Kohala Whale Watching Tour by Ocean Sports | Kids 0-5 Ride for Free [Dec - Mar] reviews, Big Island tours & activities, fun things to do in Big Island | HawaiiActivities.com

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Kohala Whale Watching Tour by Ocean Sports | Kids 0-5 Ride for Free [Dec - Mar]

Overall Rating

4.81 4.81 / 5

Reviews

32 reviews
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Great Experience!

Reviewed by: Kim, 2021/02/25

We saw a variety of humpback groups, including a mother with a very curious calf. We even saw one breech a few times! Staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. Took a lot of questions from the group. We also saw a group of manta rays on our way back to shore! My 4 year old had as equally good time as his grandparents. Would definitely recommend!

Rating:
Attended as:Families with Young Children
Activity Date:2021/02/22
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GREAT trip!

Reviewed by: Mickie, 2021/01/15

This is a wonderful whale watching tour. The crew is super knowledgeable and entertaining. We spotted a bunch of whales and had a great time. We would highly recommend this tour! Sam and Ryan are awesome!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to review your Whale Watch cruise for the Veltra Community (and us). We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the trip and got to see so many Humpbacks. We also appreciate your comments about our crew (we have to agree, Captains Sam and Ryan are both great guys, and we're honored they choose to work with us).
We hope we'll get to share more adventures with you next time you're in "our neighborhood"!
Mahalo

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2021/01/13
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Great whale watching cruise

Reviewed by: Kevin N, 2020/03/17

Had a great time going out on the whale watching catamaran. Free drinks was a delight as well. Getting to see and hear the Mama and her calf was just wonderful!

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
Activity Date:2020/03/15
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Up close and personal!

Reviewed by: lee, 2020/02/26

Amazing! Our guide spotted a whale right away, and he swam around and around the ship for an hour.

  • Well hello!

Reply from activity provider

Thank you for joining us aboard that very special cruise (and posting the photo). We wish that could happen on every Whale Watch cruise, but it's really up to the Humpbacks! Looking forward to sharing more adventures with you the next time you're in "our neighborhood"!
Mahalo and A Hui Hou Kakou!

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2020/01/30
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Great Time Whale Watching

Reviewed by: Gerry M , 2020/02/01

Great time getting close to beautiful humpback whales ! The tour was well organized, the boat was comfortable and perfect for viewing whales, and the crew was very informative, knowledgeable, and very attentive to everyone’s needs. Really great job !! My wife and I loved it !

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Gerry,
Thanks for taking the time to review your Whale Watch Cruise for the Veltra Community (and us). We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the trip, and the service and information provided by our crew.
We know there are a lot of activities to choose from when you're on the Big Island, and we're honored you chose to spend a morning with us.
We look forward to sharing more adventures with you both the next time you're in "our neighborhood".
Mahalo!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2020/01/25
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An amazing experience

Reviewed by: Olivia, 2019/04/11

My husband and I had a GREAT time during the 9:30 a.m. Whale Watch tour. We spotted a whale, her calf and a male escort 30 minutes after we left the harbor and we followed them around for most of the cruise.
It was pretty late in the season (April 6th), so we felt very lucky.
The crew was great, so were the drinks and snacks.
I highly recommend it!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Mid-Morning Whale Watch Cruise for the Veltra Community (and us). We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the cruise and the service provided by the crew. More importantly, we're very happy you got to see those Humpbacks (seeing a baby whale is always such a treat).
As a locally owned and operated company on the Big Island, we rely heavily on word-of-mouth recommendations, and we're honored by yours.
We look forward to sharing more adventures with you next time you're in our neighborhood!
Mahalo

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/04/06
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Kohala Coast Whale Watching Tour

Reviewed by: Redapplemiami, 2019/03/27

We did a morning tour. The service and attention to the customers was stellar. The ability of seeing humpback whales so close to shore was amazing. The tour surpassed my expectations.
I highly recommend it for adults and children.

Gemma from Miami Florida

Reply from activity provider

Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Mid-Morning Whale Watch Cruise for the Veltra Community (and us). We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the cruise and the service provided by the crew. More importantly, we're very happy you got to see those Humpbacks!
As a locally owned and operated company on the Big Island, we rely heavily on word-of-mouth recommendations, and we're honored by yours.
We look forward to sharing more adventures with you next time you're in our neighborhood!
Mahalo

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/03/22
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Absolutely worth the price, good for all ages!

