Our 15 Best Maui Whale Watching Tours

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, you’ll ride a low zodiac raft for eye-level whale watching from December to April, or dolphin watching and coastal sightseeing in summer. Marine naturalists explain Maui’s sea life, and a hydrophone lets you hear whale songs in season. Expect ocean spray, a small group, and no guaranteed close encounters.

“We had a great experience! The captain Jack worked very hard to give us a great experience! Highly recommend!”

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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 power catamaran for about two hours during Maui’s humpback season, December through April. You’ll hear whale songs through underwater hydrophones, listen to lively commentary, and watch for blows, flukes, fin slaps, and breaches. Juice and soda are included, with shaded seating, restrooms, and drinks for purchase.

“As a first timer.....It was amazing!! Well worth it, and Moreso if you have sea legs it's that much better lol.”

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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

Leave Lahaina Harbor on a low, fast raft with a small group of up to 28 people. Guides such as Jill, Lacey, Kasey, and Jeremiah share facts about humpback behavior while you watch for breaches, tail slaps, dolphins, and listen to whale songs through the onboard hydrophone. Choose a 1.5-hour or 2-hour outing.

“Amazing experience with wonderful guides! Would 100% recommend this excursion and this company to others.”

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4.WHALES GUARANTEED Maui Whale Watching Makai Adventures

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

Join Makai Adventures at Mala Boat Ramp for a 2-hour-15-minute whale watch aboard a fast, cushioned-seat boat limited to 35 people. Captains and crew such as Allison, Travis, Dani, Levi, and Noah share whale facts while guiding you toward active humpbacks. Expect a barefoot cruise, open viewing, shade, and an onboard bathroom.

“WONDERFUL! Saw so many Whales, and an EXCELLENT CREW who kept us informed of where to look! They are very knowledgeable and give detailed facts about the whales the entire time of the tour.”

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

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

Cruise Maalaea Bay aboard Quicksilver’s double-deck power catamaran during Maui’s whale season, December through April. Captain Kiwi, Captain Carlos, and other English-speaking crew share clear, lively commentary while hydrophones let you hear humpback songs. Expect shaded seating, open-air views, drinks, restrooms, and a good chance of seeing calves, breaches, tail slaps, and spy-hops.

“It was an incredible experience to see whales so close and see them jump out of the water. The tour guide was so knowledgeable and the boat was well equipped. Highly recommend.”

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

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

Set out from Ka’anapali Beach on Sea Maui’s 42-passenger catamaran for about two hours of humpback whale watching. Naturalists explain migration and behavior while you watch from regular seats or open bow nets. Snacks, unlimited drinks for adults 21 and older, parking validation, and return transport to the beach are included.

“This was so much fun! The whale watching was incredible and the crew members were so knowledgeable and a BLAST! Would definitely recommend!!”

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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 waters. Captains such as Will and Joe work with marine naturalists including Renee and Brian, while a hydrophone lets you hear whale song underwater. Filtered water, reef-safe sunscreen, and rainy-day ponchos are provided.

“Crew was fantastic Saw lots of whales up close Meeting place easy to find check in was quick would do it again”

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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 fast, small-group whale watch along Maui’s south coast. A marine naturalist explains humpback behavior while an underwater hydrophone lets you hear whale song. Expect an adventurous, sometimes bumpy ride, with possible dolphins and sea turtles along the way.

“Our guides were knowledgeable and entertaining. Great day on the bay seeing whales! Highly recommend Redline Rafting.”

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9.Whale Watching from Ma’alaea Harbor

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

Cruise from Ma'alaea Harbor for about two hours with Pacific Whale Foundation and an English-speaking marine naturalist. You may hear humpback songs through underwater hydrophones and watch whales breach, tail, or surface. The boat holds up to 70 people, and a whale sighting guarantee covers your next trip if none appear.

“Wonderful experience! Best time to go to see mothers and newborn calves. Lots of activity everywhere you look!”

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10.Maui Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch

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

Cruise from Maalaea Harbor for about three hours, with a four-course dinner, alcoholic drinks, sunset views, and a chance to see migrating humpback whales. A naturalist explains whale behavior, and some trips use a hydrophone to let you hear whale song. Lana‘i, Moloka‘i, and McGregor Point add to the view.

“We loved seeing all the whales! We had a great time wit our family. We would definitely do the tour again. Captain Andrew was great and so was the crew.”

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11.Kayak & Turtle Town Snorkel(Turtles Guaranteed) + Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 196 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $119

Paddle tandem kayaks from Olowalu with a guide such as Payson, Alec, Billy, Gene, Jon, or Robbie. After views of West Maui and nearby islands, snorkel at a turtle cleaning station. Whales may appear in season. Small groups, gear, life jackets, and optional photos and videos are included.

“The excursion was prematurely canceled due to rough seas. But they calmed down by the time we would have launched. Several other excursions went forward with thier trip.”

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12.Whale Watch and Turtles Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 122 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $138

Cruise from Maalaea Harbor aboard Pride of Maui for whale watching and reef snorkeling, with a whale-sighting guarantee, onboard BBQ, gear, restroom, and post-snorkel beer, wine, and mai-tais. The crew includes longtime captains such as Pat and Justin, though the captain varies by departure. Plan on about three and a half hours.

“The captain was very competent and had a vast knowledge of whale biology. The all female crew were accommodating and customer service oriented. The food was good and plentiful, as were the drinks. One thing that applies to all tour operators, they want you to arrive 1/2 hour early. We do and then we stand in line for a half hour in the sun waiting to check in. And, you don't need to download the QR coded tickets, as they have a roster with our names printed. I'd suggest getting to check-in 10 minutes prior to departure.”

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13.South Maui: Whale Watch Kayaking and Snorkel Tour in Kihei

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 93 reviews · 3 hours · from $118

Paddle sit-on-top kayaks from Makena Landing with an English-speaking guide, searching for humpback whales before snorkeling along Maui’s reef. Guides such as Jake, Kyle, Madison, and Jon help beginners feel at ease, share island stories, and point out turtles, fish, eels, octopus, and coral. The three-hour tour includes gear, snacks, water, and juice.

“Jake was an amazing guide. He shared a lot of knowledge about the islands and marine life. Also the snorkelling was spot on. Saw a lot of turtles. Only negative point is that we didn’t see any whales. But nothing much they can do about that.”

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14.Ka’anapali Whale Watching Cruise on Luxury Sailboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 89 reviews · from $108

Sail from Ka'anapali Beach aboard a spacious Teralani catamaran for two hours of humpback whale watching. A naturalist explains whale behavior while an underwater hydrophone lets you hear their calls. Snacks, Kona coffee, juices, soft drinks, and Pogmosas are included, with whale sightings guaranteed or you can return free.

“The crew was attentive to our needs. Friendly and did what was expected for the purpose of the trip”

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15.Ultimate 3.5 hour Whale Watch & Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 87 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $195

Set out from Lahaina at 9 a.m. on a small rescue-style boat for about four hours of snorkeling near Lanai or Maui, plus whale watching in season. Captains Jill, Kacey, Amy, Lilly, Emma, Pat, Sarah, and Lacy have led trips praised for clear whale explanations and careful wildlife viewing. Gear, instruction, snacks, and nonalcoholic drinks are included.

“Tough water/wind conditions but the captain/owner & biologist made the best of it, and got us out safely. Had fun”

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