Living Ocean Tours' Waikiki Whale Watching and Pink Sails Waikiki's Whale Watching both cost $49 per person. Pink Sails Waikiki lists its Whale Watching tour for Dec 15 to April 15. Price is not the only thing to weigh. Trip length, group size and whether you want snorkeling or a private boat also shape the right pick.
What should you know about cheap whale watching on Oahu?
Living Ocean Tours' listing includes a 1.5 hour whale watching cruise, and Pink Sails Waikiki's tour runs 2 hours. Pink Sails' listing is dated Dec 15 to April 15, so plan around that window.
Extras can change the total cost, so compare what each price includes before you choose.
How much does it cost, and what is included?
Living Ocean Tours and Pink Sails Waikiki both start at $49 per person. Go Hawaii Watersports' 2-Hour Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise from Oahu starts at $54 per person, and its price includes free snacks and soft drinks onboard and a guide with expert commentary.
| Tour | Operator | Price from | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waikiki Whale Watching | Living Ocean Tours | $49 per person | - |
| Whale Watching (Dec 15-April 15) | Pink Sails Waikiki | $49 per person | 2 hours |
| 2-Hour Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise from Oahu | Go Hawaii Watersports | $54 per person | 2 hours |
| Whale Watching + Marine Life Tour | Ocean Outfitters Hawaii | $99 per person | 1.5 hours |
| Whale Watching Oahu Boat Tour | Captain Max Boat Tours | $109 per person | 1.5 hours |
| AʻO HAWAIʻI - Dolphin & Seasonal Whale Watching, Turtle Snorkeling Tour | Indigo Ocean Hawaii | $139 per person | 3 hours |
| LA HAWAI'I - Whale & Dolphin Watching, Turtle Snorkeling | Indigo Ocean Hawaii | $159 per person | - |
Price tends to follow what is included, so read the inclusions before you compare. Indigo Ocean Hawaii's AʻO HAWAIʻI tour costs from $139 per person and runs 3 hours. Its inclusions add a round trip shuttle, a Special Hawaiian Lunch, and a souvenir. Indigo Ocean Hawaii's LA HAWAI'I tour is from $159 per person and includes snorkel gear and life vests.
Captain Max Boat Tours' Whale Watching Oahu Boat Tour is from $109 per person and includes non-alcoholic beverages, fresh cut pineapple and life vests.
How should you choose a cheap whale watching tour?
For a family, compare minimum ages first, since some tours set them.
Next, match the length to your time. If you have only 1.5 hours, Captain Max Boat Tours' trip runs 1.5 hours, and Ocean Outfitters Hawaii's Whale Watching + Marine Life Tour also runs 1.5 hours from $99 per person.
If you want to snorkel, pick a tour that lists snorkel gear, such as the LA HAWAI'I tour.
What should you expect: how long it lasts and where it starts?
Captain Max Boat Tours and Ocean Outfitters Hawaii both run 1.5 hours. Go Hawaii Watersports runs 2 hours from Pier E.
Captain Max Boat Tours meets at 1085 Ala Moana Blvd, unit 103, in Honolulu. Ocean Outfitters Hawaii meets at Haleiwa Harbor. Indigo Ocean Hawaii's tour starts from Waianae. Pink Sails Waikiki meets near the Prince Waikiki Hotel.
Plan your travel time to each meeting point before you go.
Who does it suit, and who should skip it?
Match each tour's minimum age against your youngest child before you choose. Ocean Outfitters Hawaii's tour, Indigo Ocean Hawaii's AʻO HAWAIʻI tour, and Living Ocean Tours each set a minimum age.
The 3 hour AʻO HAWAIʻI tour suits travelers who want time on the water and a meal.
What are the tours to book?
Each tour below suits a different length and budget.
Living Ocean Tours' Waikiki Whale Watching costs from $49 per person and includes a double decker boat with a large bow area and a restroom. Living Ocean Tours sets a minimum age of 3 years.
Pink Sails Waikiki's Whale Watching runs 2 hours and costs from $49 per person.
Go Hawaii Watersports' 2-Hour Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise from Oahu costs from $54 per person and runs 2 hours.
Each tour below links to its page on this site, where you can book.
How do booking, cancellation and weather work?
Captain Max Boat Tours requires 24 hours for a full refund, and it gives no refunds within 24 hours of departure. Go Hawaii Watersports gives a full refund or credit with at least 24 hours notice. Living Ocean Tours gives a full refund if you cancel up to 48 hours before the Waikiki Whale Watching.
Check the National Weather Service marine forecast for sea conditions the day before you go.
Frequently asked questions
How long does whale watching on Oahu take?
Captain Max Boat Tours runs 1.5 hours, and Indigo Ocean Hawaii's AʻO HAWAIʻI tour runs 3 hours.
What is included with whale watching on Oahu?
Go Hawaii Watersports includes free snacks and soft drinks onboard. Indigo Ocean Hawaii's AʻO HAWAIʻI tour includes snorkel, fins, a lunch and a souvenir.
