Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching from Lahaina
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
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.
Search for dolphins and sightsee on this tour in the off season (summer months).
A low-to-water zodiac boat puts you close to the ocean’s surface for eye-level wildlife encounters, offering unobstructed views, maneuverability for accessing remote spots, and a thrilling, eco-friendly adventure you can’t get on larger vessels.
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.
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
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Plan to get wet! This is a low to water boat- ocean spray and light rain can occur during tour.
Life jackets are provided for emergencies but are not required to be worn during the tour.
Dolphin Tour includes snacks and beverages
Hydrophone to listen to whale songs
Whales or Dolphins - Please refer to your booking to confirm which seasonal wildlife you will see.
Available shade varies on boat. Please bring sun protection: hat, sunglasses and reef safe sunscreen
Marine Naturalist Narration
BYOB ( Plastic or cans only)
No Spray Sunscreen Permitted - Reef Safe Sunscreen Only
No Pregnant Persons or children under 3 permitted
Gratuities
Whales/Dolphins - Please refer to your booking to confirm which seasonal wildlife you are observing.
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. May-November: Dolphins are spotted year-round and our eco-rafts also provide eye-level encounters. November we will also begin our search for early season whales. Your tour includes a full narration of interesting whale / dolphin and Maui facts by our marine naturalist, listening to whale songs on a hydrophone, water onboard and lots of photo ops! *Our small locally native owned eco-company is excited to share Maui's wildlife with you!* Departures from Lahaina, Maui- always arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure time so you don't miss boarding your boat!
Options
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: Fresh fruit, cookies, chips 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
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!
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!
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 Whale/Dolphin Search Tour
Search for Dolphins & Whales: Search for dolphins and early season whales (whale season officially starts December 1st). 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: Fresh fruit, cookies, chips and soda, green tea and water
Pre-Season Whale Search : Search for dolphins (year-round) and early whales (November) No in-water or whales, sightsee from the comfort of the boat!
Hawaiian History & Whale Watch
Interactive Educational Tour: Hear, taste and touch elements of Hawaiian history on this educational whale watch tour.
Duration: 2 hours: 2 Hour Tour focuses on an intro to Hawaiian history, interactive activities while onboard and includes whale watching.
Food Tasting: Taste a traditional food element native to Hawaii
Leaf Lei Memento: Learn how leaf leis are braided and worn and keep one as a memento.
Reviews
2,035 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun Trip
Oren R,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00No whales but got to see a bunch of dolphins. Honestly was worth it just for the close up photos of Lanai.
We very much enjoyed our...
Laura B,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We very much enjoyed our tour in the raft. We visited the island of Lanai, and on the way back came up the coast of Lahaina. The guides were great!
The captains were super...
Linda R,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The captains were super fun and knowledgeable. We were lucky to be their first whale sitting excursion of the season. Very early to see the humpback.
Amazing, we loved it!! Would definitely recommend.
jasoncV9946BO,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I booked a tour to see dolphins while visiting Maui and we loved this experience! The boat ride was fun, the captain was informative, and the snacks were so nice. We had watermelon on the way, chips and drinks when we reached our destination, and cookies on the way back. Of course the highlight was actually seeing the spinner dolphins!! There were SO many and we got to watch for quite awhile and take as many videos and pictures as we wanted. Definitely a highlight of our trip for us! We also spotted flying fish cruising there and back which was really cool. Captain Henari and his helper JJ were awesome!
Dolphin watch turned whale watch in October
Thrice4life,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We signed up for the dolphin watch and it ended up turning into a whale watch because we ran into 4-6 whales on the way to lanai to do a dolphin watch . crew was super friendly and nice . they gave us watermelon , soda , chips and cookies . definitely would come back to do a snorkel or a whale watch .
Rodriguez vacation
Lupe A,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was amazing. We saw so many dolphins and the staff was so nice. My husband and I had a wonderful time. The dolphins were spinning in the air it was so beautiful. I highly recommended it.
Wonderful Dolphin watching
toddt989,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The captain and mate was wonderful and very knowledgeable. We saw many dolphins up close & even tried to see a whale that a sighting was reported. Just thoroughly enjoyed the excursion.
Maui dolphin ride from Lahaina
billingMT,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We saw the very rare false killer whale!! It was great. Nicole was very knowledgeable and Zach did a great ride in very windy conditions.
Nicole and Zach were...
Nancy P,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Nicole and Zach were wonderful! They were both very knowledgeable & informative, polite and considerate. They made sure that everyone had a great, safe experience.
Must see excursion
katiebL5024XW,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a MUST see excursion when in Maui! Seeing the dolphins was truly amazing, swimming, jumping out of the water and just being all together was something you’ll never forget. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. Would definitely do it again if I had the chance.
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Operated by Hawaii Ocean Rafting