2.5 Hour Whale Escape Tour

Recommended by 98% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Maui, USA

2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Explore our promoted experiences

Refresher dive in Kaanapali, Lahaina Maui oh yeah!

Maui, Hawaii

4.8

(22)

Private Intro or Refresher Dive Kaanapali

from $899

Discover Scuba Diving Class from Lahaina

from $158

Private Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tour in Turtle Town, Maui

Maui, Hawaii

5.0

(309)

Private Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tour in Turtle Town, Maui

from $169

Price varies by group size

Viator earns higher commissions on experiences featured here

Overview

Improve your chances of seeing whales in Maui by opting for this small-group whale watching cruise. The small boat has a passenger limit of six people, letting you enjoy a less crowded atmosphere and access places larger boats can't. Learn about the local marine life, including humpback whales, dolphins, and more, from your guide.

Your guide knows the best spots to see whales, dolphins, and more
Whale sightings are guaranteed from December to April, or go again free
Ask your guide as many questions as you like about the local ecosystem
Choose from morning or afternoon departures to suit your schedule

What's Included

Bottled water

Because we are eco-friendly we do not use plastic water bottles, instead we provide purified water in an igloo and paper cups!
Reef safe sunscreen

Hotel pick-up and drop off
Meals
Private Tour

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

1229 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA
CHECK IN 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO TOUR TIME at MALA BOAT YARD. LOOK FOR BLACK AND YELLOW "ULTIMATE WHALE WATCH" SIGNS Please INCLUDE YOUR PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL IN YOUR BOOKING so we can CONTACT YOU IF THERE ARE ANY CHANGES TO YOUR TOUR!

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate

No children under the age of 4 years.
Guaranteed Sightings
Whales are protected in Hawaii so we do not approach humpback whales closer than federal regulations.
Swimming and/or touching whales is not permitted.
Whales may choose to come to our vessels on their own.
We are unable to take guests who are Pregnant.
We are unable to take guests who are Pregnant.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Amanda_C

Everyone was helpful and friendly and made you feel comfortable especially since it was our first time. Explained everything well in details so there was no surprises which I liked a lot. Would deff do this again

Reviews

4.9

based on 46 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Sort by: Most insightful

Good company for a whale excursion

Joan_E, Mar 2026

This was my final whale watch before having to leave Maui and return to the New England winter. We saw many whales breaching and tail slapping. Loved all the activity and being out as the sun was setting was extra special. A very enjoyable trip. Were (when) I am able to return I would book with this company again but perhaps on their 12 person boat. I don’t think the extra cost of a 6 person experience was worth it to me.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Mahalo!

VIATOR Can't Be Trusted to be Accurate

Sheridan_H, Feb 2025

This was not as described on Viator. VIATOR listed snorkeling, sun screen, water provided, equipment provided--all NOT on the WHALE WATCH trip. Also VIATOR photos showed a boat with shaded cover--not the open pontoon we were given. BOOK DIRECTLY with the company--the info is accurate in their site. It was a good experience, and the company did all they could do. But this was not what we thought we signed up to do.

Response from Host, Mar 2025

Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad to hear you had a good experience and that our team did everything possible to make your trip enjoyable. However, we’re sorry to hear that the tour didn’t match what you expected based on the description you saw. We always strive to provide clear and accurate information about our tours, and we appreciate you bringing this to our attention. Booking directly with us ensures guests receive the most up-to-date details, and we’ll continue working to make sure all descriptions accurately reflect our offerings.

Fun morning in Maui

Allyson_N, Oct 2024

Amy was a fantastic captain. The crew kept us informed and I felt totally safe. The snorkling was fantastic!

Best snorkeling!

MOLLY_H, Jun 2024

Our crew were fantastic! They took us to reefs that were full of life! Absolutely incredible . Their confidence and knowledge of local spots and wildlife only added to the experience. We will be back to explore more with this group for sure

Great snorkeling and swim with massive turtles!!

Cynthia_N, Jul 2022

Nothing will ever beat the experience of swimming next to 6 massive turtles! Coral reefs, an array of fish and we even saw a small shark! Staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. Only downside was that it was crowded on the boat. But overall a terrific experience that I would definitely recommend

Response from Host, Aug 2022

Mahalo! We're so happy to hear you had a GREAT EXPERIENCE with us!

Amazing experience!

Corey_G, Jul 2021

Amazing experience! A must do while in Maui, you will not regret it. The hosts where incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!

Response from Host, Jul 2021

:) We are so glad you had a great time snorkeling with us! Mahalo!!

Pleasantly Surprised

Lucia_S, Jun 2021

The area we snorkeled in was clear and we were pleasantly surprised to see a variety of fish and turtles! A turtle swam in front of me!

Response from Host, Jul 2021

Yay! Love that you got to snorkel with the locals (the turtles), they are so amazing to see in their natural habitat! Mahalo for snorkeling with us!

Blessing experience

Amanda_C, Jun 2021

Response from Host, Jul 2021

Happy to hear you would do the 2 hour Maui Snorkel Tour again! Stoked the crew was friendly and helpful and you chose to spend your first time snorkeling with us! Mahalo!

We loved our experience

Glen_C, Jun 2021

Our snorkeling trip was fantastic! The staff was so good and made sure everyone was safe & had a great time

Turtle Snorkeling

Jenna_V, Jun 2021

If you want to see turtles this is the experience for you! It was amazing I was literally face to face with a turtle!

Response from Host, Jun 2021

Yay for snorkeling with turtles! They are amazing creatures that are protected in Hawaii and it's magical to see them in their natural habitat where they are safe and living their best lives! Mahalo for going out with us!

Great team and experience

Melina_G, Dec 2020

I gifted this experience to my husband and my 5 year old boy and the loved it. The saw three whales several times. One very close to the boat and the others not too far. Amazing team!

Trip cancelled multiple times, hassle to get refund

David_P, Feb 2020

Trip was cancelled twice due to weather, and I had to get my refund by contacting Viatour, which was the company that they connected me with when I booked my tour online.

Likely to Sell Out