Humpback Whale and Dolphin Watch in Kona
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Hawaiʻi’s Kona Coast offers exceptional opportunities to experience marine life, dramatic coastal landscapes, and rich Hawaiian history. Join us on a relaxed coastal cruise with opportunities to observe dolphins, sea turtles, and, during the winter season, migrating humpback whales. This 2.5 hour tour also provides close-up views of sea caves, lava tubes, and breathtaking volcanic scenery, along with access to areas reachable only by boat.
Important: The listed start time is the check-in time, not the departure time. Please do not arrive early. This tour has two designated meeting points. Carefully review all tour details prior to booking, as this experience may not be suitable for all guests.
This is a non-snorkeling tour. Generally suitable for ages 5 to 70. Tour time is 2.5 hrs.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Restroom facilities not available on boat
For ages 5 to 70
Tour is on a Raft style boat. Be sure that this style boat is suitable for you.
Not for those with mobility issues
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Kailua-Kona
READ THIS. START TIME IS IS NOT THE DEPARTURE TIME. START TIME IS THE CHECK IN TIME. DO NOT ARRIVE EARLY. THERE ARE TWO MEETING POINTS FOR THIS TOUR. PLEASE READ ALL TOUR DETAILS BEFORE BOOKING AS THIS TOUR IS NOT SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE.Our 2.5hr Dolphin & Whale Watch explores the world of dolphins & whales, wildlife & Kona’s dramatic coastline. Our captains will narrate your journey & point out spectacular sights while providing information on the area’s wildlife, history & geology while you slowly cruise looking for a variety of wildlife. So come aboard one of our rigid hull inflatable vessels and cruise with us on this relaxed island cruise. This is a non-snorkeling tour. Generally suitable for ages 5-70.
What‘s Included
Naturalist guides
Gratuities
Please bring your own reef safe sunscreen, jacket, camera
Private transportation
Restroom on board
Options
Humpback Whale and Dolphin Watch in Kona
Reviews
80 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Nice Boat Ride
Natica T,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Capt. Dennis was great. Did not see any whales or dolphins but the water was very rough during the Kona Low. He did take us to historic sites and we saw lava holes. Experience was nice, but whales would have made it spectacular
Knowledgeable boat...
Michael L,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Knowledgeable boat captain, got to see dolphins. The boat is quick but more appropriate for hardy sightseers.
Lovely morning on the water
Dave B,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain Shelley went above and beyond to give us the maximum experience. We saw dolphins and whales, but none of the whales were feeling particularly social and they would deep dive and be gone after a couple of breaths. No fin slaps or breaches, but we saw a lot of humpbacks. We had a lovely morning on the water, and the captain did everything possible to find us more humpbacks.
Great experience
Melissa T,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great trip! We saw a pod of dolphins and unfortunately we didn’t see any whales however our guide, Seth, tried hard to find us one! Highly recommend
Best Experience Ever!
Anonymous,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I cannot say enough good things about how they went above and beyond to help my mom have the experience of a lifetime. My mother is 84 years old and is mobility challenged, but they helped her on and off the boat and she had the time of her life seeing dolphins up close. This is the first and possibly last trip she will get to take in her life and I’m so glad we came to this experience ce in particular because it was so worth it! No whales, but we had a great time and Capt Dennis and crew were very kind, knowledgeable, and happy to share what they knew. I’d go again and again!!
Worth a trip.
Melinda B,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour. Learned a bit and got to see dolphins. Remember there are two stops to get on the boat, registration and boarding. Dont need special clothes or supplies but do want sunblock and or hat.
Good day at sea
Wayne K,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00We weren't lucky enough to spot any whales but the spinner dolphins put on a pretty great show!! Captain Dennis was very knowledgeable about the area and pointed out many interesting and beautiful spots along the Kona Coast. Our thanks for a trip well enjoyed.
Definitely a MUST DO!!
kimberlylV6443SW,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience!! Beautiful scenery!! Captain was extremely knowledgeable about the island culture and history...along with explaining everything about the dolphins and whales. Would HIGHLY recommend!! Great fun!!
Shade, cold beverage,...
Kim H,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Shade, cold beverage, learned about the geology, whales. All while enjoying the beautiful coast! Great Captain Dennis and Addie mahalo.
Was very good extremely...
Pamela C,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Was very good extremely interesting and informative Captain very knowledgeable Got to also see very beautiful scenery
From US$89.00
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