Changing of the Seasons: Hello Spring!
Winter has come to an end and signs of spring are in the air. Perhaps the most notable of which is the departure of the humpback whales, most of whom have begun their 5-6,000 mile migration back to cooler climates.
Humpback Whale
It was an incredible winter whale season for us here at Hawaiian Adventures, with sightings of at least ten different cetacean species including humpback whales, pilot whales, melon-headed whales, sperm whales, dwarf sperm whales, Blainville’s beaked whales, rough-toothed dolphins, pantropical spotted dolphins, Hawaiian spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins!
Bottlenose dolphin
Our naturalists were busy collecting data from as many encounters as possible, data which was passed along to researchers at the Cascadia Research Collective and Happy Whale. Thanks to the incredible ID-matching algorithm at Happy Whale, we know that we documented at least forty-three unique humpback whales this season, many of whom were brand new to science! We also encountered several individuals who spend their summers with our sister crew in Washington’s Salish Sea. It’s always exciting to document firsts, and this was the case with each of our Salish Sea humpback encounters:
Sawtooth (CRC-16500): First match to the breeding grounds!
Mathematician (CRC-15263): First time being matched to Kona!
Anvil (CRC-15955): First match to the breeding grounds and first documented calf!
Anvil and her new calf!
Speaking of firsts, for the first time ever, a gray whale was documented in Hawaiian waters and off the Kona Coast no less! This news came as a shock to the whale community, as gray whales typically migrate to Baja, Mexico, sticking close to the western coastline of North America. We wish this whale well on its exploration, and hope it finds its way back to the feeding grounds. Perhaps it will follow the humpbacks home.
Captain & guide Andrew teaching the keiki to snorkel on a private charter.
With humpback whale season having come to a close, we are gearing up for our Spring/Summer snorkel season. Our crew is excited to once again dive into the beautiful blues of Hawaii and will be offering two signature snorkel excursions throughout the season:
Whale and Dolphin Search with Snorkel: This morning adventure is a fantastic opportunity for skilled snorkelers to experience the incredible marine diversity of Hawaii. On this safari-style excursion, we will be on the search for all wildlife both nearshore and offshore. It is common for us to encounter dolphins, manta rays, sharks and other pelagic species on these excursions. Where there is an opportunity to safely and respectfully get in the water with the wildlife, we hope to. Guests will also have the opportunity to snorkel at some of the many vibrant coral reefs along the coast. This is not a destination-specific trip, which allows us to be flexible as new information regarding wildlife sightings becomes available.
This trip is our top recommendation for intrepid snorkelers with a sense of adventure. Its early start means we are one of the first boats to leave the marina and often the first to find the wildlife. What better way to start the day?
Departure: 7:00am
Duration: 4-5 hours
Kealakekua Bay Snorkel and Wildlife Search: This is not your average Kealakekua Bay trip! This afternoon adventure is perfect for snorkelers of all experience levels. Our goal is to venture to the vibrant and sheltered waters of Kealakekua Bay. Our afternoon departure means that by the time we arrive, most other tours have left the area, meaning we can enjoy this popular snorkel destination without the morning crowds. Throughout the journey there and back, we will be searching for wildlife both nearshore and offshore whilst taking in the stunning coastal views south of Kona. It is in the evening hours that we often experience our most memorable boat-based spinner dolphin encounters, as it is during this window that the pods are waking up from a day of resting and getting amped for a night of feeding. It is not uncommon for us to encounter bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales on this route as well. We will end the adventure during golden hour, and be back in the marina in time to catch the sunset.
Departure: 1:30pm
Duration: 4-5 hours
We can’t wait to see you on the water!
Sunset & a rainbow to end a phenomenal day on the water!
Interested in experiencing these tours?
Join us, experts with over 25 years of experience running professional wildlife tours. Hawaiian Adventure’s tours provide the best opportunity to explore Kona’s coast and the wildlife beneath the waves. Our top-notch vessels, experienced crew, and oceanic expertise will make your Big Island adventure unforgettable. If you’ve been on other tours, you’ll appreciate the Hawaiian Adventures difference.
