Whale Watch Cruises

See What's Available

Full Moon Whale Song Cruise
Sunrise Whalewatch Lahaina
Sunrise Whalewatch Ma'alaea
Ultimate Whalewatch
Whale Photo Safari
Whalewatch Lahaina
Whalewatch Lahaina Raft
Whalewatch Ma'alaea
Whalewatch Special Lahaina
Whalewatch Special Ma'alaea

Whalewatch Special Ma'alaea

Classic Whalewatch Special Ma'alaea

Our Classic Whalewatch Special is exactly the same as our Classic Whalewatches, except even more affordable. We offer these special cruises as part of our goal to make whalewatching accessible to all.

Each trip is led by a team of Pacific Whale Foundation's certified Marine Naturalists, who explain and interpret the social behavior of humpback whales. Listen to whale songs through underwater hydrophones, watch mothers and calves interact and see males compete for females.

Whale sightings are guaranteed on all Pacific Whale Foundation whalewatches (from November 26 – May 15) or you go again free. We are proud of our 97% sighting success rate.

Includes:
* Listening to whales on underwater hydrophones
* Educational talk by our team of certified Marine Naturalists
* Free Jr. Naturalist Program for kids
* Free whale poster and color whalewatch guide for your party
* Whale sightings guaranteed or you go again free

Available:
* Affordable rentals of binoculars and cameras
* Snacks and refreshments for purchase.

Departs: Daily from November 26 – May 15. (Whale Search Cruises available in early and mid November.) Please check for availability.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Check-in: 45 minutes prior to departure:
- For Ma’alea departures: Pacific Whale Foundation
Ocean Store at the Harbor Shops at Ma’alaea (next to Maui Ocean
Center).

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Full Moon Whale Song Cruise

What could be more romantic and fun than cruising on the vast Pacific Ocean under a brilliant full moon and enjoying drinks, appetizers and desserts?

This full moon adventure with Pacific Whale Foundation is narrated by special guest Harriet Witt, an international award winning astronomy writer and speaker, known for her entertaining and informative commentary on the stars and moon. She'll share wisdom and insights about the night sky and all things lunar. During December through mid-May, you'll also have a chance to listen to the mysterious songs of humpback whales in the area, picked up by our underwater hyrdophones.

This cruise takes place from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm and includes appetizers and desserts.

* Chimichurri Tossed Char Grilled Vegeatble Platter, Roasted Garli and Red Pepper Hummus.
*Assorted Tropical Fruit and Artisan Cheese Platter, Trio of House Made Chips
(Molokai Sweet Potato, Corn Tortilla, Russet Potato).
*Curried Chicken Wrap with Garden Vegetables and Haiku Greens
*Chocolate Chip Cookies and Coconut Haupia over Chocolate Cookie Crust.

The ticket price also includes up to 3 alcoholic beverages (local microbrewery beer, wine, and Mai Tais) for adults with valid i.d., plus soda and juices.

Please check-in 45 minutes prior to departure at Pacific Whale Foundation’s Lahaina Ocean Store at 612 Front Street, Lahaina. Bring a light wrap or a jacket -- and maybe a light blanket for cuddling up with your sweetheart under a full Hawaiian moon.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Whalewatch Special Lahaina

Whalewatch Special Lahaina

Our Whalewatch Specials are exactly the same as our Classic Whalewatches, except they are even more affordable. We offer these discounted cruises as part of our goal to make whalewatching accessible to all.

Each trip is led by a team of Pacific Whale Foundation's certified Marine Naturalists, who explain and interpret the social behavior of humpback whales. Listen to whale songs through underwater hydrophones, watch mothers and calves interact and see males compete for females.

Whale sightings are guaranteed on all Pacific Whale Foundation whalewatches (from November 26 – May 15) or you go again free. We are proud of our 97% sighting success rate.

Includes:
* Listening to whales on underwater hydrophones
* Educational talk by our team of certified Marine Naturalists
* Free Jr. Naturalist Program for kids
* Free whale poster and color whalewatch guide for your party
* Whale sightings guaranteed or you go again free

Available:
* Affordable rentals of binoculars and cameras
* Snacks and refreshments for purchase (soda, juice, Maui Brewing Co. beer, and wine for adults 21+, must have valid picture i.d.)

