Pelagic Whale Watch

Go beyond the typical whale watch with Hawaiian Adventures' Pelagic Whale Watch — a 3- to 4-hour expedition that ventures into Kona's deep offshore waters in search of over a dozen species of whales and dolphins.

While most whale watches stay near shore, Hawaiian Adventures holds a US Coast Guard offshore certification, allowing their boats to reach the pelagic zone where pilot whales, beaked whales, sperm whales, spotted dolphins, and even whale sharks roam. In the near-shore zone, you may also encounter spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, flying fish, and surface-feeding mantas.

The extended tour time means more search range, more time with wildlife, and more encounters per trip. Every tour includes a professional onboard naturalist, complimentary cold beverages, and a whale sighting guarantee — if you don't see a whale or dolphin, your next tour is 50% off.

Tours depart from the south-central side of Honokohau Harbor aboard Artemis or Callisto, comfortable vessels with onboard bathrooms, dry storage, and spacious viewing areas. Ages 10 and up. Arrive 30 minutes before departure for parking. This pelagic tour runs April through November; the humpback-focused Humpback Whale Watch runs December through March.