Private Whale Watch And Snorkel

Private Whale Watch and Snorkel off Kaua'i runs through Explore Kauai Scuba. Rated 5.0 across 5 reviews. Runs 5 hours (approx.). From $1300.

Overview

This private tour with Explore Kauai Scuba combines whale watching with snorkelling, and only your group is on the boat. You meet the crew at Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor in Kekaha at 7:30 in the morning, look for a grey truck with blue fins on top, and set out from there. The trip ends back at the same harbor.

On the water the focus is the whales, and reviewers describe close encounters, including whales spy hopping and rolling right beside the boat. When conditions allow, the trip shifts to snorkelling with provided gear. One recent guest reported that recent storms prevented the snorkel portion entirely, though the whale sightings made up for it.

Snacks, bottled water, snorkel equipment and an English-speaking guide are all included; hotel pickup and private transportation are not. The crew gets repeated praise for going out of their way for guests, including one family travelling with an 81-year-old parent with mobility issues, who said they were looked after from dock to dock. The listing notes that most travellers can participate.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Kikiaola HarborArrive at Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor, 8932 Kekaha Rd, Kekaha, by 7:30 am. Park on the right in the grassy field and walk to the dock.
2. Find the crewLook for a grey truck with blue fins on top at the dock, where the Explore Kauai Scuba crew will be waiting.
3. Whale watching on the waterHead out from the harbor for the whale watching portion of the roughly five-hour trip, with only your group aboard.
4. Snorkelling when conditions allowSnorkel using the provided equipment when sea conditions permit. One reviewer reported this portion was skipped after recent storms.
5. Return to the harborThe activity ends back at the meeting point at Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you plan this trip, from what to wear to how the weather can change the day.

• What to wear. The listing recommends a hat, sunglasses, and a sunshirt or jacket to cover your skin. You will be on the water for roughly five hours, so sun protection matters.
• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup or private transportation included. You need to make your own way to Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor in Kekaha for the 7:30 am start.
• Private group feel. This is a private tour, so only your group participates. Reviewers travelling with elderly parents said the crew took extra care with mobility issues and treated them like family throughout.
• Snacks and water. Snacks and bottled water are included, along with use of snorkelling equipment. You will not need to bring your own gear.
• Weather flexibility. The experience requires good weather, and one reviewer reported the snorkel was skipped after recent storms while the whale watching went ahead. If the operator cancels for poor weather, a different date or a full refund is offered.
• Photos and video. One reviewer mentioned an underwater video of the encounter filmed with a phone dunked in the water from the boat, which was later shared with the group.

Common issues. The honest limits: there is no hotel pickup or transport of any kind included, and you must make your own way to Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor in Kekaha. The trip is not wheelchair accessible, and the listing does not recommend it for pregnant travellers, while infants must sit on laps. One reviewer had the snorkel portion cancelled because of recent storms, so sea conditions can shape what the day actually includes. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted.

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