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- Research History
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- Australia Research
- Calving Rates and Intervals of East Australian Female Humpback Whales
- Connectivity and Interchange Between Humpback Whale Aggregation Areas along East Australia
- Dynamics of extralimital feedingby humpback whales off Eden, NSW
- East Australia Humpback Whales
- Pacific Whale Foundation’s Southern Hemisphere Humpback Whale Catalogue
- Rate of Interchange Between East Australia and West Australia Humpback Whales
- Ecuador Research
- Interaction of Small Cetaceans with Artisanal Fisheries in Machalilla National Park
- Population, Distribution and Abundance of Humpback Whales and other Cetaceans in Machalilla National Park
- Photo-identification of dolphins in the Cojimies River Estuary
- Migratory Interchange of Humpback Whales between Peru and Ecuador
- Hawaii Research
- Distribution of Odontocetes in Maui County Waters
- Hawaiian Humpback Whale Catalogue
- Odontocetes of Maui County
- Researcher on Board Humpback Whale Program
- Sea Turtle Foraging and Resting Areas off Maui
- Social Structure of False Killer Whales in Maui County Waters
- Spinner dolphins in Maui County waters
- Other Projects
- Australia Research
- Publications
- Our Research Team
- Notes From The Field
- Donate to help fund our research
- Advocacy & Education
- How You Can Help
- Eco Cruises
- Ocean Store
Raft Cruises
Click on a date to highlight available cruises.
VIP Whalewatch
If you do not see whales, you will receive a free ticket for a regular Pacific Whale Foundation whalewatch. Book early, this cruise fills up quickly and is only offered three times this winter.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: VIP RAFT WHALEWATCH OFFERED ON APRIL 14
On Saturday, April 14, Greg Kaufman will offer a VIP Whalewatch Cruise on our new raft Ocean Freedom. This unique whalewatch, offered for the first time ever, offers you the opportunity to watch whales and learn about them with this noted researcher, author and whale protection advocate on a small group, personalized raft tour. This cruise will depart at 9:15 am and returns at 11:15 am. The price for this trip is $59.95 for adults and $44.95 for children ages 6 to 12. This trip is not recommended for children under age 6, pregnant women or individuals with neck or back problems. Online bookings are not available for this cruise. To arrange for your reservation, please call us toll-free at 1-800-942-5311 ext. 1.
For all VIP Whalewatches:
What to bring: Camera, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and cash for souvenirs, snacks, beer, wine or Mai Tais.
What to bring: Camera, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and cash for souvenirs, snacks, beer, wine or Mai Tais.
Menu: Beer, wine, Mai Tais (for adults 21+, must have valid picture i.d.), soda and snacks available for purchase.
Includes: Free color marine life poster for each party. Sodas, juice, and filtered water.
Please note: Ocean vessels are not required to meet ADA requirements; our vessels are not wheel chair accessible. If you or a member of your party requires a wheelchair, please call us at 1-800-942-5311 for information prior to booking.
Whalewatch Lahaina Raft
New! Rafting Whalewatch Ecotours With Pacific Whale Foundation
Experience the combined thrill of whalewatching and ocean rafting, on a brand new ecotour offered by Pacific Whale Foundation. Cruise from Lahaina Harbor on Pacific Whale Foundation's high-tech raft Ocean Freedom for exciting water-level encounters with Maui's humpback whales. Ocean Freedom is a sleek rigid hull inflatable raft with a unique anti-slamming design for a smoother ride than ordinary rafts.
Each trip includes expert interpretation of the whales' fascinating behaviors by Pacific Whale Foundation's certified marine naturalists. Sightings are guaranteed, or you get a free ticket for a regular Pacific Whale Foundation whalewatch.
Our 2-hour ocean rafting whalewatch cruises depart 4 times daily. First trip is 6:45 am.
Your ticket includes filtered water plus free whalewatch guide and whale poster. (Helpful hint: wear a swimsuit or quick drying clothing; getting wet is half the fun!) We provide complimentary use of dry bags for your valuables during your cruise.
Children must be 6 and over. Not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with neck or back concerns.
Lanai Wild Side Eco-Tour
Summer Ecotour: Available May-October
The thrills never end on this personalized, small group rafting adventure to the island of Lana’I for snorkeling, dolphin watching and an on-island discovery tour to Lana’i City, a quaint plantation town.
Your adventure includes:
* Cruising along Lanai's scenic coast. View red volcanic rocks cliffs, blowholes and incredible rock formations.
* Snorkeling at TWO beautiful reefs, with a free guided reef tour by one of our expert naturalists.
* Watching dolphins in the wild with expert interpretation of the dolphins’ social and acrobatic behaviors. Species typically sighted are spinner, spotted and bottlenose dolphins.
* Landing on Lana’i, with complimentary Lana’i City Discovery Tour and admission to the Lana’i Culture & Heritage Center, plus time for browsing galleries and shops.
Also includes:
* Continental breakfast with fresh island fruit, pastries, coffee
* Chilled refreshments (soda, juice, filtered water) throughout your trip
* Deli lunch and cookies
* All snorkel gear, flotation devices and optical masks, with learn-to-snorkel class for beginners
* Reef safe sunscreen
* Complimentary use of dry bag
* Free poster and wildlife watching guide
Our vessel: Ocean Freedom
* Brand-new, high tech raft (launched 2011)
* Features innovative “anti-slamming” design and ultra-smooth ride
* Includes swim ladders and onboard bathroom
* U.S. Coast Guard certified to carry 31 people, but we limit the number of passengers to just 24 on this cruise.
Our staff:
* Professional captain: U.S. Coast Guard certified
* Marine Naturalists: Professionally certified by Pacific Whale Foundation and the National Association for Interpretation, with lifeguard, first aid and CPR certification
Available:
* Wetsuit top rentals
* Affordable rentals of underwater cameras and binoculars.
* Love the snorkel gear? You can arrange to rent it for the week for a small additional fee
Trip schedule:
* Departs at 7:30 am from Lahaina Harbor
* Returns at 2:30 pm
* Please check in 45 minutes prior to departure at Pacific Whale Foundation's Ocean Store, 612 Front St., Lahaina.
* Available Tuesday through Saturday
What to wear/bring:
* Towel, hat, sunglasses
* Swim suit (under your clothing)
* Bring a light wrap or jacket for our visit to Lana'i City, which is at a higher elevation and has a cooler climate.
Special notes:
For ages 8 and over only. This eco-adventure is not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with back problems.
Destinations subject to change due to sea or weather conditions.
