Our 4 Best Kauai Whale Watching Tours

1.‘Imiloa Express Whale Watch and Cocktail Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 402 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $135Our pick

Set out from Port Allen on a two-hour catamaran cruise with a Coast Guard licensed captain, whale facts, coastal views, snacks, and drinks. Look for humpback whales, spinner dolphins, turtles, and seabirds while enjoying beer, wine, mai tais, soda, juice, and water. Morning and afternoon departures are available.

“We had a great time with this company. They were fun, informative, and we saw whales! This tour was just the right amount of time.”

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2.Winter Whale Watching Adventure in Kauai

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 286 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $137

Spend about two hours on a fast, open-air raft off Kauai’s southwest coast, searching for winter humpbacks with Captain J’s crew. Captains Andrew, Ryan, and others work the boat for good views, while hydrophones may let you hear whale song. Expect spray, music, snacks, dolphins, and a bumpy ride.

“The most exciting boating to view whales! We saw plenty. Captain and crew were professional and took safety and comfort seriously. We saw many whales and it was a great experience.”

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3.Kauai’s South Side Whale and Dolphin Zodiac Boat Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 163 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $158

Join Z Tourz at Kukuiʻula Harbor for a 2.5-hour whale and dolphin search aboard a 25-foot Zodiac. With up to 14 people, guides such as Justin, Lindsay, Jane, and Brandon share stories about humpbacks, turtles, dolphins, and Kauai’s coast. Expect speed, spray, snacks, and no snorkeling.

“This was a horrible experience! First of all, my son stepped on glass on the dock after we were told to take our shoes off before getting on the boat. The captain responded with, “There is always glass on the dock from the night before!” Well, who tells their customers to take their shoes off knowing there could be broken glass there from the night before. Then the captain took off like a banshee annd hit a wave pretty hard and an older woman went flying out of her seat so she wanted off the boat. So we went back to the dock to let her off, then another woman…”

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4.Kauai Raft Adventure: Whale Watch Discovery

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 38 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $106Best value

Join Kauai Sea Tours for a lively 2-hour raft ride from Eleele. Your USCG-licensed captain and crew search for humpback whales and dolphins, with a hydrophone used when conditions allow. Guides such as KK, Josh, Hailey, and Bren have helped make outings memorable, but sightings and sea conditions can change quickly.

“Easy to check in friendly staff crew and captain were very fun! Saw lots of whales and the beautiful island!”

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