A Whale watching experience by Body Glove. Back to all Big Island tours.
Tour Summary: Enjoy the thrill of a sea raft ride with none of the drawbacks. Other than most rafts, our vessel is equipped with comfortable seating, shade, and a bathroom!
The Kona Explorer is equipped with twin Suzuki 350s for a fast and fun adventure, and is able to go to farther snorkel sites than most vessels. 
The Kona Explorer is is equipped with comfortable seating, shade, and a bathroom. A whale breaches the surface just off the Kona coast. Image: Body Glove Cruises Two whale fins breach the surface. Image: Body Glove Cruises
4 Tour Highlights:
- An on board marine-life naturalist answers your questions and offers insights on humpback whales and their behaviors.
- Experience up-close encounters with majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat.
- The boat is equipped with twin Suzuki 350s for a fast and fun adventure.
- Hydrophones are available so you can listen to the whales as they communicate underwater
Important: Due to extreme exposure to Fun & Excitement (a fast and bumpy ride), children five years and younger, pregnant women or guests with regular neck or back pain, cannot join this tour.
Tour Information:
| Price: | Adult | Youth |
|---|---|---|
| (excluding taxes & fees) | $125 | $105 |
Tour Provider: Body Glove
Activity: Whale watching
Tour start time: 1:30 pm
Duration: 2.5 hours
Location: Kona Coast
Pick-up available? No
Included: Non alcoholic beevrages, snacks, and sunscreen.
Cancellations: Parties of nine or less will receive full refund with 48 hours notice of cancellation. Parties of ten to 19 require 72 hours notice to receive a full refund. Parties of 20 or more require seven days notice of cancellation for a full refund. Full refunds will be given in case of operator cancellation.
Read more: about whale watching in our Big Island whale watching guide.
Read more about this tour
Embark on an incredible whale-watching adventure aboard a 41ft super-raft and experience up-close encounters with majestic humpback whales. With unmatched speed and agility, this super-raft ensures you won’t miss a moment of this awe-inspiring spectacle.
Enjoy knowledgeable commentary, unobstructed views, and comfortable amenities. This Kona whale watching tour includes sunscreen, soft drinks, and snacks.
10 Reasons to go whale watching on a speedboat (or not!):
When choosing a whale watching cruise one of the most important distinction to make is the type and the size of the vessel used for the tour. A speedboat has several advantages over larger and slower vessels:
Advantages of a speedboat over larger and slower vessels:
- Greater maneuverability: Speedboats are more agile and can change direction quickly. This allows for better maneuverability when trying to follow or approach whales, ensuring a more dynamic and interactive experience for the observers.
- Closer Encounters: Speedboats can often get closer to the whales due to their smaller size and greater flexibility. This provides a more intimate and immersive experience for whale watchers, allowing them to observe the marine mammals up close.
- Faster Travel Times: Speedboats can cover larger distances in a shorter amount of time. This is particularly advantageous when trying to locate whale pods, increasing the chances of encountering more whales during a tour.
- Reduced Environmental Impact: speedboats generally have a smaller environmental footprint compared to larger vessels. They consume less fuel and produce fewer emissions, promoting a more eco-friendly approach to whale watching.
- Enhanced Visibility: Speedboats are typically lower to the water, providing better visibility for passengers. This can be especially beneficial when trying to spot whales at a distance or observe them beneath the water’s surface
Disadvantages of a speedboat over larger and slower vessels:
Being on a smaller and faster vessel also has its downsides. If the following points mean a lot to you then perhaps one of these whale watching tours on larger vessels is better suited to your needs.
- Limited Stability: Speedboats are generally smaller and may not provide the same level of stability as larger vessels. In rough seas, passengers on a speedboat may experience more motion, potentially leading to discomfort or seasickness.
- Reduced Amenities: Speedboats often have fewer amenities compared to larger vessels. This may include less seating, limited shelter from the elements, and fewer onboard facilities, which could affect the overall comfort of passengers.
- Weather Dependency: Speedboat tours may be more dependent on favorable weather conditions due to their smaller size and lower stability. Adverse weather, such as high winds or rough seas, could result in cancellations or a less enjoyable experience.
- Noise Level: Speedboats can be noisier than larger vessels, which might impact the overall experience for both passengers and marine life.
- Limited Observation Space: The smaller size of speedboats may provide limited deck space for passengers to move around and observe whales comfortably. This could be a drawback for those who prefer more spacious viewing areas.
About Body Glove
Body Glove Hawaii is certified by the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaiʻi which means that their tours are eco-friendly, culturally educational, and as sustainable as possible.
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