Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching - Lahaina
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Eye-level whale watching (or summer time dolphin watching) onboard our low-to-water small group zodiac rafts.
Native Hawaiian owned and voted TripAdvisors Traveler's Choice, Hawaii Ocean Rafting has been Maui’s original ocean rafting experience for more than 30 years.
Our small group tours make for a fun, family style whale watch experience. Although whales are protected in Hawaii, they often approach our small boats for closer and eye level whale encounters. *Wildlife sighting's vary in the wild.
Search for dolphins (summer months) early season whales (Nov & May) and sightsee on this tour in the off season.
A low-to-water zodiac boat puts you close to the ocean’s surface for eye-level wildlife encounters and a eco-friendly adventure.
We are located in Lahaina, Maui, just a short drive from Kaanapali, Kahana, Napili, Kapalua and other West Maui accommodations. And a fun destination for visitors staying in Kihei or Wailea.
No pregnant persons or children under 3
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
No Infants
No Pregnant Persons or children under 3 permitted
Mobility is required to board the vessel unassisted due to the boarding location and safety protocol.
Food Allergen Warning (Required Disclosure): Due to the nature of onboard food preparation and handling, we cannot guarantee that any menu item will be free from allergens. All meals or snacks served on this vessel may contain or come into contact with gluten, tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish, fish, soy, eggs, dairy, and wheat. If you have a known food allergy, please notify our team in advance and bring any required allergy medication (such as an EpiPen). We strongly recommend guests with severe allergies consult a physician prior to participating in the charter. We are not responsible for allergic reactions due to undeclared or cross-contact allergens.
No children under 3
What To Expect
Join Maui's only Hawaiian Owned eye-level Whale Watching and Dolphin Search Tours onboard our low-to-water small group eco-rafts. Avoid the crowds and enjoy comfortable seating in a small group with spectacular views of Hawaii’s humpback whales or Maui's friendly dolphins. December- April: The Humpback Whale returns to the warm Hawaiian waters every year during the winter months for their mating and calving season. Although whales are protected in Hawaii and we do not approach them closer than federal regulations, they often approach our small rafts for those up close and eye-level whale encounters. The type of encounters vary in the wild. May-November: Dolphins are spotted year-round and our eco-rafts also provide eye-level encounters. November we begin our search for early whales. Your tour includes a full narration of interesting whale / dolphin and Maui facts by our naturalist, listening to whale songs on a hydrophone and lots of photo ops! *Our small locally native owned eco-company is excited to share Maui's wildlife with you!* Departures from Lahaina- arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure time so you don't miss boarding your boat! No pregnant person allowed
Options
5 Hour Snorkel & Dolphin Watch
Snorkeling: This snorkel and dolphin search tour takes you from Maui to the neighbor island of Lanai to snorkel and search of dolphins. Duration: 5 hours: Includes snorkeling 2 stops, searching for dolphins, marine education, snorkel instruction, gear, breakfast and snacks! Breakfast and Snacks: Tour includes breakfast of pastries and fruit and snacks are Maui style potato chips and cookies. Soda, green tea, water. Hawaiian-owned local business: Mahalo for supporting our small Lahaina Hawaiian-owned eco-tour company!
4 Hour Snorkel + Whale Watch
Snorkel & Whale Watch: In addition to a snorkel stop, whale watching will be included in this snorkel tour by RAFT. Duration: 4 hours: Check in at least 30 minutes prior to departure time. The boat always departs on time and boarding is 15 minutes prior. Light Breakfast & Snacks: Sweet Pastries, fresh fruit, cookies, chips and soda, green tea and water Small RAFT Vessel : Small group rafting tour. Raft is low to water, smooth ride, shade and bench style seating. Combo Snorkel + Whale Watch : This snorkel will include 1 snorkel stop and whale watching!
2HR Whale/Dolphin Search Tour
Search for Dolphins & Whales: Search for dolphins and early/end of season whales (whale season is December 1 - April 15 . Sightings vary, not guaranteed. Duration: 2 hours: Always check in 30 min-prior to your tour or you will miss boarding your boat. 2 Hour Dolphin/Whale Search Sightsee Boat Tour Snacks & Beverages: Snacks and soda, green tea and water Early/End Season Whale Search : Search for dolphins (year-round) and early/end season whales (Nov/April/May). No in-water activity, sightsee from the boat!
90 Min. Whale Watch RAFT
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes: Always check in 30 min-prior to your tour or you will miss boarding your boat. Water onboard 90 Min. Raft Tour : Whale activity & experience are the same, just a shorter duration of 90 Min. Vessel: RAFT Guarantee sighting or go again!
5 Hour Snorkel + Whale Watch
Snorkel + Whale Watching: In addition to snorkeling 1-2 snorkel stops, this tour includes whale watching! Duration: 5 hours: 5 Hours typically includes 1-2 snorkel stops to Lanai and whale watching on our eco-raft Light Breakfast & Snacks: Sweet Pastries, fresh fruit, cookies, chips and soda, green tea and water ECO-RAFT: 5HR Semi-Private Adventure Snorkel onboard our small group Raft Vessel. Small group, comfort ride, shade. Combo Snorkel + Whale Watch: This snorkel will include 1-2 snorkel stops and whale watching! VESSEL: Small Raft vessel.
