Whale Watch
Whale Watch EcoAdventure
Experience the majestic Humpback Whales on our seasonal whale-watching tours, offered late January through March. Step aboard one of our Newton Custom Dive Special boats and witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat—breaching, tail-slapping, spy hopping, and frolicking in warm Hawaiian waters.
Tours depart from Honokohau Harbor in Kona, Hawaii, with check-in at 9:30 AM. This EcoAdventure is both awe-inspiring and educational, guided by our professional crew. Directions and confirmation details will be emailed after booking. Don’t miss this unforgettable opportunity to see whales and other wildlife in person!
Note: Check in at 9:30 AM. Tour duration is approximately 3 hours.
Whale Watching Private Charter
$125 per person
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Enjoy our 2.5 hour whale watch tour led by our professional captains, snorkel guides, and divemasters.
Your charter includes:
Incredible opportunities to view humpback whales as they breach, surface, and show their flukes.
An educational briefing from our guides about humpback whale behavior and migration.
Live whale songs captured through our onboard hydrophone.
Disclaimer: Keep your eyes open! Our spacious boat has ample about of view point from the cabin, upper Captain’s deck, and bow to spot the whales’ flukes and even breaching!
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Complimentary snacks, juices, soft drinks, iced water and hot beverages (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and soup) will be provided.
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Jacket or Sweater
Sunscreen
Beach bag or backpack
Why Dive With Us?
We prioritize safety above all to ensure every guest enjoys a secure and memorable experience with these majestic creatures. Our PADI-certified crew follows strict protocols, provides expert guidance, and equips guests with top-quality, well-maintained snorkeling and diving gear.
Before entering the water, guests receive clear instructions on observing marine life safely, with a strict no-touch policy to protect both divers and the animals. Tours are conducted with minimal environmental impact, promoting responsible marine life interaction and preserving Hawaii’s fragile ocean ecosystem.
Our Discounts
We’re proud to offer 15% off to U.S. educators, military members, and first responders—mahalo for your service! Hawaii residents qualify for Kama’aina.
Group discounts available for parties of 8 or more guests.
Fill out the form below.
FAQs
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We recommend booking 2–3 weeks in advance, as our Manta Ray Night EcoAdventures are extremely popular and often sell out.
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We check in directly at our boat in Honokohau Harbor. Check-in times vary monthly to align with sunset and will be included in your confirmation email.
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We typically visit Garden Eel Cove near the airport, but the captain selects the best site each night based on ocean conditions.
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Over 200 manta rays call the Kona Coast home, with an 85% chance of sightings year-round!
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Yes. Because this is a night dive, PADI regulations require all divers to be Open Water certified and at least 12 years old. If you are not Open Water certified, we highly recommend snorkeling with the manta rays instead.
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If you are a PADI-certified diver, you can obtain an e-card immediately from the PADI website. If you are certified with SSI, SDI, or NAUI, you can verify your certification on their websites. Please show your digital or printed certification to our divemaster at check-in along with a photo ID. If you need assistance, contact us as soon as possible.
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Both tours are a lot of fun and offer unique experiences. The 5-hour tour includes a pre-sunset reef dive or snorkel to spot marine life, followed by a sunset at the manta site and a night dive or snorkel with these gentle giants.
The 3-hour tour features a relaxing cruise along the Kona coast, sunset viewing, and a night dive or snorkel with the world-famous manta rays. The choice depends on how much time you want to spend on the water and what fits your schedule.
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6 certified divers to 1 divemaster.
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Yes, simply add a note in the “Special requests” box while booking online and we will have complimentary nitrox tanks for you.
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Once it gets dark, you’ll enter the water with your snorkel guide and gather around our paddleboard with built-in lights and handles for 35–45 minutes.
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Please book this EcoAdventure on our Divers & Snorkelers boat, The Manta, and we recommend making a single reservation for your entire party.
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The ride-along option is for guests who want to join their party on the tour without entering the water.
They’ll enjoy scenic views of the Kona Coast and the sunset, though sightings of manta rays from the boat are unlikely.
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Certified divers must be 12 years or older, and snorkelers must be 6 years or older.
The ride-along option has no age limit, but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
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Water temperatures vary, averaging around 76°F and reaching up to 80°F during the summer months.
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No, please arrive at the time listed in your confirmation email. We will prepare the gear based on the heights and weights provided in your reservation.
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Once it gets dark, you’ll enter the water with your divemaster for a one-tank dive lasting about 45 minutes. The cove’s depth ranges from 35 to 53 ft.
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The Mantalorian accommodates 16–20 guests, including divers and snorkelers.
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Ultimately, the captain decides which sites to visit each day based on ocean conditions. Possible sites include Long Lava Tube, The Dome, Driftwood, Amphitheater, Chimneys, and more!
Our Policies
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Purchasing trip protection lets you cancel or reschedule your tour for any reason up to 24 hours before the start time.
You will be reimbursed for the full ticket price minus the cost of trip protection and processing fees. No-shows and parties arriving more than 5 minutes late will not be reimbursed.
Trip protection is not available to students or DSDs.
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This charter requires a minimum of 6 guests to operate, with charter minimums set at the company’s discretion based on guest needs and group composition.
Any changes will be communicated promptly via phone, text, and email. -
If weather or surf conditions are unsafe, our captains will assess and make the final decision.
Scheduled charters may be canceled for safety, and we will contact all guests to offer a reschedule or full refund. -
We have a strict no-alcohol policy before and during our EcoAdventures.
We reserve the right to refuse service without a refund if guests ignore the safety standards outlined on our website or during the reservation process, or if we determine it is unsafe for any reason to participate.
Guest and crew safety is our top priority.
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Reservations can be canceled for a full refund up to 48 hours before departure.
Cancellations or changes within 48 hours of departure will be charged the full price.
Guests arriving more than 5 minutes late will forfeit their booking and will not be refunded. In these cases, the trip is considered redeemed and cannot be rescheduled.
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Manta rays are wild animals, and sightings can be affected by seasonal conditions.
If manta rays are not seen during your charter, you can return for free at any time—this guarantee is valid for a lifetime.
Refunds are not offered for “No Manta” evenings.
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All guests are responsible for arriving on time. Check-in is at Honokohau Marina & Small Boat Harbor at the time listed for your charter.
Please allow enough time to park, gather your items, and walk to Slip C-01.Guests must check in with our team no later than 5 minutes after the scheduled time. Late arrivals may forfeit their tour.
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All EcoAdventures will be charged Sales Tax (4.7120%).
Harbor Use Fee (3%) & Online Booking Fee (5%).
All major credit cards are accepted.
Prices are subject to change.