Whale-opolis Charter, Extreme Whale Watching

USA Today When can you see humpback whales in Hawaii? Tips for a great, sustainable excursion

Exclusively ran as private charter onboard the 3hr Best of the West or the 6hr Wildlife Photo Tour.  Mix and match with like-minded whale folks to split the private charter cost? Let us know… or book the Whale Tail Sunset Sails shared charter.

Feb-March Close Encounters of the Blubbery Kind. One of the “Top Five American Whale Watching Tours” during the height of humpback whale action.

The Whale-opolis is a ‘bucket list” whale of an adventure. An upscale journey to the highest, most active population of humpback whales on O’ahu. Predominantly juvenile humpbacks, behaviors are extra-ordinary.

Wild Side’s passion brings thrills, chills, and memories

humpback whale breach oahu photo tour

Focused on humpback whale watching, going to the most prolific whale-watching areas on Oahu. This little known whale-rich area is one of the favored spots and prime breeding grounds for Oahu’s humpback whales, and near the only albatross nesting ground.

Our favorite whale encounters are those being ‘mugged’ or being in the midst of a heat-run of competitive humpback whales. A gigantic version of extreme whale ‘dating’. 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. Breach’s are always awe inspiring. But nothing beats the raw power of a heat-run.

Full-on competition is seen when 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; we’re not always sure!

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 a charging elephant thicken the air. Head lunges, as threatening as a growling dog baring its teeth.

Important Tour Information

We can try to mix and match with up to six like-minded folks to split the private charter cost

  • 7am  3 hr charter (book as private tour and let us know ‘whales only’)
  • 6am 6 hour charter, beat the weather and get to the best areas! (private also)
  • Or 3pm/3:30pm sunset sail shared tour, whale focused
  • Reservations for holiday peaks, and winter seasons are recommended to be made at least two weeks ahead of time.

Wild Side adheres to the WCA Global Best Practice Guidance Whale Watch to minimize the risks of adverse impacts of whale watching on cetaceans.

Audio of ‘normal’ whale song – drop the hydrophone (underwater microphone) in and this is what you hear)

Audio of whale song on our favorite spot (drop the hydrophone in and THIS is what you hear! There’s THAT many whales)

Best time for Whale Watching on Oahu