Guaranteed Whale Watch in Kona

Kona’s guaranteed whale watch is an exhilarating way to spot majestic humpbacks, pilot whales, and false killer whales. Departing from Honokohau Harbor, this 3-hour cruise aboard a spacious 48-foot Delta boat offers the chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. With refreshments, a knowledgeable crew, and stunning ocean views, it’s an adventure not to be missed. But the best part? If no whales are sighted, you’ll receive a voucher for another tour, ensuring you don’t miss out on this incredible experience.

Key Points

• Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii offers a 3-hour guaranteed whale watching cruise aboard a 48-foot Delta boat that departs from Honokohau Harbor.
• Sightings typically include humpback, pilot, and false killer whales, along with scenic ocean views and refreshments.
• Boat capacity is up to 30 travelers, with children under five required to have personal life vests.
• The tour includes a professional guide, gratuities, and the option for hotel pickup and drop-off.
• If no whales are sighted, a voucher is provided for another tour, ensuring a satisfactory whale watching experience.

Overview of the Whale Watching Experience

The whale watching cruise in Kailua-Kona, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, allows visitors to board a 48-foot (15-meter) Delta boat at Honokohau Harbor and spot humpback whales, pilot whales, and false killer whales in their natural habitat.

Guests can enjoy scenic ocean views and a relaxing atmosphere while snacking on provided refreshments. The experience is guaranteed, meaning if no whales are sighted, participants receive a voucher for another tour.

This tour offers a unique opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their pacific ocean home.

Meeting and Logistics

To begin the whale watching experience, participants meet at the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor in Kalaoa, Hawaii 96740.

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours. The boat can accommodate up to 30 travelers.

Children under five must provide their own life vests. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, collapsible wheelchairs are allowed with a personal assistant.

Guests should have a moderate fitness level to fully enjoy the experience.

Amenities and Inclusions

Bottled water and snacks are provided to participants, along with a professional guide and gratuities.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are also available, making the experience more convenient. Travelers have the flexibility to reserve now and pay later.

Plus, free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the tour starts, allowing for changes in plans.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, collapsible wheelchairs are permitted with a personal assistant.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

A total of 33 reviews have been left for this whale watching experience, averaging a rating of 4.2 out of 5.

Customers praise the knowledgeable crew and the sightings of whales and dolphins. They also enjoyed the overall atmosphere.

However, some have expressed dissatisfaction with the cancellations due to weather and difficulty finding the meeting point.

There have also been issues with the guarantee policy, where customers didn’t receive the promised voucher when no whales were spotted.

Early booking is recommended to increase flexibility in case the guarantee needs to be utilized.

Additional Information

Travelers receive confirmation at the time of booking, unless the reservation is made within 2 days of the experience.

A moderate fitness level is required, as the activity involves boarding a boat and potentially some light walking.

Minimum passenger numbers apply, and cancellations may occur if the requirements aren’t met.

To ensure the best chance of utilizing the whale sighting guarantee, it’s recommended to book the tour well in advance.

Early booking provides more flexibility in case of needing to reschedule due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

What to Expect on the Whale Watching Tour

Once participants have secured their reservations, they can look forward to an unforgettable whale watching adventure.

The tour begins as guests board the 48-foot Delta boat at Honokohau Harbor. From there, the knowledgeable crew will guide participants through the experience:

1. Spotting humpback, pilot, and false killer whales in their natural habitat.
2. Enjoying the scenic ocean views and a relaxing atmosphere while snacking on provided bottled water and snacks.
3. Benefiting from the guarantee – if no whales are seen, guests receive a voucher for another tour.

Tips for an Enjoyable Whale Watching Excursion

Although the whale watching tour is designed to be an enjoyable experience, there are a few tips that can help ensure an even more memorable outing.

Dress in layers, as the ocean breeze can be chilly. Bring motion sickness medication if needed, as the boat ride may cause some discomfort. Pack binoculars to get a closer look at the whales.

Arrive at the meeting point early to ensure you don’t miss the departure. Stay alert and keep your eyes peeled, as the whales can surface unexpectedly.

With a little preparation, you’re sure to have an unforgettable whale watching adventure.

Exploring Kailua-Kona Beyond the Whale Watch

After the whale watching adventure, visitors can explore the vibrant town of Kailua-Kona, which offers a wealth of activities and attractions beyond the marine life.

The historic Kailua-Kona Pier is a popular spot for strolling, dining, and shopping. Nearby, visitors can:

1. Discover the Hulihe’e Palace, a 19th-century summer residence of Hawaiian royalty, now a museum.

2. Explore the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, where they can learn about the region’s coffee heritage.

3. Visit the Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, a protected cultural and natural landscape.

With its vibrant culture, scenic beauty, and diverse activities, Kailua-Kona provides an enriching experience beyond the whale watching tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the whale watching cruise. However, bottled water and snacks are already provided as part of the included amenities for the tour.

What Should I Wear for the Whale Watching Tour?

It’s best to dress in comfortable, weather-appropriate attire for the whale watching tour. Wear layers, as the ocean temperatures can be cooler. Bring sun protection like a hat and sunglasses, and wear non-slip shoes. The tour provides snacks and water, so no need to bring your own.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

Whale watching tours often offer discounts for children, seniors, military, or bundled packages. Check the provider’s website or contact them directly to inquire about any special offers or discounts that may be available for your desired tour date.

How Close Can We Get to the Whales?

Passengers can get quite close to the whales, often within 50-100 yards. The boat’s experienced crew will navigate safely to provide clear views and photo opportunities, while maintaining a respectful distance from the whales in their natural habitat.

Can I Bring My Drone to Capture Aerial Footage?

Drones are not permitted on the whale watching tour for safety and environmental reasons. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the whales from the boat and use their cameras and smartphones to capture the experience.

Sum Up

The Guaranteed Whale Watch in Kona offers an unforgettable adventure. With a spacious boat, knowledgeable crew, and refreshments, guests can enjoy scenic ocean views and the chance to spot magnificent whales. The tour’s guarantee ensures you won’t miss out, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a thrilling whale watching experience in Kona.