Big Island Whale and Dolphin Watching

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Whale and Dolphin Watching - Big Island Hawaii

Yes, the seasonal humpback whales have migrated back to colder waters of Alaska to feed. But there are plenty of other interesting whales and dolphins to see that never leave Hawaiian waters. These "year-round" whale species have been showcased on National Geographic Explorer and many other nature television programs.

At least seven species frequent the waters off the Big Island. Only one of them, the humpback, is migratory while the other six whale species feed in Hawaiian waters year-round! Some are larger than humpbacks, like the giant sperm whale of "Moby Dick" fame. Others, like Hawaiian pilot, false killer, beaked and melon-headed whales can be found in groups ranging from 6 to over 1000 whales! Because they cannot be easily viewed from the shoreline, like the attention-getting humpbacks or spinner dolphins, visitors here often overlook these playful native whale species.

Big Island Hawaii Whale and Dolphin Watching

Capt. Dan - See Nature's Gentle Giants! Dan goes the extra distance to find you more whales. The Kona coast of the Big Island of Hawaii offers some of the best whale watching anywhere in the world. You may only get one chance to see Whales up this close.

Living Ocean Adventures - offers a personalized excursion (six-passengers maximum) with owner/operator Tom Bottrell, a professionally trained marine ecologist and USCG licensed Master since 1977. Our whale and dolphin watching outings regularly produce spectacular results. Pods of humpback whales, schools of fish, spinning dolphins and magnificent sea turtles are regular sightings.

Fair Wind - Aboard the Fair Wind II catamaran, sail across the open ocean and enjoy the panoramic views of the remote Kona Coast and the vast scenery atop Fair Wind’s upper sun deck. Quite often, witness a show of spinning dolphins, flying fish and breaching whales as they add to the water magic.

Kamanu Charters - We see the awesome Humpback whales almost every day from January to mid March. We pass by Kaiwi Point to and from our snorkel site at Pawai Bay and the point is a major thoroughfare for the Humpbacks.

Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary - lies within the shallow warm waters surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands and constitutes one of the world's most important humpback whale habitats. Through education, research, and resource protection activities, the sanctuary strives to protect humpback whales and their habitat in Hawai`i.

You Tube Video - Surfing with Whales - Big Island Hawaii

You Tube Video - Birth of a Humpback Whale, Kohala HI

You Tube Video - Nico's Humpback Whale Watch at the Waikoloa Beach

You Tube Video - Whale watch and dolphin swim on the Big Island