Overview

Eye-level whale watching (or summer time dolphin watching) onboard our low-to-water small group zodiac rafts.

Native Hawaiian owned and voted Trip Advisors 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.

Search for dolphins and sightsee on this tour in the off season (summer months).

A low-to-water zodiac boat puts you close to the ocean’s surface for eye-level wildlife encounters, offering unobstructed views, maneuverability for accessing remote spots, and a thrilling, eco-friendly adventure you can’t get on larger vessels.

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.

Packages & Options

Preferred Whale Watch RAFT

Duration: 2 hours: Always check in 30 min-prior to your tour or you will miss boarding your boat.Water onboardPreferred 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 waterSmall 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

From: $97

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 TourSnacks and Beverages: Fresh fruit, cookies, chips and soda, green tea and waterSummer 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-raftLight Breakfast & Snacks: Sweet Pastries, fresh fruit, cookies, chips and soda, green tea and waterECO-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 hoursWater onboard2 Hour Raft Tour Popular Times: 2 Hour Eye-Level Whale Watch. Vessel: Raft - Guarantee whale sighting or go again for 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 onboard90 Min. Raft Tour : Whale activity & experience are the same, just a shorter duration of 90 Min. Vessel: RAFT Guarantee sighting or go again!

Hawaiian Cultural Whale Watch

Interactive Cultural Tour: Hear, taste and touch elements of Hawaiian history on this interactive whale watch tour.Duration: 2 hours: 2 Hour Tour focuses on an intro to Hawaiian history, interactive activities while onboard and includes whale watching.Food Tasting: Taste a traditional food element native to HawaiiLeaf Lei Memento: Learn how leaf leis are braided and worn and keep one as a memento.

2HR Whale/Dolphin Search Tour

From: $97

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 TourSnacks & Beverages: Fresh fruit, cookies, chips and soda, green tea and waterEarly/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!

Itinerary

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.

May-November: Dolphins are spotted year-round and our eco-rafts also provide eye-level encounters. November we will also begin our search for early season whales.

Your tour includes a full narration of interesting whale / dolphin and Maui facts by our marine naturalist, listening to whale songs on a hydrophone, water onboard and lots of photo ops!

*Our small locally native owned eco-company is excited to share Maui's wildlife with you!*

Departures from Lahaina, Maui- always arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure time so you don't miss boarding your boat!

What’s Included

Inclusions

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.
Tour Operator: Hawaii Ocean Rafting
Dolphin Tour includes snacks and beverages
Hydrophone to listen to whale songs
Whales or Dolphins (Based on option selected)
Available shade varies on boat. Please bring sun protection: hat, sunglasses and reef safe sunscreen
Marine Naturalist Narration

Exclusions

BYOB ( Plastic or cans only)
No Spray Sunscreen Permitted - Reef Safe Sunscreen Only
Hotel pick-up and drop off
Gratuities
Whales or Dolphins (Based on option selected at check out)

Meeting & Logistics

MANDATORY CHECK-IN 30 minutes prior to start time at tour operator Hawaii Ocean Rafting location. Park on near Lahaina Cannery and check-in at 1223 Front St., located next to Snorkel Bobs. No refunds for late arrivals. Due to closed roads & traffic, plan additional travel time.

Special Instructions

Boat leaves promptly at scheduled departure time please arrive at least 30 minutes early for check in or you will miss the tour. Also please wear footwear to easily take off for a barefoot cruise.

Meeting Point

Hawaii

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.

Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching - Lahaina

Overview