(All Reviews) Big Island Whale Watch Tours (Marine Life Tours & Cruises), Big Island tours & activities, fun things to do in Big Island | HawaiiActivities.com

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All Reviews for Big Island Whale Watch Tours in Big Island

Overall Rating

4.28 4.28 / 5

Reviews

210 reviews

Kohala Sunset Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar - Ocean Sports [Dec - Mar]

Wonderful wildlife sightseeing

Reviewed by: Flavie, 2024/03/25

We had a wonderful time! We were super lucky to see a lot of dolphins and whales. It was for sure a once in a lifetime adventure. The entire crew was awesome! Thank you so much!

  • Dolphins

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2024/03/23
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ホエールウォッチングクルーズ <12~3月/軽食付き/英語ガイド/カイルアコナ発>

何回か見ることができました

Reviewed by: まんぼう!, 2024/03/17

64歳と57歳の夫婦で参加しました。
2月の旅行だったので鯨に確実に遭遇できるだろうと期待に胸を膨らませて乗船。
潮吹きや大きな息遣いも目の当たりにした約2時間のクルーズでした。
もっと大きな鯨が近くで見られると思っていたので少し残念ではありました。
船が揺れるので軽食は食べませんでした。
貴重な経験ができて良かったです。

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2024/02/23
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Waikoloa Snorkel Tour & Whale Watching Cruise with Lunch & Drinks [Dec - Mar]

Shake watch and snorkel

Reviewed by: Girls trip, 2024/03/05

It was great experience. We have don’t this tour many times. Saw lots of whales. Crew was friendly and helpful and informative. It was fun and enjoyed every minute.

Comments from activity operators

Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Whale Watch Cruise. We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the trip, your interactions with our crew, and most importantly, got to see a lot of Humpbacks!
We know there are a lot of activity providers to choose from when you're on the Big Island and we're honored you chose to join us aboard.
Mahalo and A Hui Hou

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2024/03/03
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Kohala Sunset Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar - Ocean Sports [Dec - Mar]

Awesome whale watching adventure

Reviewed by: Lava Lava Girl, 2024/03/03

We were very lucky to sail on a lovely evening with lots of whales surrounding us and they were quite active. The crew were great, we enjoyed the snacks and drinks. It was just about perfect, loved the boat, could have stayed out on the water for hours if allowed. Definitely will do again and recommend this cruise.

  • gorgeous sunset on board the Sea Smoke

Comments from activity operators

Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Sunset Cruise and also for including that beautiful photo. We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the trip, the onboard amenities, the whales, and your interactions with our crew!
We know there are a lot of ways to watch the sunset when you're in Hawaii and we're honored you chose to spend one of yours with us and that we've earned your recommendation.
Mahalo and A Hui Hou

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2024/02/05
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ホエールウォッチングクルーズ <12~3月/午前/軽食付き/ワイコロアまたはカワイハエ港発>

良く見られてよかったです。

Reviewed by: 胆石おやじ, 2024/02/25

以前にオアフ島でホエールウォッチングに参加しましたが、その時はほとんどクジラに会えなかったですが、今回は早い時間帯から次ぐから次に見ることができました。
帰りには、船の周りをイルカが来て、ジャンプまで見せてくれて、最高のホエールウォッチングになりました。

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2024/01/31
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ホエールウォッチングクルーズ <12~3月/軽食付き/英語ガイド/カイルアコナ発>

クジラいましたー

Reviewed by: ぽん, 2024/02/24

英語だけどみんな優しくて楽しいスタッフさん達でした。
クジラを何度も何度も追いかけてくれて、どうにか体を見せようとしてくれているのが伝わります。
チップスやら飲み物は一階に置いてあるので手ぶら(薄い防寒があればベター)で参加で大丈夫です。
酔い止めは飲んで行ったほうがいいと思います。

Comments from activity operators

Mahalo for joining us leaving a four star review! We are happy to know that you enjoyed yourself! Best wishes to you and yours!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2024/02/23
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Big Island Whale Watching Cruise from Waikoloa - Hawaii Nautical [Dec-Mar]

THE BEST!

