Add dates

Maui Dolphin & whale watching

Our most recommended Maui Dolphin & whale watching

From Lahaina: Turtle Town Snorkel Aboard the Quicksilver

1. From Lahaina: Turtle Town Snorkel Aboard the Quicksilver

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.

From Lahaina: Lana'i Coast Maui Sail and Snorkel Trip

2. From Lahaina: Lana'i Coast Maui Sail and Snorkel Trip

Join this 'Alihilani adventure along the beautiful coast of Lana’i. This trip explores the pristine reefs along Lana’i’s south shores. Dramatic sea cliffs, uncrowded snorkeling sites, and expansive island views make this trip a wonderful way to spend the weekend. There is no set destination so your experienced crew can select the best locations to visit based on the conditions that day. Visit multiple snorkel sites when the time and weather allow for it. On the way back to Lahaina, set sail and look for Lana’i’s famous spinner dolphins and enjoy a gourmet lunch and cocktails as you relax on board.

Maui: Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch from Lahaina Harbor

3. Maui: Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch from Lahaina Harbor

Your eco-friendly wildlife adventure departs out of historic Lahaina Harbor aboard a 65 foot, double-deck powered catamaran. The journey over to Lanai takes approximately 60 minutes as the captain passes by known wild dolphin habitats before heading to your snorkel destination. Discover an underwater oasis and world-class snorkeling with warm crystal clear waters and vibrant reefs teeming with marine wildlife. Lanai is also famous for its large populations of wild dolphins, plus toothed whales, sea turtles, and the occasional Hawaiian monk seal. On the trip over, be treated to a continental breakfast of fresh island fruit, bagels and cream cheese, and apple danishes along with hot coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and juices. Take part in a guided reef tour with a certified marine naturalist and enjoy a leisurely snorkel. Feast on a barbecue lunch which includes chicken breasts, hot dogs, garden burgers, potato salad, veggie salad, and chocolate chip cookies. There's also all-you-can-drink water, sodas, juices and 1 complimentary alcoholic drink for those 21 and over. 

From Ma'alaea Harbor: Molokini Snorkeling Adventure

4. From Ma'alaea Harbor: Molokini Snorkeling Adventure

Embark on a half-day snorkeling adventure on a glass-bottomed catamaran, with breakfast, lunch, and a professional crew included. Look out for all types of Pacific marine life, from dolphins to turtles and coral reefs, in 2 snorkeling spots — the Molokini Crater and Turtle Town.  Begin your tour at Maalaea Harbor to board your boat. Join the crew aboard the Calypso, Maui's newest addition to the fleet, where you can even view the ocean from its glass bottom. Calypso is the only 3-deck catamaran in Hawai'i. Benefit from an easy-to-use stairway in and out of the water, lots of shade, and plenty of Jimmy Buffet music.  Start the day off right with a hearty breakfast that includes scrambled eggs, Portuguese sausage and either turkey or chicken and mushroom sausage, mixed muffins, pastries, mixed fruit, coffee, tea, and juice. Next, be dazzled by Molokini Crater, located off the south shore of Kihei. Expect pristine conditions as Molokini is a protected marine preserve and bird sanctuary.  See how the extinct volcanic cone provides a home for native Hawaiian marine life such as manta rays, fish, urchins, and sharks, who all swim around the coral through the clear water year-round. Use the provided snorkeling equipment to explore the underwater world.  Take advantage of the 2 water slides to make it more fun, especially for kids. And fret not— a lifeguard is always in the water watching over the snorkelers to ensure their safety. After leaving Molokini, your second snorkeling spot of the day is Turtle Town, where you will swim with Hawaiian green sea turtles amid the calm water and coral. Then, return to the boat for a relaxing barbecue lunch buffet. Finally, enjoy a fun trivia game for the chance to win a crew T-shirt. Some of the tour’s top amenities include 2 slides, a jumping platform, 2 freshwater showers, use of snorkeling gear, flotation devices, and restrooms on the boat. There are 11 stair points to get into the water for easy and comfortable access. Hire everything you need on the day, with wetsuits, or underwater digital cameras available to rent.

