Whale watching tour

Question

Hi guys,

My husband and I are visiting Oahu in few weeks. We're staying in Ko'olina, but will have a car. Can anyone recommend a good, small group whale watch tour? Thanks!

Answer

Oahu is a fantastic place for whale watching, especially during the winter months when humpback whales migrate through Hawaiian waters. Since you're staying in Ko'olina and prefer a smaller group experience, there are a few great options for more intimate whale-watching tours. Here are some highly recommended tours:

Ocean Joy Cruises – Whale Watching Tour: This company offers a more personal and comfortable experience, with smaller boats that hold around 20-30 passengers. Their tour guides are very knowledgeable about marine life, and they focus on providing a more intimate, up-close experience with whales. They also provide drinks and snacks on board, and their boat has both indoor and outdoor seating for comfort.
Hawaiian Ocean Adventures – Private Whale Watching Tours: For a truly private and intimate experience, Hawaiian Ocean Adventures offers private whale-watching tours, which are perfect for small groups. They take you out on a 6-passenger boat, ensuring you have a very personal experience. The crew is very passionate about marine life, and they’ll make sure you get the best possible view of the whales. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for something quieter and more exclusive.
Aloha Eco Adventures – Whale Watching: This eco-friendly company offers smaller group tours with a focus on responsible and sustainable whale watching. Their boats are more intimate, typically accommodating about 20 people, so it’s not as crowded as some of the larger tours. Their guides are marine biologists and naturalists, so they can share a lot of educational information about the whales and the environment. The tour also includes a stop for snorkeling, which can make for a great addition to your experience.
Wild Side Specialty Tours – Whale Watching in West Oahu: Based in Ko'olina, Wild Side offers small group tours, usually around 6-12 passengers, making it perfect for a more personal experience. They focus on providing a quiet and unobtrusive viewing experience so that guests can really take in the natural beauty of the whales. Wild Side also has excellent customer service and a strong commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Since you’ll have a car, you have flexibility in terms of getting to different departure points, but Wild Side Specialty Tours would be especially convenient since they operate out of Ko'olina, close to your accommodations.

Whale watching tours in Oahu are typically about 2 to 3 hours long, and the best months for sightings are from December to April, so you’re visiting at a great time! Many of these tours also provide great opportunities to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life, adding to the overall experience.

Make sure to book in advance as whale-watching tours can fill up quickly, especially during peak migration months like March. Enjoy your time on Oahu and have a fantastic whale-watching experience!