Whale season: December–March • Plan your adventure: 888-508-9948
Join us for 2–3 hours on the water. Rafts, cocktail cruises & private charters. December–March. Peak season: January–February
Choose your boat, compare departure harbors, and find a day that works for you.
CATAMARANPort Allen · Eleele
Settle into cushioned seats and enjoy an easygoing whale watch with room to relax.
SUPER RAFTPort Allen · Eleele
Watch for blows, tail slaps and breaches from a spacious raft close to the water.
PRIVATE CHARTERKikiaola Harbor · Kekaha
Make the afternoon your own with a private ocean adventure for up to 18 guests.
Raft overview photos taken along Na Pali. Our Poipu whale watch follows the south coast from Kukuiula Harbor; boats and routes vary.
Kukuiula Harbor · Poipu
Explore the south coast from Kukuiula Harbor on our Zodiac raft in search of whales and dolphins. Guests sit astride the inflatable sides and brace with hand and foot ropes as our crew guides the ride. Expect bumps and ocean spray.
Explore our Poipu whale watch →
Before you go: Not suitable during pregnancy or with back or neck problems, recent surgery, or health and mobility conditions that make a rough, physical ride unsafe. Review your selected trip’s restrictions before booking.
December–March whale season · Sightings depend on nature and ocean conditions.
Our dedicated whale watches take about 2–3 hours. Choose an adventurous raft, a comfortable catamaran or a private trip for your crew. Each tour card above shows its departure harbor and current booking calendar.
For an energetic start, look for a morning Zodiac-style raft departure. Expect a closer-to-the-water perspective; the exact schedule and ride restrictions depend on your selected tour.
Prefer more room to relax? Larger catamarans often offer afternoon sightseeing with snacks and drinks. Our sunset whale-watch cocktail cruise is our most popular style of trip.
Bring your family or friends together for a private whale watch. Compare group capacity, harbor and inclusions before choosing your date.
Harbors and departure styles vary across our tour selection. Check your chosen listing for its exact meeting point and sailing time. Need a sunset departure or help choosing? Call 888-508-9948.
Choose the boat that fits your day, then find your check-in spot. Our whale-watch adventures set out from Kauai’s sunny south and west shores.
Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor · Kekaha
Private Whale Watch Charter. Head to Kikiaola on Kauai’s west side and follow your booking confirmation for the company’s meeting instructions.
Private Charter Directions ↗Port Allen Marina Center · Eleele
Whale Watch Cocktail Cruise. Check in at 4353 Waialo Road, Suites 2B–3B, before heading to the boat.
Catamaran Check-in Directions ↗Port Allen Marina Center · Eleele
Super Raft Whale Watch. Meet at the company’s retail location at 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 4B.
Super Raft Check-in Directions ↗Kukuiula Small Boat Harbor · Poipu
Poipu Whale & Dolphin Zodiac Adventure. Depart from Kukuiula Small Boat Harbor on the south shore. Follow your confirmation for the exact meeting spot and arrival time.
Directions to Kukuiula Harbor ↗Check in with your tour company first; the office and boarding dock may be different places. Your booking confirmation is the final guide to the meeting point and arrival time.
Whales begin arriving in November, and viewing opportunities build through winter. Plan around the heart of the season, with our illustrated peak around the beginning of February, before whales depart in April.
Every outing is different. Ocean conditions, visibility and whale movement all shape what we see.
Illustrative seasonal guide, not measured probabilities or a sighting guarantee. Arrival and departure timing varies each year.
Practical answers to help you choose your boat and enjoy your time on the water.
We cannot approach a humpback whale within 100 yards (300 feet). A whale may choose to come closer on its own, but we never chase, intercept or encourage a close encounter. Our captain follows responsible viewing practices and gives whales room to move. Read NOAA’s whale-viewing rules.
No. Humpbacks are wild animals, and sightings are never guaranteed. They are very common during whale season, but what we see varies with whale movement, visibility and ocean conditions. Every trip is a different experience.
Minimum ages depend on the tour and boat. Our current catamaran cruise welcomes ages 3+, the super raft and private charter ages 4+, and the Poipu Zodiac adventure ages 5+. Check your selected tour’s booking details for current age, health and ride restrictions before reserving.
Bring sun protection, sunglasses, a secure hat, a light windbreaker and a phone or camera with a strap. Wear comfortable clothing that can handle ocean spray and footwear suitable for a boat. A small dry bag helps protect valuables. Follow your booking confirmation for footwear requirements, water and any additional items to bring.
Our main whale-watch tour season runs December through March. Whales may begin arriving in November and remain into April. Midwinter is a great time to plan a trip, but arrival timing and sightings vary each year.
Our dedicated whale-watching tours last about 2–3 hours. Departures include Port Allen in Eleele, Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor in Kekaha, and Kukuiula Small Boat Harbor in Poipu. Check your chosen tour and confirmation for the exact check-in location and time.
A raft offers an adventurous ride close to the water; expect ocean spray and a more active experience. A larger catamaran offers more room to relax, with shade and onboard amenities on our listed cruise. Compare the boat’s age limits, restrictions and inclusions before choosing.
Our captain assesses ocean conditions and may adjust the route, reschedule or cancel when needed. Cancellation, refund and rescheduling terms vary by tour, so review the policy shown in your booking calendar before you reserve.
Pair Kauai’s dramatic cliffs with a winter ocean adventure. During whale season, our Na Pali trips may offer whale sightings along the way, too. These are longer coastal experiences; routes, snorkeling and wildlife sightings depend on conditions.
Spend more time exploring the coast and discover Kauai beneath the surface.
Explore Snorkel Tours ↗Take in the cliffs, enjoy dinner on the water and watch the evening light change.
Explore Dinner Cruises ↗Choose a lively raft experience for a different perspective on this extraordinary coast.
Explore Adventures ↗Why they come, what their behaviors mean, and where to watch from shore.
