Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island
4
Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island
By Body Glove Cruises
About
Get a prime view of Hawaii's migrating humpback whales on a Big Island whale watching cruise from Kailua-Kona. Whale sightings are guaranteed on this immersive catamaran tour with onboard naturalist guides. Listen to whales through a hydrophone connected to a sound system, and get comfortable in between sightings with amenities such as cushioned seating, a shaded sun deck, light refreshments, and a premium bar.
from per adult
$118.92
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 110 per group
Duration: 2h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
English
Highlights
- See Hawaii's migrating humpback whales on a cruise from Kailua-Kona
- Listen to undersea whale songs through a hydrophone
- Catamaran features a shaded sun deck, island snacks, and a cash bar
- Guaranteed whale sightings—if you don't see any, take the tour again for free
- Live commentary on board
- Professional guide
- Snacks and light refreshments
- Beverages (alcoholic drinks available for purchase)
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Free parking 75-5629 Kuakini Hwy., Kailua Kona, HI 96740-about a one block walk away from the pier.
What's not included- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Check in for your excursion before the scheduled departure time and board a specially equipped, 65-foot (20-meter) whale watching catamaran at the Kailua Pier. Settle into a shaded cabin with seating, tables, and three restrooms, or take advantage of the cushioned seating and unobstructed views of an upper sun deck. Throughout the cruise, enjoy provided snacks and beverages, such as Kona coffee, or treat yourself to something from the premium cash bar. Venture out into the Pacific Ocean to look for pods of humpback whales that migrate to Hawaii’s warm waters to breed every year between December and April. Learn about the lifecycle and habits of these amazing animals from marine-life naturalist guides, and listen to the humpbacks’ distinctive whale song through a hydrophone connected to the boat’s PA system. Keep an eye out for other passing marine life, such as sperm whales, pilot whales, and dolphins. Whale sightings are guaranteed, or you can take the tour again for free.
- Departure details
- 75-5629 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA All cruises board 30 minutes prior to departure. 75-5629 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua Kona, HI 96740 (Ilima Court Shopping Center) is the address for Body Glove Cruises main office where the closest free parking is located. Guests must walk one block to the Kailua Kona Pier for boarding.
Return details- Returns to original departure point
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 15509P3- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Wheelchair accessible via a customize boarding ramp with portable extensions that accommodates manual and electric wheelchairs and scooters. Please include in Special Requests at the time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
- Boarding 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time
- Most travelers can participate
- This adventure is on Hawaii Island in Kailua Kona.
- Liability waiver must be completed by all guests prior to boarding.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 110 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- Which attractions will I visit with Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island?
- During this experience, places you will visit include:Discover and book Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island on Tripadvisor
- How much is Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island?
- Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island price starts from $118.92. Discover and book Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island on Tripadvisor
- What is the Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island cancellation policy?
- Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island on Tripadvisor
- Which company provides Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island?
- Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island is hosted by Body Glove Cruises. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Body Glove Cruises on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island on Tripadvisor
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 15509P3
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
115 reviews
Excellent
75
Very good
14
Average
13
Poor
5
Terrible
8
Becky B
9 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We live near Pahoa (Puna) and decided to splurge on a Whale Watching Tour.
There are so many companies to choose from, but a friend recommended Body Glove. What a great choice! We were out for about 2.5 hours. The boat is very comfortable and spacious. There's a wonderful spread with fresh fruit, snack mix, hummus and assorted beverages. There's also a cash bar!
2 words:Piña Colada! The crew was incredible! They even had a Naturalist that was very engaging and informative. We learned a lot about humpbacks and most other ocean denizens...
And then there were the whales!
We spotted a mother and calf within the first 15 minutes of our tour.
We were able to stay in their vicinity for the whole time. We saw a few other whales at a distance, but the mom and her baby were amazing!
For the last hour they consistently breached,flapped their tails and the mom did a fancy waving maneuver!
