The definite guide to hawaii island whale watching tours. Oct 03, 2019 humpback whales have returned and free whale watching in hawaii is really possible. Ditch the big bus tour, download shaka guide, and learn about the volcanoes legends and. North shore catamaran charters offers several types of tours that you are sure to enjoy. On this exciting big island whale watching tour, experience the thrill of traveling aboard a highspeed raft, and then seeing a whale swimming just in front of the boat. One of the best vantage points for whale watching on oahu is from the scenic makapuu lighthouse trail. While the physical size of humpback whales is, well, big, much of their life is elusive. The pwf difference pacific whale foundation is a world leader in marine ecotourism. See the beauty of hawaii s humpbacks from the spacious outdoor viewing decks aboard the majestic. In addition to a delicious deli lunch, this tour also offers a chance to slip into the blue waters around you for a fun snorkel swim. If youre fortunate enough to be visiting oahu during the months of novembermay give or take a couple of weeks either way, you absolutely must plan a whale watching tour. Oahu s only marinebiologist founded and led ocean wildlife tours. Boats will take you out as close as they are allowed by law. Feb 23, 2016 hawaii 20152016 maui whale watching pacific whale foundation.
Small group 610 passengers charters include yearround whale watching, swimming with dolphins, and snorkeling with giant sea turtles and endemic tropical reef fish. Oahu whale watching tours whale watching cruises are some of the most popular and fun things to do in hawaiis whale season, which runs from december through april. Can you recommend any whale watching tours for oahu that are nice but yet affordable. This luxurious cruise vessel also features airconditioned rooms with large windows for comfort and viewing pleasure. Please visit the individual pages for all the details and to book. If no whales are sighted during your cruise guests can go out again for free. We heard humpback whale noises underwater a couple of times but i dont think they were audible in the video. Upgrade to include a breakfast or lunch buffet, or hotel transport. You can also spot whales from oahu s many beaches and from southeastern oahu spots like the scenic makapuu lighthouse, hanauma bay, and along the seaside overlooks near leahi diamond head. Whale watching, snorkeling, swimming with dolphin and turtles, our tours include the entire ecosystem from deepsea seabirds to beaches teeming with reef fish and the culture and traditions that frame them.
A list of tours to see humpback whales as they migrate through hawaiian waters during the winter months. The health and safety of passengers, wildlife, and. In respect for the kohola and the safety of sightseers, all watercraft must stay a minimum of 100 yards from the whales, but youll be surprised how close you feel when a 45ton behemoth lunges out of the sea. Whalewatching cruise with optional breakfast or lunch viator. Spotting humpback whales are one of the best winter activities in hawaii. You may also spot kohola from the southern shores of oahu, especially at makapuu lighthouse and along the seaside overlooks near leahi diamond head. We offer the best whale watching on oahu and the only whale watching tour on the north shore, sunset tours, snorkeling tours seasonal, and a sun and moon cruise. With a whale watch guarantee allowing guests to cruise again for free if no whale is spotted, this daily adventure gives guests the best chance possible to spot these amazing animals. Top whale watching cruises on the big island of hawaii.
Guided snorkeling on oahu s west side on private, or up to six passenger semiprivate charter, includes swimming with wild dolphins, turtles, and yearround whale. Hawaii s first reported whale announced its arrival with a series of repeated breaches, much to the great cheers from some lucky onlookers aboard a nearby tour boat. The gentle giants come to the warm hawaiian waters every year to breed and give birth to new calves. Star of honolulu waikikis best whale watch cruise from. But if youre more than 12 miles away, you can listen to live whale songs online. During this time literally thousands of pacific humpback whales make their journey from the cold waters off alaska to hawaii s warm waters to mate, breed and raise their young. During the winter months, these magnificent creatures return to hawaii s warm waters. Every winter north pacific humpback whales navigate their way to hawaii from alaska as part of their natural migration. There is a mandatory 14day selfquarantine for all visitors and residents of the state of hawaii. Boat tours and whale watching cruises have become increasingly popular. Embark on the most popular whale watch cruise of oahu. Hawaii discount offers the best whale watching cruises in hawaii at discounted rates. On the main island hawaii, most tour operators can be found in kailuakona, keauhou bay, hohnokahau harbour and the kohala coast. That while their season in hawaii isnt normally set to get underway for about a month.
Flip nicklinminden pictures the sanctuary ocean count provides hawaii residents and visitors with the opportunity to actively participate in evaluating the status of humpback whales. We are hawaii s first dolphin smart recognized operator for proper viewing of dolphins. We do not need any dinnerdrinks, just a tour is all. Does anyone recommend a tour company or time to go on a tour. One of the giants was reportedly seen breaching multiple times. Atlantis cruises departing from aloha tower marketplace in honolulu, one of the great things about its boat is its design, which provides a stable ride.
