Exploring the stunning waters of Maui, HI, and witnessing the sight and majesty of whales in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience.
In this post, I’ll share my listing of the best whale watching tours in Maui for 2025. All of the operators in my listing of the best whale watching tours in Maui for 2025 have ratings of 4 stars or higher on Google and have been in business for 10 years or more. Additional considerations for being entered into the list include high-praise customer reviews, unique features, services, ADA accommodations, eco-friendly practices, and whether they are family-owned or part of a larger company.
Each operator stands out in my list of best whale watching tours in Maui for 2025 with unique features, services, and packages. Are you ready? Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways
- Tour operators in this year’s list of best whale watching tours in Maui all have at least 10 years of experience in the industry, emphasizing their reliability and expertise.
- A diverse range of tour operators are listed that cater to different preferences, budgets, and accessibility needs.
- Many operators prioritize eco-friendly practices, such as using biofuels, minimizing environmental impact, and supporting marine conservation.
- The unique features of each operator, such as zodiac raft tours, luxury catamarans, and snorkeling opportunities, are pointed out to help you choose the best fit for your interests.
Accessibility Tip!
If you or someone in your party has mobility challenges, look for tours that offer ADA accommodations. Operators like Pacific Whale Foundation, Pride of Maui, Trilogy Excursions, and Alii Nui Charter provide accessible options to ensure everyone can enjoy the experience. Always call ahead to confirm specific needs and accommodations.
1. Pacific Whale Foundation
Launch Point: Ma‘alaea Harbor
ADA Accommodations: Yes
Eco-Friendly Practices: Absolutely, they’re a nonprofit dedicated to ocean conservation.
Ownership: Nonprofit organization focused on marine conservation.
Website: pacificwhale.org
The Pacific Whale Foundation is a standout in 2025 for its commitment to education and conservation. They offer a variety of the best whale watching tours in Maui, from small-group excursions to luxurious sunset cruises. Their knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights about the whales and their environment.
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Pacific Whale Foundation uses profits from their tours to fund marine research and education programs?
Pro Tip!
Book their early morning tour for the calmest seas and the best chance to see playful whale behaviors.
2. Maui Adventure Cruises
Launch Point: Lahaina Harbor
ADA Accommodations: Limited, but they strive to assist where possible.
Eco-Friendly Practices: Yes, they follow strict guidelines to protect marine life.
Ownership: Family-owned business.
Website: mauiadventurecruises.com
Maui Adventure Cruises offers thrilling zodiac raft tours, perfect for adventure seekers. Their small boats allow for closer encounters with whales, which makes for an exhilarating experience. This firmly cements Maui Adventure Cruises as one of the best whale watching tours in Maui for 2025. Plus, they often include snorkeling options.
Fun Fact!
The zodiacs used by Maui Adventure Cruises are similar to those used by the Coast Guard for their durability and stability.
Pro Tip!
Bring a waterproof camera to capture stunning close-up shots of the whales!
3. Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel
Launch Point: Lahaina Harbor
ADA Accommodations: No
Eco-Friendly Practices: Yes, they emphasize respectful wildlife interactions.
Ownership: Family-operated.
Website: ultimatewhalewatch.com
Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel specializes in intimate whale encounters with small groups, ensuring a more personal experience as one of the year 2025 best whale watching tours in Maui. Their tours often include marine biologists who share intriguing whale facts and answer questions.
Fun Fact!
Ultimate Whale Watch guarantees whale sightings, or you get another tour for free!
Pro Tip!
Opt for their combo tour to enjoy both whale watching and snorkeling in one trip.
4. Pride of Maui
Launch Point: Ma‘alaea Harbor
ADA Accommodations: Yes
Eco-Friendly Practices: Yes, they use biofuel and biodegradable products.
Ownership: Privately owned, part of a larger tour company.
Website: prideofmaui.com
As one of the best whale watching tours in Maui for 2025, Pride of Maui is known for its spacious catamarans, which offer a comfortable and stable ride. They provide excellent amenities, including BBQ lunches and open bars. As one of the best whale watching tours in Maui, this is an ideal choice for families or groups seeking a leisurely day on the water.
Fun Fact!
Pride of Maui’s large catamarans have glass-bottom windows, allowing for underwater viewing without getting wet!
Pro Tip!
Join their catamaran afternoon tour for whale watching and a spectacular sunset view in the evening. watching.
5. Trilogy Excursions
Launch Point: Lahaina Harbor
ADA Accommodations: Yes
Eco-Friendly Practices: Yes, they practice sustainable tourism and use reef-safe sunscreen.
Ownership: Family-owned business.
Website: sailtrilogy.com
Trilogy Excursions offers luxury sailing experiences with a touch of adventure. Their family-owned business prides itself on excellent service and delicious onboard meals. They also provide free Snuba (a snorkeling and scuba hybrid) experiences on certain tours. With such amazing features, I had to pace them as one of the best whale watching tours in Maui for 2025.
Fun Fact!
Trilogy Excursions has been operating in Maui for over 45 years, making them one of the island’s most experienced tour operators.
Pro Tip!
Check out their seasonal whale watch sail for a unique sailing adventure combined with whale watching.
6. Maui Reef Adventure
Launch Point: Ma‘alaea Harbor
ADA Accommodations: Limited
Eco-Friendly Practices: Yes, they follow responsible tourism practices.
Ownership: Independently owned.
Website: mauireefadventures.com
Maui Reef Adventure is known as one of the best whale watching tours in Maui for 2025 because of their friendly and knowledgeable guides. Their guides are trained to help ensure a memorable whale watching experience. Their small-group tours provide an intimate encounter with the whales.
Fun Fact!
Maui Reef Adventure’s guides often share fascinating stories about the local marine ecosystem.
Pro Tip!
Book a morning tour for a quieter and more peaceful experience on the water.
7. Alii Nui Charter
Launch Point: Ma‘alaea Harbor
ADA Accommodations: Yes
Eco-Friendly Practices: Yes, they use sustainable practices and provide reef-safe sunscreen.
Ownership: Privately owned, luxury charter company.
Website: aliinuimaui.com
Alii Nui Charter offers luxury whale watching tours aboard their 65 ft. catamaran. Their tours include gourmet meals, an open bar, and attentive service, making it a top choice for a deluxe experience and one of best whale watching tours in Maui for 2025.
Fun Fact!
Alii Nui Charter offers complimentary Snuba experiences on select tours, blending snorkeling and scuba diving.
Pro Tip!
Reserve their sunset whale watch for a romantic and scenic experience.
8. Redline Rafting
Launch Point: Kīhei
ADA Accommodations: No
Eco-Friendly Practices: Yes, they emphasize minimal impact on marine life.
Ownership: Small, independently run tour operator.
Website: aliinuimaui.com
My list of the best whale watching tours in Maui for 2025 would’nt be complete without including Redline Rafting. They are perfect for adventure seekers with their offerings of small-group tours on their speedy rafts. Their tours often combine whale watching with snorkeling at some of Maui’s best spots.
Fun Fact!
Redline Rafting’s rafts are designed for speed and maneuverability, allowing for close encounters with whales.
Pro Tip!
Bring along a GoPro to capture the exciting moments both above and below the water.
Closing Thoughts
Each of these 2025 best whale watching tours in Maui offers something special, whether it’s their commitment to eco-friendly practices, ADA accommodations, or unique packages. Remember, whale watching in Maui is not just about seeing whales; it’s about experiencing the wonder of nature in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I hope you find the best Maui whale watch to make your 2025 whale watching dreams come true!