Kona Whale Watching Cruise by Body Glove: What to Expect!
This Kona whale watching tour departs from Kailua Pier in downtown Kona! Hop aboard this spacious two-story boat for a cruise up the Kona Coast to observe humpbacks & other whales, Hawaiian spinner dolphins, sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles. This tour is wheelchair accessible!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. The Hawai’i Vacation Guide has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Hawai’i Vacation Guide and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Read about our affiliate policies here.
Activity Overview
Body Glove Whale Watching from Kailua-Kona: What to Expect
Kona whale watching doesn’t get any easier than this tour! We like this tour for the ease of departure from downtown Kona and the spacious boat. Our favorite Big Island whale watching tours are heavy on power rafts, so this is a great option for those seeking a whale watching cruise.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Departs from Kailua Pier in Downtown Kona (click for directions)
- The tour operator will provide advice on where to park in Kailua-Kona
- Seasonal! December 15th – March 31st for whale season!!
- Discounted pricing for children 17 and below
- Ages: All are welcome!
Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins or humpback whales as you set out along the Kona Coast!
Observe the gentle giants of the sea in their natural habitat as a whale expert educates and entertains you. Also, keep an eye out for other whale and dolphin species, as well as the diverse marine life that populate the clear waters off the Kona Coast.
The spacious 2-story, 65′ catamaran includes three restrooms, plenty of comfortable seating and shade, and snacks, island juice, sodas, Kona coffee, and tea, along with a full-service cash bar.
Guaranteed sightings! In the unlikely event that no whales are seen, you can go again for free!
The Kona whale watching tour includes the following:
- Marine Naturalist onboard to answer your questions, provide whale information, and keep you entertained with whale knowledge
- Spacious and comfortable boat with multiple amenities
- Complimentary snacks and drinks
- Abundant comfortable shaded & non-shaded seating, including upper deck
- Sound system for narration and music
- Whale sighting guarantee or go again for free
- Hydrophone onboard to hear whales sing underwater (if the right conditions)
More from Body Glove: Historical Dinner Cruise
Body Glove is well known in Kona for its historic dinner cruise along the Kona Coast. If you’re looking for a lovely dinner cruise in Kona, consider booking this Big Island Sunset Cruise.
Kona Whale Watching FAQs
Here are the most popular questions on this Kona whale watching tour.
How close will we get to the whales?
The boat may approach within 100 yards of a whale, per federal law (NOAA humpback whales). However, the ship may then shut off the engine, and the whale may approach the boat on its own, which is often the case.
Will I get seasick?
The bigger the boat, the more stable it is. The vessel is 65′ in length and 30′ in beam, making it the largest boat of its kind on the Kona Coast. It’s a totally different experience from being on a smaller boat or a raft.
If you know you are prone to sea sickness, it is recommended that you take Bonine or Dramamine the night before and one or two hours before your cruise. Please review the directions to confirm you can take this medication. It is also available on board, but it is best to have it in your system before boarding.
Complimentary ginger pills and a ginger drink are also available; both are effective for motion sickness and are all-natural. You are more likely to feel better on the lower deck of the vessel, as there is less pitch.
Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
Yes! A specialized boarding ramp makes the boat 100% wheelchair accessible. If you require handicapped parking, there are two stalls located in the cul-de-sac in front of the Kailua Pier.
Please note at checkout if you plan to use the reserved handicapped pier parking and will have your handicapped placard.
Have a Wonderful Kona Whale Watching Tour!
We are affiliate partners with Body Glove and TravelShack 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.
Rest assured, we only recommend tour operators 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 — you are amazing!