The 8 Best Whale Watching Tours on Oahu (+How to DIY)
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The winter is one of the best times to visit Oahu. That’s because you’ll be able to witness the amazing humpback whale migration! During this time, more than 10,000 whales make the long journey down to the islands from Alaska to breed and raise their young (the waters are much warmer around Hawaii than they are up north!).
If you’re heading to Oahu and want to witness this incredible spectacle for yourself, there are many whale watching tours where you can get up close to these beautiful creatures. There are private yacht charters, group speed boat tours, and everything else in between, which can make choosing the right tour difficult.
But we’ve done the dirty work and picked out the best whale watching tours on Oahu. As one of our favorite Hawaiian activities, you can’t go wrong with any of the excursions on this list!
Looking for more Oahu resources:
Check out our Oahu Travel Guide to take a deep dive into everything you need to know about the island.
Find a great place to stay on Oahu and even more to do around the island
Don’t forget anything for your trip with our Hawaii packing list
Oahu Whale Watching FAQs
When is the Oahu whale watching season?
Most whales start arriving in Hawaii around December (but there have been some years where they show up as early as September). The season usually wraps up around March, which is when the majority of pods head back up north. However, we have also spotted them around the islands in May, so the season, in general, is quite flexible! But always during Hawaii’s winter.
If you’re visiting over whale season, you’ll want to read our full guide on visiting Hawaii in the Winter.
What time of day is best for whale watching on Oahu?
During peak season, it’s possible to see whales any time of the day, as they are always active. Therefore, it doesn’t really matter if you choose a morning, afternoon, or even a sunset tour to see them.
But in general, you’ll find that most companies operate tours in the morning. This is a good time to go, as the temperatures are a tad cooler, and you won’t be directly in the sun the whole time. Morning is also before the trade winds pick up, so the boat ride will be smoother and more enjoyable (especially if you’re prone to seasickness).
What month is best for whale watching on Oahu?
As we mentioned, peak whale season changes year by year, so it’s hard to say exactly what month has the best whale watching opportunities. If you’re planning your vacation around this, you can consult the official Sanctuary Whale Watching Count. The count is conducted during the peak season to keep track of how many whales are spotted off the Hawaiian Islands.
In 2023, the highest number of whales was recorded in March. But in 2022, the best month for sightings was in January.
But even if you don’t go during the month with the highest numbers, you might still be lucky enough to see several on your tour! Because, as we said, they can be spotted earlier or later than peak seasons. Take a deep dive on the best time for whale watching in Hawaii.
What is the best place to see whales on Oahu?
Whales live in the water, so the best place to see them is by taking a boat tour. If you prefer to stay on land, then don’t worry. There are still a few places around Oahu where you can see them from shore.
One of the best spots on the island is up at the North Shore. Shark’s Cove, Turtle Bay, and La’ie Point are all great places to see the majestic creatures playing in the water.
If you’re down south, then you also have tons of seaside locations for viewings. Makapu’u Lighthouse is one of our favorites (it’s also a nice hike with a beautiful lookout over the ocean). You can also try Halona Blowhole, Spitting Caves, and Lana’i Lookout – all of which are just a short drive from one another along the southeastern coast.
How much is a whale watching tour on Oahu?
The price of a whale watching tour on Oahu depends on multiple factors, including the number of people in your party, the length of your tour, and the type of vessel you’re traveling in. With this in mind, the average cost for one person is around $100 – $150. However, we’ve seen some Oahu tour companies offer shorter whale watching tours for about $60 a person, which is a great deal if you’re on a budget!
Another option is to hire a private charter. While this is more expensive than a shared whale watching tour, it can make more financial sense if you’re traveling with a large group or with lots of family members. While the cost of a private charter also varies from company to company, we’ve seen them as low as $400 for 1 to 4 people and upwards of $2,500 for larger boats and groups.
Is a whale watching tour worth it on Oahu?
Oahu is a really fun island to visit (especially if it’s your first time in Hawaii). But the truth is, it’s not the best island for whale watching. It doesn’t get as many whales as Maui, which has the highest recorded number of whales out of all the Hawaiian Islands.
There’s a better chance of seeing whales on a boat tour than if you were to just watch them from shore. But keep in mind that you might not see any at all. This can be a big disappointment if you have your heart set on seeing whales. But if you go with lower expectations, the leisurely boat ride can be a wonderful experience on its own.
If you have flexible travel plans or are already headed to Maui, check out more whale watching resources here:
The 7 Best Whale Watching Tours on Maui: get our exclusive discounts
The Ultimate Guide to Whale Watching on Maui: Best Tours and Tips
Hawaii in the Winter: What to Know BEFORE Booking Your Trip
The 8 Best Whale Watching Tours on Oahu
If you’re browsing different whale watching tours on Oahu, you’ll quickly see that there are many options to choose from. Depending on your budget and interest, you can book a shared tour with other people or charter a private boat for a more exclusive experience. To help you make a decision, we’ve rounded up 7 of the best tours that we can recommend to visitors.
