What to Expect on a Whale Watching Tour on the Big Island

If you’re visiting Kona on the Big Island, a whale-watching tour is an unforgettable way to connect with Hawaii’s marine wildlife. Body Glove Cruises offers one of the most immersive and comfortable experiences, combining expert guides, stunning views, and up-close encounters with humpback whales. Here’s what you can expect from this adventure, along with some fascinating facts about the majestic humpbacks. 

Setting Sail: A Relaxing Start to Your Adventure

Body Glove Cruises departs from Kailua-Kona’s pier aboard either a spacious, double decker catamaran or an adventurous Super-Raft. The tour typically begins with a safety briefing and an introduction to Hawaii’s humpback whales by the onboard naturalists. You can settle in with refreshments, enjoy the shaded seating, or soak up the sun on the open deck. 

As the boat cruises along the Kona coast, keep your eyes peeled for spinner dolphins, which often join the ride, leaping and spinning in playful displays.

Spotting Humpback Whales

Humpback whales migrate to Hawaii’s warm waters between November and April to mate, calve, and nurse their young. Kona’s calm and clear waters make it an ideal spot to observe these gentle giants. We use hydrophones so you can listen to their hauntingly beautiful songs during the tour.

When a whale is spotted, the excitement on board is palpable. You might witness:

• Spouts: the iconic exhalations that can shoot up to 15 feet in the air.
• Breaching: whales launching their massive bodies out of the water, a thrilling sight that showcases their strength and agility.
• Tail Slaps: the dramatic flukes of their tails slapping the water, thought to be a form of communication.
• Mother-Calf Interactions: watching a calf surface alongside its mother is a heartwarming highlight of any tour.

Humpback Whale Facts

• Size and Weight: adult humpbacks can grow up to 60 feet long and weight around 40 tons – about the size of a school bus!
• Migration Marvels: these whales travel over 3,000 miles from Alaska to Hawaii, one of the longest migrations of any mammal.
• Songs of the Sea: male humpbacks are known for their complex songs, which can last up to 20 minutes and be heard miles away.
• Acrobatics: despite their size, humpbacks are incredibly agile, making them one of the most entertaining species to observe.
• Endangered yet Resilient: humpback whales were once hunted to the brink of extinction but have made a remarkable recovery thanks to global conservation efforts.

Tips for an Enjoyable Tour

• Dress Comfortably: wear light clothing and bring a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• Stay Hydrated: Body Glove Cruises provides complimentary soft drinks and water, but it’s good to have a reusable water bottle.
• Bring a Camera: a waterproof camera or a phone with a sturdy case will let you capture unforgettable moments.
• Respect Wildlife: maintain a respectful distance to ensure the whales are not disturbed.

Why Choose Body Glove Cruises?

Body Glove Cruises offers not just a whale-watching tour, but a holistic experience. Their catamaran is wheelchair accessible, equipped with restrooms, and shaded areas for comfort. The Super-Raft is fully shaded, has comfortable seating with personal storage, and a bathroom. The knowledgeable crew and Naturalist are passionate about marine life and ensure that every guest leaves with a deeper appreciation for Hawaii’s underwater wonders. Book your whale watching experience with us today!

Humpback Whale Breaching