Experience the thrill of spotting majestic humpback whales on a private two-hour boat tour along Hawaii’s Kona coast. Get ready for unforgettable close encounters aboard a fast and comfortable vessel.
Experience the thrill of spotting majestic humpback whales on a private two-hour boat tour along Hawaii’s Kona coast. Get ready for unforgettable close encounters aboard a fast and comfortable vessel.
Book with Kona Snorkel Trips
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Kona Snorkel Trips · Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Set sail on an exhilarating two-hour whale watch aboard the Orca, Kona Snorkel Trips' speedy boat offering prime access to the rich marine life off the Kona coast. This private boat tour takes you along Hawaii’s stunning shoreline where you can witness the awe-inspiring migration of humpback whales. Each year, these gentle giants travel thousands of miles to give birth in the warm, protected waters of Kailua-Kona. From breezy ocean views to the powerful breaches and tail slaps of humpbacks, the experience immerses you in nature’s captivating spectacle. Guides share fascinating insights about whale behavior and conservation efforts, making the trip both educational and unforgettable. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced whale watcher, this intimate and fast-paced tour maximizes your chances to see these magnificent creatures up close. Bring your camera, a sense of adventure, and prepare to be amazed by the wildlife and natural beauty of Hawaii's coast.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; seating is available but some standing on boat deck required for spotting whales.
The prime whale watching season runs from December through April, with the highest chances of sightings in winter months.
Kona Snorkel Trips offers private boat tours for a personalized and intimate experience on the water.
Yes, the Orca is a stable and safe boat suitable for all ages, with seating and safety gear provided.
Bring layered clothing, sunscreen, a hat, water, your camera, and optionally binoculars.
Whale watching tours focus on spotting whales and do not include snorkeling stops, but snorkel excursions are available separately.
While sightings are very common during peak season, in rare cases if no whales are spotted your company will offer options such as rescheduling or partial refunds.
Kailua-Kona has a rich history as a center for Hawaiian royalty and maritime culture, influencing local fishing and boating traditions.
Efforts are ongoing to protect marine mammals and coral reefs through responsible boating practices and eco-friendly tourism initiatives.
Kona Snorkel Trips is a Kailua-Kona, Hawaii outfitter specializing in guided marine wildlife and snorkeling experiences. They operate a range of small-boat excursions focused on whale watching, daytime reef snorkeling, and night manta ray encounters. Signature offerings include two-hour Whale Watch cruises aboard the speedy boat Orca, snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay near the Captain Cook Monument, exclusive boat-access snorkeling at Pawai Bay, dedicated Night Manta Ray Snorkel tours, and a limited COMBO: Whale Watch & Manta Ray Night Snorkel. Kona Snorkel Trips also maintains a MANTA WAITLIST registration for customers seeking openings on sold-out manta outings; waitlisted guests are notified and charged only if space becomes available. Guides provide on-water navigation, snorkeling set-up, and local natural history interpretation to support safe, informative encounters with endemic fish, coral reefs, dolphins, humpback whales, and manta rays. Tours emphasize small-group access to less-crowded snorkeling sites such as Pawai Bay and Kealakekua Bay’s protected reef systems. Night manta snorkeling uses underwater lights to observe manta rays as they feed. Booking policies for waitlist items are clearly stated, and customers are charged upon confirmed availability. All trips launch from Kailua-Kona, offering convenient access for visitors staying on the Kona coast. Kona Snorkel Trips’ combination tours and specialized itineraries cater to travelers seeking wildlife-focused excursions, from sunset whale watching to guided nocturnal manta experiences. The business is positioned as a practical choice for travelers wanting guided, boat-based marine wildlife encounters in the Kona, Hawaii area. Reservations and waitlist sign-ups are available online and by phone directly.
Book with Kona Snorkel Trips