Kauai Whale Season 2024-25
Best Whale Watching in Kauai
Kauai is a Humpback Marine Sanctuary.
Each year Kohola (humpback whales) swim from their Alaskan feeding grounds to the warm waters of Hawaii. The whales migrate across the Pacific Ocean, navigating by instinct alone. Hawaii is their winter home, a place to play, give birth, and start new generations.
Peak whale watching Kauai season is January through March. Kauai whale watch tours run from December to April. The best time of day to see whales is in the morning. The second best time to see whales in Kauai is late afternoon. If it's your goal to see whales in Kauai, plan accordingly.
All Capt Andy's sailing and raft tours provide an opportunity to see these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. If you want to focus on whale watching, please select the Raft Whale Watch tour.
Kauai Whale Watch Tours
Elegant Atmosphere. Lounge seating. Open air.
Onboard Chef. Gourmet dinner. Premium bar.
Panoramic ocean and sunset views of Na Pali.
Luxury Catamaran designed for snorkeling.
Chef made BBQ lunch. Open bar after snorkeling.
Wildlife encounters. Premium snorkel gear.
Explore sea caves & waterfalls on 24' rafts.
Up-close wildlife encounters and snorkeling.
Snacks & beverages included.
Up-Close whale encounters (Dec through Apr).
Luxury Catamaran. Open Air Decks.
Wildlife encounters. Expert guided narration.
Up-Close whale encounters (Dec through Apr).
Get closer to the action with a nimble vessel.
Beverages included. No snorkeling.
Elegant Atmosphere. Lounge seating. Open air.
Onboard Chef. Gourmet dinner. Premium bar.
Panoramic ocean and sunset views of Na Pali.
Luxury Catamaran designed for snorkeling.
Chef made BBQ lunch. Open bar after snorkeling.
Wildlife encounters. Premium snorkel gear.
Explore sea caves & waterfalls on 24' rafts.
Up-close wildlife encounters and snorkeling.
Snacks & beverages included.
Up-Close whale encounters (Dec through Apr).
Luxury Catamaran. Open Air Decks.
Wildlife encounters. Expert guided narration.
Up-Close whale encounters (Dec through Apr).
Get closer to the action with a nimble vessel.
Beverages included. No snorkeling.
Kauai Whale Watching Tours with Capt Andy's
Best Time For Whale Watching in Hawaii
Kauai whale watching season is from January through March. The best time of the day for whale watching on Kauai is in the morning. The wind is generally gentler in the morning, and the waters are calmer, making it easier to see the whales. Whales are also more active in the morning when they feed and socialize.
However, the best time of day to see whales in Kauai has several factors, including weather. Whale sightings are easiest in low wind which may be in the afternoon depending on the day. More important than the time of day will be your Captain's experience in Kauai's waters.
Experienced Captains are Important
Capt Andy's has decades of whale watching experience. Our captains know the best places to see whales in Kauai's waters, and how to share the waters with these amazing sea mammals. Our Captains also provide educational information about the whales.
Hawaii's 100 Yard Rule
Our seasoned captains expertly scan the horizon for signs of whale activity. When the Captain spots a whale, he'll cautiously steer toward their vicinity. Hawaii's "100-yard minimum" law ensures that boats do not get too close to these endangered species. Whales often approach crafts of their own accord, sometimes even swimming under the boat.
Rafts Provide The Closest Action
Ideal for those seeking more adventure, the Wet & Wild Raft Expedition brings you closest to the action. These rapid-moving, 24-foot-rigid-hull inflatables sit low on the water and when whales are encountered, there is a feeling of being right there with them at sea level.