Captain Zodiac Whale Watch Raft Tour
Climb onboard our 16-passenger 24-foot inflatable Zodiac boats for the most exciting Big Island Whale Watch tours with Captain Zodiac. The small group atmosphere allows for a personal and intimate tour.
Each winter, humpback whales migrate to Hawaii to mate and give birth. If you are lucky enough to plan your Hawaii Vacation during Whale Watch Season (January - April) be sure to take part in the Captain Zodiac Whale Watch! The Captain Zodiac Whale Watching captain will share an abundance of information with you regarding the whales’ behavior. You will also get to listen the whales communicate with each other via the hydrpohones onboard. You may even get the chance to see manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins and other aquatic life during your Big Island Whale Watch tour. The fast moving Zodiac Boats get you into position quickly. The low profile and high maneuverability have been recognized as the best way to explore the marine environment.
The Zodiacs can get close up to the lava tubes, sea caves, sea grottos and wave powered blow holes.
The Captain Zodiac Big Island Whale Watch takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays and lasts for approximately three hours.
Please note: In Captain Zodiac's efforts to minimizing human impact on
Hawaii's environment, does not provide plastic bottles of water on the
trip. They encourage guests to use reusable water bottles and guests
are welcome to bring their own or purchase available ones at check in.
There are fill-up stations available at the office and on the boat.
- Where and When:
- Check in at 7:45 am. Departs at 8:00 am and returns at 11:00 am.
Check in at Honokohau Harbor View Map
Driving directions: Honokohau Marina and small boat harbor is located approximately 5 miles south of the Kona Airport (fourth traffic light) and approximately 2 miles north of the town of Kailua-Kona (third traffic light). The harbor entrance (Kealakehe Parkway) can be found by looking for a sign on the highway marked HONOKOHAU MARINA between mile markers 97 & 98. After turning onto Kealakehe Parkway make your first right and look for a mall with a blue tile roof. Our office is the first on the right in the mall.
- Requirements:
- Restrictions:
- Children must be at least 4 years old to participate.
Due to the bouncy nature of the ride, pregnant women or people with back or neck problems may not participate.
- Special Notes:
- This tour might not be available if a cruise ship is visiting Kona on the day of your requested tour day.
- Operation Days:
- Daily except Wednesdays from January through mid-March
- Duration:
- 3 hours
- Vendor:
- Captain Zodiac
- Capacity:
- 16 passengers
- Equipment:
- Tour is on a 24-foot Zodiac raft that is U.S. Coast Guard certified and inspected yearly by the U.S. Coast Guard.