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Whale-watching tours start at $110. Whale tours are from December through March,

Book directly with Kauai Zodiac Tourz at the book here buttons or on the calendar below. They will email you a confirmation email and take care of the rest of your whale-watching tour! Booking here helps us write more Hawaii travel info, at no cost to you. Mahalo for your support!

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Whale Watching from Poipu Highlights

The power raft (fast ride!) leaves from the conveniently located Kukui’Ula Small Boat Harbor (Poipu Small Boat Harbor). Click for directions. If you’re staying on the south shore, this is an easy spot to depart from.

The tour is in one of their two 25′ Rigid Hull Zodiac Boats, “Hokupa’a” and “Ho’okahi”, which are coast guard certified for up to 14 passengers. So this is a small group tour. The boats are known for speed and maneuverability in the waters, which is a benefit when you’re out whale watching. You can cover more ground quicker than the larger vessels. You also sit closer to the water, so if you’re lucky enough to get a close encounter, it will be very close.

These boats are more of an adventure ride than a catamaran and you might get some splashes and get wet while you’re on the tour. That’s all part of the experience and part of the fun when you’re out with Kauai Zodiac.

Kauai Zodiac Tourz Whale Watching Review: why we love it

Kauai Zodiac Tourz Whale Watching Review: things to consider

While we love the convenient location and the small group size of this tour, it isn’t necessarily the right tour for everyone. For safety reasons, the vessel is not recommended for pregnant women. Children under the age of 5 also aren’t permitted to join a tour.

The boat is designed for speed and maneuverability, but not necessarily for a calm and peaceful ride. Taking a ride in a raft is an adventure! But that means you run a high risk of getting hit with a few splashes. There’s also no cover for top shade so bring plenty of reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and sun protective clothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Booking in advance is highly recommended.  It will also maximize your changes of getting the tour date and time you prefer.  You should plan to make your reservations prior to arrival to Kauai as certain times of year there is no availability once you arrive to Kauai.  In addition, plan your reservation early during your time on Kauai, as tours are operated on a weather permitting basis and the information you learn on the tour will be valuable for the rest of your time on Kauai!

What type of boat will we be on and will there be any shade?

All of the Zodiac Boat Tours are conducted on one of their two 25′ Rigid Hull Zodiac Boats. “Hokupa’a” and “Ho’okahi”. They are coast guard certified for up to 14 passengers.   These are same style of boats used by Navy Seals and US Coastguard known for its speed and maneuverability in the waters.  This proves to be extremely useful for tours as it allows them to reach locations more effectively and directly than the larger catamarans.

You will sit much closer to the water, so there’s a higher chance of experiencing a refreshing splash or two on the tours. The boats do not have a cover or top for shade, which is by design for best coastline viewing.  Hats, sunscreen and/or sun shirts are recommended. These boats provide adventure and excitement.  If you’re expecting a luxury cruise in your Sunday best, this is not the tour for you.  Please ensure to follow their cancellation policy should you need to reschedule or cancel for any reason.

Will I get seasick?

If you are prone to motion sickness it is always a possibility when in moving water. Even more
so from the boat. They definitely recommend taking something ahead of time as they are unable to provide any refunds for sea sickness.

What if the weather is bad?

Their tours usually run rain or shine in moderate weather conditions. However, they may cancel the activity up to just before the tour in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions.  They always maintain the safety and integrity of the tours.  However, please allow their experienced team to make the call in the event of weather — do not rely on weather forecasting apps.  These do not always reflect conditions where the tours take place.

Likewise, what is happening in Princeville or Kapaa or Lihue is NOT accurate representation of what is happening in Poipu.  Many times Poipu will have sun and blue skies while its unfavorable in the other parts of the island. If they cancel the tour, all reservations will be allowed to reschedule if they have availability during your stay, or will receive a refund in full.

What is the cancellation policy?

If you choose to cancel the tour for whatever reason, you will need to make sure to do it outside their cancellation period of 24 hours. Tours cancelled less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled date/time of the tour or guests who do not show up to the scheduled tour will be charged 100% of the tour total. (Time is calculated to the minute! If your tour is at 8am, you have until 7:59am Hawaii Time the day before.) As you are booking directly with Kauai Zodiac Tourz all cancellation requests or rescheduling requests must be made directly with them.

However, if you need to reschedule your tour and are within the 24 hour cancellation period, there will be a reschedule fee added to your reservation. Once a reservation has been rescheduled there is not a new 24 hour cancellation period. It will be considered a final reservation not eligible for a refund.

Will there be a restroom available during the tour?

There is no restroom on their boats.  It is preferred you use the restrooms at the meeting spot before the start of the tour, as there will not be a bathroom to use once the tour begins.

Is there public parking available at the meeting location?

Yes, parking is available at no charge.  Specific directions will be included in the confirmation details after you have made your reservation.

Is gratuity included in the ticket price?

Gratuity is not included, nor is it expected.  If you would like to leave gratuity for your captain and/or guides you are more than welcome to do so in cash or Venmo will be much appreciated. $10 per person is a nice tip.

About Kauai Zodiac Tourz

Established in 1999, Kauai Z Tourz has explored the Na Pali Coastline of Kauai with visitors and kama’aina.  They specialize in the gentle waters off Kauai’s southern coast with their snorkeling and whale watching tours. They run their tours from their  25 foot rigid hull inflatable vessel which is approved for 14 passengers and 2 crew memebers.

Thanks for reading our Kauai Zodiac Tourz review. We are affiliate partners with Kauai Zodiac Tourz which means we receive a small commission for each completed booking made through this site. This is done without any additional cost to you. You can read more about our affiliate policies here.

Know that we only recommend tour operators that we know and trust. Your positive experience and your trust in us mean more than any affiliate commission. By booking tours through our website you help us to provide free information and videos to help you and other readers plan their perfect Hawaii vacation. Thank you so much for your support — we appreciate you!