Maui: Dolphin Sailing Adventure with Lunch and Drinks

5. Maui: Dolphin Sailing Adventure with Lunch and Drinks

Get ready to experience the thrill of sailing alongside dolphins in the wild on a luxury sailing vessel. As you go, learn fascinating facts about the wild dolphins from your certified marine naturalist guide. Snap memorable photos when you catch a glimpse of the islands' acrobatic spinner dolphins, friendly bottlenose dolphins, and curious spotted dolphins. Enjoy an adventure great for all ages, and rest assured that dolphin sightings are guaranteed, else you can go again free on another Dolphin Watch within one year. During your sailing adventure, savor an included lunch and sip on 1 complimentary alcoholic drinks as you pass by the scenic shores of Maui.

Maui: Self Guided Clear Bottom Kayak Tour

6. Maui: Self Guided Clear Bottom Kayak Tour

Leave dry land behind and sail around Makena Landing, also known locally as “Turtle Town”. Feast your eyes on the incredible biodiversity of green sea turtles and reef fish, as well as the occasional manta and spotted eagle rays, octopi, dolphins, monk seals, humpback whales (December through April) and little white-tip reef sharks. The entire rental process takes 2 hours. Normal time to get checked in, waivers signed, provide paddle and safety instruction as well as an overview of the area is 5-15 min depending on your group. You will then have the remainder of your reserved time to paddle the waters far from the tourist crowds, paddling where you want on a steady and easy-to-use kayak. The more you take your time, the more you're likely to see!

From Lahaina: Lana'i Snorkel and Dolphin Adventure Cruise

7. From Lahaina: Lana'i Snorkel and Dolphin Adventure Cruise

Explore an entirely new island in Hawaii on a catamaran cruise from Maui to Lanai. Jump into the cool and clear waters to snorkel and swim with vibrant marine life and look up to towering cliffs above you. Enjoy a continental breakfast and deli sandwich lunch while you sail under the warm Hawaiian sun. Keep an eye out for spinner dolphins, who are known to frequent the area. Listen to music and your captain share his knowledge about this island paradise and the abundant sea life that makes this area their home. Arrive on the Lanai coast and explore the underwater world accompanied by a crew member throughout. Take advantage of the waterslide for extra fun. Marvel at the marine life as you snorkel beneath towering cliffs reaching up to 300 feet. Be among the few to snorkel at remote locations with great visibility, such as Shark Fin Rock and Manele Bay. See a spectacular view of the West Maui Mountains while enjoying a beverage and Quicksilver Crew Trivia on the trip back to Lahaina.

Maui: Whale Watch Kayaking and Snorkel Tour in Kihei

8. Maui: Whale Watch Kayaking and Snorkel Tour in Kihei

Kayak through Maui's blue ocean on a guided whale-watching adventure. Glide along the water at eye-level with the ocean and get an up-close and personal view of whales and other sea creatures. Learn about the area and native wildlife from your guide and end your tour with a snorkeling excursion. After checking in, your expert guide will provide hands-on instruction on how to manage your kayak, from landing, launching, paddling, and how to get in and out for the snorkeling component. This tour features "sit on top" kayaks which make for easy-on/easy-off access. Your guide will launch each kayak, setting you out into the great blue sea. As a group on the water, your guide will brief you about what's planned and where you will visit. To begin your adventure, paddle out to search for whales. Along the way, your local guide will share island stories, information, folklore, and more. When the whales appear, you will have the opportunity to paddle along at a safe distance. Your guide will explain each behavior that the whales are presenting. After whale watching, paddle back to the shoreline along the reef to enjoy some snorkeling. The highlight for most is Hawaii's "Hono" or Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle. They are abundant in this area, making it one of the best spots in Hawaii to see them. At the end of the trip, your guide will escort you back to the beach.

