Kauai Whale Watch Cocktail Tour: Humpback Whales & Drinks
Two hours on the water chasing humpbacks instead of waiting in a tour van.
The Kauai Whale Watch Cocktail Tour is a 2-hour catamaran cruise along Kauai's south shore searching for humpback whales and dolphins aboard the 'Imiloa, an Express Catamaran. The tour runs during whale season (December through March) and includes complimentary soft drinks, beer, wine, mai tais and individually packaged snacks. Children from age 3 are welcome; the vessel has two full-size restrooms and is staffed by a US Coast Guard licensed captain and trained crew. Expect to get wet—bring a jacket or windbreaker and dress casually.
2h
Step-by-step itinerary
Whale watching cruise on Kauai
- Board the 'Imiloa catamaran
- Cruise along Kauai’s south shore
- Search for humpback whales and dolphins
- Enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks
- Listen to stories about whales
- Return to shore
The Experience
The 'Imiloa departs to cruise Kauai's south shore in search of humpback whales and dolphins. Your captain and crew share stories about the whales while you scan the water, and the catamaran's design keeps the ride smooth enough that you can actually relax between sightings. Light snacks, juice, soda and water are available throughout; adults 21 and over can order beer, wine or mai tais at no extra charge.
The boat carries a US Coast Guard licensed captain and crews trained in CPR, first aid and water safety. Two full-size restrooms are onboard. The vessel itself is USCG inspected and built for passenger comfort, which matters when you're out on the water for the full two hours. Come prepared to get wet—the whole point is being close enough to the whales to see them clearly, so bring a windbreaker or jacket and wear clothes you don't mind salt water on.
What’s included
- Complimentary beer, wine and mai tais for adults 21+ with ID.
- soft drinks, juice, soda and water.
- individually packaged snacks.
- US Coast Guard licensed captain and CPR/first aid trained crew.
- two full-size restrooms aboard the USCG inspected vessel.
Operated by Kauai Sea Tours
Is this one for you?At 2 hours from departure, this tour fits into a morning or afternoon without eating your whole day—you're on the water during peak whale season, not sitting in a van between stops. The catamaran's speed and the captain's experience mean you spend your time actually searching and watching, not traveling to a distant port.
Traveler reviews
Compare the 13 similar options
Kauai Whale Watch Cocktail Tour: Humpback Whales & Drinks★ 4.68 (422)2hUS$ 136
Kauai Whale Watching Tour: Super Raft, Hydrophone & SnacksFeel the thrill of whale watching off Kauai’s coast with a friendly crew, hydrophone listening, and light snacks. Includes restroom onboard and local captain.★ 4.70 (355)2hENUS$ 137View ›
Kauai Na Pali Snorkel Cruise: Catamaran with waterslideSnorkel the Na Pali Coast by catamaran with a waterslide and open bar. Our Coast Guard captain provides all gear for this 5.5-hour adventure along Kauai's dramatic cliffs.★ 4.74 (1,638)5h 30mENUS$ 234View ›
Kauai Na Pali Coast: Sunset Catamaran Tour & Dinner DrinksFeel the ocean breeze as you cruise Kauai’s Na Pali Coast at sunset, with dinner, open bar, and a local crew. Includes pickup and USCG-licensed captain.★ 4.69 (1,610)5hENUS$ 223View ›
Kauai Na Pali Coast: Luxury Catamaran Snorkel & WaterslidesLuxury 65-ft catamaran cruise along Kauai's Na Pali Coast with snorkeling, twin waterslides, open bar & catered lunch. Small groups, USCG captain, 360° ocean views.★ 4.81 (115)5hUS$ 261View ›
Kauai Na Pali Coast: Super Raft Snorkel & Sea Caves37-foot Naiad Super Raft explores Na Pali's 17-mile coastline with snorkeling, sea caves & waterfalls. Includes gear, beverages, snacks. 750 horsepower, small groups.★ 4.81 (1,723)4h 30mENUS$ 235View ›
Kauai Zipline: Longest Lines & Waita Reservoir ViewsKauai's longest zipline course over rainforest and Waita Reservoir. Safety gear, snacks, and tandem zipping for kids included. Check in 15 minutes early at Koloa.★ 4.96 (7,541)3hENUS$ 170View ›
Kauai Scenic Flight: Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon & WaterfallsFly the entire Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon and hundreds of waterfalls on a 65-minute Kauai sightseeing flight with narration★ 4.94 (2,380)1h 5mENUS$ 159View ›
Kauai Doors Off Helicopter Tour: Napali Coast & WaterfallsPrivate doors-off helicopter tour over Kauai's Napali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Jurassic Park Falls with safety briefing and phone lanyards. Small groups, 2+ passengers.★ 4.97 (1,784)1h 15mENUS$ 425View ›
Kauai Helicopter Tour: Doors-Off & Jurassic Falls Private FlightPrivate helicopter tour over Kauai with doors-off seats, Manawaiopuna Falls, Waimea Canyon & Mount Waialeale. 55 minutes, all window positions, live narration included.★ 4.81 (507)55mENUS$ 384View ›
Kauai: 60-Minute Doors-Off Helicopter Tour & Na Pali Coast60-minute doors-off helicopter tour over Kauai's Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon and Mount Waialeale. Includes ground transport from Lihue and pilot commentary.★ 4.85 (420)2h–3hENUS$ 460View ›
Kauai: Na Pali Coast Airplane Tour & Waterfalls Window SeatsFeel the rush of Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon & waterfalls from your own window seat. Includes 60-minute narrated flight, local pilot, & headset for all.★ 4.81 (2,095)1h 5mENUS$ 159View ›
NaPali Coast boat tour Kauai: Native-led catamaran with sea cavesSail the NaPali Coast on a Native family-run catamaran from Waimea with snorkeling, sea caves and lunch included★ 4.89 (2,040)5hENUS$ 227View › 
Top questions
When does whale season happen on Kauai, and will I actually see whales?
Humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters from December through March, and this tour runs during that peak season when sightings are most likely. The 'Imiloa operates specifically to find them during these months, though sightings are never guaranteed—the whales decide where they go.
What drinks and food come with the tour?
Complimentary soft drinks, juice, soda, water and individually packaged snacks are included for all passengers. Adults 21 and over with ID can order beer, wine or mai tais at no extra charge.
Can I bring my young kids on this whale watching tour?
Children from age 3 are welcome aboard the 'Imiloa, and they must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 3 are not permitted. The boat has two full-size restrooms, which helps with younger passengers.
How long is the actual tour, and when do I need to arrive?
The tour runs 2 hours from departure time, not from check-in. Plan to arrive early enough to check in before your departure window so the boat can leave on schedule.
What should I wear and bring for a whale watching tour on the water?
Dress casually and bring a jacket or windbreaker—you will get wet. The catamaran gets close to the whales, so salt spray and splashes are part of the experience. Wear clothes you don't mind getting soaked.
Kauai Whale Watch Cocktail Tour: Humpback Whales & Drinks
2h
from US$ 136 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.68422 reviews
