2-Hour Oahu Whale Watch From Ala Wai Harbor, Waikiki

Exploring the majestic waters of Oahu’s coastline, the 2-Hour Oahu Whale Watch offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the grandeur of humpback whales in their natural habitat. From December to May, this captivating tour departs from the Ala Wai Harbor in Waikiki, inviting adventurous travelers to embark on a journey that promises to leave a lasting impression. With state-of-the-art amenities and knowledgeable guides, this whale-watching experience is designed to immerse visitors in the wonders of the marine world.

Key Points

• A 2-hour whale watching tour operating from Ala Wai Harbor in Waikiki, available from December to May during the humpback whale migration season.
• A newly renovated, multi-level vessel with panoramic views and a capacity capped at 90 passengers for a comfortable experience.
• Knowledgeable naturalist guides provide insights into whale behavior, and an underwater hydrophone allows you to hear the whales beneath the boat.
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the experience and full refunds eligible with a doctor’s note for medical circumstances.
• Positive customer feedback with frequent whale sightings, knowledgeable crew, and free return vouchers offered for less favorable sightings.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The 2-hour Oahu Whale Watch from Ala Wai Harbor in Waikiki offers visitors a chance to witness the majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat.

Operated from December to May during the humpback whale migration from Alaska, the tour allows guests to learn about the whales’ behavior from knowledgeable naturalist guides.

Aboard a newly renovated, multi-level vessel, passengers can enjoy uninterrupted panoramic views and even listen to the whales beneath the boat using an underwater hydrophone.

With a capped capacity of 90 passengers, the tour provides a comfortable and intimate whale watching experience.

Vessel and Amenities

Newly renovated in 2024, the boat for the Oahu Whale Watch tour provides passengers with comfortable amenities for an enjoyable experience.

Newly renovated in 2024, the boat for the Oahu Whale Watch tour provides passengers with comfortable amenities for an enjoyable experience.

The vessel features:

• An upper deck and enclosed main cabin with large windows for uninterrupted panoramic viewing
• A marine bathroom on board
• A shaded main cabin with window viewing
• An underwater hydrophone to hear whales beneath the boat
• A capacity capped at 90 passengers for comfort, though Coast Guard certified for 115.

With these amenities, the tour offers an immersive whale-watching opportunity.

Meeting Point and Departure Information

The meeting point for the Oahu Whale Watch tour is at the Hawaii Ocean Project in Ala Wai Harbor, located at 1651 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA, Slip 497.

Passengers should check-in 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. Boarding closes 5 minutes before the tour starts.

The tour concludes at the original departure point, with multiple departure times available throughout the day.

Customers are advised to arrive on time to ensure a smooth boarding process and enjoy the full 2-hour whale watching experience.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

The price for the Oahu Whale Watch tour starts from $46.55 per person, originally priced at $49.00.

The Oahu Whale Watch tour is now available at a discounted price of $46.55 per person, down from the original $49.00.

• Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
• Full refunds are eligible with 24-hour notice.
• Medical circumstances require a doctor’s note for a full refund.
• Multiple departure times are available.

Booking and payment can be completed online through the tour operator’s website.

Customer Experiences and Feedback

The Oahu Whale Watch tour has received positive feedback from customers, with an impressive 4.6 out of 5 rating based on over 1,770 reviews.

Customers praise the frequent whale sightings and knowledgeable crew, who provide insights into the whales’ behavior.

However, some reports mention seasickness, with recommendations to take motion sickness medication.

There are also mixed reviews regarding crew behavior, and suggestions for more family-friendly experiences.

The tour company offers free return vouchers for less favorable sightings, demonstrating their commitment to customer satisfaction.

Whale Migration and Behavior

While the Oahu Whale Watch tour operates during the humpback whale migration season from December to May, the whales travel an impressive 3,500 miles (5,635 km) from their summer feeding grounds in Alaska to the warm waters of Hawaii.

During this remarkable journey, guests can witness the whales in their natural habitat and learn about their fascinating behaviors:

• Breaching – Whales leap out of the water, creating a dramatic splash.
• Pectoral Slapping – Whales use their large fins to slap the water’s surface.
• Tail Lobbing – Whales raise their tails and let them fall back into the water.
• Spyhopping – Whales stick their heads out of the water to look around.
• Bubble Feeding – Whales create bubble nets to trap and feed on small fish and krill.

Panoramic Viewing Experience

With a newly renovated boat designed for comfort, the Oahu Whale Watch tour provides uninterrupted panoramic viewing of the whales in their natural habitat.

The multi-level vessel features an upper deck and enclosed main cabin with large windows, allowing passengers to observe the humpback whales from various vantage points. An underwater hydrophone enables guests to hear the whales’ sounds beneath the boat.

The tour’s capped capacity of 90 passengers ensures a comfortable experience, and the marine bathroom and shaded main cabin with window viewing enhance the overall amenities.

Crew Expertise and Informative Guidance

The Oahu Whale Watch tour employs knowledgeable naturalist guides who provide informative commentary about the humpback whales and their behaviors.

Guests can expect to learn:

• Fascinating facts about the whales’ migration patterns, from Alaska to Hawaii
• Insights into the whales’ social interactions and communication methods
• Explanations of their unique feeding and breaching behaviors
• Details on the whales’ physical characteristics and adaptations
• Tips for spotting and observing the whales in their natural habitat

The guides’ expertise and enthusiasm help create an engaging and educational whale watching experience for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Alcoholic Beverages Permitted on the Tour?

The tour allows passengers to bring their own beverages, including alcoholic ones, to enjoy during the whale watch. However, the company encourages responsible consumption and discourages excessive intoxication for safety reasons.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks?

Yes, passengers are allowed to bring their own food and snacks on the tour. The vessel’s amenities include a shaded main cabin with window viewing, making it a comfortable environment to enjoy personal refreshments during the whale watching experience.

Is There a Place to Store My Belongings During the Tour?

The tour vessel has a shaded main cabin with large windows, allowing passengers to store their belongings safely during the excursion. There’s also a marine bathroom on board for added convenience.

Can I Book the Tour on the Day of the Activity?

Yes, you can book the tour on the day of the activity. The tour allows for same-day booking, subject to availability. Advance reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability on your preferred departure time.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. It’s open to passengers of all ages, though parents should consider their child’s ability to remain seated and quiet during the 2-hour whale watching experience.

The Sum Up

The 2-Hour Oahu Whale Watch from Ala Wai Harbor in Waikiki offers an unforgettable experience for marine life enthusiasts. Aboard a newly renovated vessel, passengers can enjoy panoramic views, an underwater hydrophone, and expert guidance from knowledgeable naturalist guides, providing insights into the behavior of humpback whales during their annual migration from December to May.