The 6 Best Kauai Whale Watching Tours

1.‘Imiloa Express Whale Watch and Cocktail Tour

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

Cruise from Port Allen on a two-hour catamaran search for humpback whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. Your Coast Guard licensed captain explains whale behavior while the crew serves mai tais, beer, wine, snacks, juice, soda, and water. Choose a morning or afternoon departure.

“Great way to see the island from the sea. Very nice crew and comfortable seating. Generous with drinks including Mai tais beer soda and water. Snacks were bagged chips, cookies, etc. Boat sometimes moves along at high speed. Slow day for whale spotting but did see a few. Also saw a sea turtle alongside the boat. Beautiful day, and we all agreed it was a really good time.”

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2.Winter Whale Watching Adventure in Kauai

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

Meet Captain J’s crew in Eleele for a two-hour open-air raft ride along Kauai’s coast. Captains such as Andrew, Ryan, and Andy search for winter humpbacks, dolphins, and flying fish, with hydrophone listening when conditions allow. Expect fast turns, sea spray, music, and a small-group feel.

“You will get soaked if you sit in the back, not fun. Definitely not worth the money. Not a whale in sight.”

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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

Ride a fast 25-foot Zodiac from Kukuiʻula Harbor with a Coast Guard certified crew, searching for humpback whales, spinner dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. With up to 14 people, guides such as Justin, Jane, Brandon, and Lindsay can offer close-up wildlife viewing from December through May.

“There's luck involved in whether you'll see whales while whale watching. We were VERY lucky and saw many breaching whales. Whale watching in a Zodiac is a wet, spine-jarring experience, so it's best to wear clothing/secure hair covering based on your desired level of getting wet. If you sit on the sides you need a good grip. Brandon was our Captain- I felt safe with him and he handled the vessel with ease. He quickly maneuvered the zodiac for best viewing.Lindsay was our Crew. She was helpful and informative. Really good experience.”

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4.Kauai Raft Adventure: Whale Watch Discovery

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

Set out from Eleele with a US Coast Guard licensed captain and crew for a two-hour raft ride along Kauai’s coast. Look for humpback whales and dolphins, hear whale song through a hydrophone when conditions allow, and enjoy snacks and drinks. The boat is fast, bouncy, and sometimes wet.

“Drake and Gabe were great. But no whales were seen despite Drake’s efforts. I have yet to go in a successful whale watching excursion.”

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5.Poipu Sea Kayak Tour: Turtle, Dolphins and Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $269Top rated

Paddle from Poipu along Kauai’s rugged south coast with guides Web and Dan, watching for humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, seals, seabirds, and flying fish. You’ll kayak for three to four intermittent hours, stop for a deli lunch, and have optional snorkeling time. Strong fitness and comfort in open water are essential.

“Excellent guides (Web and Dan) who were professional yet very fun and dynamic. The primary tour guide was insanely knowledgeable and has been at this for a long time. As described in the details this is an active paddle. Conditions change quickly but you're rewarded with great views, an awesome private beach lunch spot and what feels like an ocean to yourself. In the winter the conditions are a bit different and they launch at Poipo and end at Port Allen. I would trust them any time of year and anywhere they told us to go.”

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6.Private Whale Watch and Snorkel off Kaua’i

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 5 hours (approx.)

Meet Jess and Nick at 7:30 am for a private five-hour boat trip from Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor. Watch humpback whales and spinner dolphins, enjoy Na Pali Coast scenery, then snorkel when the sun warms the water. Your group of up to six sets the pace.

“As a wildlife biologist, I tend to ask a million questions, and Jess and Nick answered every single one with enthusiasm and expertise. I feel like we made friends on this trip—Jess’s passion for the wildlife and natural history of the area was infectious. The snorkeling was fantastic, but the real highlight was just being able to chat about the birds, whales, and marine life of Kauai with someone so knowledgeable. And seeing whales breach, dolphins leap, and all the incredible sights of the Na Pali Coast? Unbeatable. Jess and Nick—if you’re ever in Florida, come visit us!”

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