Whale Watching & Late Breakfast Cruise in Honolulu

Dive into Honolulu’s Unique Whale Watching & Breakfast Cruise

The Whale Watching & Late Breakfast Cruise in Honolulu offers an engaging start to your morning on Oahu, departing from 1009 Ala Moana Blvd. Priced at $95.86 per person, this 2-hour cruise combines the thrill of spotting humpback whales with a relaxed breakfast on deck, making it a distinctive experience in the Hawaiian waters. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with a maximum group size of 100, and most bookings are made about 31 days in advance.

This tour stands out because it allows you to enjoy a fresh breakfast while actively seeking marine life. While the chance to see whales is the main draw, the opportunity to spot dolphins and sea turtles adds extra excitement. The large, stable upper deck ensures good visibility, and the morning timing helps maximize whale sightings, although this depends on natural conditions. A key consideration is that it’s not recommended for travelers with severe motion sickness, and the food and staff quality often receive high praise, although some reviews note inconsistencies.

What Makes This Honolulu Whale Watching & Breakfast Special

This cruise is the only whale watching and breakfast activity in Honolulu that combines onboard dining with marine viewing. It departs at 9:00 am, giving travelers an early start to observe whale behavior like swimming, feeding, and breaching, which is especially captivating during migration season.

The cruise emphasizes learning from guides about whale behavior, making the experience both entertaining and educational. Other marine animals such as dolphins and sea turtles are also likely to appear, adding variety to the sightings. The large outdoor upper deck offers an excellent vantage point, ensuring everyone has a good view of the water and the surrounding scenery, including the iconic Diamond Head in the distance.

Starting Point and Meeting Arrangements in Honolulu

The tour begins at 1009 Ala Moana Blvd, centrally located and accessible via public transportation. The check-in process is straightforward, with most travelers confirming their booking at least a month in advance. The activity concludes back at the same meeting point, making logistics simple for visitors.

Guests are advised to arrive early enough to settle in before the 9:00 am departure. The mobile ticket system streamlines the process, and due to the outdoor nature of the tour, dressing comfortably and bringing sun protection is recommended. The boat’s capacity depends on the day, but roughly 15 guests can be accommodated comfortably on the outdoor deck, ensuring a more intimate experience.

The Boat and Viewing Experience on the Prince Kuhio

The Prince Kuhio vessel provides a large, stable platform ideal for marine viewing. Its upper deck is designed for outside seating, offering unobstructed views of the water. The crew is lauded for their professionalism and dedication to making sightings possible, often turning back to find whales if they are not initially spotted.

The boat ride itself offers scenic views of Waikiki from the water, an extra treat for those enjoying the early morning light. Although the waters can be rocky, most passengers find the ship’s stability sufficient for comfort, but those prone to seasickness should consider bringing medication. The crew’s knowledge about the local marine environment enhances the experience, explaining whale behaviors in real-time, which enriches the viewing.

Delicious Onboard Breakfast with Coffee and Drinks

One of the key highlights of this tour is the breakfast served on board. Guests can enjoy freshly prepared meals, with options such as loco moco or French toast, depending on availability. The food quality receives high praise, often described as delicious and satisfying, with some reviews noting the loco moco as particularly generous.

Complementing the meal is 100% Kona coffee, which many reviewers say is exceptional. Other beverages like soda, bottled water, and tea are included, ensuring guests stay refreshed during the cruise. However, it’s worth noting that if the chef is unavailable due to illness, the food service may be limited or replaced with offerings from nearby food trucks, though this is an uncommon occurrence.

Marine Life Sightings and the Whale Watching Goal

The primary aim of this cruise is to maximize whale sightings, especially during migration season. Many guests report seeing multiple whales, sometimes including mother and calf pairs, with breaching and spouting making for spectacular footage. The guides work diligently to locate pods and share insights about whale behavior, making the experience educational and engaging.

However, some reviews mention less successful trips where whale activity was minimal or absent. The activity’s success depends heavily on natural whale movement, which can vary daily. Despite this, the chance to see dolphins and sea turtles adds value, and the tour’s timing in the morning often aligns with optimal whale activity.

Weather and Seasickness Considerations

Since the tour takes place out on open waters, weather conditions can influence the experience. The waters can be rough, especially in the mornings, so taking seasickness medication is advised if you are prone to discomfort. The tour operator does not include motion sickness remedies, so guests should plan accordingly.

Occasionally, poor weather can result in cancellations for safety reasons. The policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with full refunds offered if the activity cannot proceed. Some reviews indicate that bad weather or whales not being active may limit the experience, but overall, the tour aims to offer the best chance for sightings during the scheduled time.

Feedback on Crew and Service Quality

The crew members are frequently described as friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. Many reviewers highlight their efforts to ensure everyone has a good experience, including reversing course to find whales or providing educational commentary.

Some reviews, however, point out inconsistencies — a few mention late starts or unprofessional behavior, but these are isolated incidents. The staff’s dedication shines through, and their enthusiasm enhances the relaxed, fun atmosphere onboard.

The Value for Money and Overall Satisfaction

At $95.86, this tour offers good value, considering the included breakfast, beverages, and marine wildlife viewing. The positive reviews often mention delicious food and great crew, making the experience worthwhile for those who enjoy scenic boat rides with the possibility of whale sightings.

Some less favorable reviews mention no whale sightings or technical issues, but these are considered part of outdoor wildlife tours where nature can be unpredictable. The free cancellation policy adds peace of mind, allowing bookings to be flexible.

Final Thoughts on the Honolulu Whale Watching & Breakfast Cruise

This tour is ideal for early risers and marine life enthusiasts who want a combination of scenic water views, learning opportunities, and a satisfying breakfast. The 2-hour cruise offers a relaxing pace with high chances of whale sightings during migration season, especially from the large, stable upper deck.

While some reviews note inconsistent whale activity and occasional service hiccups, the overall experience is positive, with many emphasizing friendly staff and delicious food. It’s a good value for travelers seeking a combination of adventure and comfort in Honolulu’s waters.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This cruise suits families, couples, and solo travelers who appreciate marine wildlife and scenic boat rides. It’s especially recommended for those wanting to combine breakfast with an outdoor activity and are comfortable with early mornings. Seasickness precautions are advisable, and travelers should be prepared for variable whale activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the breakfast included in the tour price?
Yes, the breakfast, which can include loco moco or French toast, along with coffee, tea, soda, and bottled water, is included.

What is the best time of year for whale sightings?
The tour is most likely to spot humpback whales during their migration season, typically in the winter months, although specific dates are not provided.

How long does the cruise last?
The tour duration is approximately 2 hours, starting at 9:00 am and returning to the same meeting point.

What should I bring for seasickness?
Since motion sickness medication is not included, it’s recommended to bring your own if you are prone to seasickness.

Can I cancel the tour if weather is bad?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, and the tour may be canceled due to adverse weather with a full refund offered.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the crew’s friendliness makes it family-friendly, though seasickness precautions should be considered for young children.

What if I don’t see any whales?
While whale sightings are a primary goal, they are not guaranteed. However, the tour often includes viewings of dolphins and sea turtles as well.

Are there any accessibility concerns?
The tour is near public transportation, and the large upper deck offers good viewing for most guests, though specific accessibility details are not provided.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations can be made online through the provided source, with most bookings happening about 31 days in advance for optimal availability.

What is the supplier’s contact information?
The activity is operated by Prince Kuhio Tours, reachable at +1 808 657 5378 or via email at [email protected].