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Maui: Kayak Whale Watch & Turtle Town Snorkel with Free Photos
Overview
This is an intimate, owner-operated expedition led by a guide with over 10+ years of experience on Maui waters. Unlike the large harbor boats with huge crowds, our kayaks allow us to spend time with the whales without the loud motor sound-allowing us to hear the rhythmic breathing of the whales and the mesmerizing whale song that you just can't get on a larger boat.
Experiencing these gentle giants at water level is a total game-changer. There is nothing like the experience of being right next to a whale just inches above the waterline. It makes the encounter feel incredibly personal and puts the true scale of these creatures into perspective. This ensures a five-star, intimate journey that you just can't get on larger boats.
As we transition to the shoreline to visit a turtle cleaning station you will swim alongside Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu) and explore the volcanic coral reefs of South Maui. You stay present in the magic; I'll handle the rest.
What's Included
- Free Photos: High-resolution digital photos of your entire experience delivered the same day
- Expert Instruction: Safety briefing and paddling and snorkel tips
- Premium Snorkeling Gear: High-grade masks, snorkels, and fins-cleaned and sanitized for your comfort
- Secure Dry Box: We provide one dry box per kayak for your car keys, cell phones, and wallets
- Personal Recommendations: Food, Beaches, Snorkel Spots, and Hikes on Maui
- High-performance Ocean Kayaks: Designed for the stability and speed needed to track the whales
- Hydration: Cold bottled water that keeps you refreshed on the water
- Local Insider Guide: 10+ years of guiding Maui waters
- Gratuities are not included but are greatly appreciated. Venmo is available for your convenience.
Meeting Location
5083 Makena Road
Kihei, HI 96753, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Experience the best of Maui's winter season (January 1st - March 31st) on an intimate, owner-led hybrid expedition. Skip the crowded harbor boats and join me for a five-star journey that takes you from the Moana (Deep Ocean) to the vibrant Kai (shallow waters).
With over 10+ years of experience guiding Maui waters, I lead you personally into whale territory using high performance sit-on-top ocean kayaks. This is a calm sensory experience: where we listen for the rhythmic sound of a whale spouting and observe their natural behaviors-whether it's the quiet bond of a mom and calf, the energy of a competition pod, or the mesmerizing song of a "singer." Being at water level with these gentle giants is a truly magical experience that stays with you long after your experience.
After observing the whales, we transition back to the shoreline to snorkel in the peaceful, calm waters of a turtle cleaning station. Here you will glide alongside Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu) and explore the vibrant coral reefs.
You stay present in the magic; I'll handle the rest. As your personal photographer. I'll capture high-resolution photos of your entire experience and deliver them for free.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (13)
Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-186998P6
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 66 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (13)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Hawaii customers.
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The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg.
Nov 2021No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our kayak tours. Most of our guests have never been in a sea kayak before. Anyone in average physical condition may join a kayak tour. If you can hike or bike, you can paddle our sea kayaks. You do not need any swimming skills either.
The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit of curiosity and adventure.
Regardless of age or skill level you will find that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience with us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea kayaking technique and water safety before leaving the beach. And your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure to give you pointers and improve your skills.
Sep 2022As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Maui: Kayak Whale Watch & Turtle Town Snorkel with Free Photos. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022Your safety is Cool Hawaii’s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.
Jan 2023If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the activity start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the activity start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the activity local time (HST).
- Free Photos: High-resolution digital photos of your entire experience delivered the same day.
- Expert Instruction: Safety briefing and paddling and snorkel tips.
- Premium Snorkeling Gear: High-grade masks, snorkels, and fins-cleaned and sanitized for your comfort.
- Secure Dry Box: We provide one dry box per kayak for your car keys, cell phones, and wallets.
- Personal Recommendations: Food, Beaches, Snorkel Spots, and Hikes on Maui.
- High-performance Ocean Kayaks: Designed for the stability and speed needed to track the whales.
- Hydration: Cold bottled water that keeps you refreshed on the water.
- Local Insider Guide: 10+ years of guiding Maui waters.
- Gratuities are not included but are greatly appreciated. Venmo is available for your convenience.
This activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 4. This activity requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Maui: Kayak Whale Watch & Turtle Town Snorkel with Free Photos is as follows:
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Maui: Kayak Whale Watch & Turtle Town Snorkel with Free Photos will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Hawaii. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Free Photos: High-resolution digital photos of your entire experience delivered the same day
- Expert Instruction: Safety briefing and paddling and snorkel tips
- Premium Snorkeling Gear: High-grade masks, snorkels, and fins-cleaned and sanitized for your comfort
- Secure Dry Box: We provide one dry box per kayak for your car keys, cell phones, and wallets
- Personal Recommendations: Food, Beaches, Snorkel Spots, and Hikes on Maui
- High-performance Ocean Kayaks: Designed for the stability and speed needed to track the whales
- Hydration: Cold bottled water that keeps you refreshed on the water
- Local Insider Guide: 10+ years of guiding Maui waters
- Gratuities are not included but are greatly appreciated. Venmo is available for your convenience.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
