Tours and Tickets
Wake Up With the Whales Cruise
5

Wake Up With the Whales Cruise

By Ocean Sports Cruises
Recommended by 97% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$115.00
per adult
from
$115.00
per adult

Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-99, max of 38 per group
Duration: 1h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
English
Features animals


  • Light refreshments
  • Beers, Wines and Soft Drinks
  • Live commentary on board
What's not included
  • Gratuities


Departure details
  • ʻAnaehoʻomalu Beach, 69-275 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, USA Check in at the Ocean Sports Beach Hut at Anaeho'omalu Bay.. We'll send directions via Viator,
Return details
  • Returns to original departure point

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Infant seats available
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5134P13

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Most travelers can participate
  • 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 experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 38 travelers

  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

What you can expect during your visit
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.

How much is Wake Up With the Whales Cruise?
Wake Up With the Whales Cruise price starts from $107.00. Discover and book Wake Up With the Whales Cruise on Tripadvisor
What is the Wake Up With the Whales Cruise cancellation policy?
Wake Up With the Whales Cruise cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Wake Up With the Whales Cruise on Tripadvisor
Which company provides Wake Up With the Whales Cruise?
Wake Up With the Whales Cruise is hosted by Ocean Sports Cruises. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Ocean Sports Cruises on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Wake Up With the Whales Cruise on Tripadvisor
How much time do I need for Wake Up With the Whales Cruise?
On average, this experience will take approximately 1h 30m. Discover and book Wake Up With the Whales Cruise 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: 5134P13

About the operator

Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.

Inspire750557
Inspire750557
00
Had a great time
We had a great cruise. Beautiful night, sunset was gorgeous, saw whales in the distance. Boat crew was wonderful !
Z9338PIerinm
Z9338PIerinm
00
30-minute trip packed with Fish and Sea Turtles!
Fantastic tour packed with fish and sea turtles! Our Captain and guide were very knowledgeable and enthusiastic whe
Haley G
Haley G
00
Wonderful!
We had a great experience for our 8AM whale watch. We came late in the season, so we only saw a mother and calf, bu
David012707
David012707
00
Canceled Cruise
It was canceled by the company with no explanation why. Weather? Other reason? Don’t know. All I know is the we
cateyd2023
cateyd2023
00
Highly recommend!
Super windy day on the water but that didn’t stop the whales from giving us quite a show! The boat crew was knowled
Barb H
Barb H
00
The wonders and magic of the Big Island
The boat experience was excellent! We saw lots of whales but the time prior to boarding the boat was very chaotic.
621ronk
621ronk
00
MOSTLY fabulous tripl
Loved the views, seeing the whales, listening to the knowledgable guide, meeting people. what I did not like was t
dqueen2013
dqueen2013
00
Glass bottom boat
Excellent views of reef. Lots fish Suitable all ages. Easy to get on and off boat. Not suitable if wheelchair depen
Arya H
Arya H
00
Great time despite no whales
Unfortunately did not get to see whales during our tour, but the crew was attentive and accommodating and we had a
mel4e
mel4e
00
Worth it!
We started our Hawaiian vacation early in the morning with a whale watching cruise - it was incredible! The crew w
F1142UHmeganl
F1142UHmeganl
00
Great crew and a great time
Staff took great care of us. There were only a few of us on board so we got to interact with the crew and they had
fresprit
fresprit
00
Quiet comfortable glass bottom boat cruise.
Captain Jason & his mate Ti were very good hosts. They were very knowledgeable about all the reef fish & coral we s
778jud
778jud
00
Learn about and view coral reefs and marine life
Fun and educational boat ride. Great way to break up the day and see coral and sealift from the comfort of a shaded
V3630MGaarond
V3630MGaarond
00
Amazing adventure
We got to see a bunch of sea turtles. The crew provided a ton of information on the islands and sea life.
dngalvas
dngalvas
00
Great excursion.
Nice relaxing ride. Saw many fish, sea cucumbers etc. even saw a large green turtle. Definitely would recommend.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

5.0
45 reviews
Excellent
43
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1

