4.9 (483) · Big Island of Hawaii · By Captain Zodiac Free cancellation
Experience the thrill of spotting 40-foot (12-meter) whales from a 24-foot (7-meter) Zodiac raft – an unforgettable encounter!
Adhering to Hawaiian Marine Park laws, we maintain a distance of at least 100 yards (90 meters) from these magnificent creatures, allowing for close-up views of migrating humpback whales.
It's common for these curious whales to approach the raft, sometimes swimming directly beneath the boat!
✓ Refreshing beverages (sodas, fruit juices, and bottled water) and snacks✓ Exciting rafting expedition✓ All local taxes✕ Optional gratuities for the crew✕ Transportation to and from your hotelActivity Schedule
3 h
Embark on an adventure to witness our seasonal Humpback whales as they return to Hawaii to give birth and mate during the winter months.
Our twin-powered Zodiac boats are designed to cover significant distances as we depart the harbor and search for these majestic animals.
Your captain will scan the horizon for whale spouts, splashes, or flukes, sharing an informative narrative about the Humpback whales throughout the journey.
Capture breathtaking photographs from 100 yards away with your camera.
Enjoy a brief snack break when the opportunity arises, as the whales often seem to sense when cameras are put down.
This three-hour tour is packed with action from beginning to end.
Captain Zodiac Raft Expeditions
Your mobile or paper ticket is accepted. One ticket is required per booking.
Our meeting point is at Captain Zodiac, located at 74-425 Kealakehe Parkway, suite #16.
We are situated in the Honokohau Marina and small boat harbor, approximately 5 miles south of Kona Airport and about 2 miles north of Kailua-Kona town.
Please gather at our office in the Gentry's Kona Marina parking lot.
Our meeting point is at Captain Zodiac, located at 74-425 Kealakehe Parkway, suite #16.
We are situated in the Honokohau Marina and small boat harbor, approximately 5 miles south of Kona Airport and about 2 miles north of Kailua-Kona town.
Please gather at our office in the Gentry's Kona Marina parking lot.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers. Individuals with spinal injuries should refrain from this activity. Suitable for participants of all physical fitness levels. The minimum age requirement for this tour is 4 years old. Big Island: Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure
Bring your camera to capture incredible whale moments. Consider bringing seasickness medication if you are prone to motion sickness. Dress in layers as ocean conditions can change. Listen carefully to your captain's safety instructions and information about the whales. For a full refund, please ensure your cancellation is made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 3196WHALE
Activity offered by Captain Zodiac via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Nature enthusiasts Families Adventure seekers Photography lovers Close encounters with humpback whales Thrilling Zodiac raft experience Stunning Big Island coastal scenery Informative commentary from your captain Excellent photography opportunities Suitable for families with children (minimum age 4)
Currency United States dollar
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Washington, D.C. Average temperatures 20° Jan 20° Feb 20° Mar 21° Apr 21° May 22° Jun 22° Jul 23° Aug 23° Sept 22° Oct 22° Nov 21° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the whale watching tour? + The tour lasts for 3 hours.
What is the maximum group size for this tour? + The maximum group size is 16 participants.
Are there any age restrictions for this activity? + Yes, the minimum age is 4 years old.
What happens if the weather is bad? + The tour will be canceled in case of bad weather.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Whale watching on a Zodiac
Guide65813330763, March 2026
Enjoyed the whale watching experience
Response from the operator · Captain Z Very happy to hear that you enjoyed your Whale watch with us!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Disappointed turns to gratitude
T957SWlindak, March 2026
Went on the captain zodiac whale watching tour several years ago and it was the highlight of our trip to Kauai. Unfortunately the weather this year did not cooperate so we were all disappointed when it had to be canceled. However we're thankful that the staff was concerned enough about our safety that it was canceled. We received a refund so that helped soothe our disappointment.
Response from the operator · Captain Z We are so happy to hear your whale watch tour with Captain Zodiac was the highlight of your trip years ago, and we apologize the Kona Low Storm affected your trip back this year. Your safety is our top priority and unfortunately the storm affected all of the Hawai'i islands. We hope to see you back on your next visit to Hawai'i for an adventurous whale watch or Kealakekua Bay snorkel along Kona's beautiful coast!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Saw lots of wildlife and had a good time.
50britneyg, March 2026
We saw spinner dolphins, 6 whales, wedgies and boobies (birds) we also picked up trash out of the ocean and brought a baby octopus and crab on board that was released. Captain was full of knowledge and jokes 😃. I forgot their names but one has lived on the island for 10 years and the other was on /off for 10 years. Had a good time and we'll worth the money we paid!
The boat wasnt too bumpy, although the next few days my butt felt like I was riding a bike forever 🤣
Response from the operator · Captain Z Mahalo for joining Captain Zodiac on our Whale Watch adventure tour! We are so happy to hear that you loved your captain and crew and had the best wildlife and whale sightings on Kona's coast! We hope to see you back on your next Hawai'i vacation!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Whales, Sharks and Speedboats!
Explorer58439682809, March 2026
Great crew and a bucket list experience. There was a real National Geographic moment on our trip i which a deceased sperm whale was floating a bit off the coast. We were able to watch sharks feeding and saw trained divers getting into the water to observe. Highly recommend this trip over the slower boats that cant go as far with the time allotted.
Response from the operator · Captain Z Mahalo for sharing your experience with us! 🌺
It truly sounds like one of those unforgettable moments out on the water. Encounters like that are a powerful reminder of how dynamic and real the ocean ecosystem is. Watching the natural cycle of the ocean unfold — along with the sharks and researchers observing — is definitely something most people never get to see.
We’re so glad you enjoyed the adventure and the speed and range of our zodiac-style whale watching tours. Being on a smaller, faster raft really does allow us to explore more of the Kona coastline and reach wildlife that larger boats simply can’t within the same time.
Mahalo for choosing Captain Zodiac for your Kona ocean adventure. We hope to see you again for more whale watching and the best snorkeling in Kona! 🤙🐋🌊
★★★★★ Viator review
Ashley and Alex are the best!
Vickir_B, March 2026
Ashley and Alex were so great. They educated us while finding SO many whales. You can tell they truly care about the species and we learned a lot, but we also got to see so many breaches! We saw flips and turns, spouts and tails... it was amazing! We saw 6 or 7 different whales, including a baby who was quite playful! The zodiac ride is not for the faint of heart-- it's bumpy but FUN and we loved our experience. We would do it again, most definitely!!
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