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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.
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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
Interactive Cultural Tour: Hear, taste and touch elements of Hawaiian culture on this educational whale watch tour.
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.
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
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!
2,019 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Volha B,
Oct 11, 2025
- Viator
We really enjoyed this tour! Great experience! Saw lots of dolphins! Highly recommend! Would definitely go again!
Elsie L,
Oct 9, 2025
- Viator
Very fun ride and watching dolphins. Very well guided by funny captain. So thoughtful they prepared drink, water melon and cookies. So greatful to choose eco-raft.
Helen L,
Oct 8, 2025
- Viator
Captain Jack was engaging and the ride was safe and smooth. We saw a pod of Hawaiian Spinner dolphins. They gave us quite a show.
Elizabeth K,
Oct 5, 2025
- Viator
We did see dolphins! My only other experiences were just dolphins swimming in a boat’s wake, but this was very different. When we finally found them, we hung out in one spot and watched as they came up for air or did some little jumps. Then as we left, they really started jumping and spinning behind us. A very cool experience, and a definite bucket list item for my dolphin-loving husband!
Kim R,
Oct 2, 2025
- Viator
Great experience. Our hosts went out of their way to find spinner dolphins. We drove all the way to the island of Lanai and found a group of them.
Operated by Hawaii Ocean Rafting