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Sightseeing Cruises

Catamaran Whale Watch Cruise from Maʻalaea Harbor

Photographer capturing humpback whale surfacing in Maui, Hawaii.
Whale breaching in ocean during whale watching tour in Maui, Hawaii.
Whale breaching in ocean with Maui mountains in background, Hawaii.
Panoramic view of Ma'alaea Harbor with buildings and mountains, Maui, Hawaii.

Duration

2 hr

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

    • Enjoy a 2-hour whale watching cruise that features a dedicated Jr. Naturalist Program designed to engage and educate young explorers while spotting humpback whales.

    • Sail with certified marine naturalists who provide in-depth commentary and facilitate live whale-song listening through underwater hydrophones.

    • Take advantage of onboard amenities and a whale-sighting guarantee that offers a complimentary return trip if no whales are spotted.

    • The cruise departs from Maʻalaea Harbor, providing easy access to nearby cultural destinations in Maui and a straightforward boarding process.

    • Elevate your experience by upgrading to a more intimate small-group cruise with enhanced narration and included onboard comforts.

    • 2-hour whale watch catamaran cruise

    • Certified marine naturalist guides on board

    • Underwater hydrophones to listen to whale songs

    • Onboard Jr. Naturalist Program for kids

    • Filtered drinking water

    • Whale-sighting guarantee

    • Small-group experience (as per option selected)

    • Food and beverages (available for purchase onboard)

    • Binoculars (available for rent, subject to availability)

  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • Two-hour whale watching cruise led by certified marine naturalists, featuring live hydrophone audio and a whale-sighting guarantee.

    Getting started

    Please arrive at least 45 minutes prior to departure to check in at Maʻalaea Harbor, near the Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store. During check-in, your tickets will be validated, and the crew will provide a short safety briefing to prepare you for the experience. Once completed, you will board the vessel and get ready for your time on the water.

    What to expect

    Catamaran Whale Watch Cruise from Maʻalaea Harbor

    Set out on a catamaran cruise during Maui’s whale season and join certified marine naturalists as you search for humpback whales. Along the way, you will gain insight into whale behaviors and communication while listening to their live songs through underwater hydrophones, creating a deeper and more immersive encounter.

    Features:

    • Live hydrophone listening: Hear real-time whale vocalizations that bring a powerful acoustic dimension to every sighting.

    • Naturalist narration: Understand behaviors such as spy-hopping, tail slapping, and mother-and-calf interactions with clear, engaging narration.

    • Kid-friendly enrichment: The onboard Jr. Naturalist Program offers hands-on learning opportunities designed to captivate younger guests.

    • Comfort forward: Reduced passenger capacity allows for extra space along the rails, making wildlife viewing and photography more comfortable.

  • What to bring

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

    • Consider bringing reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the ocean, though it is also available for sale onboard.

    What’s not allowed

    • The use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or any vaping devices is strictly prohibited onboard.

    • Guests must not stand on any benches or chairs during the tour.

    • Sitting on railings, tables, counters, or chair backs is not permitted for safety reasons.

    • For safety, children are not allowed to ride on anyone’s shoulders while on the vessel.

    Additional information

    • Check-in opens 45 minutes prior to departure, and guests should arrive within this timeframe.

    • All cruises depart from Maʻalaea Harbor, as Lahaina departures are temporarily suspended.

    • Onboard purchases are cashless, with credit cards and digital payments accepted; cash may only be used for crew tips.

    • A selection of snacks, drinks, reef-safe sunscreen, and binocular rentals is available for purchase during the cruise.

    • 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.

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