2 hours (approx.)
Daily Tour
15 people
English
Combine a sunset cruise with whale watching while on the Big Island. Cruise on a spacious sailing or power catamaran off the Kohala Coast, and relax with drinks and snacks on a bench or a netted trampoline. Look for both humpback whales and the green flash as the sun sets below the horizon. Listen to whale songs with the underwater hydrophone and learn more about whales from the onboard naturalist.
Check in at the Ocean Sports Beach Hut for your cruise.
• Admission Ticket Free
fter checking in at the Ocean Sports Beach Hut at Anaeho’omalu Bay, you’ll access the tender boat ramp by walking through the water at the shoreline (depending on wind and sea conditions, you may be walking through knee deep water, but there will be crew available to assist you). The tender boat pulls right alongside the legendary sailing catamaran, and you walk up three short steps to board (again, the crew will assist you).
Once on-board, you’ll be offered a tropical cocktail or soft drink as you familiarize yourself with the catamaran and the seating areas in the cabin and on deck. Besides the bench seating, you’l find two large netted trampolines (perfect for lounging) on the bow. Going aft, you’ll find bench seating along the cabin and at the stern of the boat.
As you get underway, the USCG licensed captain will introduce you to the boat and the crew, and provide a short safety orientation. An assortment of cold pupu (appetizers) are available throughout the cruise, A complimentary bar is open for the duration of the charter featuring tropical cocktails, a short bar, local beers on tap, red and white wines, and soft drinks.
As you leave the bay, the crew will pull the sails, and you’ll begin the search for spouts and splashes from the Humpback Whales. The on board naturalist will be available to answer all your Humpback Whale questions and also provide interpretation of the whales’ behaviors. The captain will maneuver the vessel to provide you with the best views (and best photo ops) of the whales. This local operator is proud to follow the federal regulations protecting the Humpbacks. They will not approach a Humpback closer than 100 yards or maneuver the vessel in any way that might alter the behavior of the whales. If the weather permits, the captain will stop the vessel and deploy the underwater hydrophone so that you can hear the haunting songs of the Humpback Whales too!
Throughout the cruise, you can help yourself to appetizers (though the friendly crew will be happy to bring them to you — as well as refresh your beverages). Watch for the “green flash” as the sun sets over the horizon! Your captain will turn the boat and head back into the bay, securing the vessel on the mooring 90 minutes after the departure time. Deboarding the catamaran is as easy as boarding, and you’ll take the tender boat back to shore..
• Admission Ticket Free