Maui: Honolua Bay Snorkel and Sail from Lahaina Harbor

9. Maui: Honolua Bay Snorkel and Sail from Lahaina Harbor

Venture aboard a 65-foot luxury sailing catamaran to Honolua Bay and snorkel at two spots that are popular with sea turtles. Spot more marine life with the help of a naturalist guide. Marvel at water views while partaking in a delectable breakfast and lunch.  Departing from the historic Lahaina Harbor aboard the Ocean Spirit, a 65-foot luxury sailing catamaran. Relax and enjoy the sights and the sun while eating a continental breakfast of coffee, pastries, and fruit platters with views of the Ka'anapali coastline to and Honolua Bay. Sail into the protected waters of the Honolua conservation area which is one of Maui’s most scenic snorkel spots. After a safety briefing, snorkeling instruction, and fish identification session, enjoy the marine environment.  Explore with premium snorkel gear, including optical masks for glasses wearers as well as flotation devices. Children can participate in the Jr. Naturalist program. Get a glossy marine wildlife photo card to take home.  Snorkel at two secluded spots that are popular destinations for sea turtles, colorful fish, and vibrant coral. Follow a certified marine naturalists guide over the reef. Wild dolphin sightings are also common during the journey. Once you're done snorkeling, feast on a delicious lunch of grilled chicken, pork, and various mouth-watering salads. Unwind as the boat heads out into the channel for the thrilling trip back to the harbor.

Maui: West Coast Sailboat Tour with Snorkeling and Meals

10. Maui: West Coast Sailboat Tour with Snorkeling and Meals

Explore the West Maui coastline aboard a spacious 47-foot Paragon performance sailing catamaran. Enjoy breakfast and a gourmet buffet lunch paired with local beer and wine. Snorkel and swim with local aquatic life and enjoy a smaller group feeling with a maximum of 25 guests allowed on board.  Hop on board and get to know the crew who all have a deep connection with the Maui waters. They'll guide you to the most picturesque snorkeling destinations, from Olowalu to Honolua to Mokule’ia Bay – wherever the sea is sparkling the brightest that day. Set sail along the coast of Maui and get the chance to spot a pod of Hawaii's beloved dolphins along the way. Keep your eyes peeled as you journey north where you may encounter the abundant Hawaiian spinner dolphins or even catch a glimpse of the more elusive bottle-nosed dolphins in offshore waters.  After sailing, take a dive in the water and explore the vibrant sea life with included snorkeling and safety gear. Follow snorkeling, with a gourmet lunch and beverages including local beer, white wine, and sparkling wine. On the way back to Lahaina Harbor, the afternoon tradewinds often pick up, creating an exhilarating sailing experience you won't forget. End your adventure with a newfound appreciation for the beauty of Maui and the magic of the sea. 

Available activities

25 activities found
Sort by:
Page 1 of 2

Frequently asked questions about Maui Dolphin & whale watching

What are other things to do than Dolphin & whale watching that are worth visiting in Maui?

The other unmissable things to do in Maui are:

Other Sightseeing Options in Maui

Want to discover all there is to do in Maui? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Maui

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 145 reviews

The crew took great care of us from the moment we boarded until we deboarded. Seats and equipment (including graded goggles for us wearing eyeglasses) are more than adequate making everyone enjoy. The captain knows where to position the boat to get great possibility of successfully seeing whales. The whales put on a show, even breaching from the water. Highly recommended!

JJ, Captain Mike, and Rebecca were the most incredible crew! Our girls' trip group of 6 could not have had a better time--we saw so many whales, even a few that swam right up beside the boat. All the guides are attentive and knowledgeable, and made everyone feel safe and comfortable.

Jeremiah was great. Our trip was fantastic. Miah had a lot on his hands with our group. Some inexperienced kayakers made his work extra hard but he was very good accommodating everyone.

We enjoyed the experience and saw some very active whales

Our second year going with this company and LOVED it!!!