Kauai's South Side Whale and Dolphin Zodiac Boat Adventure
Overview
Experience the awe of Kauai’s whale watching season as you journey just off the island’s coast to witness the migration of Hawaii’s humpback whales. Each winter from December through May, these gentle giants make their way to Kauai’s warm waters, putting on an unforgettable show of breaching, tail slapping, and singing that delights visitors of all ages. There’s nothing like the thrill of spotting a spout on the horizon, hearing a massive splash, or catching the haunting notes of a whale’s song echoing through the ocean. Share this rare encounter with family and friends and return home with stories to last a lifetime, no snorkeling required, just pure adventure and the magic of the wild Pacific.
What's Included
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- Coast Guard certified captain and crew
- Dry Bag for personal belongings
- Life jackets and all required safety gear
- Guided whale and dolphin watching tour
- Rain/Splash Jackets (Available for purchase)
- Hotel pick-up and drop off
- Gratuities
- Towels
- Trip Protection (No Refunds Within 24-Hour Cancellation Policy For Any Reason - No Exceptions)
Meeting Location
Kukuiʻula Harbor Beach
Koloa, HI 96756, 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
Climb aboard one of our twin 25-foot Zodiac “Hurricane” vessels—fast, nimble boats trusted by Navy SEALs and designed for action, not lounging. Our whale and dolphin adventure is especially memorable, offering you a front-row seat as humpbacks surface, breach, and play in Kauai’s pristine winter waters. These tours only run during peak season (December–May), ensuring the best chances to spot whales, dolphins, and other marine wildlife.
Your knowledgeable crew will share fascinating facts about whale behavior and Kauai’s ecosystems, while children will enjoy the excitement and safe thrill of adventure on the waves. With a maximum of 14 passengers per boat, you’re guaranteed a more intimate experience and great photo opportunities. Please note: This tour does not include snorkeling, and is best suited for adventure-loving families and wildlife enthusiasts.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- This is an ADVENTURE and not a leisure cruise.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- All passengers must be 5 years of age or older
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 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-155716P3
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.59 out of 5 stars based on 164 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (10)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Kauai’s South Side Whale and Dolphin Zodiac Boat 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).
- This tour 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.
- Snacks.
- Bottled water.
- Coast Guard certified captain and crew.
- Dry Bag for personal belongings.
- Life jackets and all required safety gear.
- Guided whale and dolphin watching tour.
- Rain/Splash Jackets (Available for purchase).
- Hotel pick-up and drop off.
- Gratuities.
- Towels.
- Trip Protection (No Refunds Within 24-Hour Cancellation Policy For Any Reason - No Exceptions).
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 5. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
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 Kauai's South Side Whale and Dolphin Zodiac Boat Adventure is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- This is an ADVENTURE and not a leisure cruise.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Kauai’s South Side Whale and Dolphin Zodiac Boat 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
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- Coast Guard certified captain and crew
- Dry Bag for personal belongings
- Life jackets and all required safety gear
- Guided whale and dolphin watching tour
- Rain/Splash Jackets (Available for purchase)
- Hotel pick-up and drop off
- Gratuities
- Towels
- Trip Protection (No Refunds Within 24-Hour Cancellation Policy For Any Reason - No Exceptions)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- This is an ADVENTURE and not a leisure cruise.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- All passengers must be 5 years of age or older
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
