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    1. Local experiences
    2. /Things to do in Kailua-Kona…
    3. /Water Activities
    4. /Whale Watching
    5. /Kona Whale Watching Cruise
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    Kona Whale Watching Cruise

    Search for seasonal humpback whales aboard a fast retired Navy SEAL boat

    5.0 stars• 9.2K reviews

    Duration

    2 hours

    Ideal For

    Up to 18 people

    Includes

    Drinks, snacks

    Highlights

    Set out aboard Orca to search the Kona coast for humpback whales migrating to Hawaii's warm waters to mate, give birth, and nurse their young. This fast retired Navy SEAL boat can cover more coastline as you watch for a spout or flipper in the clear blue water.

    • Cruise the Kona coast aboard the fast-moving Orca
    • Search for seasonal humpback whales in Hawaii's warm waters
    • Watch for spouts and flippers that may reveal nearby whales

    What's Included

    • Drinks
    • Snacks

    Important details

    • Ages 3+ only
    • A parent or guardian must accompany anyone under 18
    • Complete the digital waiver before arrival
    • Expectant mothers and people with regular back or neck issues are not permitted
    • This boat is not suitable for people with impaired mobility
    • This boat is not recommended for ages 75 and older
    • Arrive by check-in; arriving 15 minutes late forfeits your seat
    • If requested at check-in, present the card used for your booking and matching valid photo ID
    • Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed

    Cancellation Policy

    Refundable tickets: full refund or free rebooking up to 48 hours before start. Non-refundable tickets: no refund; rebooking up to 48 hours before start. With the Flexible Cancellation Upgrade, refundable tickets canceled up to 12 hours before start receive a 50% refund. No refunds or rebooking for no-shows or late arrivals. If the operator cancels, receive a full refund or reschedule based on availability.

    Product ID: V5YDSS

    FAQs

    Bring sun-protective clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera with a zoom lens. Shade is limited, so wear a sun-protective shirt over swimwear.

    Expect sea spray while underway on Orca. Storage space is limited, so leave most belongings on land and bring a small dry bag for essentials.

    A limited supply of binoculars is available to rent for the whale watch.

    Meeting details

    Kona Snorkel Trips, 74-381 Kealakehe Parkway Suite E, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

    Experience provided by Kona Snorkel Trips

    How can we help?

    We are here to assist with special requests, large groups, last minute needs, and any questions you may have.

    Call or text 1-877-GREET-WELL

    Report an issue

    Person: Refundable: Up To 48 Hours Before Trip

    $139.87

    Ages 3+

    0

    Person: Non-Refundable • All Sales are Final

    $123.95

    Ages 3+ • This Rate is NON-REFUNDABLE • All Sales are Final

    0

    Why book through Greetwell?

    • No Added Fees

      No booking or service fees, ever

    • Concierge Support Included

      Real humans ready to help with timing, questions, or special requests

    • Free Cancellation Available

      Most experiences can be cancelled for a full refund

    Discover what we've curated for you

    Review summary

    5.0
    Excellent
    9.2K reviews•Google Maps
    8,749
    65
    11
    8
    24

    If manta ray encounters are on your bucket list, this is the operation to book. Reviewers consistently rave about getting up close with mantas, spinner dolphins, sea turtles, and even the occasional sandbar shark. The wildlife sightings sound genuinely spectacular, not just lucky one-offs. The crew gets called out by name constantly, with guides like Tori, Adam, Ty, Amy, and Shari earning praise for being knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and great at keeping groups engaged and safe. That personal touch seems to elevate the experience well beyond a standard boat tour. With nearly perfect ratings across thousands of reviews and zero consistent complaints to speak of, the pattern here is hard to ignore. The manta ray night snorkel in particular gets described as a trip highlight by almost everyone who does it. If you're on the Big Island and on the fence, the overwhelming consensus is pretty clear: just go.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 3
    5/5

    Amy, Tori, Adam, thank you for the most amazing night with manta. This is definitely the highlight of the whole trip. Highly recommended.

    Photo of Ivy Zhang

    Ivy Zhang

    September 2, 2026

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    Amy, Tori, Adam, thank you for the most amazing night with manta. This is definitely the highlight of the whole trip. Highly recommended.

    Photo of Ivy Zhang

    Ivy Zhang

    September 2, 2026

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