Dawn W
Juneau, AK4 contributions
Jan 2021 • Family
We chose the Wake up with Whales from A-Bay. Wonderful tour even during Covid. The Catamaran Seasmoke is licensed for 49 people, during Covid their max capacity is 24. We were a trip of 19 and there was plenty of space to social distance out doors. Crew was knowledgeable with accurate whale facts. The morning is a great time to go, generally calmer seas, and plenty of whale activity. We own a whale watching company in Alaska and we enjoyed this company and tour!
Written January 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KaleaLani
Aloha, Thanks so much for taking the time to provide the Tripadvisor community (and us) with feedback about your Whale Watch Cruise. We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the trip, the information provided by the crew, and most importantly, got to see plenty of Humpbacks (we hope you recognized at least one of them from Alaskan waters)! We know that right now, travel and activity participation is quite challenging, so we're honored you chose to spend part of your trip with us. We hope we'll get to share more adventures with you and your family the next time you're in "our neighborhood". Mahalo
Written January 12, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

CRW
2 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
The trip was very well done. The crew are fantastic, helpful and very knowledgeable about whales. The boat was brought to a safe distance from the whales and then the captain waited patiently for the whales to come closer and they did! We were impressed with their respect for the whales while making sure every passenger had plenty of time to view and experience the whales. We highly recommend this company!
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KaleaLani
Aloha, Thanks for taking the time to review your Whale Watch Cruise for the Trip Advisor Community (and us). We're delighted to read that you enjoyed the trip, and we appreciate your acknowledgement of our respect for the rules protecting the Humpbacks. As a locally owned and operated company on the Big Island, we rely heavily on word-of-mouth recommendations, and we're honored to have earned yours. We look forward to sharing more adventures with the next time you're in "our neighborhood". Mahalo
Written January 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lisa P
Nashville, TN5 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
Our first whale trip was pretty anticlimactic as the whales were extremely far away. We asked about possible returning for another complimentary trip and they were extremely accommodating! We were a group of 8 and they were able to rebook 5 of us later in the week! On the second trip we saw several whales and lots of tails! The crew members were extremely friendly and chatty. You got morning mimosas or bloody Mary’s complimentary as well, along with snacks!! It was a really great experience and we learned a ton about whales! My 5 year old loved the guide, Mike, and asked him to be the first person to sign his arm cast!!
Written December 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KaleaLani
Aloha, Thanks so much for taking the time to review your experiences with Ocean Sports for the Viator community (and us). We're happy to read that despite the first "anticlimactic" Whale Watch Cruise, that many of your group were able to join us again (for no charge) and got to see more Humpbacks! We also appreciate your kind words about our crew (and please tell your son for us that Mike was honored to sign his arm cast)! We hope we'll get to share more adventures with you and your family the next time you're in "our neighborhood". Mahalo and a hui hou!
Written January 2, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

sassibassi
San Mateo, CA208 contributions
Dec 2021
Enjoyed this trip very much. We saw a few whales from a distance (200-300 yards). The boat crew were very good about spotting the whales.
The entire crew was very nice and made the trip enjoyable but the whale expert Mike was exceptionally helpful in providing all kinds of information about the whales and answering all questions.
It was also very cool to hear the whales with the underwater microphone in addition to seeing them.
Lots of refreshments provided on the boat.
Written January 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KaleaLani
Aloha, Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Whale Watch Cruise. We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the trip, the service and information provided by the crew...and most of all, got to see and listen to the Humpbacks! We know there are a lot of activity providers on the island and we're honored you chose to join us for part of your day. Mahalo and a hui hou
Written January 6, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Brandon J
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • Couples
Our first trip was post stormy weather. The ocean was very stirred up and murky. The waves weren’t terrible but bad enough to make it a little rocky. We ended up not seeing any whales. We still had a great time enjoying the ocean and views of the island. The crew was GREAT about it, they gave free vouchers to everyone to come back and do it again.

We came back two days later and it was PERFECT! We saw multiple different whales, dolphins, sea turtles. We saw a few full breeches, and one whale swam right up to the boat. There was a microphone that played the sound of the whales near us, there was music, free drinks, and the boat was super relaxing. This trip was out of the world amazing.

