Adventure Collective
Wildlife Encounter on a Zodiac Excursion with Captain Zodiac in Kailua-Kona - Kailua-Kona

Wildlife Encounter on a Zodiac Excursion with Captain Zodiac in Kailua-Kona

Kailua-Konamoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

4–5 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; boat boarding requires some mobility

Overview

Join Captain Zodiac for a thrilling 4-5 hour wildlife cruise off the coast of Kona, where whales, dolphins, and turtles come alive amidst Hawaii’s stunning waters. Discover the ocean’s secrets and contribute to vital conservation efforts on this adventure-packed trip.

Boat Tour
Kaiminani, Hawaii

Marine Wildlife Excursion

4-5 Hours • Ages 7+

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Adventure Photos

Marine Wildlife Excursion photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable 4-5 hour wildlife adventure with Captain Zodiac! Explore Kona's unique coastline aboard military-grade Zodiac Hurricanes, encountering 17 species of whales and dolphins, turtles, and more. Join passionate naturalists and contribute to citizen science while enjoying the thrill of an ocean safari in Hawaii's stunning waters.

Whale season is never over for Captain Zodiac.

Duration

  • 4-5 Hours

About

Join us for a unique experience of a lifetime where we venture into the unknown! Enjoy a morning wildlife watching tour with our experienced Naturalist captains and crew, who share a passion & respect for the ocean and its inhabitants. Kona is one of the few unique coastlines in the world with numerous species of wildlife year-round. We have the opportunity to encounter 17 different resident whale & dolphin species, turtles, sharks, Hawaiian Monk seals, various species of birds and much more. Experience our military grade Zodiac Hurricanes - the same boats used by Navy seals as we explore the diverse habitat provided by Hawaii’s deep underwater geography, an ocean safari for the true adventure seeker!

We highly encourage our guests to bring cameras along not only for your own photographic experience but the opportunity to become a valuable contributor to citizen science along with Captain Zodiac. This is not a snorkeling excursion, however we recommend wearing swimsuits in case the opportunity arises to jump in the water. As this is a marine wildlife watching tour, we cannot guarantee encounters, however with the abundance of year round ocean residents, the chance of no sighting is low. There is a minimum of 6 passengers, if the minimum is not met on a specific day, we will move your reservation to another date. In the unlikely event that we are unable to run a trip due to weather conditions, minimum not met and inability to re-schedule, you will be fully refunded.

Adventure Tips

Dress for the ocean

Wear quick-drying clothing, sunscreen, and a hat to stay comfortable during the boat trip.

Bring a camera or binoculars

Capture the wildlife moments or get a closer view of distant marine animals.

Stay hydrated

Bring water to remain refreshed during the excursion.

Book in advance

Popular trips fill quickly, especially in peak seasons, so reserve early.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Humpback whales during winter
  • Spinner dolphins year-round

History

Hawaii’s whale season began in the 1970s as humpback whales migrated to breed, making Kona a premier whale-watching destination.

Conservation

Captain Zodiac’s trips emphasize sustainable practices, minimizing impact on marine life while promoting awareness about ocean health.

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Adventure Hotspots in Kailua-Kona

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Waterproof jacket

Essential

Helps keep you dry from splashes and wind during the boat ride.

Sunscreen

Essential

Protect your skin from Hawaii’s strong sun at sea.

summer specific

Binoculars

Enhance your view of distant wildlife.

Hat and polarized sunglasses

Essential

Shield yourself from the sun and reduce glare on the water.