Maui Eco-Raft Whale or Dolphin Watching Tour from Lahaina
About Maui Eco-Raft Whale or Dolphin Watching Tour from Lahaina
This small-group eco-raft tour from Lahaina puts you low to the water on a zodiac raft for eye-level wildlife watching. Depending on the option you choose, you look for whales in whale season or dolphins in the summer months. It is run by Native Hawaiian owned Hawaii Ocean Rafting, which has operated on Maui for more than 30 years, and has more than 2,800 reviews and a 4.9 rating.
The tour lasts about 2 hours. There is no hotel pickup: check in 30 minutes before departure at the Dive Maui Shop, 1223 Front St in Lahaina, a short drive from Kaanapali, Kahana, Napili and Kapalua.
What’s included
- Plan to get wet! This is a low to water boat- ocean spray and light rain can occur during tour.
- Dolphin Tour includes snacks and beverages
- 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
Meeting point
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., Dive Maui Shop, located next to Snorkel Bobs. No refunds for late arrivals. Due to closed roads & traffic, plan additional travel time.
What to expect on the day
The raft sits close to the surface, so expect ocean spray. A marine naturalist narrates the trip, and on whale tours a hydrophone lets you listen to whale songs. Whales are protected in Hawaii, but they often approach small boats, which can make for close encounters.
In summer the focus is dolphins, with snacks and drinks included on the dolphin tour. Early and late season trips in November and May also look for whales. Sightings vary because the animals are wild.
Prices and extra costs
- Included: small-group zodiac raft tour for whales or dolphins (based on your option), marine naturalist narration, hydrophone, life jackets, and snacks and drinks on the dolphin tour.
- Not included: hotel pickup and drop-off and gratuities. You can bring your own drinks in plastic or cans.
What to bring
- Hat and sunglasses, since shade on the boat is limited.
- Reef-safe rub-on sunscreen (spray sunscreen is not allowed).
- Clothes that can get wet from ocean spray.
Tips for a better day
- Arrive early: check-in is 30 minutes before start time, the boat leaves promptly, and there are no refunds for late arrivals.
- Allow for traffic: road closures and traffic in Lahaina can slow you down, so leave extra time.
- Pick the right season: choose the whale option in winter and the dolphin option in summer.
Who it’s best for
- Best for: wildlife lovers staying in West Maui who want a close, small-boat whale or dolphin trip.
- Consider another option if: you want to snorkel too, such as the Molokini and Turtle Town snorkel trip.
Restrictions
No infants, children under 3 or pregnant travelers are allowed, and the tour is not suitable for people with back, neck or spinal injuries. Guests must be mobile enough to board the vessel unassisted. Food served on board may contain common allergens, so tell the team in advance about any allergy.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
FAQ about Maui Eco-Raft Whale or Dolphin Watching Tour from Lahaina
Where does the Lahaina eco-raft whale watch leave from?
Check-in is at the Dive Maui Shop, 1223 Front St in Lahaina, with parking near the Lahaina Cannery.
How long is the Maui eco-raft whale watching tour?
The tour lasts about 2 hours.
When is whale season in Maui for this tour?
Whale tours run in winter, with early and late season whale searches in November and May. Dolphin tours run in summer.
Are whale sightings guaranteed?
No. The animals are wild, so close sightings are not guaranteed.
Will I get wet on the raft tour?
Yes, plan to get wet. The raft is low to the water and ocean spray is common.
Can children go on the Maui raft tour?
Children must be at least 3. Infants and pregnant travelers are not permitted.
Can I bring drinks on the raft?
Yes, you can bring your own drinks in plastic bottles or cans.
Is hotel pickup included for the Lahaina raft tour?
No. You make your own way to the check-in point in Lahaina.
Can I wear spray sunscreen on the boat?
No. Only reef-safe rub-on sunscreen is permitted.
What is the cancellation policy for the eco-raft tour?
You get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. Late arrivals are not refunded.