Whale Watching: Eye-Level Encounters in Maui

Experience eye-level whale watching on a 2-hour eco-raft tour from Lahaina, Maui. Join Hawaii Ocean Rafting, voted TripAdvisors Traveler’s Choice, for an unforgettable adventure.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 1223 Front St - Experience Maui’s exclusive Hawaiian-owned eye-level Whale Watching and Dolphin Search Tours aboard our intimate, low-to-water eco-rafts.
    Escape the crowds and enjoy comfortable seating in a small group setting with breathtaking views of Hawaii’s humpback whales or Maui’s playful dolphins.
    December-April: Each winter, the Humpback…
What's Included
  • 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.
  • Snacks
  • Hydrophone to listen to whale songs
  • Type of encounters vary in the wild- Up close sightings not guaranteed
  • Whales or Dolphins (Based on option…
What's Not Included
  • 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…
Additional Information

Experience eye-level whale watching or summer dolphin watching aboard our low-to-water, small group zodiac rafts.
Owned by Native Hawaiians and recognized as TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice, Hawaii Ocean Rafting has been offering Maui’s original ocean rafting adventures for over 30 years.
Our small group tours provide a delightful, family-style whale…

Location
1223 Front St
Front Street
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.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(2488 Ratings)
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Mom_r
Feb 7, 2026
Baby Whale Breach - Captain Jack and Jess were awesome. The whale experience was a highlight of our trip. We saw a baby whale breach probably 150 yards from our boat which was my personal highlight.
Review provided by Viator
Guide550242
Feb 7, 2026
Best whale watching - It was the best whale watching trip I have had. We saw so many whales: 2 calves and their mothers, male escort and a couple of other males vying for a place with the mother. Our guides kept us near but not too close to the action. Because there was a light rain, they provided ponchos for everyone. Wish it could have lasted more than 90 minutes.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert_s
Feb 7, 2026
Great company and excellent trip- lots of up close whales! - The staff and crew are excellent, and they run things very efficiently. Upon check in you receive a boarding pass, which made the process fast and easy. We saw lots of whales, and got great photos. Would do this again!
Review provided by Viator
Karri_m
Feb 7, 2026
Crew very knowledgable,... - Crew very knowledgable, saw lots of whales !🐳🐳🐳If it is cold and rainy make sure you wear a jacket to have under your complimentary poncho, you will get wet! Awesome adventure!!
Review provided by Viator
Voyage06702343342
Feb 7, 2026
Humpback Whales - Captain Jack and naturalist did a good job! We got to see humpback whales and hear about the area. He did a good job of moving the boat so both sides got to see the Humpbacks and the lighting was nice at sunset! Great trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
B6273hcchristinad
Feb 7, 2026
Phenomenal! - Captain Mike and Olivia brought us to see so many whales! I am incredibly grateful for this experience. And the hydrophone was amazing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jenniferl299
Feb 7, 2026
Do it! So great! - I loved this tour so much. There were some great photos ops with leaping calves and even a full momma leap. Just incredible! The staff was knowledgeable and entertaining and we had a lovely time. Even more important, the boat operators were incredibly cautious not to invade the whales’ space.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ddkeller
Feb 6, 2026
best whale watching !! rafts are awesome - Captain Jack and Jess were great. we saw a ton of whales and had a great time. watching in the rafts is the best. so close. Thank you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aliciapm5420eh
Feb 6, 2026
Whale watching - We had a wonderful whale watching trip with Jack and Jess. They were wonderful. I highly recommend. Thank you Jack and Jess!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amy_b
Feb 6, 2026
Highly recommend for the best whale-watching - This is the best whale-watching experience. The 2-person crew were friendly and knowledgeable. We found whales who stayed near us and even “spied” on us out of curiosity. We could see them move under water and under the boat. It was wonderful being so close to the water. Very punctual and well-organized. Loved everything about it.
Review provided by Viator
From $85
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).