Oahu Waikiki Whale Watch Boat Tour: Detailed Review & Guide

Thinking about getting close to those big, breathtaking marine mammals during your visit to Oahu? A Waikiki whale watch boat tour just might be an *incredible* experience. Very possibly one you’ll always remember. After recently experiencing such a tour, it feels like I should pass along all those helpful details, observations, and whatever advice, just in case it helps you plan your own whale watching adventure. From securing tickets to recognizing whale behavior, here’s what you might expect on a whale watching boat tour from Waikiki, to help you make your choice.

What Makes Waikiki a Top Whale Watching Spot?

So, Waikiki finds itself positioned quite perfectly for observing humpback whales during their migration. As a matter of fact, each winter, thousands of humpbacks make their way from Alaskan waters to the somewhat balmy waters around Hawaii to mate and give birth. This seasonal migration tends to make the waters just offshore from Waikiki ideal spots to spot these massive animals.

What might very well set Waikiki apart are those calmer waters protected by the island itself, yet that’s a place with amazing visibility. Honestly, you often get some remarkably crystal-clear views of the whales, too. And that mild, comfortable climate just lets you enjoy those tours without shivering, even in January or February! So, what this all adds up to is a truly fantastic setting that any whale enthusiast–even a person that’s only *slightly* interested–will totally enjoy. As a matter of fact, it truly can’t be beaten, it’s just about as special an experience that you can imagine.

Choosing the Right Whale Watching Tour

Choosing a suitable tour truly is *incredibly* important. As I was saying, all tour companies could be different, that is for sure, and there are quite a few factors that might impact your enjoyment. So, you really should do your homework, I mean, I hope this article can guide you, but it’s essential to select a tour that fits both your needs and expectations.

Types of Boats

So, there are options that feature large catamarans offering rather stable rides and ample deck space, too. And you could also look at smaller, faster boats that may give you a more intimate experience. Larger boats might be better for families or those very worried about seasickness; the smaller ones, anyway, sometimes, just, give you more opportunity to get up-close with the whales, but they aren’t *quite* as comfortable. That is important to remember.

Tour Duration and Times

Most whale watching tours commonly last about two to four hours. Anyway, tours departing in the morning might have calmer seas. That really does tend to be something to keep in mind if you don’t really care for those choppy conditions. Afternoon tours sometimes coincide with whale activity linked to feeding patterns, so there’s pluses and minuses to each.

Tour Company Reputation

Honestly, read those reviews and look at ratings. In other words, look for companies known for respecting marine life and for following all the guidelines for responsible whale watching. So, are there naturalists onboard that can offer helpful insights? Do other people seem to enjoy and recommend them?

What to Expect During the Tour

So, once you have selected that tour and boarded the boat, anyway, the adventure almost immediately starts as you leave Waikiki. Here’s more or less what you can expect to encounter during your whale watching excursion.

Departure and Initial Views

Most tours start off right from the Kewalo Basin Harbor or other spots that are near Waikiki. The boat usually makes its way offshore pretty quickly. And even before getting to the main whale watching areas, really, there are frequently just lovely views of the Honolulu skyline and the Diamond Head crater.

Whale Behavior and Identification

Basically, your onboard naturalist or guide is super important during this time. As a matter of fact, they typically will share facts about humpback whales, that seasonal migration, and various whale behaviors. Anyway, these behaviors could feature breaching, when the whale leaps out of the water; spoutings, which, you know, involves that exhalation of air; lobtailing, when they slap that tail on the surface; and maybe even those pectoral fin waves, too.

Photographing Whales

It is worthwhile to bring a camera that’s got a very good zoom lens. Still, the action is often really fast, so, like, patience is key. Really, try not to spend the whole time viewing the experience from behind the camera; spend at least some time really just enjoying the sights *naturally*.

Responsible Whale Watching Practices

You really should be aware that tour operators typically follow these rules so that the whales are undisturbed. That is, keeping a safe distance and avoiding any disruption of their natural behaviors. Basically, responsible operators definitely help guarantee the well-being of the whales and the sustainability of whale watching, now and later.

Tips for an Enjoyable Whale Watching Experience

So, here are, you know, some tips for ensuring that you actually enjoy the trip out on the water that I really wish someone had explicitly told *me* ahead of my adventure. Let’s put it that way. Basically, thinking ahead about some common problems that other tourists run into is bound to increase the good times you will have.

What to Wear

Light clothing, that is, maybe layers, sunscreen, and a hat are essential. So, even on those warm days, out on the water there tends to be a breeze that may make it, like, cooler than you expect. Now, polarized sunglasses really do help cut the glare so you can spot whales better.

What to Bring

Sunscreen, water, snacks, and a camera are necessary. Anyway, you might even consider binoculars for enhancing your whale spotting capability, if, you know, you want to get *really* serious about it.

Dealing with Seasickness

If you’re prone to motion sickness, just take some preventative measures. That might be like, medication ahead of time or choosing a larger boat to provide more stability. In some respects, those ginger candies or wristbands might also ease the symptoms for certain people.

Best Time to Go

Anyway, the peak whale watching season in Waikiki is from December to May, with the greatest numbers normally seen between January and February. That’s what I experienced; anytime in there, typically, will just about guarantee you actually spot some whales.

Beyond the Boat Tour: Other Ways to See Whales

It’s almost as though while those boat tours give you some *amazing* close-up views, you can still see whales from a number of spots on Oahu.

Coastal Lookouts

Makapu’u Point and Diamond Head provide high vantage points for watching whales right off the coast, that is, *without* a boat. I am certain you will enjoy them! Still, this *really* is easiest with binoculars!

Educational Centers

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Education Center could offer various exhibits and programs so people are knowledgeable about whales and conservation.

Kayak or Paddleboard Tours

A more independent and possibly active choice; you may possibly get close to whales while kayaking or paddleboarding *very* close to the shoreline. In other words, if you really wanna go hard, do that! Remember: safety regulations are vital here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Waikiki Whale Watching

After spending the time doing the appropriate planning and prep, whale watching tours on Oahu can be particularly great ways to spend some time! This excursion is worthwhile with these big, spectacular marine animals.