Specialty Cruises

Click on a date to highlight available cruises.

Avoid the hassle of parking and scramble for decent seats along the waterfront this 4th of July. Instead hop aboard one of our double-decker catamarans and get the best fireworks seats possible! With a fully stocked bar, great crew, good food, and great views, you are sure to remember this 4th of July celebration. This cruise includes all-American favorite appetizers, yummy deserts and cocktails, and festive music. Our taste bud tantalizer appetizers includes barbecued chicken , sautéed vegetables and tofu in a flavorful black bean sauce, Mediterranean pasta salad, sliced watermelon; and for desert we offer homemade cookies. We also include all you can drink juices, sodas and filtered water and each adult gets 3 cocktails of their choice of beer, wine, tropical well drinks including our famous Mai Tais (adults 21+, must have valid picture i.d.). Be sure to book this popular cruise early as these cruises sell out in advance every year!

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

July 4Th Cocktail Cruise (Maalaea)

Avoid the hassle of parking and scramble for decent seats along the waterfront this 4th of July. Instead hop aboard one of our double-decker catamarans and get the best fireworks seats possible! With a fully stocked bar, great crew, good food, and great views, you are sure to remember this 4th of July celebration. This cruise includes all-American favorite appetizers, yummy deserts and cocktails, and festive music. We include all you can drink juices, sodas and filtered water and each adult gets 3 cocktails of their choice of beer, wine, tropical well drinks including our famous Mai Tais (adults 21+, must have valid picture i.d.). Be sure to book this popular cruise early as these cruises sell out in advance every year!

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

July 4Th Fireworks Cruise (Non-Alc; Maalaea)

Avoid the hassle of finding parking and good seats on the shoreline. Bring your family and friends on this cruise to enjoy the colorful fireworks and celebrate Independence Day. Enjoy American favorite appetizers, yummy deserts and unlimited soda and juice for all. Our tantalizing appetizers include barbecued chicken, sautéed vegetables and tofu in a flavorful black bean sauce. Mediterranean pasta salad, sliced watermelon and we offer dessert of homemade cookies. We also include all you can drink juices, sodas and filtered water (no-alcohol on this cruise). Book early, this cruise is ideal for families and sells out every year!

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Island Rhythms Sunset Cocktail Cruise

Nothing says fun more than dancing to island rhythms on an open-air dance floor at sunset at sea! Charismatic, fun-loving recording star Marty Dread gets everyone up and dancing to classic reggae, island rhythms, pop and rock favorites. A variety of tasty appetizers keeps you fueled for dancing. Quench your thirst with local microbrewed beer, wine, juices, sodas, Mai Tais and tropical cocktails. (Bring your photo i.d. if you wish to consume alcohol on your cruise, no matter what your age – a vacation on Maui makes everyone look younger.) This is a great multigenerational cruise; kids, teens and adults love it!

**May 11th - Live entertainment will be performed by Ras Shaggai.

During the winter months, whales add to the fun of this trip. Pacific Whale Foundation guarantees whale sightings between December 16 and April 30. If you don’t see a whale, you get a free ticket for our Classic Whalewatch.

Includes:
• Reggae recording artist Marty Dread serves as emcee, DJ and performer
• Hot and cold pupus (appetizers)
• Chilled sodas, tropical juices, filtered water
• Maui Brewing Co. beer, wine and tropical mixed drinks (3 per adult 21+, must have valid picture i.d.)