Popular Whale Watch RAFT
Duration: 2 hours Water onboard 2 Hour Raft Tour Popular Times: 2 Hour Eye-Level Whale Watch. Vessel: Raft - Guarantee whale sighting or go again for free!
2HR Dolphin (only) Watch Tour
Dolphin Watching Only: Seasonal (May-November) Dolphin watch & sightsee tour. Dolphin sighting vary, not guaranteed. Duration: 2 hours: Always check in 30 min-prior to your tour or you will miss boarding your boat. 2 Hour Dolphin Watch and Sightseeing Boat Tour Snacks and Beverages: Snacks and soda, green tea and water Summer Dolphin Watching Tour: Watch dolphins from our eco-raft during the summer months. No in-water or whales, sightsee from the comfort of the boat! 2HRS
Preferred Whale Watch RAFT
Duration: 2 hours: Always check in 30 min-prior to your tour or you will miss boarding your boat. Water onboard Preferred Time Raft: The time does not impact whale activity. It is a preferred time for guest's schedules. Guarantee whale sighting or go FREE!
What‘s Included
Plan to get wet! This is a low to water boat- ocean spray and light rain can occur during tour.
Dolphin Tour includes snacks and beverages
Hydrophone to listen to whale songs
Life jackets are provided for emergencies but are not required to be worn during the tour.
*Type of encounters vary in the wild- Up close sightings not guaranteed
Whales or Dolphins (Based on option selected)
Tour Operator: Hawaii Ocean Rafting
Available shade varies on boat. Please bring sun protection: hat, sunglasses and reef safe sunscreen
Marine Naturalist Narration
Not suitable for pregnant persons or those with back/neck injuries.
Tour leaves promptly. Must arrive 30 minutes prior to board or will miss the tour.
Hotel pick-up and drop off
BYOB (Plastic or Cans Only)
Whales or Dolphins (Based on option selected at check out)
Gratuities
Upclose wildlife encounters are not guaranteed as animals are in the wild.
No Spray Sunscreen Permitted - Reef Safe Rub-on Sunscreen Only
Physical Mobility Required for Boarding due to boarding location
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
2,756 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience!!
Yucheng Y,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience with Jack and the crew, and we enjoyed the trip! We joined the Dolphan watch on 6/19, and we've seen so many!
Loved!!
Happiness10356348814,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved our tour with Jack and Brie. It was so much fun, informative & hospitable. saw so many dolphins up and close, would highly recommend
Highly recommend!! Highlight of our Maui trip
SarahPr2018,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic time with Captain Jack and Biologist Bree! There was a little rain in Maui when we departed but they whisked us over to the sunshine in Lanai to see the dolphins. Captain Jack was firm with the rules and regs so we felt safe, and both he and Bree shared a wealth of knowledge about the area and the wildlife. Also snacks and lots of positive energy. For our family, this trip was a top hit. Only downside was the meeting location was not their usual as they are waiting to get back into Lahaina, so just be sure to park around the corner on Unahiole St. so you avoid disrupting the neighboring businesses. Overall, five stars!!
Great morning excursion!
M6771HBmaureenh,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great way to start our day! Great crew, saw lots of spinner dolphins and the views were amazing. Learned a little about the surrounding islands as well. Highly recommend this adventure!
My daughter and I had a...
Meegan M,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00My daughter and I had a great time! We saw LOTS of dolphins! The only reason this isn’t a five star review is because of the ride back. We went very fast and the raft was like a rollercoaster. My back is now aching from being thrown around. I suggested that they mention the possibility of this before booking. Otherwise, the tour was great!
Amazing experience
Cathy G,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Best whale your ever! We’ve been on quite a few whale watching adventures over the years but this one was amazing. The eye-level view from the made this tour unique. The guides were knowledgeable and engaging. Do yourself a favor and book this tour.
Amazing dolphin tour!!
MeganRossGolden-CO,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Jack and Bree did an amazing job bringing us on a fun and informative tour! We saw green sea turtles, flying fish, and dolphins off the coast of Lanai!! Highly recommend!!
Fun adventure
S8078SFerinl,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Friendly, knowledgeable crew Zack and Sy. They made sure to find us some spinning dolphins. Extremely safe. It was nice to be low in the water. Two hours was the perfect amount of time.
Amazing experience
Purushotham M,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We saw bunch of whales, I have experienced so much sighting in the past. Guides were very Informative they kind of knew where the action is happening and were very knowledgeable on marine eco system.
…and so much more.
Family oriented,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We saw more up close action from the whales than we saw on a whale-specific excursion the day before. The crater was busy, so we went around to the back wall and snorkeled where it was mirror calm (very rare), before returning to the interior. The team was flexible and communicated options very well, making this our favorite activity of the trip.
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Operated by Hawaii Ocean Rafting