- Cruises Home
- Book a Cruise
- How to Choose
- Eco-Friendly
- Locations & Maps
- Research & Education
- Membership
- About us
- Contact Us
Dolphin Adventures
Choose from 4 cruises
Off the scenic coast of the island of Lanai is one of the most beautiful places in the world to watch wild dolphins. Here you’ll find towering red sea cliffs, clear ocean waters, dazzling coral reefs and a spectacular marine environment. It's no wonder that many different species of dolphins and toothed whales inhabit the waters off the island’s rugged coastline. In winter, humpback whales migrate to the Hawaiian Islands, and can be viewed off Lanai in the warm coastal waters and pristine marine environment.
Our Wild Dolphin Eco-adventures are based on our seven years of pioneering research of wild dolphin and toothed whale species found in this area. During our cruises, wild dolphins are frequently seen swimming right up close to the boat, enjoying bow riding and doing playful flips and leaps right in front of our delighted passengers. Each Lanai tour is led by an expert Pacific Whale Foundation certified marine naturalist, who gives educational and informative presentations about the dolphins as well as any marine life you may encounter. The naturalists also describe and interpret the social interactions of these intriguing acrobatic marine mammals. The Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin, the Pan Tropical Spotted Dolphin, and the acrobatic Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin are seen most frequently. The Spotted Dolphins and Spinner Dolphins are often seen in spirited social pods of 30 animals or more. Dolphin or Whale sightings are guaranteed on these cruises (humpback whales included December 15 - May 15) -- or you receive a "Just a Fluke" coupon to go on the cruise again free!
We provide all of snorkel gear (including optical masks), flotation devices, reef safe sunscreen; and offer a complimentary "learn to snorkel" class for beginners, plus a guided reef tour led by our naturalists, and a Jr. Naturalist Program for kids. This is truly an exciting dolphin eco-tour adventure for you and the whole family to enjoy. We offer two different cruises that let you explore and experience this remarkable area off the shore of Lana'i which include wild dolphin watching and snorkeling.
Cruise Details
1. Lanai Wild Dolphin Snorkel
(departs daily 8am, duration 5.5 hrs.)
Lahaina departure
Special: Regular child price $34.95; child's ticket is yours free today for children ages 12 and under, one free child per paying adult.
Discover the world of wild dolphins on the Lanai Wild Dolphin and Snorkel Eco-Adventure offered by Pacific Whale Foundation! As pioneers in wild dolphin research and experts in the field, we take you to areas in the ocean that are known habitats of many different species of wild dolphins and toothed whales. Our team of certified marine naturalists give live narrations throughout the day to provide you insight about wild dolphins and the marine life in Hawaii.
Dolphin or whale sightings are guaranteed on this cruise. If we do not see wild whales or dolphins, all paying passengers will receive a "Just a Fluke" coupon to go on a Pacific Whale Foundation Wild Whale and Dolphin Encounter FREE. (From May 16 through December 14, our guarantee applies only to wild dolphin sightings; if we do not see wild dolphins, all paying passengers will receive a "Just a Fluke" coupon to go on a Pacific Whale Foundation Wild Dolphin Encounter FREE.)
This eco-adventure cruise also combines snorkeling off the coast of Lanai where you will connect with the vibrant marine life at a bustling coral reef. We supply all of the snorkel gear (including optical masks, available at no extra charge), flotation devices, and reef-safe sunscreen, plus a "learn to snorkel" class for beginners, a guided reef tour led by our naturalists, and a Jr. Naturalist Program for kids.
Departing from Lahaina Harbor each day our stable 65' eco-friendly catamaran lets you relax in comfort. This catamaran features a water slide, hot freshwater showers, two bathrooms, and easy-access swim platforms for snorkeling.
Your ticket includes a tropical style continental breakfast and a barbeque lunch. Our breakfast menu features freshly brewed premium Maui Oma Coffee,; Assorted Island Fruits - Slices of sweet Maui gold pineapple, juicy mango and island fresh papaya (based on availability); plus Tropical Breads and Stuffed Bagels - fresh baked banana and pineapple - coconut bread, cream cheese stuffed bagel. For lunch we serve a Freshly Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Grilled Taro Burgers – vegetarian and made on Maui; Maui Hot Dogs – "Uncle Louie" made on Maui hot dogs; and Pasta Salad - Rotinni pasta with fresh island grown vegetables tossed in Italian herbed vinaigrette. For dessert enjoy Pretzels and Chocolate Chip Raisin Cookies.
