Top 12 Tours for Whale Watching Big Island in 2025: A Complete Guide

Each winter, the warm, protected waters off Hawaii's Big Island become the stage for one of nature's most awe-inspiring spectacles: the annual return of humpback whales. These majestic giants journey thousands of miles to breed, calve, and nurse their young, offering breathtaking displays of breaches, tail slaps, and pectoral fin waves. Planning the perfect whale watching Big Island adventure means choosing the right tour, understanding the best times to go, and knowing what to expect.

Kona Snorkel Trips is the top rated & most reviewed snorkel company in Hawaii, dedicated to creating unforgettable and responsible marine encounters.

This comprehensive guide is designed to solve the challenge of finding the ideal whale watching tour that fits your specific needs, whether you're a family seeking a stable catamaran, an enthusiast looking for a small-group adventure, or a couple desiring a private charter. We've compiled the 12 best resources, from direct tour operators to booking platforms, to simplify your planning process. Each option is detailed with key insights, direct links, and practical considerations to help you confidently select and book the best possible experience for witnessing these incredible creatures.

1. Whale Watching Kona Big Island Tours | Kona Snorkel Trips

As our top choice for a comprehensive and expertly guided whale watching Big Island experience, Kona Snorkel Trips sets the standard. The website offers a direct and user-friendly platform to book their specialized, small-group excursions that operate during the peak season from late December to mid-March. This timing maximizes the probability of witnessing spectacular humpback behaviors like breaches and tail slaps, providing an unparalleled viewing opportunity.

What truly distinguishes this operator is its commitment to both safety and intimate wildlife encounters. The small-group format ensures personalized attention from lifeguard-certified guides, making it an ideal choice for families (ages 3+) and anyone seeking a more focused adventure away from large crowds. For a deeper understanding of what to expect, you can learn more about the whale season on the Big Island on their blog.

Key Features & Use Case

This tour is perfectly suited for travelers who value expertise and want a high-quality, efficient tour that fits easily into their itinerary. Convenient morning (8:00 a.m.) and afternoon (1:30 p.m.) departures from Honokohau Harbor make scheduling simple.

A standout offering is the seasonal Whale Watch + Manta Snorkel combo, creating a full-day marine safari. This unique package allows visitors to experience two of the Big Island’s most iconic marine encounters in a single, streamlined booking. It’s an exceptional value for wildlife enthusiasts aiming to maximize their time on the water.

• Pricing: Starts at $149 per person.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.
• Best For: Families, small groups, and eco-conscious travelers seeking a high-value, expertly guided tour.

Visit Kona Snorkel Trips Website

2. Body Glove Cruises

Body Glove Cruises offers a robust and reliable option for whale watching on the Big Island, particularly for those prioritizing comfort, stability, and accessibility. Their website serves as a direct booking portal for their seasonal tours, which run from December through March. The platform clearly outlines their offerings, primarily the 2.5-hour whale watch departing from Kailua-Kona on a large, stable 65-foot catamaran. This makes it an excellent choice for families with small children, older adults, or anyone prone to seasickness.

What sets Body Glove apart is its focus on an educational and guaranteed experience. Every trip includes an onboard naturalist and a hydrophone, allowing you to listen to the mesmerizing songs of humpback whales in real time. Their "sightings guarantee" provides a significant safety net: if you don’t see whales, you can join another tour for free. The website’s booking interface is straightforward, showing real-time availability for their afternoon departures.

Key Details & Booking Tips

• Vessel Options: Choose between the spacious, wheelchair-accessible catamaran or a faster, more adventurous "super-raft".
• Booking: Booking directly on their site is recommended, especially during peak season (January-February) when tours frequently sell out.
• Pricing: Adult tickets are around $138, with discounts for children. The price includes snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Unique Feature: The combination of a hydrophone, naturalist, and sightings guarantee creates a comprehensive and value-packed tour.

Visit the Body Glove Cruises Website

3. Ocean Sports (Hawaii Ocean Sports)

For visitors staying along the Kohala Coast, Ocean Sports provides the most convenient and time-efficient option for whale watching on the Big Island. Operating directly from Waikoloa's Anaehoʻomalu Bay and Kawaihae Harbor, their website is the primary portal for booking their seasonal morning cruises. The platform details their 1.5-hour whale watch tours aboard stable catamarans, making it a fantastic choice for resort guests who want a high-quality experience without the long drive to Kona. With a local history stretching back to 1981, they have a deep-rooted reputation for reliability.

