Big Island: Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure
Overview
The experience of watching 40 foot (12 meter) whales from a 24 foot (7 meter) Zodiac raft is something you'll never forget! Following Hawaiian Marine Park laws of stopping at least 100 yards (90 meters) away from these magnificent animals, you get a close up look at the migrating humpback whales. It is not uncommon for them to be curious about the raft and come right under the boat!
What's Included
- Beverages (sodas, fruit juices and bottled water) and snacks
- Rafting expedition
- Local taxes
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop off
Meeting Location
74-425 Kealakehe Parkway
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Join us for an adventure to see our seasonal Humpback whales as they come home to Hawaii to calf and mate during the winter months. Our twin powered Zodiac boats can cover lots of ground as we leave the harbor and venture out to find these majestic beauties. Scanning the horizon for any blows, splashes, or flukes as your captain will engage all guests with an informative narrative about the Humpback whales. Bring along any camera you have to take breath taking photographs from 100 yards away. Relax for a short snack break when you have a chance to because the whales always seem to know when the cameras are down. Its a three hour tour but packed full of action from start to finish.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum age is 4 years
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-3196WHALE
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.89 out of 5 stars based on 480 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Explore the inspiring story of "King Kamehameha the Great" while visiting the breathtaking Pololu Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii. This cultural and scenic...
$290
Offering private tours that are completely customized to you with your interests in mind. On Captain Chad's Charters we experience daily encounters with spinner dolphins,...
$1,260
Escape to another Hawaiian island for a day on this all-inclusive tour. Hop on an inter-island flight from Honolulu on Oahu to Hilo on the...
$654
Whale season is never over for Captain Zodiac. Join us for a unique experience of a lifetime where we venture into the unknown! Enjoy a...
$153
Explore the inspiring story of "King Kamehameha the Great" while visiting the breathtaking Pololu Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii. This cultural and scenic...
$290
Offering private tours that are completely customized to you with your interests in mind. On Captain Chad's Charters we experience daily encounters with spinner dolphins,...
$1,260
Escape to another Hawaiian island for a day on this all-inclusive tour. Hop on an inter-island flight from Honolulu on Oahu to Hilo on the...
$654
Whale season is never over for Captain Zodiac. Join us for a unique experience of a lifetime where we venture into the unknown! Enjoy a...
$153
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Hawaiian Salt Farm Tour in Kona
Hawai‘i Island’s only working salt farm, featured on Guy Fieri’s “Guy Hawaiian Style,” is located on a scenic 7-acre oceanfront site in the Hawai‘i Ocean...
$27
Why Choose Us for Your Manta Ray Night Snorkel? The strongest light power out of any operator…! Choose us if you want the most manta...
$25
2 different snorkeling locations! Captain Cook Snorkel Tour to kealakekua bay. Fast, agile Zodiac navy boat (used by Navy SEALs) gets you to the bay...
$69
Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel
A must do while in Hawaii! It's a lifetime opportunity to see up close manta rays feeding and interacting with other ocean creatures under the...
$94
Hawai‘i Island’s only working salt farm, featured on Guy Fieri’s “Guy Hawaiian Style,” is located on a scenic 7-acre oceanfront site in the Hawai‘i Ocean...
$27
Why Choose Us for Your Manta Ray Night Snorkel? The strongest light power out of any operator…! Choose us if you want the most manta...
$25
2 different snorkeling locations! Captain Cook Snorkel Tour to kealakekua bay. Fast, agile Zodiac navy boat (used by Navy SEALs) gets you to the bay...
$69
A must do while in Hawaii! It's a lifetime opportunity to see up close manta rays feeding and interacting with other ocean creatures under the...
$94
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Big Island: Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (HST).
- Beverages (sodas, fruit juices and bottled water) and snacks.
- Rafting expedition.
- Local taxes.
- Gratuities.
- Hotel pickup and drop off.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 4..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Big Island: Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Big Island: Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Beverages (sodas, fruit juices and bottled water) and snacks
- Rafting expedition
- Local taxes
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop off
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum age is 4 years
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