What a Wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
There are so many companies to choose from, but a friend recommended Body Glove. What a great choice! We were out for about 2.5 hours. The boat is very comfortable and spacious. There's a wonderful spread with fresh fruit, snack mix, hummus and assorted beverages. There's also a cash bar!
2 words:Piña Colada! The crew was incredible! They even had a Naturalist that was very engaging and informative. We learned a lot about humpbacks and most other ocean denizens...
And then there were the whales!
We spotted a mother and calf within the first 15 minutes of our tour.
We were able to stay in their vicinity for the whole time. We saw a few other whales at a distance, but the mom and her baby were amazing!
For the last hour they consistently breached,flapped their tails and the mom did a fancy waving maneuver!
What a Wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ginger199
Bulverde, TX31 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
A beautiful day on the body glove boat. We spotted a handful of humpbacks that tail splashed and fin slapped the water. Dennis the professional naturalist was informative and Chelsea kept our drinks flowing! The crew were great and time past quickly with so many spottings. Thank you!
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha Tanya,
Thank you so much for the Whale Watch Excursion! Our crew, including the Naturalist, go above and beyond to ensure that everyone has an amazing time on board! We want to help create memories that you can take home and share with everyone!
I am a bit confused by the review though. The title says that you wanted to see humpbacks, but in the review you mentioned that you saw their tail and fins in the water and also had many sightings. Would you care to elaborate for us so we can know how we could have made this a five star experience for you? Feel free to email us at reservations@bodyglovehawaii.com!
We hope to see you again!
Mahalo,
Derek Williams @ Body Glove Adventures
Written March 1, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Leilani
Ottawa, Canada3 contributions
Feb 2020
Firstly I made and error and booked the wrong day. We showed up, apologized for our error and would have completely understood had they told us they couldn’t accommodate us but they did! Then we had an amazing afternoon where we were treated to a momma humpback and her baby swimming around us the entire time. The staff are very knowledgable. On our way back in to port we had even more good luck by being treated to some spinner dolphins swimming in front of our boat doing their acrobatics. A great afternoon.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha 343lailanid,
Thank you so much for choosing to join us on the Whale Watch Excursion! I do remember you coming to the podium and the last thing we want to do is turn away people who might not get to experience the wonders of the Pacific Ocean due to a small error! We are glad that we were able to accommodate you and your party during your trip to Hawai'i. It sounds like you had an amazing time!
We hope to see you again in the future soon!
Written March 1, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
parangatmukul
5 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
They kept chasing one whale calf for 2.5 hours!! So basically it went underwater for 20 minutes and came back to show a tiny part of tail for 2-3 seconds. Repeated that for the whole 2.5 hours That’s it. Didn’t even try to search for any other whale for the rest of the time. I know it’s difficult to have a whale sighting sometimes but could have made an effort. We went Snorkling with another group and saw many whales without even trying. It seemed they tried to save on gas as they hardly went couple of miles from the shore. If we are paying $105 per person that’s not worth it. Please don’t get me started with the ‘snacks’ served. Overall pretty bad experience and was sooo boring!!!!! Wish I can get even half my money back.
Written December 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha parangatmukul,
We are compelled to respond with a bit of history about our Whale Watching experience.
Body Glove Cruises has been offering Whale Watching adventures for over 30 years. We have always had a naturalist on board, an underwater hydrophone and a wonderful crew. Snacks are provided as well as complimentary coffee, tea, soda, water and juice. Cocktails have always been available for purchase. Behind the scenes we have a network of fellow boaters and land spotters that help steer us in the direction of whale sightings. The one variable that we have absolutely no control over is our spectacular seasonal visitors the Humpback Whales. Due to their unpredictability we even offer a guarantee to see whales or come again for free. If we have a whale in our sights, their actions are completely unpredictable. Sometimes whales are super active and sometimes they are not; their behavior is beyond our control.