Departs: Daily from November 26 – May 15. (Whale Search Cruises available in early and mid November.) Please check for availability.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Check-in: 45 minutes prior to departure:
- Departures: Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store
at 612 Front Street, Lahaina.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Whalewatch Ma'alaea

Pacific Whale Foundation offers multiple whalewatch eco-adventures throughout the day from Ma’alaea Harbor.(In addition to morning and afternoon trips, we offer a sunset whalewatch -- the perfect way to kick back, relax and enjoy one of the most beautiful times of day on the water!) Informative and fun, each of our two-hour whalewatches is led by a team of Pacific Whale Foundation's certified Marine Naturalists, who explain and interpret the social behavior of humpback whales for you. Listen to whale songs through underwater hydrophones, watch mothers and calves interact and see males compete for females. Every trip is different; you never know what you will experience!

M eet Our Vessels

Whale sightings are guaranteed on all Pacific Whale Foundation whalewatches (from November 26 – May 15) or you go again free. We are proud of our 97% sighting success rate.

All of our whalewatches are discounted from Nov. 24 through Nov. 30. Choose our Whalewatch Special Lahaina or Whalewatch Special Ma'alaea to learn more and reserve your tickets.

Smoothies, snacks, sandwiches and drinks are available for sale onboard.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Whalewatch Lahaina

Pacific Whale Foundation offers multiple whalewatch eco-adventures throughout the day from Lahaina and Ma’alaea Harbors. Informative and fun, each two-hour classic whalewatch is led by a team of Pacific Whale Foundation's certified Marine Naturalists, who explain and interpret the social behavior of humpback whales. Listen to whale songs through underwater hydrophones, watch mothers and calves interact and see males compete for females. Every trip is different; you never know what you will experience!

M eet Our Vessels

Whale sightings are guaranteed on all Pacific Whale Foundation whalewatches (from November 26 – May 15) or you go again free. We are proud of our 97% sighting success rate.

All of our whalewatches are discounted from Nov. 24 through Nov. 30. Choose our Whalewatch Special Lahaina or Whalewatch Special Ma'alaea to learn more and reserve your tickets.

Includes:
* Listening to whales on underwater hydrophones
* Educational talk by our team of certified Marine Naturalists
* Free Jr. Naturalist Program for kids
* Free whale poster and color whalewatch guide for your party
* Whale sightings guaranteed or you go again free

Available:
* Affordable rentals of binoculars and cameras
* Snacks and refreshments for purchase (soda, juice, Maui Brewing Co. beer, and wine for adults 21+, must have valid picture i.d.)

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Sunrise Whalewatch Ma'alaea

The golden hours of dawn at sea offer some exceptional whalewatching! Join us for a sunrise whalewatch and capture the first whale sighting of the day as the sun rises over Haleakala.

The dawn light is a favorite for photographers and the ocean is typically at its calmest at this time of day. Don't forget your camera on this early, but incredible whalewatch!

Includes:
* Listening to whales on underwater hydrophones
* Educational talk by our team of certified Marine Naturalists.
* Free Jr. Naturalist Program for kids. Each party
* Free whale poster and color whalewatch guide for your party.

Available:
* Affordable rentals of binoculars and cameras
* Snacks and refreshments for purchase.

Departs: Daily at 6:30 am
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Check-in: 45 minutes prior to departure:
- Departures: Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store at the Harbor Shops at Ma’alaea (next to Maui Ocean Center).

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Sunrise Whalewatch Lahaina

The golden hours of dawn at sea offer some exceptional whalewatching! Join us for a sunrise whalewatch and capture the first whale sighting of the day as the sun rises over Haleakala.

The dawn light is a favorite for photographers and the ocean is typically at its calmest at this time of day. Don't forget your camera on this early, but incredible whalewatch!

Includes:
* Listening to whales on underwater hydrophones
* Educational talk by our team of certified Marine Naturalists.
* Free Jr. Naturalist Program for kids. Each party
* Free whale poster and color whalewatch guide for your party.

Available:
* Affordable rentals of binoculars and cameras
* Snacks and refreshments for purchase (soda, juice, Maui Brewing Co. beer, and wine)

Departs: Daily at 6:30 am
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Check-in: 45 minutes prior to departure at Pacific Whale Foundation Booth at the Slip #1 at the Harbor

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Ultimate Whalewatch

Learn firsthand what it is like to be a whale researcher on a personally guided group tour. This is a special opportunity to interact with Pacific Whale Foundation’s researchers and marine biologists. This research adventure begins over a complimentary continental breakfast (pastries, fresh fruit, coffee and tea) served at Pacific Whale Foundation's Discovery Center. Your small group will gather there for a pre-trip presentation by a member of Pacific Whale Foundation’s research team to learn about our ongoing whale research and photo identification efforts. You’ll also learn about the whales that you are about to encounter.