Reviewed by: Sammy’s Mom , 2024/02/10

This boat was by far the best option for whale watching. We took my 3 year old son for his birthday, so glad we chose this one. Our captain was determined to have everyone witness all of the amazing sights of whales in their natural habitat including, breaching, Mom and baby, whale tail waves, even the smell of anchovy whale breath! Will definitely be doing this one again! This was the highlight of our trip, an unforgettable experience! Mahalo Hawaii Nautical!

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2024/02/08
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Big Island Whale Watching Cruise from Waikoloa - Hawaii Nautical [Dec-Mar]

Perfect whale watch!

Reviewed by: Jan, 2024/01/21

A most enjoyable experience! Once we spotted a spout in the distance, we motored to it for a wonderful mother-baby whale show! Only recommendation would be to improve the directions to get to the check-in location on the beach.

Rating:
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Activity Date: 2024/01/19
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Big Island Whale Watching Cruise from Waikoloa - Hawaii Nautical [Dec-Mar]

Loved the Whales!

Reviewed by: Marissa, 2024/01/10

My whole family enjoyed this experience! There were plenty of whales breaching and splashing all around us, they gave us a great show. The entire crew was friendly and knowledgeable about the whales and the catamaran too. I would recommend this trip to anyone during the whale season! We will do it again on our next trip. Thank you for such a wonderful experience.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2024/01/06
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ホエールウォッチングクルーズ <12~3月/午前/軽食付き/ワイコロアまたはカワイハエ港発>

ホエールウオッチングクルーズ

Reviewed by: ヤス, 2024/01/06

英語のみの解説、鯨は潮吹きと背びれが数回遥か彼方にしか見えず、期待に反して満足度はもう一つでした。船上からの眺めは最高でした。 

  • 鯨は写っていませんが景色は最高でした。

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/12/17
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ホエールウォッチングクルーズ <12~3月/午前/軽食付き/ワイコロアまたはカワイハエ港発>

クジラを見れました!!

Reviewed by: ゆっきー, 2023/04/22

クジラを近くで見ることができて感動しました!
一度だけではなく何度もクジラを見ることができました。
イルカの群れにも遭遇し、大満足です。
クルージング自体も気持ちよくて、本当におすすめのツアーでした。

Comments from activity operators

Domo Arrigato!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/03/27
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Big Island Whale Watching Cruise from Waikoloa - Hawaii Nautical [Dec-Mar]

Big Island Waikoloa Whale watching

Reviewed by: Lindsay B, 2023/03/21

The crew was amazing and qued a mother and baby, possibly 2 to the surface for play time!

  • Play time!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/03/15
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Big Island Whale Watching Cruise from Waikoloa - Hawaii Nautical [Dec-Mar]

Up and close!

Reviewed by: MM1, 2023/02/18

Great experience getting to see the whales up and close. The crew was outstanding and very informative. I highly recommend this excursion if you are ever in the area during the whale’s migratory season. The boat size was perfect. Not too big and crowded and not too small to avoid motion sickness.

  • Breach!

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2023/01/28
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Big Island Whale Watching Cruise from Waikoloa - Hawaii Nautical [Dec-Mar]

Fun Day!

Reviewed by: Jim, 2023/02/03

Saw lots of whales. We loved the combination of sailing on a catamaran and seeing whales breaching off in the distance. We highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Hawaii during whale season.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2023/02/01
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Big Island Whale Watching Cruise from Waikoloa - Hawaii Nautical [Dec-Mar]

Great afternoon on the Catamaran whale watching. We saw several whales and I got smartphone video. The captain and crew were professional, pleasant and helpful.

Reviewed by: TJ Norum, 2023/01/31

This trip is great for families and couples alike. I really enjoyed the fact that the crew helped us locate the whales and went in search of the best viewing spots. Highly recommended for Waikaloa Bay Beach area.

