Kauai Whale Season 2024
Best Whale Watching in Kauai
Each year Kohola (humpback whales) swim from their Alaskan feeding grounds to the warm waters of Hawaii. The whales migrate across the Pacific Ocean, navigating by instinct alone. Hawaii is their winter home, a place to play, give birth, and start new generations. Capt Andy's sailing and raft tours provide an opportunity to see these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.
Peak whale watching Kauai season is January through March. Kauai whale watch tours run from December to April. The best time of day to see whales is in the morning. The second best time to see whales in Kauai is late afternoon. If it's your goal to see whales in Kauai, plan accordingly.
Why Capt Andy's? | Hawaii Humpback whales | Whale watching tips | Humpack Behavior
Kauai Whale Watch Tours
4-4.5 HoursFrom $245Departure
An extraordinary Kauai sunset cruise with Capt Andy's. Indulge in an adventure along the stunning Na Pali Coast and watch ... More Info
5.5 hours7:15 AM Check InFrom $245Departure
Enjoy an amazing morning of excitement and adventure on Captain Andy's premier Kauai morning snorkel cruise. Prepare to experience the ... More Info
4 hours7:30 AM Check InFrom $224Departure
Explore sea caves and waterfalls and enjoy up-close wildlife and snorkeling on one of our custom 24' rigid-hull rafts. Snacks ... More Info
6 hours9:30 AM Check InFrom $245Departure
Explore sea caves and waterfalls, land on a remote beach to tour the ruins of an ancient Hawaiian fishing village ... More Info
4 hours12:30 PM Check-inFrom $224Departure
Explore sea caves and waterfalls and enjoy up-close wildlife and snorkeling on one of our custom 24' rigid-hull rafts. Snacks ... More Info
Winter Only2 hoursFrom $99AM/PM Departure
Experience Hawaiian Humpback whales up close from our custom 24' rigid-hull rafts. Beverages included. No snorkeling. December through April only ... More Info
"My husband and I did the whale watching zodiac boat tour in March and had a blast! The captain and crew were amazing! We had so much fun, I came back in September with my sisters and did the longer Na Pali coast zodiac boat tour and had a great time. The captain, Chase, was so kind! He did great navigating the swells:) Victoria was so much fun! She ensured we all had a blast! The time spent on the beach was the perfect break. Victoria took us on a little tour of the beach and shared Hawaiian history, she was so animated and told the stories so well! The ride back to the dock was so much fun!"
— Susanne Atondo, Oct 2023
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Kauai Whale Watching Tours with Capt Andy's
Best Time For Whale Watching in Hawaii
Kauai is a humpback whale national marine sanctuary.
Kauai whale watching season is from January through March. The best time of the day for whale watching on Kauai is in the morning. The wind is generally gentler in the morning, and the waters are calmer, making it easier to see the whales. Whales are also more active in the morning when they feed and socialize.
However, the best time of day to see whales in Kauai has several factors, including weather. Whale sightings are easiest in low wind which may be in the afternoon depending on the day. More important than the time of day will be your Captain's experience in Kauai's waters.
Experienced Captains are Important
Capt Andy's has decades of whale watching experience. Our captains know the best places to see whales in Kauai's waters, and how to share the waters with these amazing sea mammals. Our Captains also provide educational information about the whales.
Hawaii's 100 Yard Rule
Our seasoned captains expertly scan the horizon for signs of whale activity. When the Captain spots a whale, he'll cautiously steer toward their vicinity. Hawaii's "100-yard minimum" law ensures that boats do not get too close to these endangered species. Whales often approach crafts of their own accord, sometimes even swimming under the boat.
Rafts Provide The Closest Action
Ideal for those seeking more adventure, the Wet & Wild Raft Expedition brings you closest to the action. These rapid-moving, 24-foot-rigid-hull inflatables sit low on the water and when whales are encountered, there is a feeling of being right there with them at sea level.
Hydrophones
All of Captain Andy's vessels are equipped with hydrophones which allow for listening to the whale "songs", which can be heard from more than 20 miles away and can last up to 20 minutes.