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.

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.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 36 · max 4 per booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearby

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.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

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.

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.