  • One of my whale shots with my smartphone.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/01/29
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Big Island Afternoon Whale Watch Tour from Kona - Body Glove Cruises [Dec - Mar]

Good Time Over All

Reviewed by: Alli, 2023/01/28

We saw pilot whales up close and the staff were so informative, helpful, and truly loving their work. I really wish that we had been able to see a humpback whale since we were there in the right season. But I have to presume that they were not able to find any that day. Guess I’ll just have to come back to Hawaii again?!

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Alii!

Thank you for joining us and taking the time to leave a four star rating!

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2023/01/06
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Big Island Private Whale Watching Cruise - Aloha Kona Tours [Jan-Mar]

Awesome day of whales and dolphins!

Reviewed by: Bryan G, 2023/01/16

We had a great afternoon on the boat. Took a seven and two year old out with us to see the whales and the captain was very accommodating to both of them. Once we got the area where the whales were we saw a couple different pairs breach multiple times and certainly didn't need binoculars to see them. On our way back to the harbor a few bottle nosed dolphins decided to swim out front of the boat and in the wake for about 10 minutes which was every bit as cool as seeing the whales.

I'd highly recommend Aloha Kona Tours.

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2023/01/08
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Big Island Private Whale Watching Cruise - Aloha Kona Tours [Jan-Mar]

Mr. Cohichro and Shay are awesome!

Reviewed by: Emily Yoon, 2023/01/12

The captain and crew are so nice
The boat is very clean and comfy!

the experience was really good.
We got to see bunch of dolphins and whales breaching really close to.

Thank you so much!

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2023/01/10
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Big Island Whale Watching Cruise from Waikoloa - Hawaii Nautical [Dec-Mar]

So nice to be on the water

Reviewed by: Shauna, 2022/04/30

This is a wonderful catamaran! We didn't see any whales this trip but I love being on the ocean so I didn't care. As a bonus if there are not any whales you can go back for another trip. I recommend this to anyone going to The Big Island.

Rating:
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Activity Date: 2022/04/07
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Makai Speedboat - Hawaii Nautical Kohala Whale Watching Cruise [Dec - Mar]

Amazing

Reviewed by: Kara, 2022/04/26

Cruise was great, had to reschedule to a different tour bc whales were out of season at this time, but it was still a day!

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2022/04/24
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Big Island Private Whale Watching Cruise - Aloha Kona Tours [Jan-Mar]

Wonderful late season private whale watch

Reviewed by: B from Alabama, 2022/03/11

Private whale watch was well worth the trip premium. Professional team met our needs and delivered on multiple whale sightings even though it is late in the season. Saw wonderful beaches and learned so much about the Kona coast from knowledgeable staff. I highly recommend.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2022/03/09
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Kona Whale Watching Cruise from Honokohau Harbor - Ocean Encounters [Dec - Mar]

Experience of a lifetime!

Reviewed by: Kara, 2022/03/10

Me and my husband are on our honeymoon and only wanted to make sure we got to see whales!!

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2022/03/09
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Big Island Whale Watching Cruise from Waikoloa - Hawaii Nautical [Dec-Mar]

Whale watching near hilton for the masses

Reviewed by: Aki, 2022/02/21

Overall it's an must do cruise to go out on the ocean on a Catamaran near the Waikoloa area.

We saw whales from far off as it was afternoon and the bigger ship is not attractive to the whales.

We would do the morning trip on the powerboat with fewer people or go for the sunset cruise.There is not much info provided during the cruise so it's lacking the fun in whale watching as it can be boring if nothing happens.

It would also be better if there was a spotter pointing to the breaches as it happens very quickly and multiple people spotting can be confusing.

After you get on board you are mostly left on your own and the boat only goes less than half a mile out.

We saw more whales from the shore than on the boat but it was good to get out on the ocean with this cruise.