Your Lanai Wild Dolphin and Snorkel Eco-Adventure ticket includes chilled soda, juice, and filtered water throughout your Lanai snorkel cruise. Your ticket also includes up to three cocktails of Maui microbrewery (Maui Brewing Co.) beer, wine, tropical cocktails and of course our signature Mai Tais (with proper photo ID to show proof of age, and served only after snorkeling). Advance bookings are recommended. Book now to create many wonderful Maui memories on our Lanai wild dolphin snorkel cruise.
Online booking price is
at least 10% off.
|
|
|||
| $71.95 | Free | Free | |
| $63.96 | Free | Free |
2. VIP Dolphin Watch
(3 hours; 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Lahaina Harbor)
Lahaina departure
VIP Wild Dolphin Encounter Cruise
Pacific Whale Foundation is offering a special VIP Wild Dolphin Watch Cruise hosted by Pacific Whale Foundation’s Research Director, Dr. Kristin Jule and the senior members of the research team. Dolphin sightings are guaranteed on this 3-hour eco-adventure, or you go again for free. Passengers will receive a free CD of wild dolphin photos. 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. from Lahaina Harbor. 10% discount for participants in The Wild Dolphin Sand Sculpture Contest, held on July 7. Members save 20% off the retail rate. Passengers will receive a free cd and choice of dolphin poster.
Includes:
· Expert interpretation of the dolphins' intriguing behaviors by our Research Director Kristine Jule and team of knowledgeable marine naturalists
· Listening to wild dolphin vocalizations via hydrophones
· Free sodas and juices throughout the trip
· Free Special CD of some of our Dolphin Photos
· Free wild dolphin guide
· Free wild dolphin poster for each party
· Free Jr. Naturalist program for kids
Check in: Check in at Pacific Whale Foundation Store at 612 Front Street in Lahaina (across from the Banyan Tree).
What to Bring: Camera, light jacket or cover up, sunglasses, cash for snacks and souvenirs. Please make sure you bring a valid ID for alcoholic purchases.
Our Sightings Guarantee:
If we do not see dolphins on this cruise, each paying guest will receive a ticket to go again free!
Reservations required
Online booking price is
at least 10% off.
|
|
|||
| $44.95 | $31.45 | Free | |
| $39.96 | $27.96 | Free |
3. Molokini-Lana'i Snorkel
(departs daily 8:30, duration 7.25 hrs.)
Ma'alaea departure
This tour offers two great adventures in one: 1) snorkeling at Molokini Crater plus 2) snorkeling at a beautiful reef off the island of Lana'i. We'll also visit areas along Lana'i's scenic coast where wild dolphins live and play.
Special savings: Book today and save (special offer can not be combined with any other promotion or discount). Pacific Whale Foundation members save even more!
This high spirited adventure begins at the world renowned snorkelers' paradise, Molokini Marine Preserve, where you will snorkel inside a sheltered crescent-shaped islet that's home to many vibrant marine species, many of which are endemic to Hawaii and found nowhere else in the world!
Next, you'll cruise to the island of Lanai, to an area known for its populations of wild spinner, spotted, and bottlenose dolphins. Some of these dolphins are found in large social groups of 30 animals or more. We often have dolphins bowride alongside our vessel as we cruise between the islands. Our certified marine naturalists narrate and interpret the social behaviors of these intriguing acrobatic creatures.
This cruise also includes a second snorkeling adventure at a beautiful Lana'i reef. We provide all the snorkel gear (including optical masks) and flotation devices, with wet-suit rentals available. Enjoy riding in comfort on our ultra smooth high-tech, power catamaran featuring a spacious shaded cabin, sun decks, swim steps for ease in and out of the water, freshwater showers, and two bathrooms on board for your convenience.
Our complimentary menu includes a tropical continental breakfast including fresh baked pastries, island fruits, and juices, with freshly brewed Hawaii coffee. For lunch we serve BBQ grilled chicken, hot dogs and locally made taro burgers, served on fresh rolls with lettuce, tomato, sprouts and all the condiments; plus pasta salad and cookies. We also include all you can drink refreshing chilled sodas, juices and filtered water, and up to 3 cocktails per adult (with proper i.d. to show proof of age); you can choose from local microbrewery beer from Maui Brewing Co., wine and tropical well drinks. Don't forget to try our signature Mai Tais! Book early as this is a very popular Maui ocean adventure (recommended for high adventure; not recommended for young children).
