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

2,033 Reviews 4.91 out of 5 stars Based on 2,033 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 98% of reviewers
98% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Maui, USA
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from $85.16 per person

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Small group family style Whale Watching tour on eco-rafts in Maui.
Sometimes the whales come up to the rafts, we call this a "mugging".
Humpback whales often approach the smaller vessels for eye-level encounters!
Maui and whale photo captured by our guest!
Right before a whale dives we will see their tail which is called a fluke!

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On average, this is booked 25 (12.75) days in advance.
2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
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Overview

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

Native Hawaiian owned and voted Cool Hawaii s 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.

What's Included

  • Snacks Dolphin Tour includes snacks and beverages
  • 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. 
  • BYOB ( Plastic or cans only)
  • No Spray Sunscreen Permitted - Reef Safe Sunscreen Only
  • Hotel pick-up and drop off
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Front Street
Lahaina, HI 96761, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

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.

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!

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • No Infants
  • No Pregnant Persons or children under 3 permitted

Frequently Asked Questions

(9)

Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?

A: As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat. Read more Dec 2022

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-104420P2

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

4.91
2,033 reviews

Average 4.91 out of 5 stars based on 2,031 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1,932
4 stars
53
3 stars
25
2 stars
10
1 star
11

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 25 (12.75) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Hawaii customers.

Filter by:

Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
A:

As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.

Dec 2022
Q: Will I get seasick on Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina?
A:

If 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
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund.
  • 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).
  • This activity requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Snacks. Dolphin Tour includes snacks and beverages.
  • 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.
  • 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.
The following is NOT included:
  • 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).
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

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 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this activity?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 3. This activity requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If 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 2025
Q: Is this an accessible activity?
A:

Accessibility information for the Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching - Lahaina is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • No children under 3
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina 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 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • SnacksDolphin Tour includes snacks and beverages
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • No children under 3
  • 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.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund.

  • 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).
  • This activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This activity requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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