Our records show that we had an on-time departure, our crew was professional and prepared, our naturalist was present and our underwater hydrophone was in place. Our snack was a Caprese Salad with toasted crostini with house made balsamic dressing. Our two million dollar 65' foot vessel was in perfect working order and safely operating.
We endeavor to provide our guests with the excellent amenities and service. It is unfortunate parangatmukul that you found your experience to be pretty bad and so boring. While we are always open to improving our operations when possible in this case we cannot see where that is possible.
We wish you all the best!
Written December 28, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dianeri
11 contributions
Had a very nice trip with Body Glove. The crew and naturalist guide were friendly, knowledgeable and good at their jobs. They pretty quickly located three whales which we trailed at the appropriate distance for a couple of hours. One male, one female adult and a baby.
You are kept at quite a distance, maybe 100yards?, as required. You can see just enough detail of the whales to make it interesting. We saw the adults surface and dive, sending their tail fins up out of the water several times.
The two of us really enjoyed it and would recommend it. If you’re taking young kids just be aware that there is a lot of waiting time in between very short sightings. That’s just the way it is with whales, who dive and stay under the surface for at least 15 minutes each time.
You are kept at quite a distance, maybe 100yards?, as required. You can see just enough detail of the whales to make it interesting. We saw the adults surface and dive, sending their tail fins up out of the water several times.
The two of us really enjoyed it and would recommend it. If you’re taking young kids just be aware that there is a lot of waiting time in between very short sightings. That’s just the way it is with whales, who dive and stay under the surface for at least 15 minutes each time.
Written January 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha Climber41685116475,
Mahalo for joining us and taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review!
Thank you so much for mentioning you found our crew and naturalist to be friendly and knowledgeable! We take great pride in providing our guests a wonderful experience!
We wish you and yours all the best and appreciate the recommendation!
Written January 26, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nyackgirl47
New York City, NY690 contributions
We had a great experience on the dolphin and whale watching excursion. The boat was great - clean, comfortable - and the hardworking crew was fantastic. Try a Blue Hawaii from the bar. The naturalist onboard provided just the right amount of commentary and information about the whales. And yes, we saw quite a few, as well as spinner dolphins swimming right alongside the boat! This cruise comes with a guarantee - if you do not see any whales during your trip, you can return again for free. Judging from what we saw, I doubt they have to invoke this much! The Body Glove retail shop where you check in for the cruise has alot of great snorkel and beach gear as well. I would book a snorkeling trip with them the next time. Top notch tour operator.
Written February 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha nyackgirl47,
Wow, sounds like you hit the jack pot with cetacean sightings! YAY!!!
We are so grateful to read that you had a great experience! Thanks a million for your kind words about our vessel's cleanliness and hardworking crew! We truly love what we do! Thanks for noticing!
Please do join us on our Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch next time you join us! Best wishes to you and yours!
Thanks again!
Written February 2, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kailua girl
Honolulu, HI1 contribution
Feb 2020 • Couples
Our whale watch trip was absolutely amazing. Dennis the marine biologist was very knowledgeable, the staff was helpful and friendly and mother nature put on quite a show. It was a once in a lifetime experience. Thank you Body Glove.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha Kailuagrl12,
Thank you so much for joining us on the Whale Watch Excursion! We enjoy being able to facilitate amazing experiences that you will carry with you! Dennis really knows his stuff and loves being able to extend that knowledge to everyone!
If you ever need a refresher, please come out with us again!
Mahalo,
Derek Williams @ Body Glove Adventures
Written March 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steve W
1 contribution
Feb 2020
Boat was all wrong for whale watching, at least the way the trip was executed. About 110 people on board with seats on the inside and along the outside of the upper and lower deck. When whales were spotted, the ship always turned the front of the boat toward them. Even though at the beginning of the cruise, the crew asked people to remain seated, they did nothing to ask the the same 5 or 6 people standing in the front of the boat to sit down. This means viewing for others on board was very limited. Toward the end of the cruise, those in the rear started yelling at those standing in the front, so I know I am not the only one who felt this way. Avoid this cruise!!!
