Recent Searches
Clear
Close

Up-Close Maui Whale Watch Tour from Lahaina

star-5576 Reviews
|
Badge of Excellence
|
Lahaina, United States
Up-Close Maui Whale Watch Tour from Lahaina
See More
See More
Up-Close Maui Whale Watch Tour from Lahaina
The famous humpback whale breach!
Although we do not approach whales closer than federal regulations, it doesn't mean they don't approach us, making these up close whale experiences super special!
Whale watching in Maui is from December-April during migration!
See More
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

From $57.48

Lowest Price Guarantee

Select Date and Travelers

Number of travelers
1 Adult2 Adults3 Adults4 Adults5 Adults6 Adults7 Adults8 Adults9 Adults10 Adults11 Adults12 Adults13 Adults14 Adults15 Adults0 Youths1 Youth2 Youths3 Youths4 Youths5 Youths6 Youths7 Youths8 Youths9 Youths10 Youths11 Youths12 Youths13 Youths14 Youths15 Youths
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
Loading available options...
Safety measures
icon2 hours  (approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds

Overview

This tour departs from the historic Lahaina Harbor to find the majestic humpback whales that frequent the waters surrounding Maui in the winter months. Traveling in a small raft creates an intimate whale watching experience not found on the larger vessels commonly used on whale watching tours. Plus, the raft travels quickly, letting you spend more time whale watching and less time in transit.
  • Enjoy a small group whale watching tour off the coast of Maui
  • You can choose from a morning or afternoon tour so it doesn’t interfere with other plans
  • In the event of cancellation due to weather, you are offered an alternate outing or a full refund
  • Prepare for the chance to photograph whales in their natural habitat
Saved to wishlist!

From $57.48

Lowest Price Guarantee
Book Now
Marine Naturalist Narration
Hydrophone to listen to whale songs
Bottled water
Life jackets are provided for emergencies but are not required to be worn during the tour. 
BYOB ( Plastic or cans only)
No Spray Sunscreen Permitted - Reef Safe Sunscreen Only
Hawaii Ocean Rafting , 675 Wharf St Slip #8, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA
Open in Google Maps

CHECK IN at Hawaii Ocean Rafting, Lahaina Harbor Slip 8, 675 Wharf Street, Lahaina. Paid parking lots are located off Dickenson Street in Lahaina Town. Parking at corner of Prison and Front Street is free for 3 hours or less. PARKING may take 20 minutes to find and walk to Harbor.

This activity will end right where it started.
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • No Infants
  • Most travelers can participate
  • No children under 3
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Hawaii Ocean Rafting
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Up-Close Maui Whale Watch Tour from Lahaina?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by Up-Close Maui Whale Watch Tour from Lahaina.
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Up-Close Maui Whale Watch Tour from Lahaina?
A:The policy on social distancing is:

  • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
See all safety measures taken by Up-Close Maui Whale Watch Tour from Lahaina.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Up-Close Maui Whale Watch Tour from Lahaina?
A:The policy on staff health & safety is:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
See all safety measures taken by Up-Close Maui Whale Watch Tour from Lahaina.