We also wanted to make you’re aware that boats aren’t allowed to drive directly into the area where the whales are. State and federal law require them to keep at least 100 yards back. For this reason, most tours will go close to the pods but turn off their engines. This isn’t a big deal, as you’ll be able to see those giants from that distance anyway! Plus wild animals know no bounds so curious whales may approach the boat, giving you an exhilarating close encounter.
And You Creations
The early morning whale-watching tour hosted by And You Creations is an affordable option if you’re staying in or around Waikiki. Departing from Kewalo Boat Harbor (roughly 2.5 miles from downtown Waikiki), this 2.5-hour cruise is on a powerful double-decker boat for sightseeing. As you travel past Waikiki Beach towards Diamond Head, you’ll get to enjoy stunning coastal views while you search for swimming and breaching whales.
We like this tour because it also includes a Hawaiian plumeria flower ceremony and whale-watching chant. The crew also performs authentic hula and dance songs to keep everyone onboard occupied in between sightings, which is great if you’re traveling with kids.
When whales are nearby, the nature specialist will drop the hydrophone into the ocean so you can hear them singing their songs! They’re also there to help answer any questions you have about the whales (or other visible marine life creatures, for that matter).
Tours leave bright and early at 7 AM. And don’t worry about breakfast! Tickets include morning beverages as well as breakfast pastries.
Book 30+ days early and get 15% off when you use code EARLYBIRD
Get 10% off with WHALES10 at checkout!
Dolphin Excursions
Ditch the crowds and enjoy this 15-person (max!) tour as you look for whales around Waikiki. We particularly love this tour by Dolphin Excursions because you also have the opportunity to get off the boat to snorkel! Snorkel gear and life vests are provided for those who want to swim with tropical fish, green sea turtles, and possibly dolphins. Back on board, the marine naturalist will share insight into all the creatures you see during your tour.
This is an afternoon excursion that leaves around 2:30 PM and lasts for 3 hours. Boats leave from Waianae Boat Harbor, which is around a 25-minute drive from Ko Olina Resorts. If you prefer a more intimate experience, private charters can also be booked just for your group.
And most importantly, Dolphin Excursions guarantees whale sightings while you’re out. If you don’t see any during your outing, they’ll give you a return trip voucher for a future journey completely free of charge!
Bob Marlin Charters Oahu
A private whale-watching charter is an incredible experience. With Bob Marlin Charters Oahu, you can have the open waters practically to yourself as you cruise around the island on your 32ʻ Luhrs Express. It’s an awesome opportunity to see whales and surprisingly more affordable than you might think – we’re talking starting at $400 for groups up to 4 people!
Because this is a private charter, you get to choose the start time that works best for your group out of 5-time slots. Leave first thing at 7 AM, enjoy a leisurely lunch sail, or admire the colorful sunset from a 4 PM journey. All trips last two hours, so keep that in mind when booking.
This trip leaves from Haleiwa Harbor, so it’s best if you’re staying somewhere on the North Shore. But if your tour starts later, you can still make your way up from Waikiki. It’s worth the drive, considering that the North Shore has more whale sightings than any other part of the island!
Find a great place to stay on Oahu:
Which Part of Oahu Should You Stay: Waikiki or Ko Olina or North Shore
Where to Stay in Waikiki: The 12 Best Hotels and Vacation Rentals
Where to Stay on Oahu with Kids: The 7 Best Family Hotels
The Best North Shore Oahu Hotels and Vacation Rentals
Honolulu Snorkel Company
Hop aboard Honolulu Snorkel Company’s 40-foot catamaran for a memorable sail across the Oahu coastline. This 1.5-hour tour is ideal if you’re short on time and want to make the most of it on Oahu. Although you’re not on the water for as long as some other whale watching tours, you’ll still get to see humpbacks, as well as other marine life like turtles, flying fish, and dolphins!
Tickets are more affordable than other excursions, which means you can still go whale watching even if you’re on a tight budget! And young kids are more than welcome as long as they are over 5 years old.
Tours leave twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays at 3 PM and depart from the Kewalo Boat Harbor outside of Waikiki.
Deep Blue Eco Tours
The whale watching tours with Deep Blue Eco Tours is another fantastic option for those staying on the North Shore. Departing from Haleiwa Boat Harbor, they offer shared and private tours for pretty reasonable prices.
If you’re joining a shared tour, you’ll only be on the boat with a maximum of 5 other guests. Having such a small group is a great way to see and photograph the whales up close and personal. But if you’d rather enjoy a VIP experience, you can also charter a boat for your group (also a maximum of 6 people total).