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha Steve, we’re sorry you did not enjoy yourself on our whale watching trip but we do have to bring up some issues we have with your review. 1. Our boat is one of the few in Kona with a second story that allows two levels of viewing, how would you have designed our boat to have a better viewing option? 2. Our boat is certified to hold 150 passengers and we cut the whale watch off at 110 to better accommodate our guests. 3. The captain aims the boat in the direction of the whales so as they travel we can keep up with them while keeping a safe distance. 4. You also mentioned we asked people to stay seated. When they did not listen, did you kindly ask the people in front of you to sit and allow you and your party a better viewing? Or at least bring it to our crew members attention for them to remedy the situation? It sounds like you may have waited for the trip to end to make this an issue. It sounds like a lot of your problems could have been solved if you had brought any of your unhappiness up to our staff. We do offer a guarantee to see whales and if you were unsatisfied with the tour we would have gladly brought you and your party out again free of charge if you had only told us you were unhappy.
Written February 23, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Helen S
Seattle, Washington6 contributions
Jan 2023
The staff was great! Very attentive and friendly. Captain Bob obviously wanted to create a memorable experience as he made several course corrections to help the passengers get great new views. He didn't rush us back to the harbor when, at the last minute, we saw more whales in the distance and took us in closer to see them. Dennis was our naturalist and seemed just as amazed by these animals as we were! This is someone who truly loves his work. We were fortunate to be "visited" by a curious whale more than once up close. Great trip overall!
Written January 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha Helster777,
Mahalo for joining us and the fabulous five star review of your experience with us on our 2.5 hour seasonal Whale Watch!
We could not agree more that Dennis and Bob are awesome members of our team! We all truly love what we do and it's always great when our guests notice!
Best wishes to you and yours!
Written January 25, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andrew C
Parker, CO9 contributions
Shortly after Capt Bob and crew launched the vessel, we spotted a mom and calf off the port side. Capt Bob did a great job getting us close enough to see the action without disturbing the whales. That was just the beginning of our many whale sightings.
Aleigh was a terrific guide and even if she wasn’t an Oklahoma dime (which she was), her presentation was also a “10”. She kept us engaged with relevant marine facts/trivia and exercised a keen sense of when to use her mic and when not to. On the drive home my kids were saying things like, “Dad, did you even know that orcas are actually dolphins and not whales at all?” The tour was definitely time well spent—thanks Bob and crew!
Aleigh was a terrific guide and even if she wasn’t an Oklahoma dime (which she was), her presentation was also a “10”. She kept us engaged with relevant marine facts/trivia and exercised a keen sense of when to use her mic and when not to. On the drive home my kids were saying things like, “Dad, did you even know that orcas are actually dolphins and not whales at all?” The tour was definitely time well spent—thanks Bob and crew!
Written January 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha AndoTMD7,
Big thanks to you and your family for choosing Body Glove Cruises for your Whale Watching adventure! We are thrilled each year when the Humpback Whales return! And, that we are fortunate enough to share our passion for them, our beautiful island and ocean is a trifecta of perfection!
Thank you for your kind words about Aleigh! We think she's terrific too!
We will be sure and share your review with our entire team! Thanks again AndoTMD7, we hope you'll join us again someday soon!
Written January 6, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Yoruba J
4 contributions
Planning a trip to Hawaii, when is the best time for Whale watching activities?
Marguerite T
Bullhead City3 contributions
Arriving by cruise ship tender. How from from where we dock is your dock?
Hanbit Sun
San Jose, CA
I would like to take a cruise with my daughter 2years old. Is it possible? and infant price is free?
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Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island provided by Body Glove Cruises
Product Overview: Whale Watch Excursion from the Big Island
Prices From | $118 |
|---|---|
Number of Reviews | 115 |
Number of Photos | 88 |
Duration | 150 minutes |