Whale-opolis!
Close Encounters of the Blubbery Kind
-within the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, departing from our Waikiki / Honolulu location.
We’ve been taking out whale-watching charters since 1996 - when we started the business leg of the research we were involved with on the humpback whales. Our dolphin focus actually came later as an ‘aside’ to whales.
The Whale-opolis is more of a ‘bucket list” type of adventure, an upscale journey to the highest, most magnificent, population of humpback whlaes in Hawaii (puts Maui to shame). It’s truly unbelievable. Check out pics both from Penguin Banks (Whale-opolis) and the west side on our Facebook page…
Wild Side’s passion brings thrills, chills, and memories
Our favorite whale encounters are those being mobbed by or in the midst of competitive humpback whales. It's both exhilarating and un-nerving every time it happens! Seeing a fluke-up dive and mom's with calves get the ooh's and aahs, and breach's are always awe inspiring, but nothing beats the raw power of a heat-run...Full-on competition is not normally seen, unless you take the time it takes to go where the action is. Sighting a whale for the first time — or the 101st — routinely elicits shouts of joy, But often after experiencing a heat run, people are just... quiet. They may be scared witless, or awestruck; it's that amazing; these animals are so large.
The behavior of amorous humpback whales can make an awe-inspiring show: 45-foot bodies hurled almost free of the water to crash down again with a tremendous splash; notched tails as wide as a teacher’s blackboard slapping into the water. Bursts of bubbles breaking the waters surface, blown underwater as a screen against other males - trumpets, as loud as charging elephant, thicken the air. Head lunges, as threatening as a growling dog baring its teeth.
Whale-opolis charters are focused on whale watching, going to the most prolific whale-watching, wildlife areas in Hawaii. The Penguin Banks, part of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, is a shallow water (similar to a huge seamount) located about 1.5 - 2 hours in the ocean south of Honolulu. This little known but whale-rich area has more humpback whales, and for a longer season, than Maui! Because of the shallow waters and the protection of the sister islands—Moloka‘i, and Lana‘i, and Oahu—the humpbacks all converge here.
There isn't another whale watching boat on Oahu (or Hawaii for that matter) that targets this area. It takes the right boat (stability and comfort), expert crew, and a lot of gas! It's not our money-making trip (or everyone would be doing it) but its the most rewarding and that's motivation enough for us.
Photos of a competitive Humpback Whale pod taken in the Penguin Banks, Dec. 2010
If the weather is not conducive to a Penguin Bank trek, then we'll hit Oahu's SE shores - Hanauma Bay, Lana'i Lookout, Makapuu Lighthouse areas for up-close prime whale watching spots on Oahu. Again, no other whale watch boats on Oahu are willing to go to the expense and time of visiting these protected and wildlife rich areas! If weather is conducive and we have had our fill of whale action, these areas also offer superb snorkeling, and are also visited by dolphins - though not as reliably as the west coast. Why not take advantage of all the underwater world of Hawaii (the best 1/2) has to offer? 
Continental breakfast and BBQ lunch, nonalcoholic (or alcoholic if we have any onboard or you bring!) drinks provided. Bring polarized sunglasses and cameras for sure; and towels and snorkel equipment for "just in case" opportunities, or let us know if you need some.
7:30am - 2pm
$295 per person
What's the difference between the Whale-oplois Whale Watch and your other Wildlife Charters?
What wildlife can we see when its not the season for humpback whales?
Wild Side adheres to the IWC's General Principles for Whalewatching to minimise the risks of adverse impacts of whalewatching on cetaceans.
Although our sighting rates are at 95+% we cannot guarantee sightings, interaction with wild dolphins, whales, snorkeling, nor ideal weather conditions. We reserve the right to not facilitate in-water OR shipboard encounters which we feel may compromise the well-being of our guests or ocean wildlife. All passengers are required to wear locator/flotation devices. We do not offer transportation to the boat harbors.
Audio of 'normal' whale song - drop the hydrophone (underwater microphone) in and this is what you hear)
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