What Sets Private Whale-Watching Tours In Kona Apart From Group Tours?
Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kona is famous for its stunning coastline and rich marine life. While plenty of fun activities are available, one of the most exciting and unique activities you can do in Kona is whale watching.
What is Whale Watching?
Whale watching is an outdoor activity where people go to see whales in their natural habitat. It involves taking a trip to watch whales swimming in the ocean. Tourists often go on boats to see whales, but there have been cases where the whales can be spotted from land.
Whale watching typically works like this: People board specific boats designed for whale-watching tours. Trained guides take these boats to areas where whales are frequently spotted. Everyone on board then looks for signs of whales, such as water spouts or fins breaking the surface. When whales are spotted, the boat moves closer but maintains a safe distance to avoid disturbing the whales. Passengers then watch the whales as they swim, breathe, and sometimes jump out of the water.
During a whale watching trip, you might see different types of whales, like humpbacks, gray whales, or blue whales. You could observe whales swimming alone or in groups. Often, you’ll see whales blowing water from their blowholes or diving and showing their tails. If you’re lucky, you might witness whales jumping out of the water, an activity known as breaching. Sometimes, other sea animals like dolphins or seals make an appearance, too.
Why Go On A Private Whale Watching Tour?
While both private and group tours offer the chance to see these magnificent creatures, private whale watching tours in Kona have some special features that set them apart.
Personalized Experience
The most significant difference between private and group tours is the level of personalization. On a private tour, you, your family or friends, and the boat crew. This means the entire experience can be tailored to your interests and preferences.
For instance, on a private tour, you can request to stay at a whale watching spot longer. If you want to learn more about the local marine life, you can ask the guide to focus on that. This level of personalization is harder to get on a group tour, where the guide is required to cater to different interests.
Flexible Scheduling
As mentioned, private tours often offer more flexible scheduling. While group tours usually have set departure times, private tours can often be arranged at a time that suits you best. This can be especially helpful if you have a busy vacation schedule or if you want to go whale watching at a specific time of day, like sunset.
More Space and Comfort
Group whale watching tours can sometimes feel crowded, especially during peak season. You might have to jostle for the best viewing spots or need help to hear the guide’s explanations.
On a private tour, you have the whole boat to yourself. This means more space to move around, better views, and a more comfortable experience overall. You can easily move from one side of the boat to the other to get the best view of the whales.
Quieter Environment
Whales are sensitive to noise; a quieter environment can sometimes lead to better whale encounters. Private tours usually have fewer people, which means less noise and disturbance. This could lead to longer or closer whale sightings. It also creates a more peaceful atmosphere for you to enjoy the beauty of the ocean and its inhabitants.
In-Depth Learning
With fewer people on board, the guide can provide more detailed information and answer all your questions. You can talk in-depth about whale behavior, marine biology, and Hawaiian culture. This interaction with a knowledgeable guide can significantly enhance your understanding and appreciation of the whales and their habitat.
Customized Route
While all whale watching boats must follow regulations about how close they can get to whales, private tours often have more flexibility in their routes. The captain can adjust the course based on recent whale sightings or your interests. For example, if you’re also interested in seeing dolphins or particular coastal features, the tour can be adapted to include these.
Better Photo Opportunities
For photography enthusiasts, private tours can offer better opportunities to capture that perfect whale shot. With more space and flexibility, you can position yourself for the best angles without worrying about other tourists getting in your way.
Some private tours even cater specifically to photographers, with guides who understand the best conditions and positions for whale photography.
Family-Friendly
Private tours can be perfect for families with young children or elderly members. The crew can adjust the tour to suit your family’s needs, whether going slower, taking more frequent breaks, or focusing on child-friendly explanations. This can make the experience more enjoyable and less stressful for everyone.
Book an Experience With Us
If you’re looking for a reliable company to 
book your whale watching tour with, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Kona Ocean Adventures, we help our guests explore the beautiful marine life of Hawaii up close. Our certified professionals are experts in fostering a safe and engaging learning environment for guests of all levels, novice or advanced divers and seafarers.
Aside from whale watching, we offer unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as night diving with manta rays and reef snorkeling.
Contact us today to find out more about our tours.