Whale Tail and Sunset Sail
Witness winter humpbacks at sunset on a small-group biologist-led cruise.
From$205/ person
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Discover what we've curated for you
Witness winter humpbacks at sunset on a small-group biologist-led cruise.
Discover what we've curated for you
3 hours
Up to 10 people
Snacks, Drinks, Hydrophone
Pair a Hawaiian sunset with humpback whale watching on a small-group expedition led by marine biologists. Cruise the Wai‘anae Coast aboard a fast, shaded 34‑ft power catamaran capped at ten guests.
Children under 18 must be with a parent; infants under 2 are not recommended. Guests must be physically able to board; waivers are required. Wildlife and sunset visibility are not guaranteed; the captain may adjust or cancel for safety.
Q: What is the focus of this tour?
A: This charter is dedicated to humpback whale encounters during sunset.
Q: Do you guarantee whale sightings?
A: No. Peak season offers strong chances, but sightings vary day to day.
Q: What other wildlife might we see?
A: You may encounter spinner dolphins, pilot whales, false killer whales, seabirds, and turtles.
Q: Is this tour suitable for kids?
A: Yes, with a parent or legal guardian. Kids should be comfortable on a small boat in open-ocean conditions.
Q: What should we bring?
A: Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water bottle, jacket, and motion comfort meds taken before boarding.
Q: What is your weather policy?
A: Conditions can change quickly; the captain may adjust or cancel based on safety. Sunset visibility is not guaranteed.
Cancellations with less than 10 days’ notice and no-shows are charged in full. If we cancel, we reschedule when possible.
Waianae Small Boat Harbor, Gate "A"
This tour delivers something genuinely special: a chance to encounter wild marine life while supporting a crew that actually cares about conservation. The team, frequently mentioned by name (Connor, Bethany, Captain Flow, Captain Dave, and others), aren't just running a business—they're marine biologists and ecologists conducting real research. Guests consistently praise how knowledgeable and passionate the staff is, and that enthusiasm is contagious. You'll feel like part of their mission rather than just a tourist checking boxes. The wildlife encounters are impressive and varied. Most groups see multiple dolphin species (spinners, spotted, bottlenose, and even pygmy killer whales), plus green sea turtles are practically guaranteed. One lucky group even swam with a whale shark. What sets this apart is the ethical approach: the crew knows animal behavior well enough to facilitate meaningful encounters without harassing wildlife. They'll stay out longer if needed to deliver on the experience, and they genuinely get excited alongside you when something rare appears. The small group size makes everything feel personal and intimate rather than like a cattle call. The only minor critique from one reviewer mentioned the snorkeling reef being somewhat average, but that seems like an outlier when most people are raving about sea turtles, eagle rays, and the overall underwater experience. Lunch is included and gets positive mentions too. If you want an ocean tour that's both thrilling and responsible, this crew earns its stellar reputation.
This is was truly one of the best experiences ever! We passed several other boats with 15 and 20+ people on them for the same price as our excursion and we felt privileged to be on a boat of 6 people with a personalized experience. Connor, Bethany, and Captain Jake were amazing. A couple of us were not good swimmers and had anxiety about being first time snorkelers, but when in the water, Connor and Bethany were by our sides at so times and catered to all of our needs. They were incredibly kind and went out of their way to help my oldest daughter get back in the water after she felt a bit nauseated. Captain Jake steered the boat to just the right spots for anticipated dolphin areas. The fresh pineapple, Hawaiian drinks and snacks were perfect. The crew knew a ton about marine life and the dolphin species and they took us to ask amazing shoreline snorkel area. We would book with them again in a heartbeat!
Arliss Indreboe
May 25, 2025
This is was truly one of the best experiences ever! We passed several other boats with 15 and 20+ people on them for the same price as our excursion and we felt privileged to be on a boat of 6 people with a personalized experience. Connor, Bethany, and Captain Jake were amazing. A couple of us were not good swimmers and had anxiety about being first time snorkelers, but when in the water, Connor and Bethany were by our sides at so times and catered to all of our needs. They were incredibly kind and went out of their way to help my oldest daughter get back in the water after she felt a bit nauseated. Captain Jake steered the boat to just the right spots for anticipated dolphin areas. The fresh pineapple, Hawaiian drinks and snacks were perfect. The crew knew a ton about marine life and the dolphin species and they took us to ask amazing shoreline snorkel area. We would book with them again in a heartbeat!
Arliss Indreboe
May 25, 2025