Ride a fast, open-viewing inflatable along the Kona coast with an experienced ocean crew
2-2.5 Hours
Expert crew, whale watching
Ride Apollo, a 41-foot rigid-hull inflatable built for offshore adventure along the Kona coast. Triple outboard motors make the vessel quick and nimble, helping maximize time on the water.
Take in the coast from Apollo's open viewing platform and forward-facing saddle seats, with each rider in their own space. Your experienced crew shares its knowledge of the Big Island and its marine life as you explore offshore waters.
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for groups of up to 10, or 48 hours in advance for groups of 10 or more. Cancellations within these time frames may be charged up to 100% of the fare. A 6% cancellation fee per person applies. Rescheduling to another date is free.
Product ID: TWZHXQ
The Adventure Whale Watch requires at least 10 passengers 24 hours before departure to run. This minimum does not apply to private charters.
Tours may be canceled for inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances. If this happens, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.
Bring your preferred sun protection, such as a hat, sunglasses, or sun shirt. Apply sunscreen before arriving at the marina or before boarding; spray-on sunscreen is not permitted onboard.
South Central Side of Honokohau Harbor
Crew members like Amy, Olivia, Dennis, and Andrew come up repeatedly in these reviews, and it's clear they're a big reason people leave so happy. Guests consistently highlight how knowledgeable and passionate the naturalists are, with multiple biologists often on board to share insights about marine mammals. The boat, the Artemis, is described as spacious, clean, and well-maintained, which adds to the overall comfort of the experience. Wildlife sightings here tend to be genuinely impressive. Humpback whales are the main draw, but reviewers frequently mention surprise encounters with multiple dolphin species, monk seals, sharks, and pilot whales. The crew's willingness to extend the trip when something special is happening shows they prioritize the experience over the clock. One thing worth knowing: peak season runs roughly January through March, and a few guests who went later in April found whale activity winding down. That said, the crew worked hard even in off-peak weeks and still delivered memorable sightings.
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