If you are going to take the trip, schedule it early in your vacation. This way if you have problems with the weather you can have a chance to go again.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Aloha, Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Whale Watch Cruises for the Tripadvisor Community (and us). We're so happy to read that despite the weather and lack of whale sightings, you enjoyed the first trip, and that you were able to schedule that second free trip with us and see all those whales. We also appreciate your kind words about our crew. We agree with your advice about scheduling cruises early in your vacation -- we don't get a lot of bad weather in Hawaii, but there are certainly days when the ocean doesn't cooperate fully! We know there are a lot of activities to choose from when you're on the Big Island, and we're honored you chose to spend two mornings with us. Mahalo and A Hui Hou Kakou!
Written February 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

LPRyan
Eagle, ID31 contributions
Our second time in two years on the Wake Up With the Whales Cruise and it did not disappoint! We saw too many whales to count. At one point we saw two whales frolicking together, slapping the water and “sharking”. This went on for at least 15 minutes! Many full and half breeches. The day was perfect. Thanks for a great time!
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KaleaLani
Aloha, Thanks for taking the time to provide the TripAdvisor Community (and us) with feedback about your Whale Watch Cruise. We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the trip, and the service and information provided by the crew. Most importantly, we're really glad you got to see all those the Humpbacks! We know there are a lot of activities to choose from when you're on the Big Island, and we're honored you chose to join us on more than one occasion. We look forward to sharing more adventures with you the next time you're in "our neighborhood"! Mahalo
Written January 30, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Claire C
Portland, OR33 contributions
Took the early morning Whale Watching cruise.
Fantastic. Crew helpful, knowledgeable and provided a great experience. Ease of transfer
from the glass bottom boat onto the Seasmoke.
Being 70, appreciated the crew’s assistance.
Loved being on James Arness’s boat and learning the history.
Juice, water and other beverages were provided as well as a energy snack. Then, it was all about whales. Mothers and babies with escorts. Got to hear communications via hydrophone. Leaned so much about whales and habitats. The 1.5 hrs went by too quickly. My husband and I highly recommend this experience with Ocean Sports and definitely will
tour again with them.
Written February 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
HawaiiOceanSports
Aloha, Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Whale Watch Cruise. We're so happy to read that you and your husband enjoyed the trip, our boat, and the service and information provided by our crew. Most importantly, we're happy you got to see and listen to so many Humpbacks! We know there are a lot of activity providers on the island and we're honored you chose to spend part of your morning with us and that we've earned your recommendation. Mahalo and A Hui Hou
Written February 22, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ashley Y
5 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
We did the wake up with the whales cruise on Monday April 5. They had warned us we may not see any whales do to it being end of season and had mentioned if that happens you can cruise again for free. However, after about 20 minutes we saw one whale very briefly and tried to chase it, to see it again. But it did not resurface. Shortly after we started to see several whales! We had almost given up, but we saw so many. Even several breaching! It was incredible, we were supposed to return to the harbor at 9:30, but we ended up staying out on the water til about 10:30 because there were so many whales! Absolutely incredible experience. The crew was great and made the experience. Very knowledgeable and willing to answer any and all questions! Thank you Ocean Sports!
Written April 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KaleaLani
Aloha, Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Ocean Sports Whale Watch Cruise. We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the trip, the service and information provided by the crew, and most importantly, got to see all those Humpbacks! Sightings on our late season Whale Watch Cruises are always difficult to predict, but the last whales to migrate from Hawaii are Moms with their calves, and Humpbacks who still haven't mated -- which can make for some great cruises! We know that the decision to participate in activities right now can be a challenging one to make, and we're honored you chose to join us aboard! Mahalo and a hui hou
Written April 9, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

takemeaway23
Texas352 contributions
This was a great way to start off the morning. We went on Monday, March 15th and saw lots of whales and even some spinner dolphins. A whale went right in front of our boat. I have a great video! The crew was friendly and knowledgeable. Would definitely do this again.
Written March 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KaleaLani
Aloha, Thanks for taking the time to review your Wake Up with the Whales Cruise. We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the cruise and the information and service provided by the crew. We're also happy you were able to capture the "whale crossing" on video...what a great memento! We know that making the decision to participate in activities right now can be challenging, and we're honored you chose to spend part of your morning with us. A hui hou and Mahalo!
Written March 18, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kaitlin Goedeke
2 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
The friendly Ocean Sports crew made our whale watching experience incredible! We were able to see whales during the final stretch they are in the area. The tour was safe and all crew were very knowledgeable; the snacks and drinks were an added bonus for the kids. Highly recommend this adventure!
Written April 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KaleaLani
Aloha, Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Whale Watch Cruise. We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the trip, the onboard amenities, the service and information provided by the crew, and most importantly, got to see Humpbacks! We know that the decision to participate in activities right now can be a challenging one to make and we're honored you chose to spend part of your day with us. Mahalo and a hui hou
Written April 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Showing results 1-10 of 45

2023 Wake Up With the Whales Cruise