Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching - 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. *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
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 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
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.
*Type of encounters vary in the wild
Dolphin Tour includes snacks and beverages
Hydrophone to listen to whale songs
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
Specific wildlife encounters are not guaranteed as animals are in the wild.
No Spray Sunscreen Permitted - Reef Safe Rub-on Sunscreen Only
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
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!
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.
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: Fresh fruit, cookies, chips 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!
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!
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!
Reviews
2,285 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Whales Galore
charlotte b,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing experience with Captain Mark and Olivia! There were so many active whales to watch. Everywhere we looked we were seeing activity. I would definitely go out with them again!
Amazing Tour!
K5743OAaustinc,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing tour! Guides were super knowledgeable, our group learned a bunch, and we saw tons of whales. Highly recommend!
Whale breaches
whitneyc939,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience and lots of whale activity. Very knowledgeable crew. Jack and Jess had great points and great at pointing out whales. Such a great time.
It was a great trip and we had a good time. If I would point to anyone thing that was detrimental, it would be that the
robcD3441PC,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time! The crew was knowledgeable and put us on a lot of whales. The overall experience was excellent! Captain Jack and Si were outstanding!
Amazing
552blakeh,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jack and Jess were great! Amazing experience all around. Tons of whales! Saw tails slapping, babies breaching, and so many factoids dropped!
Happy whale watchers
2-an-island-lady,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a must do during whale season. Seeing the whales at this level gives you a whole new perspective. I love the seating on this company’s boats. I love the shade. It’s a very comfortable ride. We had an amazing captain 1/6 & 1/7. Captain Henore or Captain Awesome as I like to call him. He brings a smile to your face and a fun adventure to all. His personally warms your heart. He is very knowledgeable and easy to talk to. We also had Bree & Meredith and they were very sweet. But the true star is Captain H! We’ve been coming out on these rafts since shortly after they opened and many times every year since. Capt H is the best Captain we’ve had in so many ways. He looks for cool whales and lets you know when they are bring spicy. However you want to say it, you’ll have a whaley good time out on the water with him. And Toni the owner is very kind and a great team leader. Excellent company in so many ways. Take a ride with them. You’ll remember it forever.
Outstanding experience with captain Mark and Olivia! Very engaging and fin
Juan C,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very relaxing yet very engaging and patient and their genuine caring for whales were contagious ! Love every moment of the experience
Please choose another company if you want to see whales up close
Leo g,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00We had a very bad experience and wish we could get our money back. While rafts from another whale-watching company were able to get close to the whales, our raft stayed far away. My kids kept saying how lucky the other boats were, which was disappointing. It felt like our captain was hesitant to approach the whales, as we remained at a distance while others were clearly having a much better experience. We were also the last to board and discovered there was one seat short. One of us had to stand, and the crew made no effort to resolve the issue. My wife had to ask other guests to move so we could sit, which was uncomfortable and should not have been our responsibility.
Awesome whale experience
catherinez534,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience on the whale watching tour! Captain Jack and Sy were fantastic—knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly passionate about the whales. We saw tons of whales, including multiple breaches and close-up views that were absolutely incredible!
Whale watching off of Mala Ramp.
Dhenry99,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jake and Si were a great crew. We saw a lot of whales. Breaches, tail slapping, and pectoral slapping. We had a whale surface within 20 feet of the boat! We highly recommend this company and crew.
From US$85.16
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Hawaii Ocean Rafting