Join Waikiki Dive Center’s exclusive Whale Watching Cruise at Maunalua Bay and witness humpback whales in their stunning sanctuary near Honolulu. Experience close encounters with these majestic creatures while enjoying breathtaking views and expert insights.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels as the tour involves sitting and standing on a stable boat with minimal physical exertion.
Wildlife
History
The Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary was established to protect critical breeding and birthing habitats vital to the survival of humpback whales.
Conservation
Efforts by local organizations and tour operators focus on sustainable whale watching practices that minimize disturbance to the animals and their environment.
Waikiki Dive Center
Join Waikiki Dive Center’s exclusive Whale Watching Cruise at Maunalua Bay and witness humpback whales in their stunning sanctuary near Honolulu. Experience close encounters with these majestic creatures while enjoying breathtaking views and expert insights.
Waikiki Dive Center is Oahu’s premier PADI 5‑Star Instructor Development Center with over 44 years of local experience. Located in Waikiki, the center operates daily excursions, private charters, reef and shipwreck boat dives, sunset cruises, humpback whale tours, and conservation-focused snorkeling and diving programs.
Experienced instructors and marine biologists lead tours and courses, from beginner open water certification through instructor development, ensuring safety, clear briefings, and personalized attention. Popular dive sites include the Sea Tiger shipwreck, the Nashua Navy Tug, Horseshoe Reef, Maunalua Bay and other protected reefs where guests can encounter Hawaiian monk seals, humpback whales, green sea turtles and abundant reef fish.
Conservation and research are integral to the operation: offerings include a Sea Turtle Conservationist snorkeling program, coral reef ecology and monitoring courses with certification, and partnerships with projects that collect real data for long-term reef health. Guests can also join specialized experiences like pelagic bioluminescent night dives and two-tank reef boat dives suited to both beginners and certified divers.
The fleet features comfortable vessels such as the Maka Koa for intimate sunset cruises. Flexible scheduling, small-group formats, and customizable private charters accommodate families, photographers, certified divers and first-time snorkelers. Equipment rentals, thorough gear checks, and adherence to PADI safety standards provide reliable support for every activity.
A long record of training, local knowledge and active conservation work make Waikiki Dive Center a trusted choice for visitors seeking unforgettable underwater encounters and meaningful marine experiences on Oahu. Advanced courses and specialty training are offered year-round to help divers progress from beginner to instructor levels.
Years Experience
44+ Years
Decades of local knowledge
Certification
PADI 5-Star
Instructor Development Center
Tours Offered
10+ Experiences
Daily dives & cruises available
Location
Waikiki, Oahu
Central departure point
Secure a spot on a dive, whale watch, conservation snorkel or private charter — certified instruction, expert guides and flexible departures.
Bring binoculars for better whale spotting
Binoculars will help you catch distant whale behaviors and enhance your viewing experience on the water.
Apply reef-safe sunscreen
Protect your skin and the local marine ecosystem by using environmentally friendly sunscreen during the tour.
Wear layered clothing
Ocean breezes can be cool, so dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout the trip.
Stay hydrated before and during the cruise
Bring a refillable water bottle to avoid dehydration under the sun and salt air conditions.
Binoculars
Enhance distant whale viewing and catch finer details during the tour.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protect yourself and marine ecosystems from harmful UV rays while minimizing environmental impact.
summer
Light jacket or windbreaker
Stay warm and comfortable against cool ocean breezes and changing weather.
fall
Water bottle
Keep hydrated during your ocean adventure under the sun and salty air.