Tour / Activity Description

COVID-19 Protocols Updates

• As of March 26, 2022, Hawaii's Safe Travels Program no longer exists, meaning there are no travel restrictions or mandates for domestic USA travelers. Travelers arriving in Hawaii from international airports must still comply with U.S. federal requirements. Consult with your airline for details.

Sailing along the beautiful Coast of the North Shore and watching the giant humpback whales is something you do not want to miss while visiting Oahu!

The 40-foot catamaran you will ride in is the perfect boat for whale watching - it is just the right size to keep you close to the ocean, but big enough to be a safe and stable viewing platform. There are very few whale watching tours in Haleiwa and, as a matter of fact, this is the only commercial sailing catamaran on the whole North Shore. The whales do not get frightened or disturbed by the boat because most of the time we are under sail, and when it does motor, the small outboard engines are very quiet and unobtrusive. The boat's underwater hydrophone lets you hear the singing, clicking and moaning that goes on between the groups of humpbacks. It is a truly amazing experience!

It is your crew's goal to help you experience the spectacular whale watching Hawaii has to offer, while providing education about the behavior of humpback whales and their natural environment. They keep a respectful distance from the whales. Hawaiian waters are their winter breeding grounds, where they should find a peaceful environment with little harassment by humans. However, often the whales are the curious ones and decide to check out the boat! They can come right next to the boat and hover for a few minutes for some "human watching." At those times, you will be only feet away from these gentle giants.

Humpback Whales, or Na Kohola, as they are called in Hawaii, are a very important part of the Hawaii marine ecosystem and a long standing icon in native Hawaiian culture. In order to fully appreciate Hawaii whale watching, it helps to have some basic knowledge about humpback whales. Whales are air-breathing mammals. As they surface they exhale strongly which shows as a powerful "spout." When they dive down, showing you their massive flukes as they glide beneath the water, they leave behind a disturbance in the water called a "foot print." Of course the most spectacular sight is a breaching humpback, where the whale propels its massive body out of the water, rotates sideways in the air and hits the surface in an explosion of water. Fighting males put on a great show to impress the females and to intimidate their opponents. They head butt and charge each other, leap, splash and posture in a wild display of mating behaviors.

You will never forget your time spent with these majestic humpback whales off Oahu's North Shore!

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Haleiwa from Waikiki? -- It's about 1 hour driving time from Waikiki, via H1 and H2.

What time of year can I expect to see whales in Hawaii? -- The humpback whales migrate to Hawaii from December to May every year. Whale watching tours in Hawaii are during these months. Exact start and finish of the season varies each year, depending on when the whales make their migration.

How close do we get to the whales? -- You will see breaches and blows anywhere from miles away to a hundred yards off the side of the boat...sometimes even closer, but that would be only if the whales move in on their own for a closer look. The crew always does their best to provide you with a great vantage point for observation without harassment to the whales, as the coast surrounding the Hawaiian Islands is supposed to be their peaceful Winter sanctuary. Being chased and herded by motor boats is NOT the whales' idea of fun!

Do you guarantee whale sightings? -- During the peak whale seasons of January through mid-March, the crew can guarantee a sighting. If you don't see whales you can come back for free. December, April, and May are more transitional and less reliable months. The crew does not guarantee a sighting during those months, but will do their best to find the whales.

Do you ever see dolphins? -- You'll often see dolphins, but not every day. Like all wild animals, it is up to them when they want to be seen. On lucky days they will come right up to the boat and play.

Is a catamaran different than traditional sailing? -- Catamarans are smoother-riding than single hulled vessels. This 40' catamaran is the perfect size for a sailing adventure off the coast of Oahu. The sailing catamaran is Coast Guard certified for 27 passengers, this tour has a max passenger count of 16.

Do you provide food and beverages? -- All tours include complementary non-alcoholic beverages. No food is included on the whale watching tour.

What should I bring on my Oahu whale watching cruise? -- Be prepared for lots of fun! You should be prepared for the warm Hawaiian sun, and the occasional passing shower. Please bring a light jacket, your camera, sunscreen, a hat and your bathing suit.

Can I get seasick during this trip? -- The catamaran is very stable, but a few people get seasick. If you are prone to motion sickness or have never been on a boat, it would be wise to take a sea sickness preventative at least one hour before the trip. If you aren't sure, just come prepared with a motion sickness remedy, in case you or someone in your party unexpectedly feels unwell.

How far in advance should I book my tour? -- The earlier you book your Oahu whale watching tour, the better. These sorts of cruises tend to sell out quickly!

Is there anything else to do in the area for those in my party that are not going on the boat? -- Absolutely. The harbor is surrounded by beautiful public beaches. The harbor is located within walking distance of lots of great shops and sightseeing in Haleiwa town.

48 Hours Minimum Advance Booking Required. Hotel pick-up not included. This tour departs from Haleiwa, on the North Shore of Oahu. Please order online or call 212-852-4822 to order or for more information.