Top Maui Dolphin Watching in 2026

Maui has some fantastic marine life, but large boats can scare creatures off. This small-group tour gets you closer to wildlife such as turtles and dolphins, without the crowds of traditional boat tours, but still has the benefit of an onboard marine naturalist guide to provide commentary and answer questions.

Explore Lanai’s hidden coves, reefs, and sea cliffs with a small group instead of joining a crowded snorkeling cruise. Two snorkel stops offer opportunities to spot dolphins, turtles, octopus, manta rays, and other marine life, while winter departures may include whale watching. Every tour also supports local marine research and whale rescue efforts.

Take a ride on our brand new boat, MAKAI, along the West Maui coast. Enjoy beautiful views while looking for dolphins and a quick stop to snorkel with turtles! Please note that wildlife cannot be guaranteed. First time snorkeler? No worries! Our crew is happy to give you an introduction course. All guests entering the water must have basic swimming abilities. You will not be able to stand up in the water. Haven't snorkeled in a long time or a little nervous? No worries! We have floatation gear for everyone and will take the time to give you a little refresher to help you enjoy the experience. On the surface, keep an eye out for Flying fish, Dolphins and Whales(during season). Under the surface, keep an eye out for Turtles, Tropical Reef Fish, and a variety of corals.

Get an up-close view of Maui’s coastal scenery—and leave the mainland behind for half a day of exploration—on this immersive snorkeling excursion. Visit Molokini Crater and Turtle Town, snorkeling with professionally fitted gear and enjoying tropical juices, snacks, and a light lunch included. This convenient package covers all snorkel equipment and refreshments, so you don't have to worry about packing supplies.

Get the opportunity to spot dolphins and, depending on the season, humpback whales on your next Maui trip. Choose from three small-group eco raft tours from Maui to Lanai, including a snorkel tour, dolphin excursion, or 2-in-1 combo. Enjoy snorkeling instruction, marine naturalist narration, and complimentary fresh fruit, snacks, and beverages, with departures from Front Street in Lahaina and easy access from nearby resort areas.

Experience the magic of whale watching off the coast of Maui with this incredible tour from Ma'alaea Harbor. Spend two-hours cruising the waters with a team of certified marine naturalists and listen in as they unlock the secretes of humpback whales. You'll have the chance to hear whale songs through underwater hydrophones and learn about interactions between these giant marine mammals. Travelers are guaranteed to see whales on this is a once-in-a-lifetime tour or the next trip is free.

Soar above Maui on an unforgettable small-group parasailing experience off Kaanapali Beach, with all safety gear and guidance included. You’ll get to soar above the sparkling water for a bird’s eye view as you cruise in a boat along the coastline. Enjoy incredible vistas of the gorgeous coastal scenery on this bucket list, fly-high adventure.

Spend the morning on the water off the Maui coast aboard a 64-foot catamaran sailing to Lanai’i. The expert crew will find the best reefs to snorkel so you can see incredible underwater sea life. After your snorkel, return to the boat for lunch and stunning sea views in the golden afternoon light. Look out for playful spinner dolphins on the sail back to Maui.

Increase your chances of seeing humpbacks as they travel through Maui’s warm waters on a whale-watching excursion that gets you closer to the majestic beasts than possible on shore. Hop aboard a sturdy raft in Kihei with an expert naturalist as your guide, and jet to the southern coastline, which hosts one of the highest whale populations in Hawaii. Your guide provides commentary about these fascinating creatures along the way.

Skip the 150-person cruises and go whale-watching on an intimate vessel—better for you, better for the whales. Depart from Ka'anapali Beach at 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, and enjoy Hawaiian views and talks from the onboard animal behaviorist until the splashing and spouting distract your eye. Going out in both calm and choppy waters, with any luck, you’ll get up close and personal with these titanic-hearted creatures.

