The 13 Whale Watching Tours on Maui That Repay the Day

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 Lahaina, ride a low-water zodiac raft for close views of humpback whales from December through April, or dolphins and coastal scenery in summer. Marine naturalists such as Captain Jack, Captain Mark, and Olivia explain animal behavior, while a hydrophone lets you hear whale songs. Expect spray, sun, and a small-group ride.

“Great tour. Convenient and easy. Zach and Jess were great guides. Highly recommend. Whales guaranteed.”

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2.From Maalaea: Whale Watching Tour Aboard the Quicksilver

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

Cruise from Maalaea Harbor aboard the double-deck Quicksilver catamaran for about two hours of humpback whale watching from December through April. The captain and crew explain whale behavior, and underwater hydrophones let you hear their songs. Juice and soda are included, with restrooms and a shaded cabin on board.

“Excellent, straight forward trip. Multiple whale sightings! Service was great! Great weather. All good!”

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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 1.5 to 2 hours on a low, fast raft with up to 28 people, looking for humpback whales and dolphins. Guides such as Jill, Lacey, Kacey, Jeremiah, and Kat explain whale behavior and use an onboard hydrophone to let you hear whale songs. Water is provided from a refill dispenser.

“Better than expected. From check in to exiting the boat was simple and very organized. Jill and Lauren were very professional and so informative. We saw whales and dolphins and Jill gave us a very fun boat ride. Highly recommend this outfit for your adventure. Thank you very much. Brad and Linnea Phoenix, Arizona”

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4.WHALES GUARANTEED Maui Whale Watching Makai Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,081 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $97

Set out from Mala Boat Ramp in Lahaina for a 2-hour-15-minute humpback whale watch aboard Makai Adventures’ fast, cushioned-seat boat. Captains and crew such as Allison, Travis, Dani, Levi, and Noah share whale facts, answer questions, and help you spot breaching adults, playful calves, and mothers with newborns.

“Some of this is timing and luck, but we had a great experience today. Kristen and Dani were very helpful with information about the humpback whales and why they are in Maui at this time of year. We were lucky to see a juvenile breach several times just outside the pickup point. Quite a few more whales were seen during the outing, although we couldn't close on some adults breaching to get a close look before they quit that. Still a great experience. Only thing I would do different is to let us know ahead of time that we needed to take our shoes off, I would have worn flip…”

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

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

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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6.Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar from Ka’anapali Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 802 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $115

Join Sea Maui at Ka’anapali Beach for a two-hour catamaran cruise in search of winter humpback whales. Captain James, Nick, Charlie, and the crew have been praised for finding whales and explaining their behavior. Expect beach boarding, snacks, unlimited drinks, and a maximum of 42 people.

“Amazing experience and professional crew. Would highly recommend this outing for anyone visiting the island.”

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

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

Join a small raft from Lahaina for two hours in Maui Nui’s humpback whale sanctuary. A captain and marine naturalist, including guides such as Will, Renee, Brian, or Joe, help you spot mothers, calves, escorts, and breaching whales. You also get whale songs through an underwater hydrophone, filtered water, reef-safe sunscreen, and a free return trip if no whales appear.

“We loved the crew and the boat. Was very happy to only have 8 guests onboard. Wasn’t crowded like other tours we saw leave the dock.”

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8.Maui Whale-Watching Tour by Raft from Kihei

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 646 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $84

Join Redline Rafting at Kihei Boat Ramp for a 90-minute whale watch aboard a speedy raft limited to 22 people. Guides such as Tony, Jamie, Jake, Josh, and Aly explain whale behavior while you listen through an onboard hydrophone. Expect close views, sea spray, bumps, and no hotel pickup.

“Great tour, guides were awesome and informative, lots of whales seen, would highly recommend, if you’re in Maui I would 100% book with them.”

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9.Whale Watching from Ma’alaea Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 537 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $82

Spend about two hours off Maui’s coast with Pacific Whale Foundation, watching humpback whales and listening to their songs through underwater hydrophones. Marine naturalists explain whale behavior, and children age four and under are free. The trip returns to Ma’alaea Harbor and carries up to 70 people.

“It was amazing. We saw so many whales. The waters were a bit rough in one area but thats where the most action was. Can't wait til next time!”

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10.Maui Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 504 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $189

Sail from Maalaea Harbor on a three-hour Pacific Whale Foundation cruise with a four-course dinner, alcoholic drinks, sunset views, and live naturalist commentary. During whale season, keep watch for humpbacks, calves, dolphins, and underwater songs. Captain Andrew, Captain Chris, Stevie, and Ash are among the crew members praised for their warm, informative work.

“It was great experience. The crew member gave us a lot of info about the whale and we got to see 8 whales including a 3 weeks old baby whale”

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11.Molokini Crater Snorkel & Whale Watching (Dec 15 – Mar 30)

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 168 reviews · 2 hours · from $149

Join Makena Coast Charters aboard the 40-foot Getaway for a small-group trip to Molokini Crater. From December 15 through March 30, whale watching is added to the outing. Captains and guides such as Alex, Sarah, Joe, and Jess help with snorkeling, safety, and fish identification. Expect a fast, wet ride, about an hour in the water, and snacks afterward.

“Great snorkelling, great guides, Jess was very knowledgable of marine life as she is also a marine biologist. Perfect amount of time, water was crystal clear and could see perfectly. Lots of fish. Snacks and drinks provided. Very happy”

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12.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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13.Ka’anapali: Whale Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · 2 hours · from $96

Board the Magic Merman at Ka’anapali Beach for a two-hour humpback whale trip. Naturalists such as Shasta, Krista, and Makia explain whale behavior, while the smaller custom boat offers close views and possible underwater photos. You may hear whale song through a hydrophone, and non-alcoholic drinks are included.

“It was absolutely amazing. Krista and Maciah were so kind and knowledgeable. It was truly a blessing. I went with my 78 year old mother and they were so helpful getting her on and off the boats in addition to checking in on each passenger to make sure they had what they needed.”

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