Maui Whale Watching
Available December through Mid-April
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- Maui Whale Watching
Highlights
- Guaranteed Sightings on most boats (or go again free)
- Choose from a wide variety of vessels
- Morning times are least windy / best conditions
- Marine naturalists provides narration
- Tours operated with strict "rules of engagement"
Description
No, you don't have to go on a boat to see whales if you are here during the right time of the year. It is common to see people standing on a hillside overlooking the ocean and watching the signs of distant whale activity through binoculars.
You can often SEE whales from shore ... but you can't EXPERIENCE them from that distance. There is a tremendous difference between watching a whale splashing in the water two miles away and experiencing the thrill of looking over the edge of the boat and having one of these gentle giants swim directly underneath you! If you are here during peak season from December 15th to April 15th, do yourself a favor and go on a Maui whale watching tour!
Here is a fantastic selection of Whale Watching tours for you to select the perfect one for you! Do this EARLY in your vacation because you may enjoy it so much you decide to go again a second time!
Reservations: Advanced reservations required and we recommend booking this prior to arrival on Maui. This event is "RESERVE NOW PAY LATER"; we need a credit card on file to finalize your reservation but we do not charge you for this reservation until a few days before the beginning of your vacation!
Cancellation Policy: Minimum notice for cancellation or changes is 48 hours prior to the start of any whale watch.
West Maui - Kaanapali Beach Departures
Teralani Whale Watching - Sailing Catamarans
The Teralani offers three different whale watches with different lengths, features, and pricing. These whale watches are operated "barefoot" and you load from the beach. Guests typically get their feet wet when boarding the vessel. These tours are done on a 65 foot sailing catamaran with a passenger capacity of 49.
Check in: Kaanapali Beach, check-in is the grassy area behind the Aqualani Beach Activities Kiosk, adjacent to the Maui Brewing Company Restaurant, oceanside, at the Outrigger Ka'anapali Beach Resort formerly the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel.
GPS Address: 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761 Click to view map
Teralani 2.5 Hour Premium Whale Watch Rate (TSE7)
$130.95 per Adult, $100.95 per Child (6-12), Infants (under 6) FREE (plus 7.167% Hawaii sales/harbor tax)
The Premier Whale Watch is 30 minutes longer than regular whale watches and offered daily from December 15 to April 15 at 12:30pm. The tour includes a chef-inspired lunch and open bar for beer, wine, mai tais, mixed cocktails, and assorted juices, sodas, and water.
Teralani 2 Hour Classic Whale Watch Rate (TSE8)
$90.95 per Adult, $60.95 per Child (6-12), Infants (under 6) FREE (plus 7.167% Hawaii sales/harbor tax)
The classic whale watch is two hours long and departs daily at 7:30am and 10:00am from December 15 to April 15. It includes snacks and open bar for beer, wine, mai tais, mixed cocktails, and assorted juices, sodas, and water.
Teralani 2 Hour Discount Whale Watch Rate (TSE9)
$70.95 per Adult, $50.95 per Child (6-12), Infants (under 6) FREE (plus 7.167% Hawaii sales/harbor tax)
The discount whale watch is offered at 1:00pm on Wednewsday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from Mid November to April 15. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase.
Central Maui - Maalaea Harbor Departures
Quicksilver Whale Watches - Powered Catamaran
Quicksilver is a large, stable powered catamaran with an upper deck. This vantage point up high gives a commanding view of the ocean and makes it easier to see whales while they are under the surface. It's also a good choice for families with younger children. One free child 6 and under per paying adult! Duration: 2 hours
Schedule: Daily (December through mid-April) at 8:00am and 10:30am
Check in: Ma'alaea Harbor, Slip 76
GPS Address: Ma'alaea Harbor, Slip 76 101 Ma'alaea Road, Wailuku, HI 96793 Click to view map
Quicksilver Whale Watch Rate (QS4)
$66.95 per Adult, $56.95 per Paying Child (12 and under), Free Child (6 and under / 1 per paying adult) FREE (plus 7.167% Hawaii sales/harbor tax)
South Maui - Kihei Boat Ramp
Blue Water Rafting
Blue Water Rafting offers 90 minute tours on their high-speed RHIBs. (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat). The speed of these rafts gets you to the whales quickly, and the waters off Kihei are shallow and many whale calves are born in this area. This is a great option for those who don't want to drive to the west side of the island. These tours are done on 27' and 30' zodiac-type rafts with 24 passenger capacity. Duration: 2.5 hours
Schedule: Daily at 8am, 10am, and 12pm from mid-December through mid-March
Check in: Kihei Boat Ramp
GPS Address: 2970 South Kihei Rd., Kihei, HI 96753 Click to view map
Blue Water Rafting Whale Watch Rate (BWR5)
$80.65 per Adult, $69.89 per Child (4-12) (Hawaii sales tax included)
Rates for dates after 12/31/2023 are $87.49 per Adult, $76.30 per Child (4-12)
Details
Reservations: Advanced reservations required and we recommend booking this prior to arrival on Maui. This event is "RESERVE NOW PAY LATER"; we need a credit card on file to finalize your reservation but we do not charge you for this reservation until a few days before the beginning of your vacation!
Minimum Notice for Cancellations / Changes: At least 48 hours before the start of the event.
Kevin's Activity Tips:
No, you don't have to go on a boat to see whales. During the peak season (mid-January to mid-April) it is very common to be able to see whales from the shore. But these sightings are usually pretty far away ... it is not a particularly impressive sight to watch a whale jump out of the water three miles away. And these creatures are SO impressive when you experience them close-up. There is a big difference between SEEING a whale and EXPERIENCING a whale. There is a popular whale watching site along the Pali Highway a few miles west of Maalaea Harbor. The scenic overlook there is often packed during peak whale season with people who are too cheap to spend $60 to really experience these gentle giants. Do yourself a favor ... go on a whale watching cruise.
The Humpback Whales begin to arrive in November, and most of them have arrived by the beginning of January. Whale Searches usually begin sometime around Thanksgiving ... sightings that early in the season may not be guaranteed. That changes in December. During the peak season all the boats guarantee that you will see whales. If you are here in February you won't have to worry about getting skunked ... it will be whale soup out there! They love the warm, shallow waters between Maui, Kahoolawe, Molokai, and Lanai.
How close will you get to the whales? That depends on the whales. By law, the boats must stop 100 yards away from a whale. They are incredibly curious animals though, and they OFTEN approach much closer than that. Sometimes they mug the boat, and you may get the rare treat of smelling whale breath! The sound of a spouting whale is something you will not forget ... it is much like the puff of a steam engine locomotive.
Best time of day? The whales will put on a good show anytime you like. The morning tends to be less windy though. The mid-morning trips usually fill up a few days in advance, so reserve in early to get the best time of day!