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

2,718 Reviews 4.92 out of 5 stars Based on 2,718 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 98% of reviewers |
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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On average, this is booked 22 (9.33) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
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Offered in: English

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 Hawaiis 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. *Wildlife sighting's vary in the wild.

Search for dolphins (summer months) early season whales (Nov & May) and sightsee on this tour in the off season.

A low-to-water zodiac boat puts you close to the ocean’s surface for eye-level wildlife encounters and a eco-friendly adventure.

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.

No pregnant persons or children under 3

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.
  • Hydrophone to listen to whale songs
  • Not suitable for pregnant persons or those with back/neck injuries.
  • Tour leaves promptly. Must arrive 30 minutes prior to board or will miss the tour.
  • Hotel pick-up and drop off
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

1223 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. The type of encounters vary in the wild.

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

Your tour includes a full narration of interesting whale / dolphin and Maui facts by our naturalist, listening to whale songs on a hydrophone and lots of photo ops!
*Our small locally native owned eco-company is excited to share Maui's wildlife with you!*
Departures from Lahaina- arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure time so you don't miss boarding your boat!

No pregnant person allowed

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
  • No Infants
  • No Pregnant Persons or children under 3 permitted
  • Mobility is required to board the vessel unassisted due to the boarding location and safety protocol.

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?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-104420P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.92
2,718 reviews

Average 4.92 out of 5 stars based on 2,718 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
2,595
4 stars
69
3 stars
28
2 stars
10
1 star
16

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On average, this is booked 22 (9.33) days in advance.

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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.
  • Hydrophone to listen to whale songs
  • Life jackets are provided for emergencies but are not required to be worn during the tour.
  • *Type of encounters vary in the wild- Up close sightings not guaranteed
  • Whales or Dolphins (Based on option selected)
  • Tour Operator: Hawaii Ocean Rafting
  • Available shade varies on boat. Please bring sun protection: hat, sunglasses and reef safe sunscreen
  • Marine Naturalist Narration
  • Not suitable for pregnant persons or those with back/neck injuries.
  • Tour leaves promptly. Must arrive 30 minutes prior to board or will miss the tour.
  • Hotel pick-up and drop off
  • BYOB (Plastic or Cans Only)
  • Whales or Dolphins (Based on option selected at check out)
  • Gratuities
  • Upclose wildlife encounters are not guaranteed as animals are in the wild.
  • No Spray Sunscreen Permitted - Reef Safe Rub-on Sunscreen Only
  • Physical Mobility Required for Boarding due to boarding location

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
  • Mobility is required to board the vessel unassisted due to the boarding location and safety protocol.
  • 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 20 travelers

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Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

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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