Da Whale Boat offers intimate ocean adventures on the Big Island with a warm, personalized approach that makes every guest feel like ohana. Founded by Captain Kelsey, whose deep respect for Hawaiian humpback whales shapes each exp...
Small group sizing (typically 6-10 people) is a defining feature here, and it shows in nearly every review. Captains like G, Steve, Brandon, and Kelsey consistently earn praise for being knowledgeable, warm, and genuinely engaged with guests. Multiple reviewers mention the live hydrophone experience, where the crew drops a microphone into the water so passengers can hear whale songs in real time, as a standout moment. Homemade macadamia nut cookies and Hawaiian snacks get more shoutouts than you might expect. Whale sightings tend to be plentiful, with most guests spotting multiple humpbacks, and some lucky groups catching breaches and tail slaps up close. The boat also offers manta ray snorkeling tours that have earned equally strong reactions. One reviewer noted that early season trips in December may yield fewer sightings, so timing your visit during peak whale season is worth considering. The ride can also be bumpy, so those prone to seasickness should come prepared.
Our 2 hr tour was 3 hours of non-stop whale watching with dolphins, flying fish escorts.
Steven Probst
March 20, 2026
Our 2 hr tour was 3 hours of non-stop whale watching with dolphins, flying fish escorts.
Steven Probst
March 20, 2026