The 4 Best Whale Watching by Canoe and Kayak

1.Orca Cove Sea Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 322 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $175Our pick

Ride a fast boat from downtown Ketchikan to Orca Cove, then paddle 1.5 to 1.75 hours among rainforest islands and quiet coves. Guides such as Lucas, Matt, David, and AJ lead groups of up to six. Gear, dry bags, drinks, and smoked salmon are included.

“Amazing excursion, worth every penny for this experience, we ended up going out just 2 of us with Lucas as our guide who was very knowledgeable of the wildlife and surroundings went above and beyond taking great pics of us so we could just relax and enjoy our surroundings, on our way back at end of trip Devon even stopped and let us take some awesome video’s of a humpback he had spotted , recommend this trip , also lovely salmon dip made by Matt I polished off !”

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

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

Paddle a tandem kayak from Olowalu with a guide such as Payson, Alec, Billy, Gene, or Robbie. Watch for whales, then snorkel at a turtle cleaning station with quality gear, life jackets, and optional photos and video. Groups cap at 10, and turtles are guaranteed or you get a refund.

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

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

Paddle a sit-on-top kayak from Makena Landing with a guide such as Jake, Kyle, or Madison, watching for humpback whales before snorkeling among turtles, reef fish, and coral. The three-hour tour suits active beginners, with instruction, gear, snacks, water, and juice included.

“Keelan was really nice, helpful and fun. We had a lot of fun in the ocean. Def will recommend him if my friends or family come here to visit.”

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4.Kayak and Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 63 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $130

Start at 7:00 am at Makena Landing for about three hours of kayaking near Maui’s humpback whales. Chris or Kris guides a maximum of eight people, shares whale and island insight, and helps you enjoy close, respectful encounters. Moderate fitness is required.

“Chris was very nice and accommodating. The kayaking experience by itself was incredible. The whales were the cherry on top. Seeing whales from water level is surreal.”

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