All tours last for two hours. Depending on the date, you can choose from one of five different start times: 8 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, or 4 PM.
The Adventure Boat (Private Charter)
Take a wild ride on the Adventure Boat and across the entire southern coast of Oahu! On this high-speed inflatable Zodiac boat, you’ll be able to see more and cover more miles as you zip through the Pacific Ocean looking for whales.
This is a private charter company, so it will just be you and your group out on the open waters. This is a great opportunity to get a knowledgeable guide all to yourself – and the whales, of course! You can choose to book for up to 6, 9, or 12 people (prices vary depending on how many people are on board).
Light refreshments are served during the trip, although you’re more than welcome to bring any food or snacks if you crave something more. The Adventure Boat operates tours from December to April and at three times during the day. You can book your tour at 8 AM, 11 AM, or 2 PM.
Honolulu Sailing Company (Private Charter)
For a truly memorable experience, look no further than a trip with the Honolulu Sailing Company. Instead of a crammed boat with other tourists, you’ll be relaxing in style as you glide across the ocean on a private yacht!
As these are completely private charters, you’ll be allowed to book the vessel of your choice. Set sail on the Beneteau 42 Gauguin, the Beneteau 48 Gauguin, or the extra luxurious Beneteau Sense 50′ Tefiti (each yacht can accommodate parties of up to 6). They also have shaded deck lounges, so there’s plenty of room for everyone to sprawl out and find a front-row seat to the action.
Cruises last for three hours and can be booked starting at 8 AM, 11 AM or 2 PM. Make sure to bring your own snacks and drinks, as it makes the entire journey that much more enjoyable!
Hawaii Ocean Charters (Private Charter)
Set out on a 30′ catamaran with up to 6 guests. You’ll have a ton of space to spread out and enjoy unobstructed views as whales breach and play.
The luxury catamaran is a comfortable and smooth ride, making it a great choice if you suffer from motion sickness. Shaded cabin seating and on board bathrooms are available throughout your trip. A knowledgeable and experienced crew will give you the best chance of finding whales on your adventure! You also get the chance to snorkel at an offshore reef commonly home to sea turtles and tropical fish.
Tours are 2-4 hours (your choice) departing at 9:30 am, 11:45 am, and 2:00 pm daily. You have the option to bring your own snacks and BYOB or you can have your charter catered.
Whale Watching on Oahu Tips
As you prepare for your whale watching tour, there are a couple of things to keep in mind to enhance your magical marine experience.
- Book a tour with a sighting guarantee. Because whales are wild animals, it’s hard to predict exactly where they’ll be around the island. For this reason, it’s possible you might not get to see them on your tour. However, some companies will put you on another boat if you don’t see them on the trip. While there aren’t many companies on Oahu that offer this, it can make a huge difference if you’re arriving early or later in the whale watching season.
- Do your first tour earlier during your vacation. If you do book with a company that guarantees whale sightings, then you’ll need a few extra days to rebook if you need a second outing. Therefore, you shouldn’t wait until the end of your trip to book your tour, or else you won’t be able to take advantage of this offer.
- Go on a morning tour. While this depends on your personal preference, we think morning tours are the best time to be out on the water. Not only are the waters calmer (the tradewinds usually pick up in the afternoon), but fewer boats and crowds are looking for whales. It’s also much cooler in the morning, which is great if you don’t want to be baking in the sun for hours at a time!
- Choose the right boat. As you can see from the different types of tours above, many different types of vessels go out to see whales. Knowing which boat you want can significantly impact the type of trip you have. For example, smaller power rafts are fun and fast, but they’re not suitable for young kids, pregnant women, or people with injuries. In these situations, larger vessels or sailboats are usually the better choice!
Check out even more to do on Oahu:
40 Things to Do on Oahu, Hawaii (we will surprise you!)
The 21 Best Things to Do in Waikiki
21 Amazing Things to Do on Oahu’s North Shore
The Rest of Your Trip Done for You
It really doesn’t get any easier than this. Wherever you are in the planning process, you’ve probably realized there’s a lot that goes into planning the perfect Hawaii vacation. It’s hard to have a bad trip to Hawaii, but we make it easy to have an extraordinary one. From truly countless trips ourselves, living on Oahu and Maui, to all the research we’ve done, we cut straight to the chase in our itineraries. Just pick the island(s) you want to visit and get ready to experience the islands like a local.
We loved both of these itineraries! It was an excellent use of our money. I would recommend them to anyone who plans to travel to Hawaii. The itineraries were both so well written and easy to use. All the restaurant recommendations were amazing! We loved every minute of our 2 week vacation and plan to come back to different islands and use hawaii vacation guide itineraries to help us navigate the different islands.
Kimberly H. + family
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