The 9 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 $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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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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5.Makena Whale Watching and Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 68 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $106Best value

Meet your guide at Makena Landing at 6:45am for a three-hour kayak, whale-watching, and snorkeling trip. Paddle quietly across South Maui waters, watch for humpback whales, then snorkel among green sea turtles and tropical fish. Groups are private and capped at 10, with equipment, snacks, and water included.

“Highly recommend! We were lucky enough to see several whales playing and breaching. Incredible! We also saw many turtles while snorkeling. Our guide, Andres, took tons of pictures and videos and was very knowledgeable about where to go. We felt like we were in great hands. We had an amazing adventure and will definitely do this again!”

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6.The Best 2.5 Hour Molokini Snorkel Tour & Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $169

Leave Kihei at 10:30 a.m. aboard a rigid-hulled raft capped at 24 people, with crew such as Brandon, Ben, Katie, and Tim guiding the trip. Spend about an hour snorkeling at Molokini and the rest watching for humpback whales. Gear, water, and Hawaiian juices are included.

“Don’t go if small boats make you feel uneasy. Book before the whales leave as this was advertised as whale watching but no information stating when this would not be the case.”

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7.Ultimate Maui Whale Watch Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Start at 7:15 am in Makena for a four-hour kayak and snorkel trip with two turtle-focused snorkel stops. Paddle calm south Maui waters, watch for whales and dolphins, and learn from a marine-certified guide such as Griff. Gear, water, refreshments, and Maui Gold pineapple are included.

“This was such a memorable tour! I was concerned that I would be too weak to paddle this long, but did fine as we would stop and listen and watch. Griff’s love of the ocean and Maui and his vast historical and scientific knowledge was amazing and brought it all together for the perfect trip. We saw a new baby whale still being buoyed up by his Mama, several others as well, however my very favorite part was sitting and listening for about 15 minutes to a lone male “sing”!!! I have been so on many whale tours and I have never heard this!! Just beyond words! Our snorkel afterwards…”

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8.Kayak, Whale Watch and Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 5 reviews · from $125

Paddle from Olowalu Beach with guides Wes and Roger Red, then snorkel among tropical fish and possible green sea turtles. From December through May, the route sits in North Pacific humpback whale country. This three-and-a-half-hour outing is limited to 10 people and returns to its starting point.

“This tour was absolutely amazing! Wes and Roger “Red” gave above and beyond, great customer service. This was my wife and I first time kayaking and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The snorkeling was life changing! We saw turtles swim by us, a baby shark, and schools of fish. Please book this tour!!!”

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9.Coral Gardens Snorkel & Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $119

Meet Sail Maui at Maalaea Harbor for a three-hour catamaran cruise through the Au‘Au Channel. You’ll watch for humpback whales in season, sail along Maui’s coast, snorkel at Coral Gardens, and enjoy lunch, drinks, reef-safe sunscreen, and gear. The English-speaking tour is family-friendly and wheelchair accessible.

“We had the most amazing time with Sail Maui. They had a great crew that were very friendly and knowledgeable. The boat was very nice and clean. Lunch was terrific. Sailing and snorkeling were amazing. Honestly, we didn't want to get off the boat.”

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