Online booking price is
at least 10% off.
|
|
|||
| $76.45 | $40.45 | Free | |
| $67.96 | $35.96 | Free |
4. Wild Whale and Dolphin Encounter
(departs 9 am, duration 3 hrs)
Lahaina departure
A dolphin and whale enthusiasts dream excursion! This three-hour cruise focuses exclusively on watching wild whales and dolphins (no snorkeling). Dolphin or Whale sightings are guaranteed on this cruise from November 29 - May 16 (dolphins only from May 17 through November 28) -- or you receive a "Just a Fluke" coupon to go again on our Wild Whale and Dolphin Encounter cruise -- free!
This cruise is based on Pacific Whale Foundation's recent wild dolphin research studies off the coast of Lana'i and Maui. Throughout the cruise, our knowledgeable certified marine naturalists will share the latest insights and information about whales and dolphins with you.
We will be traveling to areas where we are most likely to encounter humpback whales, along with Pacific bottlenose dolphins. Hawaiian spinner dolphins and occasionally other odontocetes (including false killer whales and spotted dolphins). Our naturalists delight in locating dolphins and whales, and interpreting their fascinating behaviors for you.
This eco-tour takes place on the 54" eco-friendly catamaran Ocean Explorer, with underwater noise reduction features that protect our sound sensitive dolphins throughout your cruise. A favorite of wildlife photographers, Ocean Explorer features Smooth Cat technology for an ultra-comfortable ride and offers the “close to the ocean” experience of a raft. With stadium-style seating, Ocean Explorer offer unobstructed views for all passengers -- no wonder photographers love it! This vessel has comfortable armchair seats, a shaded refreshment area, and an onboard bathroom. It's as nimble as a raft but with a much smoother ride.
We include all you can drink juices, sodas and filtered water throughout your Wild Whale and Dolphin Encounter Cruise. Local microbrewery beer, wine, tropical mixed drinks plus our famous Mai Tais are available for purchase. Light snacks are available (no meal service provided on this cruise). Each party receives a complimentary Wild Dolphin Guide and marine-themed poster, and for kids we offer a free Jr. Naturalist Program.
Kids under 6 go FREE (one per paying adult). Special rates apply for children 7 - 12 yrs old. Guaranteed sightings and fun for the whole family!
Departs Tuesdays -Saturdays from Lahaina Harbor.
Online booking price is
at least 10% off.
|
|
|||
| $35.95 | $22.45 | Free | |
| $31.96 | $19.96 | Free |
Our passengers' safety is the number one priority at Pacific Whale Foundation. Destinations to view dolphins in Maui and Lana'i waters are subject to change due to sea state and weather conditions without notice at the sole discretion of the Captain of the vessel. Wild Dolphin Watching with Pacific Whale Foundation Eco Adventures is both fun and educational! Pioneers in wild dolphin research, we're proud to be Maui's wild dolphin experts. If you love dolphins, who really doesn’t, there's no better way to experience a dolphin’s intriguing world than with our Wild Dolphin Watch. Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins are fairly large dolphins and tend to travel either alone, or in smaller pods of 2-8 animals. Bottlenose, perhaps the most well known of the dolphin species (Flipper was a bottlenose dolphin) are the largest of the most common of the dolphin species found in the waters off of Lanai and Maui. Pan Tropical Spotted Dolphins are mid sized dolphins that tend to inhabit the channel between Maui and Lanai. If you find these animals on your dolphin tour you are almost always in for a treat. Spotted Dolphins are thrilling to watch for their high energy antics, especially when bow riding. The last of the commonly sighted Maui and Lanai dolphin species you see your tour are the Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins. Usually everyone’s favorite, Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins are well known for their, you guessed it, acrobatic twirling leaps out of the water!
For your safety, all cruises, in part or in whole, are weather permitting. Captains may use their discretion in choosing alternate sites without giving prior notice. We reserve the right to substitute vessels and equipment. All activities are at your own risk. No liability, expressed or implied, rests with Pacific Whale Foundation Eco-Adventures or its subsidiaries or officers. All reservations are non-refundable and reschedules are not permitted within 48 hours prior to the scheduled check-in. All no-shows are non refundable.
Thank you for choosing Pacific Whale Foundation as your eco-tour provider, and we look forward to having you onboard! All profits go to help save whales and their ocean habitat.
