The 15 Best Whale Watching Tours in Maui

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

Board a small zodiac raft at 1223 Front Street in Lahaina for a 2.5-hour wildlife trip. From December to April, search for humpback whales and hear their songs through a hydrophone. In summer, the focus shifts to dolphins and coastal views. Expect spray, sun, and a close-to-the-water ride.

“We had a great experience! The captain Jack worked very hard to give us a great experience! Highly recommend!”

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2.Maalaea: Whale Watching Tour Aboard the Quicksilver

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,461 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $49Best value

Board the Quicksilver at Maalaea Harbor for a two-hour whale watch from December through April. The high-speed catamaran reaches Maui’s whale waters quickly, while the captain and crew explain whale behavior. You get hydrophone songs, shaded seating, restrooms, and free juice and soda.

“Great team on board, knowledgeable, keep it fun and informative👍, the whales were all over the area”

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3.Maui: Ultimate Whale Watch from Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,162 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes (approx.) · from $77

Set out from Lahaina Harbor on a low, fast raft with up to 28 people. Captains and naturalists such as Jill, Lacey, Casey, and Jeremiah share whale facts, track humpbacks, and lower a hydrophone so you can hear their songs. Choose a 1.5-hour or 2-hour outing.

“Incredible tour! We had the best experience. Out captain Jeremiah and First mate Cat were engaging and loads of fun. We saw 8 whale breechs a mother and baby traveling with a male, numerous pectoral flaps !it was a trip of a lifetime!”

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4.WHALES GUARANTEED Maui Whale Watching Makai Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,081 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $97

Set out from Mala Boat Ramp on a two-hour-15-minute whale watch for humpbacks, with cushioned seats, shade, a restroom, and open views. Captains and crew such as Allison, Travis, Dani, Levi, and Noah explain whale behavior while keeping the trip respectful and personal.

“Dave and Allison were incredible hosts and the boat was comfortable. We were able to see a ton of whales, including at least one magnificent whale breaching. Would highly recommend this experience.”

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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. Captain Kiwi, Carlos, or another English-speaking guide explains whale behavior while hydrophones bring their songs aboard. Expect shaded seating, open decks, drinks, restrooms, and a fair chance of seeing breaching whales and calves.

“It was amazing. We saw lots of whales and even very close to the boat.”

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6.Maui: Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar from Ka’anapali Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 802 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $115

Join Sea Maui at Ka’anapali Beach for a two-hour catamaran cruise during Maui’s humpback season. Naturalists explain whale behavior while the crew searches for blows, breaches, mothers, and calves. Expect bean-bag seating on open nets, snacks, unlimited drinks for adults 21 and older, and a maximum of 42 people.

“The crew was super friendly and accommodating. Great service all around. Unfortunately we didn’t get many whale sightings and when we did they were minimal and far away from our boat. We saw similar whale sightings sitting on the beach. But that’s the luck of the draw.”

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7.Whale Watching Maui: 2-Hour Small Group Raft Tour from Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 661 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $80

From Lahaina, you’ll spend two hours in Maui Nui’s humpback whale sanctuary aboard a small inflatable raft. Captains such as Will and Joe work with naturalists including Renee and Brian to find whales, explain their behavior, and play their songs through a hydrophone. Bottled water and reef-safe sunscreen are included.

“We loved the crew and the boat. Was very happy to only have 8 guests onboard. Wasn’t crowded like other tours we saw leave the dock.”

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8.Maui Whale-Watching Tour by Raft from Kihei

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 646 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $84

Join Redline Rafting in Kihei for a 90-minute whale watch aboard a small, speedy raft. A marine naturalist explains whale behavior while a hydrophone lets you hear underwater songs. Expect close views, spray, sun, and a bumpy ride along Maui’s south coast.

“Captain and crew were awesome! Spotted so many whales and one even went under our boat! It was fantastic to see so many and so close. The water is choppy so expect some bumps but it well worth it if you get lucky!”

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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 marine naturalists. You’ll look for humpback whales, hear their songs through underwater hydrophones, and learn about whale behavior. Children four and under are free, and if no whales appear, your next trip is free.

“Hands down the BEST experience of our time in Maui. Richard and the other crew members were super knowledgeable and friendly. We saw many, many whales from a close proximity. We wish we could have spent the entire day on the boat. We took the Ocean Voyager 8 am tour. Don’t hesitate to book this tour!”

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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, combining a four-course dinner, alcoholic drinks, sunset views, and seasonal whale watching. A naturalist explains humpback behavior, and the route includes views toward Lana‘i, Moloka‘i, and McGregor Point Lighthouse. Whale sightings are never guaranteed.

“What an experience! Within 5 minutes we had our first whale spotting. It was a magical trip with seeing many breeches (including one right in front of the boat), fin slaps, logging and listening to a musical underwater concert. Highly recommend this trip.”

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11.VIP (12 Guests ONLY) Ultimate Whale Watch

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

From Lahaina Harbor, you spend two hours on a fast, low Coast Guard-style raft with no more than 12 people. A marine naturalist explains humpback behavior, and a hydrophone lets you hear whale song. Crews including John, Casie, Emma, Jeremiah, and Sarah have helped make close encounters memorable.

“Fantastic experience with Jeremiah and Sarah. They answered all of our questions and found so many whales! Can’t recommend enough!”

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12.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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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, a Hawaiian-built catamaran from Maalaea. From December through March, watch humpback whales, hear their songs through underwater hydrophones, and look for dolphins. Captain Sam and crew provide whale information, snacks, soft drinks, water, juice, and two adult beverages for guests 21 and older.

“The whale watching trip was amazing! We were able to see several whales including a breaching one Captain Sam and his crew did a fantastic job!! I would definitely recommend this tour!!”

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14.HIGH QUALITY Whale Watch Adventure Aboard Luxury Super Raft

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

Set out from Maalaea Harbor aboard Maui Reef Adventures’ custom Super Raft for 1 hour and 45 minutes of close whale watching. With space for up to 38 people, onboard hydrophones, and guides such as Captain Brad, Ryan, Jen, and Garrett, you’ll watch for humpbacks, tails, breaches, calves, dolphins, and turtles.

“Jen and ryan were very friendly and helpful. The information shared was very interesting and the whale spotting was superb!!”

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15.Whale Watch and Turtles Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 122 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $138

Spend about 3.5 hours from Maalaea Harbor watching humpback whales, snorkeling Maui reefs, and enjoying a BBQ lunch aboard Pride of Maui. The roomy catamaran carries up to 75 people, offers gear and restrooms, and serves beer, wine, and mai-tais after snorkeling.

“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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