• Free whale poster and whale watching guide

Menu: Tropical fruit platter with guava mint glaze, fresh crudite platter with roasted garlic ranch dip, Maui onion and spinach dip served with assorted crackers (lactose), Porto made bruschetta served with grilled pita, Hawaiian Style Kahlua Pig sliders (gluten in slider buns), Porto made chicken meatballs tossed in pomodoro sauce (gluten, lactose), Chewy chocolate brownies (gluten, lactose)

Departs: Fridays
Approx. Duration: 2 Hours
Check-in 45 minutes prior to departure at our Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store at The Harbor Shops at Ma’alaea (next to Maui Ocean Center)

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Stargazing Cruise

** Note: Cruise rescheduled for 8:30pm departure on 6/4 only **

Experience the enchantment of Maui's velvet night sky on this stargazing cruise with Pacific Whale Foundation Eco-Adventures. Here in Hawaii, the most remote island chain in the world, you'll experience brilliant stars from an optimal vantage point. This cruise is narrated by special guest Harriett Witt, an international award winning astronomy writer and speaker, known for her entertaining and informative commentary on the stars. Her writing has been featured in publications such as Sky & Telescope, and Spirit of Aloha. During winter (December through April), we'll lower a hydrophone into the sea, so you can listen to the haunting and mysterious songs of humpback whales in the ocean around us.

* Unlimited juices and soda
* Up to 3 alcoholic beverages (locally brewed Maui Brewing Co. beer, red and white wine, Mai Tais and tropical well drinks) for adults 21+, must have valid picture i.d.
* Appetizers:
- Crudite Platter: Carrots, Celery, Broccoli Florets, Pita Bread served with Maui Onion Dip, and Roasted Garlic Thai Basil Hummus
- Local and International Cheese: luscious Surfing Goat Dairy garden Fantasia, Sharp Vermont Cheddar, Creamy Swiss, Smoked Gouda
- Assorted Crackers (wheat, cracked seed, peppered)
- Spicy Spinach Wrap: grilled tortillas filled with Spicy Spinach Parmesan cheese spread, layered between Fresh Waipolli Greens, and crisp, grilled vegetables
- Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies: homemade and fresh baked with Guittard Chocolate
- Tropical Fruit Tart: crisp tart shells filled with Lilikoi Mousse
- Free full-color marine life poster

Departs: Select evenings, 8:00 to 10:00 pm
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Check-in: 45 minutes prior to departure:
- Pacific Whale Foundation Lahaina Ocean Store at 612 Front Street, Lahaina

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Valentines Dinner Cruise

Romance will be in the air and in the sea this Valentine’s Day aboard a very special Pacific Whale Foundation sunset dinner cruise. Do something truly special on your Valentines Day; head out onto the ocean for a romantic evening with Pacific Whale Foundation’s Valentines Day Dinner Cruise! The Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise departs from scenic Lahaina Harbor, with guaranteed outdoor seating for all (as well as indoor seating for those who prefer it). Passengers aboard the Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise will enjoy a delicious three-course dinner, cocktails, live music, dramatic views of the West Maui Mountains and the islands of Maui County, and the unparalleled beauty of a sunset at sea. You’ll even be able to watch for the spouts of courting humpback whales as you raise a toast to the power of love. Our attentive staff will provide tableside service of a delicious meal, with each plate prepared by our onboard chef.

The Valentine’s Day menu will include a choice of

Grilled Grass Fed Beef with Local Mushroom jus
Boneless Teriyaki Chicken breast with pineapple and grilled onions
Seared local caught fresh island fish with garlic soy cream sauce
Sesame Cilantro Tofu with Mango sauce.
Entrees will be accompanied by baked spinach dip with fresh baked Focaccia Bread, fresh medley of Island grown Greens with Maui Onion dressing, Rice Pilaf, and Sautéed Carrots and Zucchini.
Special, decadent Valentine’s Day desserts

Includes: sparkling wine, Maui Brewing Co. beer, wine, Mai Tais and other tropical mixed drinks( for adults 21+, must have valid picture i.d.), plus unlimited soda, juices and filtered water.

