Best of · MAUI WHALE WATCHING TOURS

Our 15 Best Maui Whale Watching Tours

57 tours  ·  from $49 a head

Good maui whale watching tours sell out weeks ahead in season and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching - Lahaina - What happens from Front Street to the open water
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Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina

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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From Maalaea: Whale Watching Tour Aboard the Quicksilver - Leaving Maalaea Harbor on the Quicksilver
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From Maalaea: Whale Watching Tour Aboard the Quicksilver

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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Maui: Ultimate Whale Watch from Lahaina - Leaving Lahaina Harbor on a low raft
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Maui: Ultimate Whale Watch from Lahaina

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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WHALES GUARANTEED Maui Whale Watching Makai Adventures - Starting at Mala Boat Ramp in Lahaina
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WHALES GUARANTEED Maui Whale Watching Makai Adventures

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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Ma'alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tour Aboard Power Catamaran - Boarding at Maalaea Harbor
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Ma’alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tour Aboard Power Catamaran

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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Maui: Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar from Ka'anapali Beach - What the naturalist commentary adds
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Maui: Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar from Ka’anapali Beach

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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Whale Watching Maui: 2-Hour Small Group Raft Tour from Lahaina - Key points before you book
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Whale Watching Maui: 2-Hour Small Group Raft Tour from Lahaina

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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Maui Whale-Watching Tour by Raft from Kihei - Kihei Boat Ramp: the simple start
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Maui Whale-Watching Tour by Raft from Kihei

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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Whale Watching from Ma'alaea Harbor - Leaving Maalaea Harbor and finding the whales
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Whale Watching from Ma’alaea Harbor

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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Maui Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch - Whale watching with a naturalist on board
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Maui Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch

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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VIP (12 Guests ONLY) Ultimate Whale Watch - Leaving Lahaina for the winter humpbacks
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VIP (12 Guests ONLY) Ultimate Whale Watch

11.VIP (12 Guests ONLY) Ultimate Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 198 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $125

Join a maximum of 12 people for a two-hour whale watch from Lahaina Harbor. Your Coast Guard-style raft rides low on the water, giving every seat a clear view. Captains and guides such as John, Emma, Jeremiah, Sarah, and Kalli have led outings with close whale encounters, whale songs, and lively explanations of humpback behavior.

“John and Casie were amazing. Best whale watching experience I have ever done. Would love to do again”

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Kayak & Turtle Town Snorkel(Turtles Guaranteed) + Whale Watching - Paddling the West Maui coastline
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Kayak & Turtle Town Snorkel(Turtles Guaranteed) + Whale Watching

12.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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Whale Watching Tour on a Charming Hawaiian Catamaran From Maalaea - How the 2.5-hour search unfolds
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Whale Watching Tour on a Charming Hawaiian Catamaran From Maalaea

13.Whale Watching Tour on a Charming Hawaiian Catamaran From Maalaea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 194 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85

Spend about 2.5 hours aboard Winona, Maui’s only Hawaiian-built catamaran, searching for humpback whales off Maalaea. The crew shares whale facts, plays island-style music, and lowers hydrophones so you can hear whale songs. Expect snacks, drinks, open deck space, and occasional dolphins. Captains Sam and Spencer and crew members Megan, Stacey, and Carl have all been praised for their friendly care.

“We really enjoyed the captain Spencer, Meghan and Stacey, his crew, who were very friendly and hospitable. We were fortunate to see many whales after we went out further although they said it was late in the season.”

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HIGH QUALITY Whale Watch Adventure Aboard Luxury Super Raft - Leaving Maalaea Harbor for the whale grounds
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HIGH QUALITY Whale Watch Adventure Aboard Luxury Super Raft

14.HIGH QUALITY Whale Watch Adventure Aboard Luxury Super Raft

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 142 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $95

Join Maui Reef Adventures at Maalaea Harbor for a 1-hour-45-minute whale watch aboard a custom Super Raft. Guides such as Brad, Jen, Ryan, and Garrett point out humpback behavior while onboard hydrophones let you hear whale songs. The small-group boat offers open viewing from several sides, drinks, and a fast, smooth ride.

“It was better than we expected, Captain Brad is very knowledgeable and put us right on plenty of humpback whales. We will definitely be back next year 🤟🏻”

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Whale Watching Experience - The first minutes offshore
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Whale Watching Experience

15.Whale Watching Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 142 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $102

Spend about two hours watching Northern Pacific humpback whales from Ka'anapali Beach aboard a covered raft-style boat carrying no more than 20 people. Captains such as Bradley and marine biologists such as Bethany explain whale behavior, and the crew may use underwater listening equipment. Expect close views, a wet beach transfer, and soda and water onboard.

“We had the best time and would recommend this excursion. Lots of Whales and three close up breaches. The guides were well informed and cheerful.”

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New in Maui Whale Watching Tours

★ 4.9Whale Watch Sail Ma’alaeaFrom $11127 reviews
★ 5.02.5 Hour Whale Escape TourFrom $17744 reviews
★ 5.0Deluxe Whale Watching Sail on MauiFrom $14753 reviews
★ 4.5Whalewatch Deluxe Tour from Ma’alaea HarborFrom $15837 reviews
★ 4.5Whale Watch and Scenic Tour from Kayak16 reviews
★ 5.0VIP Premiere Whale Watch Kaanapali Beach MAX 12 PASSENGERSFrom $12978 reviews
★ 4.0From Ma’alaea Harbor, Maui: Whale Watch Cruise Aboard MaloloFrom $599 reviews
★ 5.0The Best 2.5 Hour Molokini Snorkel Tour & Whale WatchFrom $16957 reviews
★ 5.0Morning Whale Watch: Lahaina HarborFrom $10019 reviews
★ 3.5Midmorning Whale Watch from Lahaina HarborFrom $1003 reviews
★ 5.0Private Paddleboard (SUP) Whale Watch: All Skill Levels WelcomeFrom $1897 reviews
★ 5.0The Best 8 am 1.5 Hour Whale Watching TourFrom $9737 reviews
★ 5.0Makena Whale Watching and SnorkelFrom $10668 reviews
★ 5.0Maui Mid Day Magic Whale Watch30 reviews
★ 4.0Kayak, Whale Watch and SnorkelFrom $1255 reviews

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