About Whale Watch
Ride low over Kona’s winter waters aboard a 24-foot Zodiac for a close-to-the-surface whale watching experience. The smaller raft keeps you near the action as humpbacks move through the area, giving you clear views of blows, tail slaps and other surface behavior while the captain explains what is happening.
A hydrophone adds another layer to the trip by letting you listen for whale songs beneath the water. Along the way, you may also see spinner dolphins, sea turtles and stretches of Kona’s rugged lava coastline, including sea caves and blowholes.
Tour Highlights
- Watch for humpback whales along the Kona Coast during winter migration
- Ride aboard a low-profile Zodiac with open viewing angles
- Listen for humpback whale songs through an onboard hydrophone
- Chance to see spinner dolphins, sea turtles, sea caves and blowholes
- Learn about whale behavior from the naturalist captain
Good to Know
- Snacks and reusable water stations provided; please bring your own refillable bottle — single-use plastics are not supplied
- Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act guidelines are strictly followed for responsible wildlife viewing
Special Instructions
Meeting details, important notes and helpful information for your experience.
Where & When
Tour times:
8:00 am - 11:00 am
11:45 am - 2:45 pm
Check in 15 minutes prior to your your time at Honokohau Harbor View Map
Driving directions: Honokohau Marina and small boat harbor is located approximately 5 miles south of the Kona Airport (fourth traffic light) and approximately 2 miles north of the town of Kailua-Kona (third traffic light). The harbor entrance (Kealakehe Parkway) can be found by looking for a sign on the highway marked HONOKOHAU MARINA between mile markers 97 & 98. After turning onto Kealakehe Parkway make your first right and look for a mall with a blue tile roof. Our office is the first on the right in the mall.
Restrictions
Children must be at least 4 years old to participate.
Due to the bouncy nature of the ride, pregnant women or people with back or neck problems may not participate.
Special Notes
This tour might not be available if a cruise ship is visiting Kona on the day of your requested tour day.
Operation Days
Daily except Wednesdays from mid-December through mid-March
Duration
3 hours
Capacity
16 passengers
Equipment
Tour is on a 24-foot Zodiac raft that is U.S. Coast Guard certified and inspected yearly by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Vendor
This activity is operated by Captain Zodiac.
Questions about this activity?
We’re happy to help with your choices, booking details or an existing reservation.
