WAIKIKI WHALE
WATCHING TOUR

WHERE TO GO IN WAIKIKI

• We offer whale watching on both the South and North shores of Oahu. That way you know there is always an option near you. Not only do you get a chance to go whale watching you also get a tour of the coastline. Try one spot and then if you love it, join us for a new experience on the other side of the island!

• Whether you want to explore the ocean outside of Waikiki or cruise off the beautiful North Shore, you will have the chance to view the humpback whales in front of gorgeous backdrops.

• After booking you will receive a confirmation email with details on exactly where is meet us and what to bring for your snorkel.
   

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE BOAT AND OUR CREW

• Our top priority is to provide our guests with a unique and exclusive experience and tour. We want you to be able to ditch the large crowded boats that take up to 30+ people on the water. Instead, our boat only takes a maximum of six people per tour. That way we can give each person individual attention, leading to a safer and more engaging experience.

• Each of our crew members is an experienced waterman/woman and is experienced and knowledgeable about Hawaii’s ocean life. We will be there to answer your questions about the whales and any other wildlife we might see.

• We offer trips on both our 21ft Boston Whaler and our more luxurious 42ft Lagoon Catamaran. Both boats are perfect for enjoying the waters along Oahu’s scenic coast.

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EDUCATION ABOUT WAIKIKI'S WHALES

• How big are humpback whales? How much do they weigh? How long can humpback whales hold their breath? What other whales or dolphins come to Hawaii? Why should I go whale watching? Don’t Worry! Our crew is there to help answer your questions.

• On our way out of the harbor, the crew will also go over the safety features of the vessel and emergency procedures for the tour. We want you to have the safest and most enjoyable time aboard.

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WILL THERE BE FOOD? IS THIS EXPERIENCE A DINNER OR LUNCH CRUISE?

• You are more than welcome to bring your own food, snacks, alcohol, or drinks for your time on tour with us. We will provide a cooler with ice that you are welcome to use to store your snacks.

• We are proud to say we partner closely 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 to really amplify your experience on the water! Ask us about dining options when you book.

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WHAT TO BRING WHEN WHALE WATCHING IN WAIKIKI?

• No matter where you are or what you are doing in Hawaii it is always a smart idea to bring along a swimsuit. Depending on conditions and the captain’s judgment you may have the opportunity to jump in the ocean for a refreshing swim.

  • ​Ask about the options to do a combination of Snorkeling/Whale Watching sail when booking!

• Even though we get to enjoy the warm ocean breezes and tropical weather here in Oahu, as the sun goes down it can get a bit chilly. We recommend packing a light jacket or sweater just in case.

• A camera! Duh! You won’t want to miss the opportunity to capture the beauty of the Hawaiian coastline and of course the whales! Due to government regulation, the boat is required to maintain a respectful distance from the whales. A long lens is recommended for photographers to really nail the shot!

• Don’t want to worry about the stress of capturing photos of your experience? Let the professionals take over and capture your whale-watching adventure for you. We offer professional photography and video packages so you can sit back and relax, while still bringing memories back to friends and loved ones.

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WHAT YOU COULD SEE WHALE WATCHING IN WAIKIKI

• 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. 

• Types of Whales and Behaviors seen in Hawaii

  • Mom and Baby Whale 

    • 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.

    • 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.

  • Singing Whales

    • 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.

  • Resting Whales

    • 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.

  • Playful, Active, and Breaching Whales

    • 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!

    • Other cool surface behaviors include - tail slapping, pectoral slapping, and rolling around.

    • 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.

 

WHAT MARINE LIFE CAN YOU SEE IN WAIKIKI​
Hawaii is home to a huge diversity of marine life! There are tons of possibilities for cool encounters while out searching for the whales.

• Green Sea Turtles are some of the most exciting animals we might encounter while sailing!​

• Hawaiian spinner dolphins are often cruising up and down Oahu’s coastlines, especially in the mornings.

• If we are lucky we could encounter the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal.

• Ask about adding on a snorkel to your whale-watching expedition for a chance to encounter even more wildlife from in the water!