Are children allowed on the Whale Watch OE3 tour?

Yes, the tour is family-friendly and suitable for children of all ages.

What meals or snacks are provided on board?

Guests enjoy freshly made poke, ceviche, and fish dip during the outing.

Is the tour safe for pregnant women or people with limited mobility?

The tour is generally safe for pregnant women and those with limited mobility, but please consult your doctor beforehand.

How close do the boats get to the whales?

The boat maintains a respectful and legal distance to ensure both safety and an excellent viewing experience.

What’s the best time of day for whale watching on this tour?

Morning tours often provide calmer seas and better visibility for whale sightings.

Are there restroom facilities on the boat?

Yes, the vessel is equipped with clean restroom facilities for guest comfort.

Whale Watch OE3 Adventure in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Hawaiian marine world on the Whale Watch OE3 with Ocean Encounters in Kailua-Kona. This 2.5-hour private adventure offers an up-close chance to see the magnificent Humpback Whales as they migrate through Kona’s warm waters. The tour is perfect for all ages and skill levels, making it an inclusive outing that combines excitement and relaxation. Guests can savor freshly prepared poke, ceviche, and fish dip aboard the spacious vessel, enhancing the sensory experience of the voyage. Throughout the trip, knowledgeable guides share fascinating insights about whale behavior and local ocean ecology, creating an educational aspect to the tour. Plus, visitors enjoy exclusive discounts at the renowned Bite Me Fish Market Bar and Grill, ideal for extending the local culinary experience ashore. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a camera to capture unforgettable moments of whale breaches and sea-splashed horizons. Whether you’re a first-time whale watcher or an experienced ocean lover, Whale Watch OE3 provides an intimate and memorable encounter with Hawaii’s iconic giants amid Kona's stunning seascape.

About Ocean Encounters

Ocean Encounters is a Kailua-Kona, Hawaii boat operator offering a range of snorkeling, manta ray night snorkel, whale watch, and private charter experiences. Operating from Honokohau Harbor and Kona waters, the company runs boats sized and equipped for comfort, stability, and guest safety. Trips include Private Charter OE1 and OE2 on spacious vessels, Morning Reef Snorkel to Makalawena Bay, multiple Manta Ray Night Snorkel departures with a guaranteed-sighting offer on select trips, Whale Watch excursions timed with humpback migration, and guided Ultimate Ocean Encounter snorkeling along the Kona Coast.

Most excursions include snorkeling gear, refreshments or light snacks, and knowledgeable captains and crew who provide guidance, historical context, and safety instruction. Specific trip durations vary: Morning Reef Snorkel runs approximately four hours, Ultimate Ocean Encounter is a three-hour snorkeling adventure, and several whale watch and manta night snorkel departures are approximately two and a half hours. Private charters offer customizable snorkeling and fishing options on comfortable vessels with modern gear.

Ocean Encounters serves families, first-time snorkelers, and experienced ocean-goers. The company emphasizes guest experience through stable boats, included equipment, and opportunities to see spinner dolphins, sea turtles, colorful reef fish, manta rays, and migrating humpback whales. The manta ray night snorkel includes a guarantee of sightings on some departures or a free return. With local knowledge of Kona waters and curated itineraries, Ocean Encounters delivers reliable, memorable marine adventures in Hawaii. Booking options and schedules are listed on The Adventure Collective and the operator's reservation listings for Kona departures regularly.