Ka'anapali Whale Watch
Duration: 2 Hours
Adults Ages 21+ $85
Teens Ages 13 - 20 $75
Children Ages 3 - 12 $65
Infants Ages 2 and under Free
Private Charter 2 Hour $3,000 - $3,800
Kaanapali Whale Watch
The whales can be seen effortlessly in the tranquil waters of west Maui and we have your front row seat to the show!
These magnificent mammals congregate yearly in Hawaiian waters and on Hawaiian shorelines for their annual winter migration. Join us on an adventure to see these beautiful Humpback whales as they make Maui their winter home for breeding and giving birth to their young.
What to Expect on Your Maui Whale Watch Tour Adventure
Breaching
When a whale breaches, it leaps out of the water before splashing back down. Some whales will jump and land, whereas others may flip or turn before touching down.
Mugging
A humpback whale must be kept 100 yards away from boats. A “mugging” happens when a whale approaches a boat inside 100 yards, usually to get a better look. At this point our captains are not permitted to maneuver the vessel until the whale travels outside of the 100 yard boundary.
Spy Hopping
A spy hop is when the whale’s rostrum, or head, is entirely out of the water. This happens when a whale pops its eyes out of the water while floating vertically in the water to see what is going on on the surface.
A Blow
An adult humpback whale swims to the surface to breathe every 15 to 20 minutes. A deep dive can last 45 minutes. A blow causes a fine mist of hot, condensed water to erupt from their lungs, reaching heights of up to 20 feet. A blow is the most convenient way to see whales.
Pecs Slapping
A pectoral slap occurs when a female whale lifts one or both large fins out of the water and repeatedly slaps the water. Scientists believe this is done to attract local males. The pec can grow to be up to 16 feet long.
Whale Song
Whales make noise underwater, which is known as a whale song. A hydrophone in the water is the only way to hear a whale song.
Tail Slapping
Try a tail slap or tail throw if the pec slap isn’t enough for you. The slap can produce a gunshot-like sound that can be heard on the shore. It is frequently done repeatedly to demonstrate aggression or play. This trick is popular among children.
A Fluke Dive
You’ll know the celebration is over when their bodies are in an upside-down upward arch under the water. And when the tail is evenly and entirely out of the water. This indicates that the whales are now up for a deep dive.
What to Wear on Your Maui Whale Watch Tour
You surely can get to see the whales on shore. However, booking a tour with Sea Maui is the best way to see the whales up close. Going on a tour to see whales in Maui requires wearing proper clothing and accessories for a beautifully memorable experience.
The boat will provide some shade, but the shade will shift as the boat moves. Wearing a hat can help you get more shade during the tour! Wearing a chin strap may be your best option for keeping your hat on while the boat is moving or if there is wind! Waterproof materials and broad-brimmed hats are excellent choices. We recommend Melin hats!
Wear Appropriate Clothing
A shirt with a light jacket and shorts is recommended when going on a Maui whale watch tour. In addition, a rain jacket or poncho can be helpful in the event of tropical rain or ocean spray. We also recommend flip flops or slippers as this is a barefoot sail and you will need to walk into the sand/water to board the boat. The Coast Guard does not require life jackets to be worn on the boat while underway, emergency life vests are available and will be distributed to guests only in the event of an emergency.
Don’t Be Concerned About Shoes
Because our whale watching tours are barefoot, please wear shoes that can be easily kicked off and stored while underway. We can also accommodate you if you have a medical condition that requires you to wear shoes, please notify our beach staff.
More Information:
Easy-to-find check-in location at The Whaler’s Village Shopping Center and the only boat with a physical location on the beach. Our kiosk is located along the beach walk at Whaler’s Village between Leilani’s and Hula Grill.
The only boat with 4 hours of free parking validation, savings of $20 or more!
Exceptional staff & service/certified naturalists for whale watches
All crew members are lifeguard and CPR certified.
What drinks are provided?
All of our trips include a full open bar for guests that are 21+ years of age with proper ID.
We offer 2 local beers, white wine, champagne, bourbon, light rum, dark rum and vodka. We can create many different cocktails such as Maitai’s, Maui Mules, etc.
Our non-alcoholic beverages include a variety of soft drinks, lemonade, passion orange guava juice, and water.
What does ” Beach Loading Catamaran” mean?
Beach loading catamaran means guests will need to walk a few steps down into the sand and water before reaching the dropdown staircase and getting on board the vessel.
Additional Information
Confirmation will be given at the same time as your booking.
All guests must have a moderate physical fitness level.
Presenting a parking ticket for validation at check-in is required to be granted 4 hours of free parking at the Whalers Village shopping center.
The minimum drinking allowed on board age is 21 years old. Bringing an ID is required for those who will consume alcoholic drinks.
Expect to get wet from knees to toe as you are to take a few steps before reaching the stairway that leads to the vessel.
The tour can accommodate up to 48 guests for a sunset live music cruise on Maui.
Gratuity for crews is not included in what you paid during booking.
All crews of Sea Maui are lifeguards, and CPR certified.
All infants must sit on an adult’s lap.
All guests must have a moderate physical fitness level.
Sea Maui can accommodate a maximum of 48 guests.
All confirmation bookings will be received once booking is paid in full.
Maui whale watching cruise schedule is subject to cancellation or changes due to traffic and weather conditions.
Cancellation Policy
24 hours notice of cancellation required for a full refund. Once within the 24 hour window no refunds will be honored, if rescheduling is possible a $25 fee per passenger will apply. Customers will receive a full refund in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. MUST call to cancel. (808) SEA-MAUI. No-shows will be charged the full price or given the option to reschedule for a $25 fee per passenger. Private charters and other special events (New Years Eve, 4th of July, etc.) require 72 hours notice. Third party vouchers or tickets not sold by Sea Maui may have additional refund restrictions, Sea Maui will not be responsible for the refunding of any payment taken by a third party vendor.
Great way to spend a few hours!
Great fun getting to. Go out on the water. We did see several whales at a distance and one breached closer to the boat. The crew was fun and interactive and the refreshments were quick in coming. A beautiful 2hours well spent.
wrote a review
Best whale watching experience ever!
IIncredible! The crew was amazing. We saw whales almost the entire time and at the very end were surprised by a female humpback that swam around the boat for a long time. It was the coolest whale watching experience we’ve ever had!