Dress is casual. Guests may need a light jacket for the cool Maui evenings that occur at this time of year. Check in at 612 Front Street in Lahaina at our Pacific Whale Foundation Retail Store, just across from the famous Lahaina banyan tree.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Valentines Premium Seating Dinner

Do something truly special on your Valentines Day; head out onto the ocean for a romantic evening with Pacific Whale Foundation’s Valentines Day Dinner Cruise! Upgrade your Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise ticket and enjoy premium seating, with a guaranteed private table for your party. Your Premium Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise option also includes an upgraded menu of complimentary beverages, including up to three cocktails per adult, 21+, with valid picture i.d., including frozen, blended cocktails, premium Maui microbrewery beer (from Maui Brewing Co.), wine, Mai Tais and other tropical mixed drinks, and all-you-can-drink chilled soda, juice, and filtered water. Premium seats aboard our Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise are limited, so please make your reservation early. Our attentive staff will provide table side service of a delicious meal, with each plate prepared by our onboard chef.

The Valentine’s Day menu will include a choice of

Grilled Grass Fed Beef with Local Mushroom jus
Boneless Teriyaki Chicken breast with pineapple and grilled onions
Seared local caught fresh island fish with garlic soy cream sauce
Sesame Cilantro Tofu with Mango sauce.
Entrees will be accompanied by baked spinach dip with fresh baked Focaccia Bread, fresh medley of Island grown Greens with Maui Onion dressing, Rice Pilaf, and Sautéed Carrots and Zucchini.
Special, decadent Valentine’s Day desserts

Includes: sparkling wine, Maui Brewing Co. beer, wine, Mai Tais and other tropical mixed drinks, plus unlimited soda, juices and filtered water.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise

For a unique Maui-style way to celebrate Thanksgiving, enjoy your holiday feast in a remarkable setting -- on the ocean at sunset -- on a relaxing Thanksgiving Sunset Dinner Cruise with Pacific Whale Foundation. Our Thanksgiving Sunset Dinner Cruise offers you 360 degree views of the Pacific Ocean, the West Maui mountains and the neighbor islands (Moloka'i, Lana'i and Kaho'olawe), all drenched in the golden hues of sunset. With the possibility of guest appearances by wild dolphins or humpback whales, it's easy to use the word "magical" to describe the experience.

Our Thanksgiving cruise takes place on our eco-friendly, smooth riding catamaran, departing from Lahaina Harbor. All guests are guaranteed outdoor seating!. The evening includes live music and cocktails (wine, local microbrew beer, Mai Tais and other tropical mixed drinks, along with soda and juice), plus a buffet featuring all of the traditional Thanksgiving fixings.   The dinner is prepared by our chefs, and features locally grown, natural and organic ingredients. It's a mix of traditional favorites, with some Hawaiian and island-style influences.

The menu includes Kalua Turkey with Giblet Gravy (Turkey cooked in traditional Hawaiian style underground oven), Island Kalua Ham with Guava Jelly (Ham cooked in traditional

Hawaiian style underground oven covered in Guava Jelly), Portuguese Sausage Stuffing (Traditional thanksgiving stuffing filled with Portuguese Sausage), Whipped Garlic Potatoes (Creamy Russet Potato Mash with Roasted Garlic), Corn on the Cob (Flavored with Cream and Butter), Upcountry Greens with Maui Onion Dressing, Grilled Island Vegetables (Medley of fresh island vegetables cooked over hibachi grill), Fresh Baked Taro and Soft Rolls. Dessert of Pumpkin Haupia Squares (Hawaiian Coconut Dessert infused with Pumpkin Mini Pumpkin Pies) and Double Chocolate Brownies .

Adult guests with valid i.d. can enjoy up to three alcoholic beverages (adults 21+, must have valid picture i.d.). There's unlimited soda, filtered water and juice for everyone.   

Book early as seats are limited on this very special holiday cruise.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Thanksgiving Premium Seating Dinner

Premium seating customers enjoy VIP boarding and private tables with outdoor seating on this festive holiday sunset cruise. Sunset is an especially beautiful time to be out on the water; bring your camera for the spectacular views of the surrounding Hawaiian Islands (Maui, Molokai, Kaho'olawe and Lanai) and possibly some sightings of humpback whales or dolphins. The evening includes live, island style entertainment and a buffet feast featuring all of the traditional Thanksgiving fixings.

