Whale Watching

Whale Watching
Excursion Highlights:
  • Spot these incredible mammals during their annual migration to Hawai'i for mating and birthing.
  • Enjoy an up-close experience aboard a guided boat, the best way to view these gentle giants.
  • Watch as whales leap, breach, and slap their tails in playful acrobatics.
  • Relax and take in the breathtaking scenery of Hawai’i’s coastline during your adventure.
Price: $196.99
Choose Options My Cruise Itinerary
Please Note: This excursion cannot be confirmed without the Name, Height and Weight of each participant. Please enter this information below:
?
?
Summary
Shore Excursion Size ? Small
Shore Excursion Type Eco, Nature
Shore Excursion Duration 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Activity Level ? Moderate
Shore Excursion Leaves From ? An approximately 5-minute taxi (not included, approximately $8 to $30 US each way) is required to reach your departure location. Full details will be provided in your electronic ticket upon confirmation.
Food/Beverage Provided Complimentary local snacks, juices, and waters are included.
Recommended Dress We recommend wearing comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes. A hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a lightweight, rainproof jacket or poncho is also recommended.
Restrictions Guests with physical limitations are not recommended to join. Guests prone to motion sickness should take medication before the tour. The minimum age is 8 years old and minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The maximum weight limit is 300 lbs per person, and all guests must provide their height and weight before the tour. This tour is not wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters cannot be accommodated. Guests under the influence of alcohol or other substances may not be allowed to board.

Whale Watching

Join us during humpback whale season for an unforgettable trip along the Big Island's beautiful coastline. Each year, these incredible whales, known as kohola in Hawaiian, make their journey from Alaska to Hawai'i to breed, give birth, and care for their young. From December through April, Hilo's waters become a seasonal home for these gentle giants.

Departing from Wailoa Small Boat Harbor, we'll travel beyond the breakwall and along the coast toward Onomea before making our way back toward Richardson Ocean Park. Throughout the trip, keep your eyes on the water for signs of whale activity, including powerful breaches, tail slaps, fin waves, and spouts. You may even spot mothers swimming alongside their calves near the surface.

Humpback whales aren't the only wildlife you might encounter. Spinner dolphins, honu (green sea turtles), and coastal seabirds are also commonly seen in the area. Along the way, enjoy beautiful views of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Hilo Bay, and Coconut Island from the water.

Your captain and crew will share interesting insights into humpback whale behavior, their annual migration, and their importance in Hawaiian culture. Responsible whale watching is a priority, and all trips follow federal regulations requiring vessels to maintain a minimum distance of 100 yards from humpback whales. If a whale approaches the boat on its own, the engine will be turned off to allow the encounter to happen naturally.

One of the advantages of whale watching in Hilo is the quieter coastline and fewer tour boats compared to other parts of the island. With a maximum of six guests per trip, you'll enjoy a more personal experience on the water.

While whales can be spotted throughout the season, February typically offers the most consistent sightings, with January and March also being excellent months. December and April mark the beginning and end of the season, when whale activity can be less predictable. If whale sightings are limited, your captain may take you along the coastline to enjoy the area's beautiful waterfalls instead.

Because humpback whales are wild animals, sightings can never be guaranteed. However, the middle of the season generally offers the best opportunities to encounter these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

Please note: A release of liability must be signed by all participants before taking this tour, please CLICK HERE to fill out the form before attending your tour. Guests can upgrade to the Whale Song Snorkel Package for an additional $45 US on the day of the tour. On calm days, snorkel gear is provided, and you may have the opportunity to enter the water and listen to the haunting songs of humpback whales echoing through the ocean. While not guaranteed, this experience offers a unique and memorable way to connect with these gentle giants.