Dolphin and Whale Watch in Kona

76 Reviews 4.76 out of 5 stars Based on 76 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 93% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Big Island of Hawaii, USA

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 22 (0) days in advance.

2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

Hawaiʻi’s Kona Coast offers exceptional opportunities to experience marine life, dramatic coastal landscapes, and rich Hawaiian history. Join us on a relaxed coastal cruise with opportunities to observe dolphins, sea turtles, and, during the winter season, migrating humpback whales. This 2.5 hour tour also provides close-up views of sea caves, lava tubes, and breathtaking volcanic scenery, along with access to areas reachable only by boat.

Important: The listed start time is the check-in time, not the departure time. Please do not arrive early. This tour has two designated meeting points. Carefully review all tour details prior to booking, as this experience may not be suitable for all guests.

This is a non-snorkeling tour. Generally suitable for ages 5 to 70. Tour time is 2.5 hrs.

What's Included

  • Naturalist guides
  • Gratuities
  • Please bring your own reef safe sunscreen, jacket, camera
  • Private transportation
See 1 moreSee 4 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point
End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your activity begins.
Read more

Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Kailua-Kona

READ THIS. START TIME IS IS NOT THE DEPARTURE TIME. START TIME IS THE CHECK IN TIME. DO NOT ARRIVE EARLY. THERE ARE TWO MEETING POINTS FOR THIS TOUR. PLEASE READ ALL TOUR DETAILS BEFORE BOOKING AS THIS TOUR IS NOT SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE.Our 2.5hr Dolphin & Whale Watch explores the world of dolphins & whales, wildlife & Kona’s dramatic coastline. Our captains will narrate your journey & point out spectacular sights while providing information on the area’s wildlife, history & geology while you slowly cruise looking for a variety of wildlife. So come aboard one of our rigid hull inflatable vessels and cruise with us on this relaxed island cruise.This is a non-snorkeling tour. Generally suitable for ages 5-70.
Read more

2 hours 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Restroom facilities not available on boat
  • For ages 5 to 70

Frequently Asked Questions

(9)

Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?

A: As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Dolphin and Whale Watch in Kona. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat. Read more Dec 2022

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-89864P6

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.76
76 reviews

Average 4.76 out of 5 stars based on 76 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
64
4 stars
7
3 stars
4
2 stars
1
1 star
0

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 22 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Kona Haunted Hele Ghost Tour

One of Kona's most popular nighttime activities and rated excellent on Cool Hawaii! Step into the spooky past and supernatural happenings of Kona on this...

90 to 120 minutes
90 to 120 minutes
90 to 120 minutes
4.5 (97)
from
$59
Big Island North Island Jungle Adventure - Self-Guided Audio Tour

Shaka Guide's driving tour app works like a tour guide in your car! On this tour drive along beautiful green coastlines, through tropical jungle roads,...

2 daysFree Cancellation
2 daysFree Cancellation
2 days • Free Cancellation
4.6 (14)
from
$19.99
Big Island Adventure Bundle: 5 Epic Audio Driving Tours

Unlock the diverse wonders of the Big Island with this all-in-one self-guided audio tour bundle. From volcanic landscapes and rainforest adventures to coastal panoramas and...

5 daysFree Cancellation
5 daysFree Cancellation
5 days • Free Cancellation
4.7 (138)
from
$34.99
Private Charter: Customizable Big Island Boat Adventure

Are you looking to relax with your family or friends? Our modern powered catamaran is designed for open ocean conditions that will allow our passengers...

4 hoursFree Cancellation
4 hoursFree Cancellation
4 hours • Free Cancellation
5.0 (23)
from
$1,882

Travelers Who Bought This Activity Also Bought

Hawaiian Salt Farm Tour in Kona
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Hawai‘i Island’s only working salt farm, featured on Guy Fieri’s “Guy Hawaiian Style,” is located on a scenic 7-acre oceanfront site in the Hawai‘i Ocean...

1 hourFree Cancellation
1 hourFree Cancellation
1 hour • Free Cancellation
4.9 (888)
from
$27
Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tour: Guaranteed or come again free

Why Choose Us for Your Manta Ray Night Snorkel? The strongest light power out of any operator…! Choose us if you want the most manta...

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.8 (2,409)
from
$95
Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

A must do while in Hawaii! It's a lifetime opportunity to see up close manta rays feeding and interacting with other ocean creatures under the...

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation
2 hours 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.9 (6,078)
from
$94
Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Our tours depart from the Kailua-Kona pier on the Big Island of Hawaii. Discover the beauty of Kona's underwater world aboard Marian, a 36-foot (10-meter), custom-designed glass-bottom boat....

50 minutesFree Cancellation
50 minutesFree Cancellation
50 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.7 (524)
from
$72

What's Included

Activity name

  • Naturalist guides
  • Gratuities
  • Please bring your own reef safe sunscreen, jacket, camera
  • Private transportation
  • Restroom on board

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Restroom facilities not available on boat
  • For ages 5 to 70
  • Tour is on a Raft style boat. Be sure that this style boat is suitable for you.
  • Not for those with mobility issues
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name

Language
Currency

Site Settings

Activity name

Currency

Activity name

Activity name

Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the activity start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the activity start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the activity local time (HST).
  • This activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This activity requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Sorting, ranking, and search results

Activity name

Cool Hawaii wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool Hawaii over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.