Add dates

Lahaina Dolphin & whale watching

Our most recommended Lahaina Dolphin & whale watching

Lahaina: Maui Channel Whale-Watching Catamaran Cruise

1. Lahaina: Maui Channel Whale-Watching Catamaran Cruise

Travel via high-speed catamaran from Lahaina Harbor to the Maui Channel to see the humpback whales, who return to Hawaii for a few months each year to mate and give birth. Get up close to these creatures in their native environment from comfortable table and chair seating. Keep your eyes peeled for whales slapping the surface with their very long side fins, tails, or the strong muscles attaching the tail to the rest of the body. See them spy-hop, when humpback whales come high out of the water to have a look around at the world above. See the majesty of a breaching whale, if you are lucky. This is when a whale rises completely out of the water and crashes down again. Don’t forget to bring your camera and take memorable photos from the shade of a spacious cabin.

Lahaina: Turtle Town Snorkel and Whale Watching Cruise

2. Lahaina: Turtle Town Snorkel and Whale Watching Cruise

Spot Hawaii's native marine life in its natural habitat on a snorkel cruise to Turtle Town from Lahaina. Swim past green sea turtles, Moorish idols, and even humpback whales. Enjoy an onboard lunch and drinks. Set sail from Lahaina Harbor towards Turtle Town, aka Mala Wharf (if weather conditions allow). See where, in 1992, a powerful hurricane created an artificial reef and sanctuary where corals and other marine life thrive. Spot Moorish idols, green sea turtles, and saddle wrasse while snorkeling here. If snorkel conditions are not ideal at Turtle Town a.k.a. Mala Wharf, cruise to one of the other premier westside snorkel locations such as Honolua Bay, Airport Beach, or Launiupoko. See Hawaiian green sea turtles, brightly colored tropical fish, and beautiful coral reef formations. During the whale season between December to April, observe humpback whales as they enjoy the warm Hawaiian waters (time permitting). Learn from expert narration about the whales and provide a play-by-play commentary of the whales' behavior as you view them.

Maui: Snorkeling and Whale Watching Cruise with Buffet Lunch

3. Maui: Snorkeling and Whale Watching Cruise with Buffet Lunch

Sail to Maui’s Honolua Bay Marine Reserve, renowned for its snorkeling opportunities, on a cruise from Lahaina. Swim alongside colorful fish and savor a buffet lunch with drinks onboard. Expect to hear the sounds of whales singing underwater while you snorkel with the gear provided. Board the catamaran from Kaanapali Beach with the assistance of the captain and crew. Head to the sheltered waters of Honolua Bay, or depending on conditions, take an alternate route toward Cliff-house, Lanai, or Turtle Town in Olowalu. As you snorkel along Maui’s west coastline, experience warm waters abundant with sea life. Observe a variety of tropical fish including Hawaii’s state fish, the Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (reef triggerfish), and if you’re lucky, the endangered Hawaiian green sea turtle. After snorkeling, it's time to get back on board and treat yourself to a hot buffet lunch. Along with the mouthwatering flavors of local dishes, enjoy a complimentary open bar with Mai Tais, Chardonnay, and beers by Maui Brewing Co. Keep an eye out for whales from the snorkeling destination of the day as your experienced captain and crew seek out the humpback whales that frequent the islands on winter days. During the summer, sail into the trade winds on the lookout for spinner dolphins.

From Lahaina: Lana'i Coast Maui Sail and Snorkel Trip

4. From Lahaina: Lana'i Coast Maui Sail and Snorkel Trip

Start the tour by boarding a brand new luxury catamaran at the dock in Lahaina. Set off on your incredible adventure along the spectacular coastline of Lana'i. Onboard the vessel, enjoy a continental breakfast of tropical fruit, freshly baked banana bread, and locally roasted coffee. Head towards the pristine reefs along Lana’i’s south shores where you'll discover stunning sea cliffs, uncrowded snorkeling sites, and expansive island views. Get geared up with the snorkeling equipment provided and plunge into the warm waters to discover an array of local marine life.  This relaxed tour does not have a set destination, so the experienced crew can select the best locations based on sea conditions, and visit multiple snorkel sites when time and weather allow. After swimming and snorkeling, sit back with a drink and enjoy a full lunch while trying to catch a sighting of Lana’i’s famous spinner dolphins. Finally, return to the dock where your memorable day at sea concludes.

Maui: Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch from Lahaina Harbor

5. Maui: Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch from Lahaina Harbor

Your eco-friendly wildlife adventure departs out of historic Lahaina Harbor aboard a 65 foot, double-deck powered catamaran. The journey over to Lanai takes approximately 60 minutes as the captain passes by known wild dolphin habitats before heading to your snorkel destination. Discover an underwater oasis and world-class snorkeling with warm crystal clear waters and vibrant reefs teeming with marine wildlife. Lanai is also famous for its large populations of wild dolphins, plus toothed whales, sea turtles, and the occasional Hawaiian monk seal. On the trip over, be treated to a continental breakfast of fresh island fruit, bagels and cream cheese, and apple danishes along with hot coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and juices. Take part in a guided reef tour with a certified marine naturalist and enjoy a leisurely snorkel. Feast on a barbecue lunch which includes chicken breasts, hot dogs, garden burgers, potato salad, veggie salad, and chocolate chip cookies. There's also all-you-can-drink water, sodas, juices and 1 complimentary alcoholic drink for those 21 and over. 