Traveler Photos

See More
See More

Reviews

5.0
star-5
576 Reviews
5 stars
531
4 stars
17
3 stars
14
2 stars
6
1 star
8

Reviews by Viator travelers

Showing 1-10 of 576 reviews
star-2
The assistant on the boat...
Gale_S
, Apr 2022
The assistant on the boat was very good. The driver gave instruction about being seated but there were no safety issues addressed i.e. where life-vest were located.
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , Apr 2022
So glad the crew was great on your tour! We have a protocol at the intro of every tour we review where the life vest, raft are and fire extinguishers are located and other safety protocol. This is not something our Captains forget to do as it is required by the CG, in the future if you feel you did not get all the information that you need please speak up so we can address the concerns during the tour, mahalo!
... MoreLess
star-5
Fun day on the boat
Denise_M
, Apr 2022
Jill and Lexi were wonderful!!! We booked the 2 hour whale watching ride and it did not disappoint. We had a blast and saw a ton a humpback whales, including a baby and their mama. Jill and Lexi provided so much education around the whales and answered any/all questions we had. Because it’s a smaller boat, it just felt more intimate. We will definitely be booking again next time we are on the islands!!! Thank you for an amazing time! Mahalo!
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , Apr 2022
Mama and baby whales are so awesome to encounter! So glad you had a great whale watch tour with Jill and Lexi on our small group raft! Mahalo!
... MoreLess
star-1
2 HOURS OF TORTURE
Byung_S
, Apr 2022
Finally getting off the raft and getting far away from Slip 8 as possible. Oh I think I saw a glimpse of a whale fin hundreds of yards away. Or it could just be my imagination.
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , May 2022
Aloha, As mentioned in our response to your multiple duplicate reviews left on Yelp, Google and Tripadvisor, it is hard to believe your perception of the experience could be so different from the other hundreds of guests that go out with us daily, including those that were on the same boat with you. I am not sure what you are hoping to accomplish with your reviews, but if you would like to improve your experience it's best to share your concerns during the tour so we can try to resolve issues you have at that time as our goal is to make sure all our guests have an aloha experience. Wishing you the aloha you need right now to restore your peace and kindness.
... MoreLess
1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Amazing whale watch tour
Alexandra_J
, Apr 2022
We all had an amazing time watching mama, baby and escort whales. The captain was very knowledgeable and took us to the right area to see the whales. I would definitively recommend this tour.
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , Apr 2022
Mahalo for experiencing the magic of whales with us, we are so glad your tour was educational and you saw some whales!
... MoreLess
star-5
Whales, FUN….let’s do it again!!!
Lenore_B
, Apr 2022
Fabulous!!!! Early April, we went on the late afternoon watch. The expert, polite crew handled the boat with excellence. We saw many whale pods, including calves. It was a highlight to our vacation, and I HIGHLY recommend them. Worth every penny!!
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , Apr 2022
So stoked you included whale watching on your Maui vacation and you had a great time! Mahalo for going out with us!
... MoreLess
star-5
Fantastic excursion!
Scott_M
, Apr 2022
Saw 5 whales on 4/8 so pretty late in the season. The RIB was very comfortable for my wife and two kids and I…CJ and Jill were very friendly and informative and did a great job!
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , Apr 2022
Stoked you saw so many whales end of whale season! Mahalo for whale watching with us and hanging with CJ and Jill!
... MoreLess
star-5
Whales memories
Cresencia_B
, Apr 2022
Seeing the whales. Good timing for our group . Guides / captain provided a good experience , helpful .
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , Apr 2022
Mahalo for creating whale memories with us! So glad you had a great time adventuring on our raft!
... MoreLess
star-5
Fantastic Late Season Tour
Kim_T
, Apr 2022
Booked this end of the season tour for our first trip to Maui. CJ and Jane were fantastic! They were knowledgeable, helpful and welcoming. Much aloha for the guests and the whales. We were able to see a mother and calf, plus another whale. They dropped the hydrophone so we could hear the male singing. It was truly an awesome experience, made so much better being close to the water in a rigid hull inflatable boat. I wish we could do this every day of our trip! Mahalo, CJ and Jane!
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , Apr 2022
Hearing whale songs and seeing a mom and baby whales make time on the water so special. So glad your whale watch with CJ and Jill was memorable! Mahao!
... MoreLess
star-5
Loved this small boat experience!
Keith_D
, Apr 2022
We went at the end of the season and our captain was able to find several mama whales with their calves and their big beautiful escorts. We were lucky enough to see a baby come up all the way out of the water directly in front of the boat. It was amazing! Loved the intimate experience of the small boat. Thanks!
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , Apr 2022
We are stoked we got to share an awesome whale watch with you, so glad you some cool whale encounters! Mahalo!
... MoreLess
star-5
Maui whale watching
Cameron_H
, Apr 2022
This was a fun excursion for the family. Being up close to the whales was an experience. The captain and crew were fun and knowledgeable. I’d recommend this to any traveler
... MoreLess
star-5
Fantastic
Rod_L
, Apr 2022
We had a fantastic experience. We saw multiple whales, a sea turtle, bottlenose dolphins, and hundreds of spinner dolphins. Our captains were knowledgeable and informative. Very helpful very enjoyable. The smaller boat was great.
... MoreLess
star-5
Highlight of our trip
Olivia_T
, Apr 2022
We had a great experience with this. I've been whale watching before on Maui but wanted to try a smaller craft. There were only 16 people on the boat and we saw lots of whale action even though it was the last week of March and the end of the whale season. The guides were knowledgeable and nice, and this was the highlight of our trip. I would recommend bringing water (although they did offer us some) since you'll be there 2 hours, a hat that will not fly off with strong breezes if you need shade, and Dramamine if you tend to get motion sickness. I'm awful at pictures but we saw whales breach, mothers with playful calves, tail flips, etc. Not a dull moment!
... MoreLess
star-5
Paul and will we’re...
Devon_D
, Apr 2022
Paul and will we’re great. We saw many whales and enjoyed the knowledge they shared about the whales!
... MoreLess
star-4
Great Time! Would recommend!
Jimena_S
, Apr 2022
Very nice boat ride! We got very lucky and saw a couple of whales. Saw a mom and calf together, the little one breached and gave us a big splash.
... MoreLess
star-5
Do it!
Cindy_A
, Apr 2022
Awesome, once in a lifetime experience. Small boats are key for a tour like this. Our guides were entertaining and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend this.
... MoreLess
star-5
Raft tour is the way to go
Nicholas_P
, Apr 2022
It was an amazing experience. We got to see a lot of whales, unfortunately none of them jumped out of the water and did tricks like in the pictures. What I liked about this close up tour on a raft is that you don't have to worry about a bunch of people obstructing your view on a bigger ship. Our tour guides did a fantastic job of explaining details about the whales and showing us where to look.
... MoreLess
star-5
We got to see a...
Emma_L
, Apr 2022
We got to see a competition group of about 11 whales… it’s an experience we will never forget. Will and Aaron were very knowledgeable and friendly. Would HIGHLY recommend!
... MoreLess
star-5
Best whale tour ever
Sue_G
, Apr 2022
Fabulous experience! Loved the crew, narration and phenomenal whale display! The ability to maneuver in a smaller craft was of great help!
... MoreLess
star-5
Unforgettable experience
Melissa_M
, Mar 2022
Such an amazing experience, I would recommend this to all friends and family. I chose this specifically for the small boat being able to experience the whales up close and boy did that payoff we saw five whales and plenty of action right up front. The captain and crew were amazing, I’m looking forward to doing this again.
... MoreLess
star-5
Whales on display!
Eric_H
, Mar 2022
Our best experience of the trip! We saw many very active whales. One did a dozen tail slaps in a row! Multiple whales were fin slapping as well. We saw 3-4 full breaches, the last being about 50 yards (closer than you think) away as the whole ship was focused on one area and everyone saw it. An awesome trip, great crew, highly recommended.
... MoreLess