Reviewed by: Alyssa Romeo, 2019/01/18

Obviously the tour does not summon the whales at their leisure, but we saw honestly 10+ whales (maybe some of the same ones) over a period of an hour and a half and it was incredible. I have so many photos that I can’t wait to post on social. Regardless of actually seeing the whales, the tour was not only educational but it was a smooth ride, very fun and friendly and we even used a hydro microphone that picked up the whales talking to eachother around us. It was nothing I’ve ever heard before, they are so loud!! I would recommend the early trip for any older folks (we took my grandma who is 78) and/or any easily motion sick people. Overall completely worth the price and waking up “early” on vacation.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Mid-Morning Whale Watch Cruise for the Veltra Community (and us). We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the cruise and the service provided by the crew. More importantly, we're very happy you got to see (and hear) all those Humpbacks Your photos are incredible!
As a locally owned and operated company on the Big Island, we rely heavily on word-of-mouth recommendations, and we're honored by yours.
We look forward to sharing more adventures with you next time you're in our neighborhood!
Mahalo

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2019/01/15
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Whales and dolphins!!!

Reviewed by: Sam, 2018/12/30

Great experience! Saw whales and dolphins...mission accomplished!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2018/12/24
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Great boating adventure. No whales :/

Reviewed by: Greg D, 2018/12/26

While I understand that no one can truly guarantee seeing whales naturally, it's still a bit disappointing not to have seen any and the only reason Oceans Sports didn't get the full 5 stars. We appreciated the opportunity to try again another day but our demanding schedule didn't allow for it.

That being said, the crew was incredible fun and friendly and we very much enjoyed our "boating trip". The drinks were good and we got some incredible recommendations from the crew for lunch and other day-time activities. I would highly recommend this trip to others even with the off-chance of not seeing any whales.

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2018/12/20
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Morning Cruise - saw multiple whales

Reviewed by: Jonathan Smits, 2018/02/05

Because it was a morning cruise, they made good on sighting whales. There were multiple sightings. The amount of time on the boat was good, because after the sightings, I could actually relax and just enjoy the rest of the boat ride. The refreshments were tremendous. The crew was very generous and informative. I know the crew couldn't get as close as I would have liked, because of regulations, but I sure would have liked to have closer pictures and more majestic surfacings. But, overall we were happy with the cruise.

Rating:
Attended as:Families with Young Children
Activity Date:2018/01/12
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Fun Guides, Lots of Whales

Reviewed by: Chris G., 2018/01/30

Pros:
-Fun, knowledgeable guides
-Comfortable boat
-Saw 8+ different whales, 16+ different sightings

Cons:
-Whales were pretty far away (200+ yds)

Overall:
-Highly recommend for first time whale watching.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2018/01/03
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Excellent whale watching!

Reviewed by: Katy, 2018/01/24

Awesome catamaran, great staff and naturalist on board! Unbelievable whale watching from every angle. Delicious beer on tap as well!

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
Activity Date:2018/01/20
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Great Humpback Whale experience!!

Reviewed by: R&B Olson, 2018/01/18

Great time from Kawaihae!! Captain and crew along with biologist kept us up to date with all you want to know about humpbacks . Had whales all around.
Highly recommend this trip.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2018/01/15
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Awesome whale watching and snorkeling cruise

Reviewed by: Lorena, 2017/12/12

Our 10am whale watching cruise was cancelled but we were accommodated on an other cruise for 10:30am. This one included snorkeling. So it was a big win for us. We did get to see a few whales and dolphins. The crew was amazing. They were friendly and informative. They took the time to chat with us. They gave us some background on the whales and clear instructions before getting in the water for snorkeling. They were very attentive and ready to help everyone during the snorkeling. This was an awesome tour. I would definitely book this tour again and recommend it.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2017/12/06
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Whale of a good time!

Reviewed by: Lorne, 2017/04/15

Good excursion. Nice boat, pleasant staff, good refreshments and we saw whales!

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2017/03/22
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Whale Watch

Reviewed by: jkona, 2017/04/10

Did not see any whales but did see spinner dolphins. Got gift certificate to come back.

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2017/04/07
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Great Experience

Reviewed by: Susan, 2017/03/20

We couldn't have asked for a better experience. The crew and marine naturalist were great. We were fortunate enough to see a lot of activity. Would definitely recommend.

