5 Whale Watching Tours on Oʻahu for a Free Day

1.2-Hour Oahu Whale Watch from Ala Wai Harbor, Waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,929 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $49Our pick

From Ala Wai Harbor, you’ll cruise Oahu’s south coast aboard a renovated, multi-level boat with upper-deck and enclosed-cabin seating. Captains such as Logan and crew members Peter and Carel explain humpback behavior, point out turtles and dolphins, and use an onboard hydrophone to listen for whales. Bring your own snacks and drinks.

“Logan, Peter, and Corel were top notch! We got a perfect day to be on the water. Whales were a bit far off with I'd brought my binoculars. I suggest adding that to your ads binoculars recommended. Whales are such incredible creatures I have now seen them in Alaska with their babies. And migrating North along Oregon coast. They never fail to give me a sense of all about my small place in the universe. Thanks for a wonderful trip. Corel was especially attentive to anyone not feeling well and took some pictures for me as a solo traveler. Mahalo! a hui hou”

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2.Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,334 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $174

Spend about 3.5 hours aboard the 61-foot Kai OliOli catamaran, watching for dolphins, seasonal humpback whales, turtles, and flying fish before snorkeling over coral and tropical fish. Your crew supplies gear, instruction, showers, drinks, and a Hawaiian buffet. Waikiki pickup is optional.

“Fantastic food and a very comfortable boat. Great experience seeing spinner dolphins, Turtles and fish Crew was very nice and helpful”

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3.Waikiki, Oahu 2-Hour Whale Watching: Guaranteed Sightings

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,064 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $45

Sail from Waikiki between December and April on a two-hour Pink Sails whale watch. Captain Jamie and crew members such as Alex, Peter, Tyler, and Ryan share facts about humpbacks while you watch for whales, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life. If no whale appears, you can ride again free.

“Not sure what to say. The tour was cancelled and we did not go. I was in contact with the office about rescheduling, but they stopped responding. Now it does not show the event or the funds in my account. Waiting to hear back about rescheduling for the following weekend.”

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4.Waikiki Deluxe Catamaran Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 638 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $89

Board Hawaii Nautical’s catamaran at Kewalo Basin for about two hours of whale watching off Waikiki. Your captain and crew explain humpback migration while you watch for breaches, tail slaps, and spouts. Drinks, snacks, restrooms, shaded seating, and a re-ride guarantee are included. Shuttle pickup requires selecting the transportation option when booking.

“Great time! Captain Chris and crew were fantastic. Saw some whales, had a great boat ride. Highly recommend this adventure!”

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5.Honolulu, Oahu: Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 166 reviews · 1h 30m · from $39Best value

Join E SEA DIVER aboard the 65-foot Ocean Intrigue for a 90-minute whale watching cruise from Kewalo Basin. Between December and April, you’ll scan Oahu’s coast for humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, and flying fish from the open decks. Water, juice, snacks, bathrooms, and binoculars are included, with a free return trip if no whales appear.

“Sister trip! Had a great time! The bus driver was very nice and always on time. The Boat crew were very friendly. We saw a whale and a flying fish. Would have enjoyed the boat ride even if we hadn't seen the whale. Well worth the money!”

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