What distinguishes Ocean Sports is its focus on the pristine waters of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary off the Kohala Coast. The website’s booking system is clear, showing daily departures at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. from December 15th to March 31st. They also offer a sightings guarantee, promising a free return trip if no humpbacks are spotted. While the trips are shorter than some Kona-based alternatives, they are perfectly suited for those with packed schedules or who prefer a concise but impactful wildlife encounter.

Key Details & Booking Tips

• Departure Points: Conveniently located at Anaehoʻomalu Bay (A-Bay) and Kawaihae Harbor, ideal for Waikoloa and Kohala resort guests.
• Booking: Direct online booking is simple and essential, especially as these convenient tours are popular with resort visitors.
• Pricing: Adult tickets are around $124. This includes a selection of snacks and beverages on board.
• Unique Feature: Unbeatable convenience for Kohala Coast visitors, combined with a strong local reputation and a sightings guarantee.

Visit the Ocean Sports Website

4. Hawaiʻi Nautical – Big Island

Hawaiʻi Nautical offers an intimate and exhilarating option for whale watching on the Big Island, ideal for small groups and photographers seeking up-close encounters. Their website is the direct booking hub for seasonal tours departing from Kawaihae, focusing on a high-speed, small-group experience. The tours utilize a 38-foot Boston Whaler, which carries a maximum of just six passengers. This nimble vessel can quickly reach active pods, providing a very different and more personal adventure compared to larger catamaran tours.

What distinguishes Hawaiʻi Nautical is the exclusivity and speed of its tours. With only six guests, every seat provides an excellent, unobstructed view, which is a major advantage for wildlife photography. The website clearly details their morning departures from December through March and highlights their sightings guarantee. If you don't see whales, you can rebook for another cruise for free. The booking process is simple, but due to the extremely limited capacity, advanced reservations are essential, especially during peak season.

Key Details & Booking Tips

• Vessel Options: A single option: a fast 38-foot Boston Whaler designed for speed and small groups. Be prepared for potential sea spray.
• Booking: Direct online booking is necessary. Given the 6-person limit, tours sell out far in advance.
• Pricing: The per-person cost is higher than larger tours, reflecting the private, small-group nature of the experience.
• Unique Feature: The six-passenger limit creates one of the most intimate and exclusive whale watching experiences available on the island.

Visit the Hawaiʻi Nautical Website

5. Dolphin Discoveries (Keauhou/Kona)

Dolphin Discoveries offers a thrilling and intimate alternative for whale watching on the Big Island, operating nimble, rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) from Keauhou Bay. Their website details the seasonal 2.5-hour whale watch, which is perfect for adventurous travelers who want to get closer to the action. The small-group format on these faster boats allows for quick repositioning to get the best views, offering a more personal experience compared to larger catamarans.

What sets this operator apart is the blend of high-speed adventure with educational insight. Each tour includes a naturalist guide, binoculars for guest use, and a hydrophone to listen to live whale songs. The website’s booking page is easy to navigate, showing tour times and availability for their trips running from December to March. While they specialize in seasonal whale watching, they also offer dolphin tours year-round, which you can learn more about for your next trip. This makes their site a valuable resource for various marine adventures.

Key Details & Booking Tips

• Vessel Options: The primary vessel is a fast RHIB, offering a close-to-the-water, small-group experience.
• Booking: Direct online booking is straightforward. Since seating is limited, advance reservations are highly recommended, especially for peak whale season.
• Pricing: Offers competitive pricing for a small-group tour departing from the Kona area, with beverages included.
• Unique Feature: The combination of a nimble RHIB for close encounters and the departure from scenic Keauhou Bay provides a unique coastal perspective.