  • View from catamaran cruise

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2022/02/19
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Big Island Whale Watching Cruise from Waikoloa - Hawaii Nautical [Dec-Mar]

This was an experience of a lifetime.

Reviewed by: Mike Miller, 2022/02/18

Our family’s first experience whale watching was truly impressive. The crew was professional with information and safety. They did not leave out the fun and had a nice variety of refreshments. We did take the 1:30 pm tour and saw many whales.
The confirmation email as to directions to find them was not so great. They are not in front of the Lava Lava restaurant ( which kept us circling for 10 mins) they are to the right of iLava Lava down along the beach 100 yards aprox, is 2 palm trees on the beach w/ small orange sign to check in. You should notice the platoon boat and catamaran out in the water awaiting for you.
Have extra cash available for tip they are worth it.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2022/02/14
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Kona Whale Watching Cruise from Honokohau Harbor - Ocean Encounters [Dec - Mar]

Wonderful

Reviewed by: Barbara florey, 2022/02/10

Captain Cindy was delightful and funny a. And we saw plenty of whales. Thank you

  • Saw plenty

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2022/02/07
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Kona Whale Watch Afternoon Tour - Honi Olani Catamaran 90-Min Cruise [Dec-Mar]

Very good experience!

Reviewed by: Laura and Noah, 2022/01/01

Whale watching with Hawaii Nautical was a great experience. The crew was very friendly and they had a great offer at the bar. We also got a lot of information on the whales and their habitat.
Don't have too high expectations when you go out in December. We only saw two whales, their backs and a few times their tails. From what we heard, January might be a better time to go whale watching.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2021/12/30
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Big Island Whale Watching Cruise from Waikoloa - Hawaii Nautical [Dec-Mar]

Great experience with Hawaii Nautical

Reviewed by: Irina, 2021/12/20

We saw two whales during our trip! We went on a tour in December, when the whale watching season just started, yet we were lucky to encounter two whales. The tour departed from Waikaloa, which was a bit of a drive from our place in Kona. However, it is supposed to be a better area for spotting whales. Overall, we had a very pleasant experience.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2021/12/19
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Big Island Afternoon Whale Watch Tour from Kona - Body Glove Cruises [Dec - Mar]

Where are the whales?

Reviewed by: Disappointed , 2021/02/27

I have been on a whale watching tour in the past and the captain took us directly to where the whales were and we were so close and able to get great pictures for the entire tour. That was not the case here; we were constantly looking for whales and all we ever saw was the “blow” and some splashing from quite a distance. It was very disappointing. I would think these guys would know where to go since they do this everyday. We were in the boat for several hours and never saw anything to identify this as a good trip! I would have expected them to take us somewhere to see the whales, we seemed to hang out in the same area just hoping a whale would show up!
The boat was very nice and the people were nice too but the whales were missing!! This was the beginning of February, isn’t that the best time?

Comments from activity operators

Aloha and thank you for joining us on our tour.

Unfortunately whales are not stationary animals and try as we might, we have not gotten them to agree to be on payroll.
As whale watching is a gamble by nature, we offer a guarantee of whale sightings or come again free. We wish you would have taken us up on it so you could have come out on another day. We hope the rest of your vacation on the big island was great!

Mahalo

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2021/02/04
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Kohala Whale Watching Tour by Ocean Sports | Kids 0-5 Ride for Free [Dec - Mar]

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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Kona Whale Watch Tour & Rafting Adventure - Captain Zodiac [Dec-Mar]

Amazing experience

Reviewed by: Tessa , 2021/02/23

We got to see lots of whales. We saw whales breach & fin slap. We saw a baby calf very closely & she looked right at us. Then, the calf swam under our boat as the mom followed & then the huge escort male whale followed. Definitely was a trip to remember! Both the captain Chuck & lifeguard aboard were excited to see the whales & were very excited to share their knowledge! Our captain took us north away from all of the other boats. Which made us feel very connected to the whales & not like tourists.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2021/02/20
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