The menu includes Kalua Turkey with Giblet Gravy (Turkey cooked in traditional Hawaiian style underground oven), Island Kalua Ham with Guava Jelly (Ham cooked in traditional

We include three alcoholic beverages per adult (Maui microbrewery beer, wine, Mai Tais, or other tropical well drinks for adults 21+, must have valid picture i.d.), plus unlimited ice-cold sodas, juices, and filtered water. As a Premium Guest you are also invited to enjoy complimentary frozen or blended cocktails

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

VIP Whalewatch

If you do not see whales, you will receive a free ticket for a regular Pacific Whale Foundation whalewatch. Book early, this cruise fills up quickly and is only offered three times this winter.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: VIP RAFT WHALEWATCH OFFERED ON APRIL 14
On Saturday, April 14, Greg Kaufman will offer a VIP Whalewatch Cruise on our new raft Ocean Freedom. This unique whalewatch, offered for the first time ever, offers you the opportunity to watch whales and learn about them with this noted researcher, author and whale protection advocate on a small group, personalized raft tour. This cruise will depart at 9:15 am and returns at 11:15 am. The price for this trip is $59.95 for adults and $44.95 for children ages 6 to 12. This trip is not recommended for children under age 6, pregnant women or individuals with neck or back problems. Online bookings are not available for this cruise. To arrange for your reservation, please call us toll-free at 1-800-942-5311 ext. 1.

For all VIP Whalewatches:
What to bring: Camera, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and cash for souvenirs, snacks, beer, wine or Mai Tais.

Menu: Beer, wine, Mai Tais (for adults 21+, must have valid picture i.d.), soda and snacks available for purchase.

Includes: Free color marine life poster for each party. Sodas, juice, and filtered water.

Please note: Ocean vessels are not required to meet ADA requirements; our vessels are not wheel chair accessible. If you or a member of your party requires a wheelchair, please call us at 1-800-942-5311 for information prior to booking.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

New Years Eve Dinner Cruise

Be captivated by the night time stars viewed from aboard our festive New Year’s Eve late night dinner cruise. It’s a fun and memorable way to ring in the New Year!

There’s live Island-style entertainment throughout the cruise and a mouthwatering chef-prepared four-course dinner. Our menu includes an appetizer of hot spinach dip served with hand-rolled, fresh-baked focaccia, a salad of Island Grown Greens served with Maui Onion Dressing, plus a choice of four entrees: Grass-fed beef, grilled onboard and served with Makawao Mushroom Jus; Boneless Chicken Breast marinated in Teriyaki Sauce and grilled onboard, topped with Pineapple Chucks and Green Onions; Sesame Cilantro Tofu, served with a Mango Sauce; and Fresh Island Fish breaded in Maui Onion and Panko sautéed and served with a Garlic Soy Cream Sauce. Side dishes include Rice Pilaf and Sautéed Carrots and Zucchini fans.

Desserts include Taro Pineapple Bread Pudding and Double Dipped Brownies drizzled with Caramel Sauce.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

New Years Eve Cocktail Cruise

Ring in the New Year aboard a fun and festive starlight cruise with the best fireworks seats possible! Enjoy live island music, cocktails and a fabulous array of tantalizing appetizers! Toast to the New Year and let your own reflections dance upon the sea to kindle your own resolutions. This New Year’s Eve is a “blue moon” (the second full moon during the month of December), which will add to the beauty of this extraordinary evening on the ocean. Your ticket includes our delicious appetizers, including Chicken satay with sweet chili dipping sauce, Vegan stuffed mushrooms, Pulled pork with guava BBQ sauce, Hawaiian sweet rolls, Crudite with ranch dressing, Fire & Ice hummus with crackers, fruit platter with guava mint glaze, and chocolate banana cream tarts with whipped cream.

Plus all-you-can-drink chilled soda, juice, filtered water and up to three cocktails per adult, with a choice of local Maui microbrewery (Maui Brewing Co.) beer, plus wine and tropical well drinks including our famous Mai Tais (for adults 21+, must have valid picture i.d.). Desserts are included, too, including chocolate brownies and cookies. Make this New Year's unforgettable and experience this popular cruise. Book early!

