The 4 Most Popular Whale Watching and Snorkeling Trips in Maui

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

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

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

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

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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4.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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