Cruise in the comfort of hawaii s largest vessel with hightech stabilizers for smooth cruising and the most outdoor space with four walkaround decks and a top observation deck for optimal whale. Begin with us, come enjoy your vacation in true paradise with the spirit of aloha. If whale watching is important to you, i would highly recommend going to maui or oahu. North shore catamaran charters snorkel, sailing, whale. Get in touch with your wild side and meet your finned counterparts on whale and dolphin encounters hawaii s year round whale watching of other marine mammals the clear temperate waters of hawaii are known worldwide amongst marine biologists, for an array of whale. During the winter months, the maui coast plays host to the majestic humpback whales who visit the area to mate and give birth. Wild side specialty tours, oahu, hawaii whale watching oahu. Hilo whale watching is best from december april humpback whales are become a daily favorite, with sightings on every whale watch tour or you come again free. Snorkeling tour, whale watching, swimming with wild dolphins.
These animals can weigh up to 40 ton and they are some of the largest whales in the world. Chinamans hat oahu 2020 all you need to know before. Jan 27, 2016 we wanted to see how close we can get to the humpback whales here in oahu. Catamaran sailing is one of the most popular activities in hawaii. Sep 17, 20 when youre in hawaii, you can listen underwater and hear the humpbacks whale song from up to 12 miles away. The hilo side see far less boaters with only a few commercial operation so enjoy a one on one whale encounter without another boat in sight unlike the kona whale watching partys. During the months from december to may, pods of humpback whales migrate through hawaii s warm waters, and this tour guarantees whale sightings. Ambiance plus,very similar to the best of the west with 10 passengers max, and focus on nature connections dolphins, turtles, whales. Zodiac raft whale watching adventure 2020 big island of. Go whale watching off the coast of oahu on this excursion from waikiki or ko olina.
We wanted to see how close we can get to the humpback whales here in oahu. Schedule a tour or charter a boat to spot these magnificent creatures. Majestic waikiki whale watch afternoon cruise see hawaii s humpback whales marvel at hawaii s amazing humpback whales set out on a honolulu whale watch cruise to see hawaii s humpback whales and cruise past beautiful diamond head in. A hawaii whale watching cruise allows you to see humpback whales up close. This popular humpback whale watching tour is featured during the height of hawaii s whale season january march. With a small group of people, watch the gentle giants swim, feed, breach and play around your boat. This tour is ideal for world war ii history buffs and anyone who wants to see some of hawaii s most visited sights and national monuments. On maui, whale watching tours depart from lahaina harbor. These tours run from december through march and provide you with a spectacular.
Both include an onboard marine naturalist narrating the cruise and a sighting guarantee in the unlikely event no whales are spotted, you can go again for free. Majestic waikiki whale watch afternoon cruise see hawaiis. Whaletrips hawaii the best tips for whale watching in. On the island of hawaii, the kohala coast or hilo bay are good places to see whales from land. Enter now to schedule whale tour haleiwa north shore. The whaleplanner january a whale watching infographic. I will be coming to hawaii for the first time in february. For your personal whale tale, book a tour on a whale watching cruise. The whole family will enjoy it with our educational kids.
For a whales guaranteed whale watch tour, join hawaii nautical on their 30. Whale watching from lahaina harbor provided by pacwhale. In hawaii, maui is a top whale watching spot for boatbased viewing. These cruises are offered on the four main hawaiian islands of oahu, maui, kauai and the big island. I have enjoyed all of the comments and suggestions on this forum. If you book a whale watching tour from maui, experience the thrill of spotting a spout about 300 yards off the bow, and then motoring close for a. Whale watching tour all islands although whale watching tours are offered on all of the islands, maui is known to be the best place to see them. On kauai most tours start at port allen, on oahu at honolulu both rather focusing on dolphins than whales barely any whale watching tours start from the other islands. Whale watching from lahaina harbor provided by pacwhale ecoadventures. Bring binoculars, a hat, sunscreen and lots of water. Twohour whale watching cruise for one adult or one child at e sea diver up to 40% off.
What makes humpback whales so amazing to see in the wild is their very graceful acrobatics. Oahu whale watching, swimming with wild dolphin tours. Whale watching tours and cruises depart from various ports along oahu s southern and western harbors. Previously we have been to maui and went on a whale watching tour through the pacific whale foundation which was wonderful and very affordable. Enjoy some of the best whale watching in oahu and learn about humpback whales from our naturalist crew. Where to whale watch in hawaii fodors travel guide. We are proud to offer whale watching tours from maui, kauai, oahu, and big island. Majestics stateoftheart seakeeper technology provides boat stability and comfort for guests while watching natures largest mammals enjoying the warmth of hawaii s ocean waters. Your guide adds insightful commentary and the convenience of roundtrip transportation from your hotel so you dont have to worry about the logistics of renting a car or driving. During your winter visit to hawaii, do not miss out on a memorable whale watching excursion, perfect for. Most oahu whale watch cruises are off waikiki beach, so this is truly a unique tour that takes you along the islands largely undeveloped leeward coast.
