Eye-Level Whale Watching Eco-Raft Tour from Lahaina
Overview
Available languages
Grateful to be whale watching this season from Lahaina, Maui!
Eye-level whale watching onboard our low-to-water small group 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 experience. Although whales are protected in Hawaii, they often approach our small boats for closer and eye level whale encounters.
Off season (Summer) join us for 2 Hour Dolphin Watching Tours.
We are 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
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.
Hydrophone to listen to whale songs
Life jackets are provided for emergencies but are not required to be worn during the tour.
Marine Naturalist Narration
BYOB ( Plastic or cans only)
No Spray Sunscreen Permitted - Reef Safe Sunscreen Only
No Pregnant Persons or children under 3 permitted
Options
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
Popular Whale Watch RAFT
Duration: 2 hours
Water onboard
2 Hour Raft Tour Popular Times: 2 Hour Eye-Level Whale Watch. Vessel: Raft
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, but this is a preferred time for guest's schedules.
2HR Dolphin (only) Watch Tour
Dolphin Watching Only: Seasonal (May-November) Dolphin watching and sightseeing tour. Have an ocean adventure without having to be in the ocean!
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: Sweet Pastries, 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
Operated by Hawaii Ocean Rafting
Reviews
1,875 reviews
Amazing experience. Jack...
ArettaJarvis,
Mar 22, 2025
5.00Amazing experience. Jack and Jess were the best guides and made this outing so fun. They were so friendly and accommodating with some of our special needs. Would definitely recommend!
Whale watch adventure
Sharyn M,
Mar 22, 2025
5.005 adult family members had a great adventure on our Maui whale watch! We saw many whales both near and farther away The water was rough and I felt a bit sea sick. Bring along ginger gum and crackers! I was glad we could leave from Lahaina instead of driving to Maalaea. They have good directions for the check in location which has changed due to construction in the area.
Amazing Whale Watching Experience!
Virginia,
Mar 20, 2025
5.00Wonderful experience! Captain and 1st mate very knowledgeable, and kind! A once in a lifetime boating thrill. Loved every minute! Definitely recommend to friends and family!
Several whales breaching!
Kerry C,
Mar 19, 2025
5.00We saw several active whales during the tour. Our captain and first mate were very knowledgeable and answered all the questions we had. They knew a lot about the environment and the health of the whales. It was a great trip!
So many whales!!!!
Natalie P,
Mar 18, 2025
5.00We had an amazing time!!!!! The boat was a perfect height to really see the whales properly, and we ended up seeing probably 10+ whales. There was a mom and her calf, and a boyfriend that we followed for some time. Then we saw a competition group of about 5-6 whales! Then we saw what seemed to be another competition group! The whales were really active for us. In the distance, we even saw some breeches!!! Maui seems to be the best place for whale watching since the crew told us that the Basin between the islands brings about a lot of moms to birth calves, so there’s a lot of activity. 1000/10, would do again.
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