From Lahaina: Lana'i Snorkel and Dolphin Adventure Cruise

6. From Lahaina: Lana'i Snorkel and Dolphin Adventure Cruise

Explore an entirely new island in Hawaii on a catamaran cruise from Maui to Lanai. Jump into the cool and clear waters to snorkel and swim with vibrant marine life and look up to towering cliffs above you. Enjoy a continental breakfast and deli sandwich lunch while you sail under the warm Hawaiian sun. Keep an eye out for spinner dolphins, who are known to frequent the area. Listen to music and your captain share his knowledge about this island paradise and the abundant sea life that makes this area their home. Arrive on the Lanai coast and explore the underwater world accompanied by a crew member throughout. Take advantage of the waterslide for extra fun. Marvel at the marine life as you snorkel beneath towering cliffs reaching up to 300 feet. Be among the few to snorkel at remote locations with great visibility, such as Shark Fin Rock and Manele Bay. See a spectacular view of the West Maui Mountains while enjoying a beverage and Quicksilver Crew Trivia on the trip back to Lahaina.

Lahaina: 2-Hour Whale Watching Tour

7. Lahaina: 2-Hour Whale Watching Tour

Get a front row seat to see Humpback Whales up close. Set out from Lahaina and make your way to the Maui Nui whale sanctuary to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Every winter, Humpback Whales migrate to the waters around Maui to mate and give birth. Hop on a custom-built inflatable raft to enjoy an intimate experience with the whales. Your captain and crew will share information about the whales to give you a full experience. There's even a hydrophone and high-quality speakers on the boat, so you can hear the whales' beautiful songs. This trip is perfect for the whole family. Bring your friends and loved ones and share the awe and splendor of Maui's Humpback Whales together.

Maui: Eco-Friendly Whale Watching Sail from Lahaina Harbor

8. Maui: Eco-Friendly Whale Watching Sail from Lahaina Harbor

Climb aboard Maui's top-rated eco-friendly 2-hour whale-watching tour on a luxury sailing vessel, Ocean Spirit. Embark on your whale watching adventure aboard this spacious and comfortable boat. See these majestic creatures up close and personal, and listen as your Marine Naturalist will provide an educational experience. Watch mothers and calves interact, see males compete for females and understand more from your guide. Make the most of underwater headphones and listen to the beautiful whale songs.  This non-profit organization is dedicated to protecting our oceans through science and advocacy. These tours offer educational whale-watching and all profits from these cruises support ocean research, education and conservation programs.

From Ma'alaea Harbor: Molokini Snorkeling Adventure

9. From Ma'alaea Harbor: Molokini Snorkeling Adventure

Embark on a half-day snorkeling adventure on a glass-bottomed catamaran, with breakfast, lunch, and a professional crew included. Look out for all types of Pacific marine life, from dolphins to turtles and coral reefs, in 2 snorkeling spots — the Molokini Crater and Turtle Town.  Begin your tour at Maalaea Harbor to board your boat. Join the crew aboard the Calypso, Maui's newest addition to the fleet, where you can even view the ocean from its glass bottom. Calypso is the only 3-deck catamaran in Hawai'i. Benefit from an easy-to-use stairway in and out of the water, lots of shade, and plenty of Jimmy Buffet music.  Start the day off right with a hearty breakfast that includes scrambled eggs, Portuguese sausage and either turkey or chicken and mushroom sausage, mixed muffins, pastries, mixed fruit, coffee, tea, and juice. Next, be dazzled by Molokini Crater, located off the south shore of Kihei. Expect pristine conditions as Molokini is a protected marine preserve and bird sanctuary.  See how the extinct volcanic cone provides a home for native Hawaiian marine life such as manta rays, fish, urchins, and sharks, who all swim around the coral through the clear water year-round. Use the provided snorkeling equipment to explore the underwater world.  Take advantage of the 2 water slides to make it more fun, especially for kids. And fret not— a lifeguard is always in the water watching over the snorkelers to ensure their safety. After leaving Molokini, your second snorkeling spot of the day is Turtle Town, where you will swim with Hawaiian green sea turtles amid the calm water and coral. Then, return to the boat for a relaxing barbecue lunch buffet. Finally, enjoy a fun trivia game for the chance to win a crew T-shirt. Some of the tour’s top amenities include 2 slides, a jumping platform, 2 freshwater showers, use of snorkeling gear, flotation devices, and restrooms on the boat. There are 11 stair points to get into the water for easy and comfortable access. Hire everything you need on the day, with wetsuits, or underwater digital cameras available to rent.

Maui: Dolphin Sailing Adventure with Lunch and Drinks

10. Maui: Dolphin Sailing Adventure with Lunch and Drinks

Get ready to experience the thrill of sailing alongside dolphins in the wild on a luxury sailing vessel. As you go, learn fascinating facts about the wild dolphins from your certified marine naturalist guide. Snap memorable photos when you catch a glimpse of the islands' acrobatic spinner dolphins, friendly bottlenose dolphins, and curious spotted dolphins. Enjoy an adventure great for all ages, and rest assured that dolphin sightings are guaranteed, else you can go again free on another Dolphin Watch within one year. During your sailing adventure, savor an included lunch and sip on 1 complimentary alcoholic drinks as you pass by the scenic shores of Maui.

20 activities found
Sort by:
Page 1 of 2

Other Sightseeing Options in Lahaina

Want to discover all there is to do in Lahaina? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Lahaina

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 65 reviews

We had a great time with Jill & Val. They were very knowledgeable and friendly. Enjoyed the stories and seeing quite a few whales. Listing to whale songs live, was impressive.

A little difficult finding the excursion from the cruise ship but just kept asking until we found the correct QuickSilver representative.

Great cruising on the water. Beautiful views. Great staff and captain who was personable and told good stories . Clean and efficient

Great crew and awesome adventure! Would definitely recommend

Have Dramamine available if you are not used to boating