While the best hawaiian island for whale watching is said to be maui, theres a chance you can see whales in oahu too if you go during whale season. Treat yourself to scenic ocean views as expert guides take you. There are at about 10,000 to 15,000 humpback whales in the world, and over 1,000 of them visit the tropical waters of hawaii every year at the end of november. A list of tours that take you humpback whale watching during hawaii s winter months. Oahu whale watching tours whale watching cruises are some of the most popular and fun things to do in hawaii s whale season, which runs from december through april. Marvel at magnificent humpback whales frolicking off oahu from the decks of majestic, hawaii s newest yacht cruise experience from atlantis cruises. Also, like the best of the west, includes snorkeling gear and instruction, bbq lunch, onboard edutainment on hawaiis unique ocean creatures. In the rare event that you dont see any whales, you will be allowed to do the tour again for free. Experience whale watching in hawaii, one of the most popular activities in the winter. But pacific whale foundation ecoadventures is not your ordinary cruise company. Whale watching is a seasonal and very popular activity during the winter time in hawaii. The hawaii nautical tours depart from honokohau harbor in kailuakona. Although humpback whales can be seen from all of the hawaiian islands, the shallow auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai is one of the best whale watching destinations in the world.
We specialize in private custom tours for small groups of people on the island of oahu, hawaii. See oahu s beautiful coastlines, the famous waikiki beach, and the majestic humpback whales as they play in the warm hawaii waters. For a leisure midday whale experience, choose the stars popular premier whale watch cruise. Whale watching tours on oahu oahu forum tripadvisor. The below table outlines the key differences between our two whale watching cruises. Book today for a chance to explore the often overlooked west coast of oahu, where humpback whales frequently appear every year from december through april on their migration to the warmer waters of hawaii. Maui south shore premier kayak and snorkel tour from makena beach. Learn about hawaiis marine animals from the onboard naturalist. Haleiwa boat harbor 66105 haleiwa rd haleiwa, hi 96712. Winter is the most exciting time to be out on the water in hawaii, as its the time of year when thousands of migrating humpback whales visit the islands. Be daring and join the crew at wild side for a thrilling, unbeatable tour of dolphin, whale and reef encounters. Take your adventure to the next level with nearby snorkeling. Try familyfriendly cultural activities such as making leis, dancing hula or playing ukelele. Types of whales in hawaii almost a dozen whale species.
Whale watching hawaii oahu year round whale watch oahu. Nov 16, 2016 there are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaiis humpback whales. Choose a tour with or without a meal, and cruise off the shores of waikiki. Shoreline spotting is best from january to march when humpback activity is at its peak alert. There are a variety of ways in which you can catch a glimpse of hawaiis humpback whales.
Departing from the island of oahu, this 100% ecofriendly tour is not only good for the environment, it educates on wild life protection and ocean conservation. Try handson hawaiian culture activities such as lei making, ukulele and hula lessons. Wild side specialty tours waianae 2020 all you need to. Join kauai sea tours for a fun seasonal two hour adventure and go whale watching along kauais south shore to find the gentle giants of the sea. Go whalewatching off the coast of oahu on this excursion from waikiki or ko olina. Awarded hawaii ecotourism associations sustainable tourism certificate, wild side is an internationally recognized marine tours company conducting environmentally responsible marine interactions. Lahaina cruise company experience the excitement of whale watching with lahaina cruise companys twohour hawaii ocean project cruise. Everything you need to know about whale watching on maui. Both tours are truly dedicated to the oahu whale watching experience, and expert naturalists share insightful information and educational commentary on the humpback whale s behavior and biology. Whale watching experiences on maui mauis best whale watching tours. Majestic waikiki whale watch afternoon cruise see hawaii. Star of honolulu is the best vessel for viewing whales. Make your selection from these exciting hawaii whale watch tours below.
Both tours are truly dedicated to the oahu whale watching experience, and expert naturalists share insightful information and educational commentary on the humpback whales behavior and biology. During the months from december to may, pods of humpback whales migrate through hawaiis warm waters, and this tour guarantees whale sightings. Whale watching and swimming with wild dolphins yearround, charters include guided snorkeling tours over sea turtle reefs on oahu s wild west side. Enjoy a morning whale watch cruise along waikiki beach. Hawaiian islands humpback whale explore whale watching. By the peak of the season from januarymarch, thousands of humpbacks have gathered in hawaii from hilo to hanalei, with the largest concentration of whales residing between maui, molokai, and lanai. Generally speaking, december to may is seen as the best time for whale watching in oahu and the rest of hawaii. Nothing beats the aweinspiring beauty of the waianae coast, except maybe the equally stunning and diverse wildlife. From december to may, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola, or humpback whale, in oahu s southern seas. Wild side hawaii whale watching, swimming with wild dolphins, snorkeling tour oahubased combination of best snorkeling, swimming with wild dolphins, year round whalewatching, incredible history, stunning landscapes, and a mesmerizing wealth of natural beauty that only mother nature at her finest can provide our mission is quite simply, conservation through experience. Hawaii has dozens of tour operators, including a few that lead kayak excursionsa thrilling way to experience these majestic mammals.