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Up-Close Maui Whale Watch Tour from Lahaina

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Lahaina, United States
Up-Close Maui Whale Watch Tour from Lahaina
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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!
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From $48.23

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Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
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Safety measures
icon2 hours  (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds

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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
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From $48.23

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Marine Naturalist Narration
Hydrophone to listen to whale songs
Bottled water
BYOB ( Plastic or cans only)

Departure Point

675 Wharf Street, Slip #8, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA

CHECK IN Lahaina Harbor Slip 8, 675 Wharf Street, Lahaina. Paid parking lots are located behind Paia Fish Market on Front Street or off Dickenson Street in Lahaina Town. Parking around the harbor is free for 3 hours or less.

Return Details

Returns to original departure point
  • 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

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Reviews

5.0
star-5
247 Reviews
5 stars
225
4 stars
5
3 stars
8
2 stars
5
1 star
4

Reviews by Viator travelers

Showing 1-10 of 247 reviews
star-5
Whales and Dolphins ...WOW
Charlene_A
, Apr 2021
Our tour guides were awesome and very knowledgeable about sea creatures. We got a pretty nice view of some whales and even rode along side hundreds of dolphins. This was truly unforgettable. Thank you
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icon Response from Host , Apr 2021
Aloha Charlene, wow! That's amazing that you saw both the whales and hundreds of dolphins. That truly is an unforgettable experience! Mahalo for calling attention to our awesome crew. Thank you for joining us!
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star-5
End of season, whales the whole time
Autumn_SB
, Apr 2021
We had an unforgettable time!! We had a momma, calf and their escort the entire outing as well as other whales on the journey out and back in!!!! The smaller craft was perfect for allowing everyone an opportunity to experience the whole trip!!! Highly recommend!!
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icon Response from Host , Apr 2021
Aloha Autumn, and wow! This was such a great review to read. I am delighted to hear that you had an unforgettable time on your tour and got the opportunity to see a mom, calf and escort the entire time! Mahalo for joining us and A Hui Hou!
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star-5
Awesome day!
Margaret_P
, Apr 2021
Great trip and was excited to see several groups of whales and learn about the from our guides. Also saw a pod of spinner dolphins which was especially cool. Would highly recommend!!!
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icon Response from Host , Apr 2021
Aloha Margaret, thank you for joining us with Hawaii Ocean Rafting! I am happy to hear that you were able to see both the whales and spinner dolphins! That's definitely an experience to remember! Mahalo for the kind words!
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star-5
Beautiful and fun!
Kristine_C
, Apr 2021
We were late in the season but saw whales right away! We also had a bonus of spinner dolphins, so amazing!
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icon Response from Host , Apr 2021
Aloha Kritsine! Amazing that you were able to see both the whales and the spinner dolphins! I am delighted to hear that you loved your tour and thank you for taking the time to write this review. It really means a lot!
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star-5
Awesome Adventure
Dawn_Z
, Apr 2021
Loved that we able to be so close to the whale!! One whale actually swam right under our boat! It was quite the experience and no binoculars were needed! I’d definitely do it again!!
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icon Response from Host , Apr 2021
Aloha Dawn_Z, it is so incredible when the whales decide to approach our rafts! Definitely a Hawaii Bucket List experience and I am so happy that you enjoyed your tour with us! Mahalo for joining us and we look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure when you return!
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Raft To Spotted action Quickly
Paula_W
, Apr 2021
Our captain and his crewman were very professional with safety in mind. No more than 12 people on the vessel and the raft allowed us to get to the whales faster than a big boat would. To actually see whales everyone has to scout. It’s not their fault if it doesn’t happen but they do know the area. You can look up live tracking ahead of time to see if their in the area. Google it.
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icon Response from Host , Apr 2021
Aloha Paula_W, yes, I agree - rafts can zip you off to where the action is much faster than larger vessels! I am thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your tour and appreciated our crew's professionalism and service. Thank you so much for the kind words!
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star-5
So much fun!
Lyndsey_B
, Apr 2021
Even though we visited Maui at the end of the whale watching season, we still were able to see some whales. Our guides were so knowledgeable and entertaining. I appreciated the stories and information about whales. I couldn’t have asked for a better whale watching tour. Sean and Z were great!!!
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icon Response from Host , Apr 2021
Aloha Lyndsey, thank you for the kind words and calling attention to the amazing service yo received from Sean and Z!! Mahalo for joining us and we look forward to welcoming you back when you return!
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star-5
Great experience
Weston_W
, Apr 2021
The captain and his assistant were knowledgeable and kind, we saw some amazing whales, and the boat was great.
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icon Response from Host , Apr 2021
Aloha Weston, I am so happy to hear that you had a great experience with us at Hawaii Ocean Rafting. Mahalo for joining us and providing us with a 5 star review! It means a lot!
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star-5
Best way to whale watch!
Jeff_L
, Apr 2021
Great experience with very knowledgable guides. A raft is the way to do whale watching. We got to an area quickly where there were three whales - momma, baby, male escort - and were able to hang around for a long time watching them. A larger boat left the harbor before us and was o only able to stay in the area for a short period of time and only saw a single whale before having to turn around and head back to the harbor. We got our money’s worth for sure.
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icon Response from Host , Apr 2021
Aloha Jeff_L, thank you so much for taking the time to write this review and the kind words. It means a lot that we are one of your favorite whale watching experiences! Mahalo for joining us and we look forward to seeing you again when you return!
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star-5
Worth the trip
Xin_Y
, Apr 2021
Great experience to see the whales. The captain and crew are super knowledgeable and nice, the boat is a open air, got to see everything in all angles. Great service
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icon Response from Host , Apr 2021
Aloha Xin_Y, mahalo for the awesome review and kind words! I am so happy to hear that you love our tour. We really appreciate it. We look forward to seeing you again when you return. Have a wonderful day!
... MoreLess
1 traveler found this review helpful

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