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Hawaii Safaris & wildlife activities

Our most recommended Hawaii Safaris & wildlife activities

Lahaina: Maui Channel Whale-Watching Catamaran Cruise

1. Lahaina: Maui Channel Whale-Watching Catamaran Cruise

Travel via high-speed catamaran from Lahaina Harbor to the Maui Channel to see the humpback whales, who return to Hawaii for a few months each year to mate and give birth. Get up close to these creatures in their native environment from comfortable table and chair seating. Keep your eyes peeled for whales slapping the surface with their very long side fins, tails, or the strong muscles attaching the tail to the rest of the body. See them spy-hop, when humpback whales come high out of the water to have a look around at the world above. See the majesty of a breaching whale, if you are lucky. This is when a whale rises completely out of the water and crashes down again. Don’t forget to bring your camera and take memorable photos from the shade of a spacious cabin.

Lahaina: Turtle Town Snorkel and Whale Watching Cruise

2. Lahaina: Turtle Town Snorkel and Whale Watching Cruise

Spot Hawaii's native marine life in its natural habitat on a snorkel cruise to Turtle Town from Lahaina. Swim past green sea turtles, Moorish idols, and even humpback whales. Enjoy an onboard lunch and drinks. Set sail from Lahaina Harbor towards Turtle Town, aka Mala Wharf (if weather conditions allow). See where, in 1992, a powerful hurricane created an artificial reef and sanctuary where corals and other marine life thrive. Spot Moorish idols, green sea turtles, and saddle wrasse while snorkeling here. If snorkel conditions are not ideal at Turtle Town a.k.a. Mala Wharf, cruise to one of the other premier westside snorkel locations such as Honolua Bay, Airport Beach, or Launiupoko. See Hawaiian green sea turtles, brightly colored tropical fish, and beautiful coral reef formations. During the whale season between December to April, observe humpback whales as they enjoy the warm Hawaiian waters (time permitting). Learn from expert narration about the whales and provide a play-by-play commentary of the whales' behavior as you view them.

Kailua-Kona: Whale Watching Cruise

3. Kailua-Kona: Whale Watching Cruise

Hawaii is the only state in the United States where humpback whales mate, calve and nurse their young. Humpbacks may find Hawaii suitable because of the warm waters, the underwater visibility, the variety of ocean depths and the lack of natural predators. Mothers can be seen breaching alongside their calves and males can be seen competing with one another for females in fierce head-to-head battles. Join a 2.5-hour cruise as you follow these magnificent sea creatures and listen to their singing using the underwater hydrophones. Snacks and beverages will be available during your cruise providing a unique and memorable experience for the whole family.

Big Island, Hawaii: Night Manta Ray Snorkel Experience

4. Big Island, Hawaii: Night Manta Ray Snorkel Experience

Snorkeling with manta rays is a must-do while in Hawaii! Enjoy this amazing opportunity to see manta rays up close. Feed and interact with other ocean creatures on this cruise trip. After a safety briefing, gear up with the snorkeling equipment and wet suits provided. Relax and enjoy the cruise with drinks and snacks on board. Bring your underwater camera for photos and capture memories that will last a lifetime.

From Ma'alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tours Aboard the Malolo

5. From Ma'alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tours Aboard the Malolo

Depart from Maalaea Harbor, easily located off the highway with ample parking. This high-speed catamaran is located at Slip 87 near Coast Guard Station. While on board, enjoy complimentary juices and sodas, and a variety of alcoholic beverages. The optimal whale watching season starts in December and goes through April, during which thousands of humpback whales return to Hawaii for a few months each year to mate and give birth. Depending on the whales’ behavior during your two-hour whale watching trip, you may see any number of whale activity happening, from tail flapping to full body breaching. Keep your eyes peeled for whales slapping the surface with pectoral fins (their very long side fins), flukes (the tail), and the peduncle (the strong muscles attaching the tail to the rest of the body). Keep your fingers crossed for a breach - this is when a whale rises completely out of the water and crashes down again. And most importantly, don’t forget to bring your camera to capture a picture of these amazing animals.

