Overview
Eye-level whale watching (or summer time dolphin watching) onboard our low-to-water small group zodiac rafts.
Native Hawaiian owned and voted Trip Advisors Traveler's Choice, Hawaii Ocean Rafting has been Maui’s original ocean rafting experience for more than 30 years.
Our small group tours make for a fun, family style whale watch experience. Although whales are protected in Hawaii, they often approach our small boats for closer and eye level whale encounters. *Wildlife sighting's vary in the wild.
Search for dolphins (summer months) early season whales (Nov & May) and sightsee on this tour in the off season.
A low-to-water zodiac boat puts you close to the ocean’s surface for eye-level wildlife encounters and a eco-friendly adventure.
We are located in Lahaina, Maui, just a short drive from Kaanapali, Kahana, Napili, Kapalua and other West Maui accommodations. And a fun destination for visitors staying in Kihei or Wailea.
No pregnant persons or children under 3
Packages & Options
2HR Whale/Dolphin Search Tour
Popular Whale Watch RAFT
Preferred Whale Watch RAFT
4 Hour Snorkel + Whale Watch
90 Min. Whale Watch RAFT
2HR Dolphin (only) Watch Tour
5 Hour Snorkel + Whale Watch
Itinerary
Join Maui's only Hawaiian Owned eye-level Whale Watching and Dolphin Search Tours onboard our low-to-water small group eco-rafts.
Avoid the crowds and enjoy comfortable seating in a small group with spectacular views of Hawaii’s humpback whales or Maui's friendly dolphins.
December- April: The Humpback Whale returns to the warm Hawaiian waters every year during the winter months for their mating and calving season. Although whales are protected in Hawaii and we do not approach them closer than federal regulations, they often approach our small rafts for those up close and eye-level whale encounters. The type of encounters vary in the wild.
May-November: Dolphins are spotted year-round and our eco-rafts also provide eye-level encounters. November we begin our search for early whales.
Your tour includes a full narration of interesting whale / dolphin and Maui facts by our naturalist, listening to whale songs on a hydrophone and lots of photo ops!
*Our small locally native owned eco-company is excited to share Maui's wildlife with you!*
Departures from Lahaina- arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure time so you don't miss boarding your boat!
No pregnant person allowed
What’s Included
Inclusions
- Plan to get wet! This is a low to water boat- ocean spray and light rain can occur during tour.
- Life jackets are provided for emergencies but are not required to be worn during the tour.
- Dolphin Tour includes snacks and beverages
- Hydrophone to listen to whale songs
- *Type of encounters vary in the wild- Up close sightings not guaranteed
- Whales or Dolphins (Based on option selected)
- Tour Operator: Hawaii Ocean Rafting
- Available shade varies on boat. Please bring sun protection: hat, sunglasses and reef safe sunscreen
- Marine Naturalist Narration
Exclusions
- Not suitable for pregnant persons or those with back/neck injuries.
- Tour leaves promptly. Must arrive 30 minutes prior to board or will miss the tour.
- Hotel pick-up and drop off
- BYOB (Plastic or Cans Only)
- Whales or Dolphins (Based on option selected at check out)
- Gratuities
- Upclose wildlife encounters are not guaranteed as animals are in the wild.
- No Spray Sunscreen Permitted - Reef Safe Rub-on Sunscreen Only
Meeting & Logistics
Special Instructions
ARRIVE 30 MINUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE to ensure ample time for check-in and safety briefings. Boats leave promptly at their scheduled time. If you arrive later than 30 minutes prior to departure you will miss the escort to the boarding location. No refunds for late arrivals.
Plan to get wet from ocean spray, bring sunglasses and hat for sun protection. Wear footwear easy to take off for a barefoot cruise.
Check-in at 1223 Front Street, next to Snorkel Bobs. Parking is available on Front Street or near Lahaina Cannery Mall.
Due to style of vessel, tour does not permit pregnant persons, persons with back or neck injuries or children under 3 years.
Meeting Point
Hawaii
Additional Info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- No Infants
- No Pregnant Persons or children under 3 permitted
- Food Allergen Warning (Required Disclosure): Due to the nature of onboard food preparation and handling, we cannot guarantee that any menu item will be free from allergens. All meals or snacks served on this vessel may contain or come into contact with gluten, tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish, fish, soy, eggs, dairy, and wheat. If you have a known food allergy, please notify our team in advance and bring any required allergy medication (such as an EpiPen). We strongly recommend guests with severe allergies consult a physician prior to participating in the charter. We are not responsible for allergic reactions due to undeclared or cross-contact allergens.
- No children under 3
