Kauai Whale Watching
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- Kauai Whale Watching
Highlights
- Get Up Close and Personal with Humpback Whales
- Adventurous Ocean Rafting for Ultimate Whale Thrills
- Imiloa Powered Catamaran Also Features Cocktails
- Expert Narration and Interpretation of Whale Behavior
Description
Humpback Whale season is December – March for the island of Kauai! Every year, hundreds of Humpback Whales migrate from the cool waters of Alaska to the warm safe waters of Hawaii to have their babies and find their mates. During this fascinating voyage, you'll have the opportunity to see baby whales experience their first few weeks of life and watch as adult Humpback Whales breach the water. Come see these majestic giants of the sea for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
All boat tours during this time of year ... snorkel tours or sightseeing / sunset cruises ... have a good chance of seeing Humpback Whales no matter their exact destination. But the tours listed below are DEDICATED to finding whales. They are also equipped with hydrophones so you can hear the Whales sing! Whale songs are an important part of Hawaii's history, with legends stating that whale songs helped guide the first Polynesians to Hawaii. Whale watching tours are fun for the whole family (age 3 and up on the larger vessel) and include complimentary snacks and beverages.
Tour Options
Rafting Whale Watch Adventure
11:00am and 2:00pm Daily ... December 18 to March 31
Join us for a fun adventure as we go whale watching along Kauai's south shore to find the gentle giants of the sea. This popular Humpback Whale Watching tour is featured during the height of Hawaii's whale season and is a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts. This tour is done on a 24 foot Rigid Hull Inflatable Raft with twin 115HP motors. Tour is 2.5 hours in length and includes soft beverages and snacks.
Restrictions: Minimum age for rafting whale watch is 7 years old. Maximum weight per passenger is 250 pounds. Heavier guests should go on the larger vessel the Imiloa instead. No pregnant women and no one with any neck or back injuries or recent surgeries.
Capacity: 14
Rafting Whale Watch Rate (KST4)
$115.00 per Adult, $105.00 per Child (ages 7-12) (plus 8.112% Hawaii sales/harbor tax)
Rates for dates after 12/31/2024 are $125.00 per Adult, $105.00 per Child (ages 7-12)
Imiloa Cocktail Whale Watch
9:00am, 12:00pm, and 3:00pm Daily ... December 18 to March 31
Join the Kauai Sea Tours crew for a fun adventure as they go Whale Watching along Kauai's south shore to find the gentle giants of the sea. This larger vessel includes complimentary beer, wine, mai tais, soft beverages and snacks. Imiloa is a 40 foot powered catamaran with FOUR 250hp engines ... she is well shaded and has two marine rest rooms on board. It is a great choice for a whale watching excurison.
Restrictions: Minimum age for Imiloa Cocktail Whale Watch is 3 years old. No pregnant women and no one with any neck or back injuries or recent surgeries.
Capacity: 28
Imiloa Cocktail Whale Watch Rate (KST8)
$125.00 per Adult, $105.00 per Child (ages 3-12) (plus 8.112% Hawaii sales/harbor tax)
Location
GPS Address: 4353 Waialo Rd, Eleele, HI 96705 Click to view map
Details
Schedule: Whale watches operate December 18 through March 31
Included in the Tour: The Raft includes soft drinks and snacks. The Imiloa includes snacks and cocktails (beer, wine, mai tais).
Tour length: Whale Watches on either vessel are 2.5 hours long.
Restrictions: Minimum age is 7 for the Rafting Whale Watch and minimum age is 3 for the Imiloa Cocktail Whale Whale. The Rafting Whale Watch also has a weight limit of 250 pounds per guest ... heavier guests should take the Imiloa Whale Watch which does not have a weight restriction. No pregnant women, and no one with neck or back injuries or serious health concerns permitted on either tour.
What to Bring and Wear: Wear beach attire and bring a jacket. Also wear reef-safe sunscreen.
Billing: The tour operator will charge your credit card for this tour when your reservation is confirmed.
Minimum Notice for Cancellation / Changes: Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours before the start of the event.
Kevin's Activity Tips:
Many visitors ask "What are the chances that I will see a whale?" We always smile and say, "Just go on a whale watch ... you will probably feel silly for asking that question afterward." We often say that Hawaii waters in the wintertime are "whale soup." At times their presence is unmistakable. Yes, it's not hard to spot them from shore. You'll see their tell-tale spouts on the ocean's horizon and occasionally spot a whale tail or splash off in the distance. If you get up on a high vantage point at the top of a sea cliff and have a good pair of binoculars you might even be able to tell it's a whale that is doing the splashing. But there is nothing ... and I mean NOTHING like the experience of being 100 yards or so away from them when they are breaching or tail slapping! You'll not only see them ... you'll HEAR them. These vessels are equipped with hydrophones so you can listen to the whales as they literally SING to each other under water. And you'll probably get to hear the WHOOSHing sound that a whale makes when it breathes (and spouts) at the surface.
Humpback whales are a federally protected species and whale watching tour operators have strict "rules of engagement" they must follow on these tours. They must stop and idle at least 100 yards away from a whale at the surface. 100 yards is pretty close though ... compared to watching them a half mile away from shore. And guess what? Whales have never read the rules and they are notorious for breaking them. It is not uncommon for them to swim MUCH closer than that of their own volition (and curiosity). I've seen them swim directly under the boat on MANY occasions. A few times I've been close enough to look a whale in the eye, and it was very clear the whale was looking back! You are out whale watching ... the whales are out people watching! Don't disappoint them ... they are looking forward to your visit! ;-)