Oahu: Afternoon Glass Bottom Boat Tour in Waikiki

6. Oahu: Afternoon Glass Bottom Boat Tour in Waikiki

If adventure is what you seek, join this daily boat tour. Enjoy the beauty of Hawaii’s South Shore as you head out from the slip in the Kewalo Basin Harbor and head toward Lē’ahi. Discover the underwater world while staying dry with the glass-bottom boat. Aboard the Haleiwa Queen, enjoy the clear view of the Pacific Ocean floor as you cruise over live tropical reefs and one of Hawaii’s shipwrecks. Keep an eye out for honu sea turtles, eels, reef sharks, dolphins, and schools of tropical fish, all from the deck of the vessel through the glass bottom boat viewports. Experience a unique perspective of Honolulu, above and below the surface.

From Ma'alaea Afternoon Snorkel to Molokini or Coral Gardens

7. From Ma'alaea Afternoon Snorkel to Molokini or Coral Gardens

Explore one of Maui’s most impressive sites on this relaxing afternoon catamaran cruise to Molokini Crater or Coral Gardens. Dive into the rich marine biodiversity of the reefs in this partially submerged volcanic crater. Head to the meeting point at Maalaea Harbor for your check-in before boarding the Malalo catamaran. Set sail and admire the beautiful Pacific coastal views as you cruise towards your snorkel site. Stop at the ideal snorkeling location for that day. Have the option to purchase food and drink aboard. Jump into the pleasant water and look for colorful fish like parrot fish, yellow tang, and cornet fish. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive spotted eagle ray. Feel free to rent wetsuits, digital underwater cameras, and prescription masks on the day of your activity to enhance your aquatic experience. After your unforgettable swim, relax with a drink (available to purchase) on deck as you return to your boarding point.

Waikiki: Turtle Canyons Cruise and Snorkel Excursion

8. Waikiki: Turtle Canyons Cruise and Snorkel Excursion

Experience the magical underwater world of sea turtles. Dive under the waves with a snorkel and see the rainbow of tropical fish. Connect with the wide array of stunning marine life on this immersive tour. Start off with a cruise along the coast, where you can potentially spot spinner dolphins and humpback whales during the wither months. Once at the Turtle Canyons, you’ll get a brief lesson on snorkeling and your snorkeling equipment.  Snorkel alongside the sea turtles and tropical sea life under the supervision of a certified lifeguard, returning to the boat whenever you please to relax with complimentary refreshments.

Hilo: Sea Turtle Lagoon and Black Sand Beach Snorkel

9. Hilo: Sea Turtle Lagoon and Black Sand Beach Snorkel

This is your opportunity to swim in a lagoon full of abundant sea life. Join your hosts on a fully guided and narrated beach snorkel tour along the pristine Hilo coastline. Make 2 snorkeling stops and also enjoy island snacks and juices. The volcanic beaches are renowned for their abundant sea turtle population, and the brackish water bays and lagoons are home to a wealth of sea life including octopus, eagle and manta rays, eels, corals, and tropical reef fish. Your experienced snorkel guide will teach you about the beautiful and lush surroundings, how the beaches and volcanic islands are made, and about the abundant marine world which lies below. Newcomers to snorkeling and children are welcome. Your trained guide will teach you the basics and be with you every step of the way to make sure you feel safe and comfortable. Children will be introduced to nature in a spectacular way.

Maui: Snorkeling Tour for Non-Swimmers in Kihei

10. Maui: Snorkeling Tour for Non-Swimmers in Kihei

Discover the marine biodiversity of Hawaii without knowing how to swim with this snorkeling tour that is designed for beginners. Experience swimming through schools of brightly colored fish on this guided experience that includes all the gear that you need.  Meet your guide and get set up with your mask, snorkel, fins, lifejacket, and wetsuit. Watch as your guide teaches, shows, and explains the art of snorkeling. Practice in the shallow water with life jackets or other flotation devices.  Get comfortable with the water and find out how to float freely in shallow water before heading out into deeper water (10-20 feet) for 5-10 minutes. Become confident breathing with your snorkel before setting off in search of turtles and other marine life. Head to one of the best local coral reefs which is teeming with Hawaiian marine life, including green sea turtles. Return to your starting point before ending your tour. 

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What people are saying about Hawaii

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 171 reviews

Really liked this vessel.. very clean and great layout for whale watching. Was a super choppy day but the boat and Captain Carlos did a great job making it a comfortable trip. Saw some great activity and probably would have been even better if it wasn’t so choppy.

Saw whales up close. also spinner dolphins but they only breached the water, guess they were not in a mood to show off at the moment.

Best Excursion Ever!! Way better than expected. The sharks are 10-15 feet and you feel very safe.

Great crew and awesome adventure! Would definitely recommend

They were very professional and safety was their priority.