Snorkeling and whale watching off Kaua'i: private boat

Watch 30-ton humpbacks breach while you choose between whales and snorkeling

Private whale watching and snorkeling activity off Kaua'i, departing from the harbor at 7:30 am and returning around 12:30 pm. You split the five hours between whale watching and snorkeling however you prefer—generally a few hours watching humpbacks, then snorkeling when the sun warms the water. Bottled water, snacks, snorkel equipment and an English-speaking guide are included; parking is free.

The Experience

You meet at the harbor at 7:30 am. The boat heads out during humpback season, when the whales have traveled 3,000 miles from polar feeding grounds to breed in Hawaiian waters. What you see depends on the day: humpbacks breaching completely out of the water, tail slapping, pec slapping, spy hopping (they look back at you), or heat runs where males compete for a female. Because the boat is private, you and your group decide the rhythm—spend most of the morning on whales, or split the time between them and the reef. The guide speaks English and knows what's happening in the water.

When the sun comes out and the water warms, you move to snorkeling. The operator provides all the equipment; you bring reef-safe sunscreen, a jacket, towel, hat and sunglasses. Bottled water and snacks are on board. You're back at the dock around 12:30 pm. Parking is free on the right side of the harbor lot when you pull in.

What’s included

Snorkel equipment, bottled water, snacks, and an English-speaking guide who knows the whales and the reef.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Explore Kauai Scuba

Is this one for you?The English-speaking guide means you follow the commentary without translation, which matters if you want to understand the whale behaviors as they happen. The private boat is built for groups who want to decide their own pace—spend the morning on whales, or split the time between them and the reef, depending on what the water and the day offer.

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Top questions

What do humpback whales do when they're in Hawaiian waters?

Humpback whales breed in Hawaiian waters after traveling 3,000 miles from polar feeding grounds. During the season, you can see them breach completely out of the water, tail slap, pec slap, spy hop (look back at you), or engage in heat runs where males compete to mate with a female.

Can I choose how much time to spend whale watching versus snorkeling?

Yes. Because the boat is private, you control how to split the five hours. Generally the group spends a few hours watching whales, then moves to snorkeling when the sun comes out and the water warms, but you decide what suits your group.

What snorkeling equipment do I need to bring?

The operator provides all snorkel gear. You bring reef-safe sunscreen, a jacket, towel, hat and sunglasses. Bottled water and snacks are included on the boat.

What time does the boat leave and return?

You meet at the harbor at 7:30 am and return to the dock around 12:30 pm, for a total of about five hours on the water.

Is parking available at the harbor?

Yes, parking is free. It's on the right-hand side when you pull into the harbor lot.