Waikiki Whale Watching Yacht Cruise Review

The Waikiki Whale Watching Yacht Cruise offers a fascinating glimpse into Hawaii’s marine life. Departing from Pier E in Honolulu, this affordable excursion accommodates up to 70 guests, providing an intimate setting to witness the grandeur of humpback whales. With informative guides and a focus on safety, the cruise’s glass-bottom viewing room allows passengers to enjoy the underwater ecosystem. While the panoramic views from the upper and lower decks promise an unforgettable experience, there’s more to discover about this must-try adventure.

Good To Know

• The Waikiki Whale Watching Yacht Cruise departs from Pier E, F06 in Honolulu and returns to the same location, providing easy access to prime whale watching areas.
• The cruise is priced from $29 per person, with a $7 fuel surcharge, and accommodates up to 70 travelers on a spacious and comfortable boat.
• The yacht is equipped with a glass-bottom viewing room and upper/lower decks for optimal whale sightings, offering an intimate and immersive experience.
• The cruise is not recommended for travelers with certain medical conditions or back problems, and is not wheelchair accessible.
• The cruise offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience, as well as a reserve now and pay later option.

Cruise Overview

Although the Waikiki Whale Watching Yacht Cruise offers a unique opportunity to observe these majestic creatures, it’s important to understand the specifics of the experience.

The cruise departs from Pier E, F06 in Honolulu and returns to the same location. Priced from $29 per person, the yacht can accommodate up to 70 travelers. Children under 3 get free admission, but a $7 fuel surcharge applies.

The glass-bottom viewing room and upper/lower decks provide ideal whale-sighting opportunities, accompanied by an informative tour guide.

However, the cruise isn’t wheelchair accessible, and certain medical conditions may make it unsuitable.

Location and Meeting Point

The Waikiki Whale Watching Yacht Cruise departs from Pier E, F06 located at 1025 Ala Moana Blvd in Honolulu, Hawaii.

This central meeting point is easily accessible, situated near public transportation options. Guests will return to the same location at the end of the cruise.

The location provides convenient access to the Waikiki harbor, allowing the yacht to quickly reach the prime whale watching areas off the coast of Oahu.

With a maximum capacity of 70 travelers, the cruise offers an intimate and personalized experience to observe the majestic humpback whales during their annual migration.

Amenities and Features

The cruise offers a range of amenities to enhance the whale watching experience.

Travelers can enjoy panoramic views from the upper and lower viewing decks, providing ideal sightings of the majestic creatures. The glass-bottom viewing room allows for an immersive underwater experience, showcasing the marine life beneath the surface.

An informative tour guide is on board to share insights and facts about the whales and the local ecosystem.

While the vessel isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation, making it accessible for most visitors to Oahu.

Safety and Health Considerations

Given the nature of the activity, the whale watching cruise may not be suitable for all travelers. Those with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions should avoid this tour. For the comfort and safety of all passengers, small children or individuals who feel uneasy due to potential waves are encouraged to wear life jackets provided on board.

Condition	Recommendation
Back problems	Not recommended
Pregnancy	Not recommended
Serious medical conditions	Not recommended
Small children	Wear life jacket
Uneasy about waves	Wear life jacket

Customer Reviews and Experiences

Patrons have left overwhelmingly positive reviews for the Waikiki Whale Watching Yacht Cruise.

Reviewers highlight several key aspects of the experience:

• Knowledgeable and friendly crew who provide informative commentary

• Incredible close-up sightings of whales and dolphins

• A comfortable and spacious boat with both upper and lower viewing decks

• An enjoyable experience despite varying weather conditions

Pricing and Booking Policies

Although the Waikiki Whale Watching Yacht Cruise has a base price starting from $29.00 per person, a $7 fuel surcharge applies.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience. For added convenience, the tour offers a reserve now and pay later option.

The lowest price guarantee assures customers get the best deal. Children under 3 years old can enjoy the tour for free.

Whale Sighting Highlights

The whale sightings during the Waikiki Yacht Cruise captivate guests with their sheer magnitude and grace.

Majestic humpback whales gracefully breach the surface, their powerful bodies slicing through the waves. Guests are awed by the whales’ playful antics, as they:

• Spy-hop, emerging vertically from the water to take a peek at the world above
• Fluke, raising their distinctive tails in the air before diving back down
• Perform synchronous tail slaps, creating thunderous splashes
• Bask in the sun, resting on the surface before continuing their epic migration.

Insider Tips for the Best Experience

To make the most of the Waikiki Whale Watching Yacht Cruise, visitors should arrive early to secure prime viewing spots on the upper and lower decks. Staying hydrated and applying sunscreen is also advised, as the tour can last up to 2 hours. For the best underwater views, guests should position themselves near the glass-bottom viewing room. To learn more about the whales and their behaviors, listening to the knowledgeable on-board guide is highly recommended.

Insider Tips	Recommendation
Arrive Early	Secure prime viewing spots
Stay Hydrated	Bring water and wear sun protection
Visit Glass-Bottom Room	For ideal underwater viewing
Listen to Tour Guide	Learn about whales and their behaviors

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Gratuities Included in the Tour Price?

Gratuities are not included in the tour price. Customers have the option to tip the crew at their own discretion based on the quality of the service provided during the Waikiki Whale Watching Yacht Cruise.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on Board?

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on board, but it’s best to check with the tour operator first. Refreshments and snacks are also available for purchase during the cruise.

What Happens if We Don’t See Any Whales During the Cruise?

If no whales are sighted during the cruise, the operator will provide a refund or a voucher for a future whale watching tour. This guarantees customers are satisfied even if the sought-after wildlife doesn’t make an appearance.

Do They Offer Any Special Discounts or Packages?

The cruise offers a $7 fuel surcharge, but doesn’t mention any special discounts or packages. However, they do provide a free admission for children under 3 and a Lowest Price Guarantee for bookings.

How Long Does the Entire Cruise Typically Last?

The whale watching cruise typically lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. Guests can expect to spend this amount of time on the water, viewing whales and other marine life from the yacht’s upper and lower viewing decks.

The Sum Up

The Waikiki Whale Watching Yacht Cruise offers a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of Hawaii’s marine life. With its convenient location, modern amenities, and emphasis on safety, this cruise provides an immersive and unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re hoping to spot whales or simply enjoy stunning views, this cruise is a must-do activity during your visit to Oahu.