Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching - Lahaina
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
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
Mobility is required to board the vessel unassisted due to the boarding location and safety protocol.
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.
Dolphin Tour includes snacks and beverages
Hydrophone to listen to whale songs
Life jackets are provided for emergencies but are not required to be worn during the tour.
*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
Physical Mobility Required for Boarding due to boarding location
Options
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.
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 & Dolphin Watch
Snorkeling: This snorkel and dolphin search tour takes you from Maui to the neighbor island of Lanai to snorkel and search of dolphins. Duration: 5 hours: Includes snorkeling 2 stops, searching for dolphins, marine education, snorkel instruction, gear, breakfast and snacks! Breakfast and Snacks: Tour includes breakfast of pastries and fruit and snacks are Maui style potato chips and cookies. Soda, green tea, water. Hawaiian-owned local business: Mahalo for supporting our small Lahaina Hawaiian-owned eco-tour company!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
Reviews
2,740 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The crew was very...
Karleen C,May 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The crew was very friendly and informative. We enjoyed the tour snd will do again on our next trip. Captain Jack D and Nicole made the trip feel safe, and provided lots of whale facts. Along with some island history culture. I just wish I remembered which whale tracking app Nicole said she was using.
I had a ton of fun. Loved...
jennifer s,May 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00I had a ton of fun. Loved the boat ride. Didn't get to see any whales or dolphins so bummed about that.
Wear slip on shoes as...
Mary P,May 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wear slip on shoes as they ask you to take them off before getting on raft. Captain Jack was very entertaining and Brea was very knowledgeable about the whales and dolphins. Well worth the cost.
Crew was great ship was small and over crowded.
Debra M,May 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Captain Jack and our oceanographer who I can’t remember her name were excellent. They did a great job and both were very informative and entertaining. My disappointment was the size of the boat and the number of people onboard. People will be people and jump in front of you when taking pictures and there is always those that think they are a bit more special than others and can make the experience unpleasant. With 27 people on such a small boat, this happened every time we saw anything. If available, I would opt for a ship with less people and more opportunities to see the marine life as opposed to the heads and arms of other guests.
The trip was great, got...
Kimberly M,May 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The trip was great, got to see the whales Momma, baby and escort! I came solo, but the crew was very inclusive. Had a great time!!! Thanks so much for the experience and the great snacks! I would certainly recommend to anyone interested in this type of adventure! It was special and definitely worth the value.
Excellent and a marine...
Mary V,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent and a marine biologist was on board and provided wonderful knowledge and information about the whales.
Whale and Dolphin Tour
kristenwR1774SE,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jack and Nicole were amazing! We had a ton of fun with them today. Jack did everything in his power to make sure we saw a whale and Nicole gave us a bunch of information about them. Highly recommend!!
Good Times 🤙🏾
Adam V,May 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My family and I had a great time! Beautiful, scenic views, great hosts/guides, and the boat ride itself was very enjoyable. It's fun being that close to the water.
Great Dolphin Fun!
loreel530,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Saw a lot of dolphins. Captain Jack and Jess were great. Everything was well organized and fun. Would definitely go again. Highlight: watching a baby dolphin cruising the waves. Thank you!
Great anniversary trip!
margaret g,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a great way to spend a couple of hours on the water! Love being on a Zodiac & so close to the water. We had multiple dolphin sightings - including a baby. Si cute. Captain Jack & Jess were great. We would do this again!
From US$85.16
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Operated by Hawaii Ocean Rafting