
Kauai's South Side Whale and Dolphin Zodiac Boat Adventure
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 168 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kauai's South Side Whale and Dolphin Zodiac Boat Adventure worth booking?
Kauai's South Side Whale and Dolphin Zodiac Boat Adventure is a 2.5-hour experience in Kauai, United States, from $158 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 168 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (168)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $158 per person
Experience the awe of Kauai’s whale watching season as you journey just off the island’s coast to witness the migration of Hawaii’s humpback whales. Each winter from December through May, these gentle giants make their w
What you get
About this experience
Experience the awe of Kauai’s whale watching season as you journey just off the island’s coast to witness the migration of Hawaii’s humpback whales. Each winter from December through May, these gentle giants make their way to Kauai’s warm waters, putting on an unforgettable show of breaching, tail slapping, and singing that delights visitors of all ages. There’s nothing like the thrill of spotting a spout on the horizon, hearing a massive splash, or catching the haunting notes of a whale’s song echoing through the ocean. Share this rare encounter with family and friends and return home with stories to last a lifetime, no snorkeling required, just pure adventure and the magic of the wild Pacific.
What's included
Included
- Guided whale and dolphin watching tour
- Bottled water
- Coast Guard certified captain and crew
- Snacks
- Dry Bag for personal belongings
- Life jackets and all required safety gear
Not included
- Rain/Splash Jackets (Available for purchase)
- Hotel pick-up and drop off
- Gratuities
- Towels
- Trip Protection (No Refunds Within 24-Hour Cancellation Policy For Any Reason - No Exceptions)
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kauai
Please refer to the detailed confirmation email that WE will send you once you provide all of the necessary details to finalize your reservation. **WE CANNOT PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION, PLEASE MAKE ARRANGEMENTS PRIOR TO GETTING TO ISLAND**
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please refer to the detailed confirmation email that WE will send you once you provide all of the necessary details to finalize your reservation. **WE CANNOT PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION, PLEASE MAKE ARRANGEMENTS PRIOR TO GETTING TO ISLAND**
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Z Tourz
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- All passengers must be 5 years of age or older
- This is an ADVENTURE and not a leisure cruise.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 167 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
167 verified traveler reviews for Kauai's South Side Whale and Dolphin Zodiac Boat Adventure. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
David and Drew were great boat guides!!
David and Drew were great boat guides and captains. They were so personable, very friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. We had such a great time. They pointed out wildlife, landmarks and told a lot of native, cultural facts along our tour. Great trip!
via Viator
Shore to please! Best views.
We loved being close to the water and seeing the dolphins, whales, and turtles. We felt very safe and comfortable. Snacks and drinks were appreciated. The captain and crew were fabulous.
via Viator
Best whale watch we’ve been on
We had the most amazing experience with Captain Drew and Keoni on our whale watch tour! They were focused on providing us with the type of adventure we were looking for, all while emphasizing safety. They were also very informative of island history. And the biggest bonus was the incredible amount of whales we encountered!! That is out of their control but we got lucky and saw lots of activity; it was so much fun!
via Tripadvisor
Zodiac Whale Watch Drew and Keoni
Awesome time with Drew and Keoni. Started out with some exhilarating boating, history of the coastline and island. Then the amazement started. Saw a group of whales and Drew got us setup for some spectacular watching as he followed beside them. Got some great photos of a group of 4-5 whales as they surfaced a number of times. Including some great tale shots. As the group would stay under Drew and Keoni would instinctively track the whales movement and we would see them do it all over again. As the tour continued we followed the group of whales, once they resurfaced extremely close to our zodiac. Drew kept our distance as the whales did their thing. Then one whale breached right in front of us at a close range. We were able to stay up with this group of whales the whole time we were out. As we concluded the tour, Drew and Keoni gave us one more thrill ride in. They did a great job with the history and background of Kauai. Definitely would try this tour again. Thanks Drew and Keoni.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent trip
Enjoyed our crew. Very knowledgeable and engaging.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 59
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kauai's South Side Whale and Dolphin Zodiac Boat Adventure: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kauai.
How much does Kauai's South Side Whale and Dolphin Zodiac Boat Adventure cost?
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Prices start at $158 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kauai usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Kauai's South Side Whale and Dolphin Zodiac Boat Adventure take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kauai is not rushed.
Is Kauai's South Side Whale and Dolphin Zodiac Boat Adventure worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 168 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kauai, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kauai's South Side Whale and Dolphin Zodiac Boat Adventure?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Kauai's South Side Whale and Dolphin Zodiac Boat Adventure suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kauai's South Side Whale and Dolphin Zodiac Boat Adventure?
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Around 59 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kauai can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kauai and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kauai's South Side Whale and Dolphin Zodiac Boat Adventure start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kauai within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kauai?
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Kauai sells Na Pali Coast boat and helicopter tours, Waimea Canyon drives, tubing through old plantation ditches and Hanalei kayak trips. Ocean conditions shut down the north shore boat runs in winter, so cancellation terms matter. On Outty we rank every Kauai experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Koloa Zipline in Kauai, Kauai: NaPali Boat Tour on the Amelia K, Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kauai?
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April to June and September to October, with calmest seas in summer. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kauai?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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