Visit the Dolphin Discoveries Website

6. Hawaiian Adventures Kona

Hawaiian Adventures Kona extends the whale watching Big Island season by offering specialized tours year-round. Their website is a portal for both seasonal Humpback Whale Watch trips (December–March) and unique pelagic whale and dolphin tours during the off-season. Departing from Honokōhau Harbor, their purpose-built vessels are certified for extended offshore travel, allowing them to seek out deep-water species like pilot whales and sperm whales when humpbacks are not present. This makes them a top choice for serious marine life enthusiasts who want opportunities beyond the typical tourist window.

What truly distinguishes Hawaiian Adventures Kona is their commitment to a scientific approach. Trips feature research-grade hydrophones for incredible audio of whale songs, and their extended offshore capability means you can encounter wildlife not seen on standard coastal tours. The website provides transparent information about their vessels and routes. While their guarantee often involves a discounted rebooking rather than a free trip, their ability to find diverse marine life year-round provides consistent value. The longer, open-ocean nature of their pelagic trips is perfect for the more adventurous traveler.

Key Details & Booking Tips

• Vessel Options: Purpose-built boats with USCG 20-mile offshore certification for accessing deep water habitats.
• Booking: Direct booking on their site is recommended; look for advance-purchase discounts. Private charters are also available.
• Pricing: Humpback season tours run 2.5–3 hours, while longer 3–4 hour pelagic trips are available the rest of the year.
• Unique Feature: Year-round whale and dolphin watching, including pelagic species rarely seen on other tours.

Visit the Hawaiian Adventures Kona Website

7. Ocean Blue Kona (Private Charters)

For those seeking an intimate and fully customizable whale watching Big Island experience, Ocean Blue Kona offers an exceptional private charter option. Their website showcases their family-run operation, which focuses on personalized tours for small groups of up to six guests. The platform highlights the use of their stable 27-foot World Cat power catamaran, making it ideal for wildlife photographers, families, or anyone who wants to avoid crowds and set their own pace. The site allows you to connect directly with the captain to tailor your perfect itinerary.

What truly distinguishes Ocean Blue Kona is the complete control and privacy it affords guests. Instead of a fixed schedule, you can design your trip around specific interests like photography, snorkeling, or simply waiting for the perfect whale encounter. The website emphasizes this flexibility, from sunrise departures to sunset viewings. While the total cost is higher than a shared tour, the value comes from the highly personalized service, dedicated attention from the crew, and the freedom to create a unique marine adventure.

Key Details & Booking Tips

• Vessel Options: A single, stable 27-ft World Cat power catamaran, perfect for small, private groups.
• Booking: Direct inquiry and booking through their website or by phone is necessary. Advance booking is critical, as availability is very limited during peak season.
• Pricing: Pricing is dynamic and based on the charter; you must inquire for a quote. The price includes snacks and beverages for your group.
• Unique Feature: The exclusive, private charter model allows for a completely tailored itinerary, offering unmatched flexibility and privacy.

Visit the Ocean Blue Kona Website

8. Big Island Divers – Reef Snorkel & Whale Watch

Big Island Divers offers a unique hybrid tour for those looking to maximize their time on the water. Their website details a morning charter that efficiently combines whale watching on the Big Island with a vibrant coral reef snorkel. This is an ideal choice for adventurous visitors who want two distinct marine experiences in a single outing. The platform is operated by a long-standing, professional dive company, ensuring a high standard of safety and experienced crew guidance for all in-water activities.

What makes this option stand out is its dual-focus nature and small-group setting. Instead of a dedicated whale-only cruise, time is split between searching for humpbacks offshore and exploring a top snorkeling site. The website clearly outlines participant prerequisites, such as a minimum age of 10 and competent swimming skills, making it best suited for active individuals and families with older children. The booking process is direct, providing clear information on what to expect from this action-packed charter.

Key Details & Booking Tips

• Vessel Options: A comfortable boat designed for both snorkeling and cruising.
• Booking: Direct booking online is recommended; the site clearly lists charter times and what’s included (e.g., snorkel gear, snacks).
• Pricing: Typically around $159 for the combined 4-hour morning tour.
• Unique Feature: A fantastic two-for-one tour that merges the thrill of whale watching with the beauty of snorkeling Hawaii's coral reefs, all guided by a professional dive crew.

