7 Catamaran Cruises on Maui We Would Put on an Itinerary

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

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

Cruise Maui’s Ma'alaea Bay aboard Quicksilver’s double-deck power catamaran during humpback season. Captain Kiwi, Captain Carlos, and other crew members provide lively English narration while hydrophones pick up whale songs. You get shaded seating, open decks, restrooms, and drinks, with frequent chances to see calves, breaches, tail slaps, and spy-hops.

“Well worth the reasonable ticket price. Complementary beverages included, and we saw dozens of whales.”

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2.Molokini and Turtles Luxury Yacht Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 477 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $263Top rated

Spend about five hours aboard Pride of Maui’s climate-controlled luxury yacht, Elua, with Captain Justin and crew. Snorkel at Molokini Crater and Turtle Town when conditions allow, then enjoy breakfast, an onboard barbecue lunch, warm showers, and an open bar. The boat carries no more than 40 people and welcomes ages 8 and up.

“Amazing time, so incredible. The crew was great and super helpful. The snorkeling was amazing and we even saw whales on the ride back.”

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3.From Ma’alaea: ‘Alihilani Sunset Sail Catamaran Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 348 reviews · from $114

Set sail from Ma'alaea Harbor aboard Sail Maui’s 49-passenger catamaran, ‘Alihilani, for a two-hour sunset cruise through the Au‘Au Channel. Enjoy included drinks and cold hors d’oeuvres while you watch for dolphins, seabirds, and winter humpback whales. Captain Nicholas and crew members such as Jess have helped make this an easygoing, well-served evening on Maui.

“Good activity unfortunately the clouds interrupted the sunset and the water was rough too but still had a good time. How can you not have a good time in Maui when you are on vacation. Bad day of vacation beats a good day at work anytime. The staff was super, super friendly, always made sure we had something to drink. Food was good (COVID friendly box but still filling). I'm sure they didn't fill the boat to capacity due to COVID which was fine with us. More room to walk around and take pictures with no one else in them. Overall we had a good time we all really enjoyed…”

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4.Molokini Snorkel and Performance Sail with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 224 reviews · 5 hours · from $200

Spend five hours aboard Sail Maui’s fast catamaran, sailing from Ma’alaea Harbor to Molokini for clear-water snorkeling in a marine preserve. Captain Brandon, Greg, and other friendly crew members have earned praise for their care and sailing skills. Breakfast, buffet lunch, drinks, gear, and reef-safe sunscreen are included. Whales may appear from December through May.

“We were so thrilled with the choice to use this company for our snorkel sail. The catamaran holds a small amount of people, so it was very intimate. Hands down, THE best crew! Ben and Kaylee were awesome! Food was great and we had so much fun! Highly recommend!”

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5.Maalaea: West Maui Snorkeling & Sailing Day Trip with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 210 reviews · from $200

Sail Maui takes you from Maalaea Harbor toward Lanai for a five-hour catamaran outing with reef snorkeling, breakfast, buffet lunch, and an open bar. The crew, including captains such as Patrick, Ron, and Chase, adjusts the snorkeling stop to sea conditions. Bring a towel, ID, and a good tolerance for open-water motion.

“The crew were pleasant and helpful. The snorkeling was excellent. We also saw a lot of whales. One whale even stayed by the boat for quite a while. Once in a lifetime experience!”

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6.Kaanapali: Sunset Dinner Catamaran Cruise With Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 55 reviews · 2h 30m · from $153

Board Sea Maui’s 65-foot beach-loading catamaran at Ka’anapali for a 2.5-hour sunset cruise. Enjoy a chef-prepared dinner by Chef Jai, an open bar, coastal views, and a champagne toast at sunset. The crew, including Carrie, Luke, and Quinn on some sailings, keeps service friendly and attentive.

“Great experience! All the workers were helpful and friendly!”

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7.From Maalaea: Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise with Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 26 reviews · 2 hours · from $69

Sail from Maalaea aboard the small catamaran Winona for two hours of seasonal whale watching. A marine biologist explains humpback behavior while underwater hydrophones let you hear their songs. Soft drinks, juice, water, music, restrooms, and two adult beverages for ages 21 and older are included.

“Posádka skvělá, příjemná a ochotná. Na lodi jsme dostali zdarma ovoce, lupínky a nealko nápoje. Loď byla čistá a byly k dispozici u toalety. Cesta proběhla bez chyb a ikdyž byl úplný konec sezony, na velryby jsme narazili! Posádka věděla, co dělá a kde velryby najít. Moc jsme si to užili a rozhodně doporučujeme!”

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