5 Whale Watching in Maui That Repay the Ticket

1.Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,482 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85Our pick

From December to April, search for humpback whales from a low zodiac raft with a marine naturalist and hydrophone. Summer departures focus on dolphins and coastal views. The 2.5-hour tour carries up to 25 people, returns to Lahaina, and can get wet, so bring sun and rain protection.

“This was such a special, once in a lifetime experience. Definitely, hands down my favorite activity in Maui.”

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2.From Maalaea: Whale Watching Tour Aboard the Quicksilver

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,461 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $49Best value

Board the double-deck Quicksilver catamaran at Maalaea Harbor for a two-hour whale watch from December through April. Your captain and crew explain whale behavior while hydrophones let you hear whale songs. Juice, soda, shade, restrooms, and drinks for purchase make this a practical family outing.

“Lots of fun! We saw many whales, and the crew provided great information about whales. I learned quite a bit about whales in Hawaii”

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3.Ultimate Whale Watch from Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,162 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes (approx.) · from $77

From Lahaina Harbor, you’ll spend about two hours on a low, fast raft with no more than 28 people, watching humpback whales and possible dolphins. Crews such as Jill, Lacey, Kasey, Jeremiah, and Kat explain whale behavior and use a hydrophone to let you hear underwater songs. Purified water is provided, and a no-whale outing earns you another trip at no charge.

“Lacey (boat captain) and Kaci (naturalist ) were excellent! They sincerely seemed to enjoy their jobs, were very knowledgeable and answered all questions with respect with many interesting details. In addition, we saw many whales, as well as babies and were able to hear the whale communication. It was well worth the money.”

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4.Ma’alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tour Aboard Power Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 979 reviews · 2 hours · from $49

Cruise Ma’alaea Bay aboard Quicksilver’s double-deck power catamaran during Maui’s whale season. Captain Kiwi, Captain Carlos, and other crew members have led trips with clear whale narration, hydrophone songs, drinks, restrooms, and wide viewing areas. The $49 fare is a strong value, though parking and alcohol cost extra.

“This was a great experience. We saw lots of whales relatively closely. The crew was informative and friendly.”

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5.Whale Watching Maui: 2-Hour Small Group Raft Tour from Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 661 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $80

From Lahaina, you’ll ride a custom inflatable raft into the Maui Nui whale sanctuary for two hours of humpback watching. Small groups, 360-degree views, and a hydrophone let you follow mothers, calves, escorts, and whale song. Captains Will or Joe and naturalists such as Renee and Brian may lead the trip, with a free return trip if no whales appear.

“This was an incredible tour! Saw tons of whales and had great interaction with staff. Would 100% recommend this tour.”

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