Visit the Big Island Divers Website

9. Sea Paradise (Keauhou/Kona)

Sea Paradise offers a unique approach to whale watching on the Big Island by integrating it into their popular snorkeling and sailing excursions from Keauhou Bay. Instead of focusing solely on dedicated whale tours, their website promotes morning and afternoon snorkel sails that, during the winter months (December-March), frequently double as fantastic whale watching opportunities. This makes it an ideal choice for visitors who want to combine premier snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay with the chance to see humpbacks along the South Kona coast, all from the comfort of a sailing catamaran.

What distinguishes Sea Paradise is its appeal to the multi-interest traveler. The website’s booking platform clearly presents their sailing and snorkel combination tours, allowing users to easily secure a spot for an all-in-one marine adventure. While they don't guarantee whale sightings on these snorkel-focused trips or specify the use of hydrophones, the scenic sail and high-quality snorkel experience provide excellent value. Their departure from Keauhou Bay also offers a different perspective of the coastline compared to tours leaving from farther north.

Key Details & Booking Tips

• Vessel Options: Primarily features a spacious and comfortable sailing catamaran, perfect for a relaxing day on the water.
• Booking: Direct booking on their site is straightforward; select a snorkel tour during the winter season for the best chance of spotting whales.
• Pricing: Morning snorkel tours are around $180 for adults. This price includes snorkel gear, instruction, and lunch.
• Unique Feature: The ability to combine world-class snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay with seasonal whale watching offers a two-for-one adventure.

Visit the Sea Paradise Website

10. Paradise Sailing Hawaiʻi (Private Catamaran)

For those seeking an intimate and exclusive whale watching big island experience, Paradise Sailing Hawaiʻi offers a premium private charter service. Their website details private tours aboard their 36-foot sailing catamaran, the 'Kolea,' perfect for small groups or families who prefer a personalized adventure over a crowded tour boat. The platform allows you to explore 3 to 4+ hour charter options that can be completely customized to prioritize whale watching, snorkeling, or simply enjoying a serene sunset sail away from the masses.

What distinguishes Paradise Sailing is the emphasis on a true, private sailing journey. Instead of a fixed itinerary, you work with the crew to create your ideal day on the water. Their website clearly explains the private charter model, providing sample rates and outlining the flexibility of morning and afternoon departures. This approach is ideal for special occasions or for serious wildlife enthusiasts who want the freedom to linger when a pod of whales is spotted, without being held to a large group's schedule.

Key Details & Booking Tips

• Vessel Options: The experience is exclusively on the 36-foot sailing catamaran 'Kolea', designed for small, private groups.
• Booking: Booking must be done well in advance directly through their website, as private charter availability is inherently limited.
• Pricing: Costs are quoted per charter, not per person, making it a higher initial investment than shared tours but potentially economical for a full group.
• Unique Feature: The ability to completely customize your itinerary provides unparalleled flexibility, combining whale watching with other ocean activities in a single private trip.

Visit the Paradise Sailing Hawaiʻi Website

11. Viator (Marketplace)

For travelers who value comparison and convenience, Viator serves as a comprehensive marketplace for whale watching on the Big Island. Instead of visiting individual operator sites, Viator aggregates numerous tour options from different companies in one place. The platform allows you to filter excursions by departure time, price, duration, and even accessibility features, making it easy to find a trip that fits your specific schedule and budget. It is an excellent tool for last-minute planning or for seeing what’s available when your first-choice operator is sold out.

What makes Viator particularly useful is its user-focused interface, featuring extensive customer reviews, instant booking confirmations, and mobile vouchers. This streamlines the entire process from search to boarding. Many listings also offer flexible cancellation policies, providing peace of mind if your travel plans change. While you're booking through a third party, the sheer volume of options and real-world feedback from other travelers can help you make a more informed decision. You can learn more about different whale watching tours in Kona, Hawaii to compare with the marketplace listings.

Key Details & Booking Tips

• Vessel Options: A wide variety of vessels are listed, from large catamarans to smaller, intimate zodiacs, depending on the operator.
• Booking: Ideal for comparing availability across multiple tour providers at once, especially during the busy season.
• Pricing: Prices vary significantly by operator and tour type. Be aware that some listings may include service fees not found when booking direct.
• Unique Feature: Its greatest strength is as a one-stop-shop for comparing tours and leveraging user reviews to find the best fit for your group.