Compare Similar Experiences

Current
Up-Close Maui Whale Watch Tour from Lahaina
Likely to Sell Out
Up-Close Maui Whale Watch Tour from Lahaina
star-5576
2 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$57.48
Lahaina Guided Cacao Farm Tour and Chocolate Tasting
star-5281
1 hour 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$85.00
The Maui Butterfly Farm Tour!
star-5148
45 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$39.99
Likely to Sell Out
Reefdancer Semi-Sub Boat Cruise with Underwater Views from Lahaina Harbor
star-5192
1 hour 15 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$53.60
Maui Whale Watch Cruise from Lahaina Harbor
star-4.5947
2 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$74.25
Molokini Crater Zodiak Adventure Snorkel and Turtle Cove Swim
star-5525
4 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$169.00
Maui Turtle Snorkel Experience & Lunch
star-535
3 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$138.25
Makena-Wailea Explorer Trip in Maui
star-4.540
4 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$111.00
Eco Sea Scooter Beach Entry
star-515
7 days 2 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$119.00

Explore Similar Things to Do

Nature and WildlifeRaftingWater SportsOutdoor ActivitiesMauiNature and Wildlife - HawaiiRafting - HawaiiNature and Wildlife - OahuRafting - OahuNature and Wildlife - Big Island of HawaiiRafting - Big Island of HawaiiCategory

Attractions in Maui

Banyan Tree Park Tours & TicketsWailea Beach Tours & TicketsPipiwai Trail Tours & TicketsWailuku Tours & TicketsHanakao'o Beach Park Tours & TicketsKaʻanapali Beach Tours & TicketsLahaina Tours & TicketsKaumahina State Wayside Park Tours & TicketsʻIao Valley State Monument Tours & TicketsWaiʻanapanapa State Park Tours & TicketsHana Lava Tube (Ka'eleku Caverns) Tours & TicketsOcean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery Tours & TicketsOheo Gulch Tours & TicketsWaihee Ridge Trail Tours & TicketsMaui Ocean Center Tours & TicketsUlupalakua Ranch Tours & TicketsHana Tours & TicketsKaʻanapali Tours & TicketsKahului Tours & TicketsWailea Tours & Tickets