The Pacific Whale Foundation Difference

Featured on The Today Show, Oprah Winfrey Show, Jack Hannah's Animal Adventures, Bill Nye the Science Guy, CNN, The Discovery Channel, Disney Channel, VH1, BBC, ABC Australia, NHI (Japan) and CBS Sunday Morning, Pacific Whale Foundation Eco-Adventures has carried nearly two million passengers on our quality eco-tours since 1980.

Guidebooks and travel writers give our cruises rave reviews. But Pacific Whale Foundation Eco-Adventures is not your ordinary cruise company. For one thing, we're wholly owned by the nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation. But that's just the beginning of the Pacific Whale Foundation difference.

All Profits Help Protect the Ocean

We are the only Hawaii cruise company that donates ALL profits to help save whales, dolphins and the marine environment. Since 1980, we've raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support marine research, education and conservation programs on behalf of the ocean.

Based on Our Marine Research

Our cruises are based on more than 26 years  of marine research in Hawaii and throughout the Pacific, including studies of humpback whales, wild dolphins, toothed whales, coral reefs and sea turtles. You'll get the real facts and latest information with us.

Innovators and Leaders

Our ecotours grew out of our desire to share our love of the ocean and our discoveries with the public. We originated the first educational whalewatches on Maui, the first "two snorkel site" Molokini cruises, the first educational wild dolphin encounters off the coast of Lana'i and the first year-round whale and dolphin watch cruises. All of our cruises are innovative, fun and provide a fascinating look at the marine environment.
Download our Green Features Sheet.

High-Tech, Eco-Friendly Vessels

We invested in the most modern, high tech vessels for your comfort - and to protect the ocean environment. They feature SmoothCat technology for an ultra-comfortable ride. They run on energy-efficient, low-emissions engines, And our vessels out of  Maalaea are powered by a blend made with Maui Biodiesel,  made from recycled vegetable cooking oils. These vessels are also served by our Eco-Truck, which runs on 100% biodiesel. The Eco-Truck handles pumping out of vessel waste: we don't dump it, we pump it!

Expert Naturalists

Our boats are staffed by certified Marine Naturalists - the most educated, best trained, most committed staff found on any vessel in the Pacific. All of our Marine Naturalists hold undergraduate or graduate degrees in marine biology or related sciences, and have Red Cross CPR, First Aid and Lifesaving Certification. In addition, all must pass our twice-annual Marine Naturalist Certification exams.

Protecting the Environment

We follow a strict wildlife watching code on our trips to protect marine life. (Read our "Be Whale Aware" Fact Sheet.)  And we use biodegradable/compostable plates, cups and utensils, made with corn starch and sugar cane pulp. We also use paper products made from 100% post consumer waste paper.  Our brochures are printed with soy-based ink on recycled paper.

Ideal for Families and Beginners

 Even if you've never used a snorkel before, our staff will provide the equipment, instruction, support and encouragement to help you feel 100% comfortable in the ocean. For kids, we offer a FREE Junior Naturalist Program on our cruises.

Low Prices and Free Gifts

Our prices are great...and the values are excellent! Check out our Kids Go Free offers on many of our cruises and our low prices (with additional discounts for booking online or by phone two weeks in advance). We also provide free gifts for you to take home, including our color wildlife watching guides and free marine posters.

We hope that you'lll select Pacific Whale Foundation for your next ocean adventure. Choose us and help make a difference!