Visit the Viator Website

12. GetYourGuide (Marketplace)

GetYourGuide serves as a curated online marketplace, offering a wide array of whale watching Big Island tours from various local operators. Its primary advantage lies in its user-friendly interface, which allows for easy side-by-side comparison of different cruises based on price, duration, and verified customer reviews. This platform is particularly useful for travelers seeking flexibility, as many listings feature reserve-now-pay-later options and generous 24-hour free cancellation policies, making it ideal for last-minute planning or uncertain itineraries.

The platform excels at providing clear, consolidated information, including tour inclusions, highlights, meeting points, and live availability, all in one place. User-generated photos and detailed reviews offer authentic insights into the experience. However, since it is a marketplace, the exact vessel and specific onboard amenities (like a hydrophone) might not always be detailed upfront, and prices can sometimes include a small service fee compared to booking directly with the tour operator.

Key Details & Booking Tips

• Vessel Options: A wide variety of vessels are listed, from large catamarans to smaller, more intimate boats, depending on the operator.
• Booking: Excellent for comparing options or finding last-minute availability when direct bookings are full. Read recent reviews for the most current feedback.
• Pricing: Prices vary significantly between operators. Use the platform’s filters to sort by price and find a tour that fits your budget.
• Unique Feature: The "reserve now, pay later" and free cancellation on many tours provide unparalleled booking flexibility for travelers.

Visit the GetYourGuide Website

Big Island Whale-Watching: 12-Provider Comparison

Choosing Your Unforgettable Whale Watching Adventure

Navigating the diverse options for whale watching on the Big Island can seem as vast as the Pacific itself, but this guide has equipped you with the tools to chart the perfect course. We've explored everything from the intimate, educational experiences on smaller vessels like those offered by Kona Snorkel Trips and Dolphin Discoveries to the stability and amenities of larger catamarans from Body Glove Cruises and Hawaiʻi Nautical. The key takeaway is that the "best" tour is entirely dependent on your personal preferences, group dynamics, and travel style.

By breaking down your decision into a few key factors, you can confidently select an operator that aligns with your vision. Consider your group’s needs: are you traveling with young children who would benefit from a larger, more stable boat, or are you an avid photographer seeking the low-to-the-water perspective of a zodiac? Prioritize your comfort level, weighing the trade-offs between onboard amenities like restrooms and snack bars versus the raw, adventurous feel of a smaller charter. Finally, think about your ideal experience. A private tour with Paradise Sailing Hawaiʻi offers unparalleled intimacy, while a combination snorkel and whale watch trip with an operator like Big Island Divers provides a packed day of marine adventure.

Finalizing Your Decision

Before you book, here are three critical action steps to ensure a seamless experience:

• Book in Advance: The peak whale watching season on the Big Island, from January through March, is incredibly popular. To secure your preferred date and tour type, booking several weeks or even months ahead is highly recommended.
• Verify Departure Locations: The Big Island is, well, big. Confirm whether your tour departs from Kona, Keauhou, or the Kohala Coast and plan your travel time accordingly. This simple check can prevent a stressful, last-minute rush.
• Prepare for the Elements: Even on a sunny Hawaiian day, conditions at sea can change. Review packing lists and bring layers, reef-safe sunscreen, and any necessary motion sickness remedies to ensure your comfort throughout the journey. For those planning a memorable family trip, you might find our suggestions on how to choose the best tour even more helpful with resources for the broader journey. Consider checking out this ultimate family vacation packing list.

Witnessing the majesty of a humpback whale breaching against the stunning backdrop of the Big Island is a profound, once-in-a-lifetime moment. It’s an encounter that connects you directly to the power and grace of the natural world. By using this guide as your compass, you are now ready to choose an adventure that not only delivers breathtaking sightings but also supports the vital work of responsible and sustainable marine tourism.

Ready to experience the magic of Hawaii's marine giants? For a truly personal and expert-led whale watching Big Island adventure on a small-group vessel, explore the highly-rated tours offered by Kona Snorkel Trips. Their commitment to small group sizes ensures an intimate and unforgettable encounter with the majestic humpback whales.