Join us for an unforgettable West Maui Snorkel & Sail adventure! Departing from Maalaea Harbor, we’ll explore the coastline, stopping at the day’s best snorkeling spots to discover vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, and diverse marine life. After a thrilling underwater experience, enjoy a delicious deli-style lunch and drinks. With stunning views and a relaxing sail, this excursion offers the perfect mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation.

Cruise from Kaʻanapali Beach to Lanai Island for snorkeling, coral reefs, and marine wildlife—this tour visits two separate snorkel spots to maximize your chance of sightings. In between snorkeling excursions you can relax onboard with fresh snacks and Hawaiian juice, enjoying the shade of a covered boat that makes for a comfortable day.

Check out the volcanic Molokini Crater and the reefs around it on this group snorkel and whale watching adventure from Kihei. Your captain and crew take care of logistics, like finding the best snorkel spots, all your gear, refreshments, and your speedboat. See how many stingrays, starfish, and other wildlife you can spot underwater, and between December 15 and March 30, keep your eyes peeled for migrating whales.

Snorkel and swim with green sea turtles—and leave the logistics to someone else—on this boat adventure to Maui’s Turtle Town. Set sail from Kihei and enjoy a breakfast of local banana bread and coffee on the boat. You’ll head to several excellent snorkeling spots in Turtle Town and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and humpback whales (in season).

Enhance your chances of spotting whales in Hawaii. Discover the lives of the magnificent mammals on this whale-watching boat tour departing from Waikiki. Enjoy stunning views and photo opportunities while traveling along Oahu's coastline and get insights into whale behavior, including their breaches, flukes, and tail slaps, from the crew.

See Maui’s humpback whales from a raft-style boat that brings you closer to the water than many larger vessels. The small-group setting offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography while creating a more personal experience for everyone onboard. It’s an especially good choice if you want unobstructed views of whales in their natural habitat.

Head out to sea for the chance to see migrating whales with this two-hour excursion from Lahaina. Your group will sail off to the waters of the Maui Nui whale sanctuary, a mating and birthing destination for humpback whales. Best of all, you're guaranteed to see the gargantuan sea mammals or you'll get to go on another trip for free.

The offshore crater of Molokini has some of the best snorkeling spots in Maui—if you can reach them. Thankfully, this half-day snorkeling tour heads straight for Molokini and Turtle Town nearby on a 53-foot (16 meters) Lani Kai II boat with a 20-foot (6 meters) waterslide. Visit two snorkeling locations, get the chance to spot whales, and enjoy onboard breakfast and lunch. Whales sightings are seasonal in nature, from November through April.

Snorkeling in Molokini Crater is a frequent bucket-list experience for Hawaii visitors. Here in this submerged volcano off Maui’s southern coastline, more than 250 species of fish inhabit a world-class reef. Experience water so exceptionally clear you can see down 75 feet (23 meters), and swim with schools of tropical fish. This half-day tour from Maalaea Harbor takes care of all the logistics for you.

Maximize your chances of seeing humpback whales by embarking on a catamaran cruise from Lahaina Harbor. In the company of certified marine naturalists and marine biologists who provide insights into whale behavior, head out onto the water in search of the gentle giants. Snacks and drinks are available on board upon purchase.

Test your skills out in the waves on this beginning surfing lesson in Maui. Led by an expert instructor, learn surf techniques and timing as you hit the warm waters of Lahaina Harbor. Receive personal attention from your instructor and top-of-the-line equipment to practice on. Photos of your small-group experience are also available for purchase.

Take a boat trip up the Kanaio Coast with a couple of stops for snorkeling along the way with this tour. You'll visit the sea caves and lava arches around Kanaio followed by snorkeling stops at both La Perouse Bay and a turtle spot, stopping for a included lunch before returning to shore.

See all sorts of marine life that you might not spot from shore on this Maui snorkeling cruise. Head to the Molokai Crater in search of manta rays, sea urchins, eels, and even harmless sharks. This tour also stops at a spot called Turtle Town along the Maui coastline, where you have the chance to swim alongside enormous Hawaiian Green sea turtles.