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.
Dolphin Tour includes snacks and beverages
Hydrophone to listen to whale songs
*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
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 Guarantee sighting or go again!
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 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
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!
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!
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!
Reviews
2,383 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A great whale watching experience with Zach and Meridith!
Traveler625637,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an excellent whale watching experience. Zach and Meredith were very knowledgeable and made the whole excursion a relaxing and very interesting experience! We saw many whales and would definitely take this trip again!
Must do on Maui
U8660LLkarenc,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience! Captain H and Sy were very knowledgeable and entertaining. Felt safe and up close to the action at the same time. Mahalo!
So much fun!
Justin k,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My wife and I went for our 10 year wedding anniversary. We were hoping to see at least one whale. We saw a TON of them! Including a group of 5-7 whales all at the same time around our boat. Our guides were so fun and knowledgeable, making it a great experience. We would absolutely do this again if we come back!
You Have To Do This
stillsont,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was the perfect way to experience whales at eye level. The crew was fantastic, the whales were amazing, and an intimate raft was the best way to get up close. I couldn't recommend this more. Do it!
Excellent! Whales everywhere!
Cole K,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Jack navigated us around Lahaina waters with precision to many whales. We even saw 3 breaches and some brawling/fighting/heat run. Highlight of our trip. Highly recommend.
Fun experience
Elizabeth S,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Jack and Si were great! Very knowledgeable and fun. Highly recommend. We saw baby whales with moms and a bunch of others.
Awesome Whale Watching!
S6025YVamandak,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome experience cruising the water with Jack and Si looking for whales! Tons of fun and a great experience all around!
So much fun!
W8843QTkatieb,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jack and Si were the best! We had such a great time, they made the whole experience so much fun!
Whale watching! So good!
182cindyw,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was so much fun! We saw so many whales! I think they were Nick and Jessie but they were great guides!
Whale watch
RichmondMjTX,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Most whales we've seen in 5 years of whale watching tours. Got in the middle of a male competition, and they were quite active. Came up for air very very close to the boat. Also saw a mother and calf breaching numerous times. Capt H and Bri were full of info and assistance for the passengers. I'd recommend any tour with them if you can choose.
From US$85.16
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Hawaii Ocean Rafting