Sightseeing Cruises

Whale Watching Sail from Maʻalaea Harbor

Set sail aboard Ocean Spirit, a state-of-the-art sailing catamaran designed for a scenic and eco-friendly whale watching cruise across Maui’s waters.

Certified marine naturalists provide engaging narration throughout the journey, while the onboard Jr. Naturalist Program offers interactive learning opportunities for children.

Listen to humpback whale songs in real time through underwater hydrophones for a deeper and more immersive wildlife encounter.

If no whales are spotted during your cruise, you can return for another trip free of charge under the sightings guarantee.

Enhance your outing by adding an immersive, award-winning whale-song audio experience, "Sounds of the Ocean", or by choosing a cruise that includes a meal and drinks with your whale watch.

Catamaran sail cruise

Guided narration by certified marine naturalists

Use of underwater hydrophones to hear whale songs

Onboard Jr. Naturalist Program for kids

Filtered water

Whale sightings guarantee

Lunch on board (as per option selected) (Menu)

Immersive "Sounds of the Ocean" experience (as per option selected)

Food and beverages (available for purchase onboard)

Reef-safe sunscreen (available for purchase onboard)

Binoculars (available for rent onboard, subject to availability)

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Sail on a premium sailing catamaran alongside expert Marine Naturalists and listen to live whale songs through hydrophones during a focused, Maui whale watch.

Getting started

Please arrive 45 minutes before departure at the Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store, located within the Maʻalaea Harbor Shops. During check-in, your tickets will be validated, and the crew will review important safety procedures along with whale-watching guidelines. Once the briefing is complete, you will board and prepare to set sail.

What to expect

Sailing Catamaran Whale Watch from Maʻalaea Harbor

Head out along Maui’s scenic coastline aboard Ocean Spirit, a modern sailing catamaran designed for comfort and stability. Throughout the winter whale season, certified Marine Naturalists provide in-depth commentary about humpback whale behaviors, migration, and conservation. As you scan the horizon for spouts and breaches, onboard hydrophones stream live whale songs from beneath the surface, adding an unforgettable acoustic layer to your experience.

Features:

Live underwater whale audio: Hydrophones capture real-time humpback whale vocalizations, allowing you to hear their complex songs while observing their movements above the water.

Comfortable open-air sailing: The spacious catamaran offers stable decks and generous viewing areas, giving you excellent vantage points for photography and wildlife spotting.

Interactive learning for kids: The onboard Jr. Naturalist Program keeps younger guests engaged with hands-on activities focused on Hawaii’s unique marine ecosystem.

Whale sightings guarantee: If whales are not spotted during your cruise, you may return for another whale watch within one year at no additional cost.

What to bring

Choose flat or low-profile footwear to move safely across the deck.

Have a credit or debit card or a digital payment option, ready for any onboard purchases, as transactions are cashless.

Protect yourself from the sun during the trip, and remember that reef-safe sunscreen can be purchased onboard.

Bring cash for the crew as gratuities in appreciation of their service.

Accessibility

Guests board using a stepped gangway, so it is important to hold the handrails and keep one hand free for balance while getting on and off the vessel.

What’s not allowed

The use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or any vaping devices is not allowed onboard.

Standing on any benches or chairs is prohibited for safety reasons.

Guests must not sit on railings, tables, counters, or chair backs during the cruise.

For safety, children may not ride on someone’s shoulders while onboard.

Additional information

Cruises run seasonally from December 1 to April 17.

Check-in takes place 45 minutes before departure at the Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store inside Maʻalaea Harbor Shops, adjacent to Maui Ocean Center.

The vessel carries no more than 55 passengers to maintain comfort and space.

All onboard purchases require a card or digital payment, and cash is accepted only for gratuities.

Ticket categories include Adults aged 13 and older, Children aged 5 to 12, and children 4 years and under are allowed.

Weather and ocean conditions may affect sailing patterns and whale encounters, and engines may be used in line with Be Whale Aware regulations.

Remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during your time at sea.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.