Captain Zodiac - Whale Watch
Zodiac rafts are known as the perfect vessel for watching whales. You sit much closer to the ocean's surface, allowing you an eye level experience, and everyone gets a front row seat! Zodiac rafts can also move faster and get you into the perfect viewing position quickly. Simply put, watching whales frolic in the warm Hawaiian waters from a Zodiac is an amazing experience.
Your captain will also share fascinating insights on the whales' behavior and get you as close to them as possible and allowed (adhering to Federal MMPA viewing regulations). You can also listen to hydrophones relaying the whales' communication with one another.
Tour Highlights:
- Watch humpback whales along the Big Island's Kona Coast
- See lava tubes, blowholes, sea caves and archways along the rugged coastline
- Small group atmosphere allows for a personal and intimate tour
Please note: In Captain Zodiac's efforts to minimizing human impact on
Hawaii's environment, does not provide plastic bottles of water on the
trip. They encourage guests to use reusable water bottles and guests
are welcome to bring their own or purchase available ones at check in.
There are fill-up stations available at the office and on the boat.
- Where and When:
- Check in at 7:45 am. Departs at 8:00 am and returns at 11:00 am.
Check in at Honokohau Harbor View Map
Driving directions: Honokohau Marina and small boat harbor is located approximately 5 miles south of the Kona Airport (fourth traffic light) and approximately 2 miles north of the town of Kailua-Kona (third traffic light). The harbor entrance (Kealakehe Parkway) can be found by looking for a sign on the highway marked HONOKOHAU MARINA between mile markers 97 & 98. After turning onto Kealakehe Parkway make your first right and look for a mall with a blue tile roof. Our office is the first on the right in the mall.
- Operation Days:
- Daily except Wednesdays from January through mid-March
- Duration:
- 3 hours
- Vendor:
- Captain Zodiac
- Capacity:
- 16 passengers
- Equipment:
- Tour is on a 24-foot Zodiac raft that is U.S. Coast Guard certified and inspected yearly by the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Restrictions:
- Children must be at least 4 years old to participate.
Due to the bouncy nature of the ride, pregnant women or people with back or neck problems may not participate.
- Special Notes:
- This tour might not be available if a cruise ship is visiting Kona on the day of your requested tour day.