Maui’s Most Eco-Friendly Cruise Choice

Pacific Whale Foundation was recognized by Islands Magazine as one of the Top 100 Ecotourism Companies in the world on their prestigious “2007 Blue List.”

For years, we have served as pioneers in testing and using eco-friendly products on our vessels. We also have taken the lead on Maui in establishing and adhering to responsible wildlife watching guidelines. We are proud to announce the construction of a new vessel, Ocean Navigator, which will be powered with solar and wind power!

Our eco-friendly features include:

• Low-emissions engines and noise reduction - Our vessels are equipped with modern, clean-burning, low-emissions engines , plus sound-deadening hulls and special mufflers to ensure quiet operation for respecting sound sensitive marine life. Ocean Discovery features hospital grade mufflers to further reduce emissions.

• Biodegradable/compostable products – Rather than use paper, plastic or styrofoam products, we have chosen the “tree free/petroleum free” route of using cups, utensils and plates made from materials such as GMO free corn starch, potato starch and sugar cane bagasse (a byproduct from the production of sugar). Best of all, these items are biodegradable and compostable.

• Reef safe moorings - Our vessels use established moorings (not anchors) to protect Maui’s reefs.

• Reef safe sunscreen - We provide reef-safe SPF 30 biodegradable sunscreen to our passengers...FREE. This sunscreen is even certified for use in aquarium settings.

• We don’t dump, we pump - Our vessels feature certified waste management; we don’t dump, we pump.

• Responsible wildlife watching – We strictly adhere to all Federal and State laws regarding approaches to whales and other marine wildlife. We also take the additional step of following our “Be Whale Aware” guidelines, which work to minimize any disturbance to whales or dolphins by regulating vessel speed in areas where marine wildlife is present and limiting numbers of vessels around pods of whales.

• Printing on 100% recycled paper – Our marketing brochures for our Pacific Whale Foundation Eco-Adventures are printed on 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper, made using green power! Good-bye glossy, hello eco-friendly!

• Devoting our profits to marine research, education and conservation – Our ecotours serve as fundraisers for the critically needed marine research, education and conservation programs conducted by Pacific Whale Foundation, including our Butts off the Beach campaign to end cigarette butt litter and our work to stop plastic bag marine debris.

Click here to view our Green Features fact sheet. (pdf)