The group will then embark on a two-hour whalewatch tour. The group will be accompanied by a member of the research team. The researcher will help interpret the humpback whale behaviors that are viewed during the trip. The tour wraps up with a final visit to Pacific Whale Foundation’s research lab.

Whale sightings are guaranteed. If you do not see whales, you will get a free ticket for one of our Classic Whalewatches.

Each guest will receive an email link allowing access to whale photos taken during the day, plus some of our research team's favorite archived photos.

Offered on Tuesdays, from 7:15 am to 11:30 am. Meet at 7:15 am to check-in and enjoy breakfast. Check in location is at Pacific Whale Foundation’s Ocean Store in Ma'alaea. Please park in front of Maui Ocean Center Aquarium.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Whale Photo Safari

Join us for whale photography workshop at sea. Whether you are a novice or an experienced photographer, this unique hands-on adventure will help you learn and practice expert techniques for photographing whales and other wildlife. Bring your own digital camera and learn to get the best results from whatever model you currently own. During your three hour cruise, you’ll discover the most effective camera settings for our local conditions at sea. You’ll also learn about and have the opportunity to use proven digital photo techniques to maximize each opportunity presented by the whales that you encounter. We'll also take a break from photography to drop an underwater hydrophone into the water to listen to live whale songs.

Our Whale Photo Safaris are offered on two days each week:

Sunday morning from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, departing from Lahaina Harbor on our new raft, Ocean Freedom, to offer fantastic water-level views of whales. This cruise is led by a Pacific Whale Foundation naturalist and professional wildlife photographer David Fleetham. His photographs have been published around the globe, with over one hundred magazine covers to date. In 1991 his photograph of a sandbar shark appeared on the cover of LIFE. It is the only underwater photograph to ever be selected for the cover. His award-winning work has been published by National Geographic, The Cousteau Society and every North American diving publication. The Smithsonian Museum, The North Carolina Museum of Natural History, The London Zoo, Hong Kong Museum, The Waikiki, Vancouver, Monterey Bay, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Maui Ocean Center and the Aquarium of the Americas all display his work.

Through February, this cruise will be offered on Wednesdays from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm, departing from Ma'alaea Harbor on our small group catamaran Ocean Explorer, a favorite of many photographers. In March, it will be offered on Tuesdays, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. This cruise is timed to include the golden light of sunset, and is led by Pacific Whale Foundation naturalist and photographer Dai Mar Tamarack. Dai Mar grew up on the barrier islands of Georgia and received a B.S. in Marine Science from University of GA. He became passionate about underwater wildlife photography while teaching Marine Biology at Catalina Island Marine Institute in California. He has spent time photographing blue whales and gray whales in California, southern right whales in Africa, and humpback whales during the last three whale seasons here in Maui. Dai Mar has helped lead photo safari eco tours in Africa. He says, "Working as a humpback whale naturalist and captaining boats here in Maui has given me an intimate understanding of humpback behavior. The better you know the animal you are trying to photograph, the more likely you are to capture the perfect photo."

Please note that you are required to bring your own camera equipment on this cruise. Didn't bring your camera to Maui? We rent Canon PowerShot digital cameras at Pacific Whale Foundation's Ocean Stores.

We provide complimentary usage of dry bags for your gear on our Sunday morning raft whalewatches.

Includes:

Sunday morning: Tropical-style continental breakfast with tropical fruit, fresh baked pastries, juices and local Maui coffee, served pre-departure at the dock.
Wednesday evening: Array of hot and cold appetizers provided by Porto, our Mediterranean grill and flame-fired artisan pizza restaurant.
Soda and filtered water served throughout the cruise.
Collection of digital photos taken by our team during your Whale Photo Safari and some favorite photos from Pacific Whale Foundation.
Free whale poster and free color whalewatching guide.

Available:

Affordable rentals of binoculars and point-and-shoot cameras

Departs:
Sundays: Lahaina Harbor from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, from January 8 - May 6.

Wednesdays: Ma'alaea Harbor from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm, from January 8 - May 6.

Duration: Approximately 3 hours

Check-in: 45 minutes prior to departure. For our Sunday cruise, please check in at Pacific Whale Foundation's Lahaina Ocean Store at 612 Front Street, Lahaina. For our Wednesday cruise, please check in at Pacific Whale Foundation's Ma'alaea Ocean Store at the Ma'alaea Harbor Shops, next to Maui Ocean Center.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Whalewatch Lahaina Raft

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 for exciting water-level encounters with Maui's humpback whales. You'll cruise on 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.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.