PRIVATE CATAMARAN CHARTER - WAIKIKI WHALE WATCHING TOUR
Make your Whale Watching Experience the Best Part of your Trip
Your personalized front-row seat to one of the ocean’s greatest migrations.
Each winter, majestic humpback whales travel thousands of miles to the warm waters of Hawaii—and you’ll be right there to welcome them.
Aboard your private charter off Waikiki, experience intimate, unobstructed views as these gentle giants breach, slap their tails, and sing below the surface. Watch mothers and calves cruise together against the backdrop of Diamond Head, feel the power of their presence, and enjoy the magic of the moment with your closest crew.
This is more than a tour—it’s your exclusive window into the natural wonder of whale season in Hawaii.
Let us make your day on the water unforgettable.
Spectacular whale-watching tour with Captain Forrest! Great boat, he had a lot of great stories, and took the time to find whales! If you are looking for a great, personal experience, I highly recommend, and would not hesitate to book with him again. Thanks!
$699
2.5 hour tour
Includes Up to 6 Guests
2.5 Hours Long
The tour departs from Ala Wai Harbor. Parking is available for $1/hour in the public lot
BE SURE TO BRING
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Sunscreen
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Drinks
(we'll supply the ice) -
Snacks
No whales? Come again free - we guarantee sightings!"
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Whale Watching (Private Charter)
AVAILABLE MID-DECEMBER - APRIL
Enjoy views of the whales from the ocean with us during the months of November to March. We offer daytime cruises for whale watching on either Oahu’s scenic North Shore or close to Honolulu off Waikiki. Seeing humpback whales on one of our tours is an unforgettable experience and is sure to be the highlight of your trip!
TOP REASONS TO CHOOSE OAHU OCEAN ADVENTURES
Personalized, Family-Owned Adventures
Expert Local Guides
Unmatched Value and Comfort
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Create Lifelong Memories
What to expect whale watching in Waikiki
WHERE TO GO IN WAIKIKI
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We offer whale watching on both the South and North shores of Oahu, so there’s always a convenient option near you. Enjoy the chance to view humpback whales along scenic coastlines, outside of Waikiki or on the beautiful North Shore.
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After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with meeting details and what to bring.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE BOAT AND OUR CREW
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Our tours are small and intimate, maximum six guests, unlike crowded 30+ person boats. That means more personal attention and a more immersive experience.
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Our experienced crew will answer your questions and share insights about the whales and Hawaii’s ocean life. Tours operate on our luxurious 42ft Lagoon Catamaran.
EDUCATION ABOUT WAIKIKI'S WHALES
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Curious about whale size, songs, or behavior? Our crew provides educational insights and answers along the way. Before heading out, we’ll also review vessel safety and emergency procedures.
WILL THERE BE FOOD? IS THIS EXPERIENCE A DINNER OR LUNCH CRUISE?
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You are more than welcome to bring your own food, snacks, alcohol, or drinks. We will provide a cooler with ice that you are welcome to use to store your snacks.
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We partner with The Aloha Culinary Group for the option to provide quality and delicious meals onboard. Turn your whale-watching sail into a dinner/lunch cruise! Ask us about dining options when you book.
WHAT TO BRING WHEN WHALE WATCHING IN WAIKIKI?
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Swimsuit - You might get the chance for a quick swim
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Light jacket - It can get chilly after sunset
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Camera - Don't miss the whales or coastline views. A zoom lens is best for distant shots
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Add-On Photo Package - Let our pros capture the moment so you can relax
Ask us about snorkel/whale watch combo options!
WHAT YOU COULD SEE WHALE WATCHING IN WAIKIKI
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Although humpback whales are typically solitary animals, when they arrive in Hawaii they are looking to socialize, mate, and give birth. This gives us a unique opportunity to observe different behaviors from the whales that you can’t see in other parts of their migration. Whale watching in Oahu is truly unique.
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Types of Whales and Behaviors seen in Hawaii
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Mom and Baby Whale
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Humpback whales have a one-year pregnancy and the calf will stay with mom up to a year after birth. Each whale season pregnant females return to the warm waters around Hawaii to give birth. The chance to view humpback whale calves is something truly special. Watch as mom helps baby to breathe and teaches the baby how to splash and jump so they can grow stronger before the migration back North.
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Sometimes mom and baby whales will be accompanied by an escort. This male whale is there to wait his turn to be the next to mate with mom.
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Singing Whales
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Humpback whales have probably the most famous song in all the animal kingdom. Males will sing to attract a mate. We always carry a hydrophone on board so that you can listen to the whale’s songs from the boat.
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Resting Whales
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The humpback whales migrate over three thousand miles to get to Hawaii. We often view the whales relaxing at the surface or taking breaths between sleeps below the surface. Watch as they send a spout up to ten feet in the air with every breath.
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Playful, Active, and Breaching Whales
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As the whales socialize and mate they often play or are very active on the surface. It is a spectacular sight to see an almost forty-ton animal breach it’s entire body out of the water!
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Other cool surface behaviors include - tail slapping, pectoral slapping, and rolling around.
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In some rare cases, we can observe a heat run. This is where a group of male whales will be chasing and competing over a female whale. They are often moving very quickly and with a lot of intensity.
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WHAT MARINE LIFE CAN YOU SEE IN WAIKIKI
Along the way, you might also encounter:
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Green Sea Turtles
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Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins
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Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals
Ask us about adding a snorkel session to your tour for even more wildlife-interaction!