Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 483 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure worth booking?
Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure is a 3-hour experience in Big Island of Hawaii, United States, from $124 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 483 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (483)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $124 per person
The experience of watching 40 foot (12 meter) whales from a 24 foot (7 meter) Zodiac raft is something you'll never forget! Following Hawaiian Marine Park laws of stopping at least 100 yards (90 meters) away from these m
What you get
About this experience
The experience of watching 40 foot (12 meter) whales from a 24 foot (7 meter) Zodiac raft is something you'll never forget! Following Hawaiian Marine Park laws of stopping at least 100 yards (90 meters) away from these magnificent animals, you get a close up look at the migrating humpback whales. It is not uncommon for them to be curious about the raft and come right under the boat!
What's included
Included
- Beverages (sodas, fruit juices and bottled water) and snacks
- Rafting expedition
- Local taxes
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop off
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Big Island of Hawaii
Captain Zodiac is located at 74-425 Kealakehe Parkway, suite #16. We are in the Honokohau Marina and small boat harbor located approximately 5 miles south of the Kona Airport and approximately 2 miles north of the town of Kailua-Kona. Meet at our office in the Gentry's Kona Marina parking lot.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Captain Zodiac is located at 74-425 Kealakehe Parkway, suite #16. We are in the Honokohau Marina and small boat harbor located approximately 5 miles south of the Kona Airport and approximately 2 miles north of the town of Kailua-Kona. Meet at our office in the Gentry's Kona Marina parking lot.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Captain Zodiac
Know before you go
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum age is 4 years
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 483 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
483 verified traveler reviews for Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Whale watching on a Zodiac
Enjoyed the whale watching experience
Response from the operator: Very happy to hear that you enjoyed your Whale watch with us!
via Tripadvisor
Disappointed turns to gratitude
Went on the captain zodiac whale watching tour several years ago and it was the highlight of our trip to Kauai. Unfortunately the weather this year did not cooperate so we were all disappointed when it had to be canceled. However we're thankful that the staff was concerned enough about our safety that it was canceled. We received a refund so that helped soothe our disappointment.
Response from the operator: We are so happy to hear your whale watch tour with Captain Zodiac was the highlight of your trip years ago, and we apologize the Kona Low Storm affected your trip back this year. Your safety is our top priority and unfortunately the storm affected all of the Hawai'i islands. We hope to see you back on your next visit to Hawai'i for an adventurous whale watch or Kealakekua Bay snorkel along Kona's beautiful coast!
via Tripadvisor
Saw lots of wildlife and had a good time.
We saw spinner dolphins, 6 whales, wedgies and boobies (birds) we also picked up trash out of the ocean and brought a baby octopus and crab on board that was released. Captain was full of knowledge and jokes 😃. I forgot their names but one has lived on the island for 10 years and the other was on /off for 10 years. Had a good time and we'll worth the money we paid! The boat wasnt too bumpy, although the next few days my butt felt like I was riding a bike forever 🤣
Response from the operator: Mahalo for joining Captain Zodiac on our Whale Watch adventure tour! We are so happy to hear that you loved your captain and crew and had the best wildlife and whale sightings on Kona's coast! We hope to see you back on your next Hawai'i vacation!
via Tripadvisor
Whales, Sharks and Speedboats!
Great crew and a bucket list experience. There was a real National Geographic moment on our trip i which a deceased sperm whale was floating a bit off the coast. We were able to watch sharks feeding and saw trained divers getting into the water to observe. Highly recommend this trip over the slower boats that cant go as far with the time allotted.
Response from the operator: Mahalo for sharing your experience with us! 🌺 It truly sounds like one of those unforgettable moments out on the water. Encounters like that are a powerful reminder of how dynamic and real the ocean ecosystem is. Watching the natural cycle of the ocean unfold — along with the sharks and researchers observing — is definitely something most people never get to see. We’re so glad you enjoyed the adventure and the speed and range of our zodiac-style whale watching tours. Being on a smaller, faster raft really does allow us to explore more of the Kona coastline and reach wildlife that larger boats simply can’t within the same time. Mahalo for choosing Captain Zodiac for your Kona ocean adventure. We hope to see you again for more whale watching and the best snorkeling in Kona! 🤙🐋🌊
via Tripadvisor
Ashley and Alex are the best!
Ashley and Alex were so great. They educated us while finding SO many whales. You can tell they truly care about the species and we learned a lot, but we also got to see so many breaches! We saw flips and turns, spouts and tails... it was amazing! We saw 6 or 7 different whales, including a baby who was quite playful! The zodiac ride is not for the faint of heart-- it's bumpy but FUN and we loved our experience. We would do it again, most definitely!!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 169
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Island of Hawaii.
How much does Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure cost?
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Prices start at $124 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Big Island of Hawaii usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure take?
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Plan for about 3 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 Big Island of Hawaii is not rushed.
Is Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 483 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Big Island of Hawaii, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Zodiac Raft Whale Watching 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 Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure?
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Around 169 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 Big Island of Hawaii 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 Big Island of Hawaii and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Zodiac Raft Whale Watching 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 Big Island of Hawaii 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 Big Island of Hawaii?
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The Big Island is volcano country: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours, Mauna Kea summit stargazing, night manta ray snorkels off Kona, Waipio Valley lookouts and coffee farm visits. Summit tours have real altitude rules, so we weight safety detail. On Outty we rank every Big Island of Hawaii experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings, Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch, Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History. 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 Big Island of Hawaii?
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April to October, though the island runs year round. 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 Big Island of Hawaii?
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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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