Kona: Dolphin and Whale Watch
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
- Restroom on board
Meeting Location
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Kailua-Kona
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
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-89864P6
Traveler Photos
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
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (10)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Hawaii customers.
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As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Kona: Dolphin and Whale Watch. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- 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 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.
- Naturalist guides.
- Gratuities.
- Please bring your own reef safe sunscreen, jacket, camera.
- Private transportation.
- Restroom on board.
This activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 5. This activity requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Kona: Dolphin and Whale Watch is as follows:
- 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
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Kona: Dolphin and Whale Watch will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Hawaii. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Naturalist guides
- Gratuities
- Please bring your own reef safe sunscreen, jacket, camera
- Private transportation
- Restroom on board
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
- 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
