential whale sightings. The tour providers have the necessary equipment for the excursion.
How Much Time Do We Typically Spend on the Water Observing the Whales?
The typical whale watching tour lasts 2-3 hours, allowing ample time to observe the whales in their natural habitat. Guests can expect to spend 1-2 hours actively looking for and viewing the whales during the excursion.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Passengers are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages on the tour. Bottled water, soda, and juice are also provided by the operator. However, guests are not allowed to consume their own alcohol on the excursion.
The Sum Up
The Whale Watching Tour in Kona, Waikoloa offers an unparalleled experience to witness the majestic North Pacific humpback whales up close. With a generous cancellation policy and a whale sighting guarantee, this tour ensures unforgettable memories. Whether you’re seeking a scenic coastal adventure or an opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures, this tour is a must-do for any nature enthusiast visiting the region.
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