Relaxing afternoon sail with guaranteed whale sightings along Oahu’s west coast
2 Hours
Snacks, Drinks, Crew narration
Experience humpback whales up close on a two-hour afternoon sail along Oahu’s west coast. Enjoy scenic views, light snacks, and a full premium bar, with whale sightings guaranteed.
Watch for breaching, tail-slapping, and spouting as the crew shares insights into humpback behavior and migration. Settle in with ocean breezes, shaded seating, and panoramic coastline views.
Operates December–March with 1:30 PM departures. Check in 20 minutes early and self-drive to Wai‘anae Harbor; no Waikiki transportation. Wear removable footwear for the barefoot vessel and use reef-safe, non-spray sunscreen.
Q: Are drinks and food included?
A: Yes, enjoy complimentary drinks from the full premium bar and light snacks
Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes, complimentary parking is available at Wai‘anae Small Boat Harbor.
Q: Will I definitely see whales?
A: Yes; if no whales are seen, you may join another whale watch sail free of charge.
Q: What should I bring?
A: A light jacket or sweater, sunglasses or a hat, reef-safe sunscreen (no sprays), and optional binoculars or a camera.
Q: What if I get seasick?
A: The large, stable catamaran helps minimize motion; the crew will assist if needed.
Cancel 48+ hours before departure for a full refund or rebook. Cancellations within 48 hours are nonrefundable. If the captain cancels due to weather or at their discretion, you may rebook or receive a full refund.
Waianae Harbor 85-491 Farrington Hwy Waianae, HI 96792
Hawaii Nautical runs an exceptionally well-regarded operation, and it shows in every detail. The crew consistently earns enthusiastic praise for being warm, funny, and genuinely attentive—names like Captain Joey, Chris, Natalie, Kelsey, and Ronnie come up repeatedly as standouts who create a fun, welcoming atmosphere. The snorkeling at Turtle Canyon delivers with excellent visibility, abundant sea turtles, and tropical fish, while the sunset cruises offer stunning views along the Waikiki coastline. Families especially appreciate how accommodating the crew is with little ones, and multiple reviewers call this the highlight of their entire Oahu trip. The catamaran provides a smooth, comfortable ride with complimentary drinks (including beer, wine, and cocktails) that guests love. One minor note: the food is serviceable but basic—think wraps or simple cold sandwiches rather than a proper meal, so arrive well-fed if you're hungry. That said, guests are overwhelmingly happy with the value, describing the experience as worth every penny. The crew's local knowledge, humor, and genuine care for making each trip memorable really sets this company apart from competitors.
This was an experience I will remember forever. The boat was a lovely boat. Captain and crew were fun and knowledgeable. And we saw more whales breaching than I would have thought possible. Within 15 min leaving harbor we tracked a small whale pod (3?) and they put on a show. Breaching and jumping multiple times per minute for 45 minutes straight! This was definitely a highlight of my trip!
Beth Hemmerich
December 3, 2025
This was an experience I will remember forever. The boat was a lovely boat. Captain and crew were fun and knowledgeable. And we saw more whales breaching than I would have thought possible. Within 15 min leaving harbor we tracked a small whale pod (3?) and they put on a show. Breaching and jumping multiple times per minute for 45 minutes straight! This was definitely a highlight of my trip!
Beth Hemmerich
December 3, 2025