Wake up with the Whales Cruise from Kawaihae Harbor

Wake up with the Whales Cruise from Kawaihae Harbor: An Up-Cclose Encounter with Humpback Whales

The Wake up with the Whales Cruise offers a captivating 1 hour and 30 minutes aboard a spacious catamaran on the Big Island of Hawaii. Priced at $125 per person, this tour is ideal for those eager to see and listen to Humpback Whales during their breeding season. The tour departs at 8:00 am from Kawaihae Harbor, making it a perfect morning activity.

What makes this experience stand out is its unique guarantee—if Humpbacks are not spotted, guests can return as many times as needed until they see whales for free. The naturalist onboard enhances the trip with interpretations of whale behavior and answers to questions, creating an engaging and educational outing. The trip also includes snacks, soda, and alcoholic beverages, ensuring comfort throughout the voyage.

While the weather-dependent hydrophone provides a special chance to hear whales’ songs, it’s important to remember that sightings are not guaranteed, though the guarantee ensures peace of mind for whale enthusiasts. This tour suits those who value informative guides, a relaxed pace, and a high success guarantee for whale sightings.

Key Points

• Duration: About 1 hour and 30 minutes onboard a spacious catamaran.
• Guarantee: See whales or ride again for free—no limits.
• Includes: Snacks, soda, and alcoholic beverages.
• Departure point: Kawaihae Harbor at 8:00 am.
• Focus on: Humpback whale behaviors and listening to whale songs (weather permitting).
• Booking: On average, booked 19 days in advance.

Starting Point at Kawaihae Harbor with Ocean Sports

This tour begins at 61-3655 Akoni Pule Hwy in Kamuela, providing a scenic and convenient departure spot for whale watchers. The meeting point is straightforward, with clear directions and a well-organized check-in process. The boat accommodates up to 65 guests, offering a comfortable environment for watching whales in their natural habitat.

The operator, Ocean Sports, emphasizes a high success rate with their best guarantee on the island. The morning start time at 8:00 am ensures that travelers maximize their chances of observing whales early in the day, when sightings are often more frequent.

The Spacious Catamaran and Onboard Comforts

The vessel used for this tour is described as stable and spacious, which helps create a smooth and comfortable ride. Guests can relax on the deck while naturalists provide live commentary about whale behaviors. The onboard hydrophone (weather permitting) allows listeners to hear the haunting songs of Humpback Whales, adding a memorable audio dimension to the experience.

The amenities include snacks, soda, and alcoholic beverages, making the trip enjoyable and leisurely. The mobile ticket feature allows easy access, and the group size is capped at 65, ensuring a balance of intimacy and visibility.

The Expertise of the Naturalist Guides

The naturalist onboard plays a vital role in explaining whale behaviors and answering questions throughout the cruise. This educational element makes the experience more meaningful, especially during the peak whale season. The guides are well-trained and provide super informative insights, helping guests understand the mating behaviors and songs of the Humpback Whales.

Guests can expect a relaxed, engaging atmosphere where the focus is on both observing and listening to whales, with the guides ensuring that even those unfamiliar with whale biology leave with new knowledge.

Hearing the Whales with the Hydrophone (Weather Dependent)

One of the tour’s highlights is the use of a hydrophone to listen to whale songs underwater. This feature is weather dependent, so calm seas and good conditions are necessary for optimal listening. When operational, it offers a rare chance to eavesdrop on the haunting melodies that Humpback Whales produce during their mating season, enriching the visual experience with an auditory one.

Guests should note that the hydrophone’s deployment is not guaranteed but is a key feature when conditions allow, making it a special addition for those interested in the whales’ acoustic communications.

The Whale Guarantee and Return Policy

A standout feature of this cruise is its “best guarantee”—if whales are not seen during the trip, guests are free to return until they do. This no-limit return policy reflects the operator’s confidence in their ability to find whales and their commitment to guest satisfaction.

This guarantee provides peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for those who want assurance of a meaningful whale-watching experience. If the weather cancels the cruise, a full refund or rescheduled trip is offered, maintaining flexibility and transparency.

Booking and Timing Details

Most travelers book this tour about 19 days in advance, indicating strong demand, especially during peak whale season. The departure at 8:00 am aligns with the best times to see whales, often early in the day. The mobility of the ticket makes planning straightforward, with a simple check-in process at Kawaihae Harbor.

While the trip lasts just over an hour and a half, it is paced to maximize whale sightings and listening opportunities, providing a compact but comprehensive experience.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with no explicit physical restrictions noted. The stable and spacious vessel ensures comfort even for those prone to seasickness, though calm weather is preferred for the hydrophone activity. The group size of up to 65 guests offers a good balance of social interaction and viewing space.

Comparing Similar Tours and Options

This whale-watching experience is part of a range of activities available on the Big Island, including snorkeling, manta ray tours, and volcano excursions. The value is high considering the guarantee, the educational content, and the included beverages and snacks. For travelers seeking a relaxed, informative, and reliable whale encounter, this tour ranks highly.

Final Thoughts on the Wake up with the Whales Cruise

The Wake up with the Whales Cruise from Kawaihae Harbor provides a well-rounded opportunity to see and hear the majestic Humpback Whales in their natural environment. The guarantee policy reduces any concerns about missing out, making it an appealing choice for whale enthusiasts.

The naturalist guides ensure an educational experience, and the hydrophone feature adds a memorable auditory dimension. The price point of $125 per person is reasonable for this quality of experience, especially considering the included drinks and snacks, and the potential for multiple returns if whales are elusive.

This tour is best suited for those who value comfort, expert guidance, and a high success rate for whale sightings. It offers a reliable, enjoyable introduction to Humpback Whales on the Big Island, making it a worthwhile addition to any Hawaii itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I book this tour?
Most bookings are made around 19 days in advance, especially during peak whale season, to secure a spot on this popular cruise.

What is included in the price?
The $125 fee covers the boat trip, snacks, soda, alcoholic beverages, and the naturalist guide. The hydrophone feature is weather dependent.

Can I listen to whale songs?
Yes, when weather conditions permit, the onboard hydrophone is deployed to allow guests to listen to the haunting songs of the Humpback Whales.

What is the guarantee policy?
If no whales are sighted during the cruise, guests can return as many times as needed at no extra cost until whales are seen.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While no explicit age restrictions are provided, the relaxed pace and stability of the vessel suggest it is suitable for most travelers, including families.

What time does the tour depart?
The tour departs at 8:00 am from Kawaihae Harbor.

What should I bring?
Guests should consider bringing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for sun protection, and warm clothing if seas are cool.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour is weather dependent; if canceled due to poor conditions, a full refund or rescheduling is offered.

How many people can join?
The vessel accommodates up to 65 guests, ensuring ample space for viewing and comfort.

Is there a way to see more wildlife?
This tour specifically focuses on Humpback Whales and does not include other species, but the Big Island offers varied marine activities nearby.