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2017/03/15
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Great ride and lots of whale sitings

Reviewed by: TEACUP202, 2017/02/25

We had an awesome time and saw more tails and fins than we had hoped for. We loved the running commentary on whales and learned lots. Thanks to the entire crew for a wonderful cruise, even though the waters were choppy. We highly recommend this tour!

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
Activity Date:2017/02/20
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Whale watching was great.

Reviewed by: Barbara from WI, 2017/02/06

We had a great time on the morning whale watching cruise. The catamaran was large and comfortable. The crew was extremely knowledgeable. We saw a few whales and happened upon one bottle nose dolphin.

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2017/01/13
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wake up call with whales 8:00 am

Reviewed by: hank, 2017/01/15

all members of are group, which their 6 of us, had a great time. It was exciting to see a whale breach the water and wave her fin seeming to say hi.

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2017/01/12
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We saw whales but the boat was so-so

Reviewed by: Anonymous, 2017/01/12

We've been on multiple whale tours over the years. We saw multiple whales but the boat was crowded and pretty dated. The microphone didn't work for the first 30 minutes and they never used the hydrophone after mentioning that they had one. Definitely not the "spacious deck with ample seating for all passengers and first class amenities" as advertised. The Kawaihae Harbor location is setup weird. After arriving and checking in we had to board a bus for a 5 minute ride to the boat. Every cruise in the past allowed us to park and then walk on without a shuttle bus. The crew was friendly.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2017/01/08
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Awesome

Reviewed by: Meme , 2015/03/15

Wow we saw momma baby and daddy humpbacks was saw whales all around us their tales were enormous it was the best day. We went mid morning the catamaran was spacious and very comfortable. Easy to board. The crew was very informative and friendly they were just as excited with all the action around us. We went in February 2015. I would highly recommend this tour.

Reply from activity provider

Mahalo for providing us with feedback about your Whale Watch Cruise. We're really glad you enjoyed the cruise, the boat, and the crew and got to see a lot of whales! We appreciate your recommendation and hope we have the opportunity to share adventures with you again!
Aloha from the Ocean Sports 'Ohana!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2015/02/17
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We seen a lot of whales!

Reviewed by: David, 2015/01/16

My wife and I seen many whales and they where very entertaining. The crew was very hospitable,it was a great experience,

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2015/01/12
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Whale Watch!

Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous, 2013/03/02

It was great. As soon as we got out to the ocean, we spotted a mother and a baby whale. We were there for a couple of hours, and we probably saw 5, 6 whales. The staff and the captain did a great job catering all the guests (maybe about 30 of them on board). The naturalist explained a lot about the humpback whales, and it was very educational.

I'd highly recommend this one. It's very family friendly also, and the little kids were very excited to see the real whales in the ocean.

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
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Awesome time!

Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous, 2012/02/10

The crew were great and getting to see some whales and a calf was awesome!

Thanks for the great time!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
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Whale-watching rocks!

Reviewed by: Teresa Mackr, 2011/01/12

Me and my husband had SO much fun yesterday put on the boat. The staff was really friendly, the Captain got us right into the whales, too. We saw 9, 3 of which came right up next to the boat. The man who spoke during the boat rode (sorry I don't remember the name) was really knowledgeable and funny, too! We had a great time! Thank you for an experience we'll never forget.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
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Can't say enough good things...

Reviewed by: Andrea Barbado, 2009/12/20

...about to this cruise. My children and I utterly loved this tour and I just want to thank the unforgettable crew members who made this trip a highlight of our vacation. From the moment we stepped onto the boat until we stepped off, it was an absolute pleasure.

Hearing my children's sounds of joy when they saw their first whale breach from the water is something that I will remember always.

Rating:
Attended as:Families with Young Children
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How great was this tour?

Reviewed by: Lia, Miki, Karyn and Sam, 2009/12/20

TOTALLY AMAZING! When my friends and I saw this tour we were like, "Hmmm, whale watching? Sure why not!" and I am so glad that we decided to go. The boat was great, the view was priceless and seeing humpback whales jumping and slapping the water is something that I will never forget...ever. Like what a great memory to bring back home with me. Take this tour! You won't regret it!

Rating:
Attended as:Families
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Loved it!!!

Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous, 2009/12/20

Wish we brought the kids, they would have had a blast!! In any case it was our first time to the Big Island and this was a super good time. I'm guessing it's the same crew, but the afternoon sail crew was just lovely. Highly Recommended!!!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
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