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

New Years Dinner Cruise (Premium Seating)

Our Premium Dinner Cruise includes all of the features of our standard New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise, with the addition of a guaranteed private table on the bow or upper deck, and upgraded selection of spirits (including frozen blended cocktails), plus VIP boarding. There’s live island style entertainment throughout the cruise and a chef-prepared four-course dinner.

Dinner is served tableside and begins with delicious appetizers: hot spinach dip served with hand-rolled, fresh-baked focaccia Bread, followed by a salad of island grown greens, served with Maui onion dressing. You can choose from four entrees: grass-fed beef, grilled onboard and served with Makawao mushroom jus; boneless chicken breast marinated in teriyaki sauce and grilled onboard, topped with pineapple chunks and green onions; sesame cilantro tofu, served with a mango sauce; and fresh island-caught mahi mahi breaded in Maui onion and panko sautéed and served with a garlic soy cream sauce. Side dishes include rice pilaf and sautéed carrots and zucchini fans. Desserts include taro pineapple bread pudding and double dipped brownies drizzled with caramel sauce.

We include all-you-can-drink chilled soda, juice, filtered water and up to three cocktails per adult with valid i.d., including Maui micro-brewed beer, wine and tropical well drinks and our famous Mai Tais (for adults 21+, must have valid picture i.d.). As a Premium guest, you can also choose a complimentary frozen or blended cocktail. Book early for this memorable getaway!

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Christmas Brunch Cruise

There’s no better way to celebrate a beautiful Christmas morning on Maui than on a Christmas Brunch Cruise on the beautiful Pacific. Enjoy the balmy ocean breezes; the scenic views of the West Maui Mountains and the neighboring islands of Lanai, Molokai and Kaho'olawe; and perhaps some sightings of humpback whales!

Our Christmas Brunch Cruise includes a delectable holiday buffet, featuring many locally grown and locally produced items. You'll enjoy Roasted Thyme Chicken Breast with a Pineapple Ginger Glaze; Sage rubbed Roasted Pork with gravy; Parmesan and Chive Scalloped Potatoes; House made dinner rolls; Garden Steamed Vegetables; Waipoli Mixed green with Maui Onion Dressing; Seasonal Assorted Island Fruit Platter; Banana and Pineapple bread.

Be sure to save room for the desserts: Mini Pumpkin Pies with Whipped Cream and Christmas Sugar Cookies!

The price includes unlimited juices, sodas, and filtered water for everyone. Adults 21+, with valid picture i.d., get 3 complimentary cocktails (choice of Maui microbrewery beer, wine, tropical drinks and Mai Tais). We also offer a free marine life poster for your party to take home. Book early for this very popular holiday cruise.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Christmas Dinner Cruise

Come aboard our eco-friendly, smooth-riding modern catamaran with friends and family for a festive Christmas Dinner cruise. It’s where the Yuletide and the Maui tide meet! This memorable holiday ocean cruise offers a traditional Christmas dinner served in one of the world’s most beautiful settings: the Pacific Ocean at sunset, where you enjoy spectacular views of the majestic Maui coastline and the neighbor islands. Whale sightings are also very likely, to add to the merriment of the adventure.

Our Christmas buffet features Kalua Turkey with Giblet Gravy (Turkey cooked in traditional Hawaiian style underground oven), Island Kalua Ham with Guava Jelly (Ham cooked in traditional Hawaiian style underground oven covered in Guava Jelly), Portuguese Sausage Stuffing (Traditional thanksgiving stuffing filled with Portuguese Sausage), Whipped Garlic Potatoes (Creamy Russet Potato Mash with Roasted Garlic), Corn on the Cob (Flavored with Cream and Butter), Upcountry Greens with Maui Onion Dressing, Grilled Island Vegetables (Medley of fresh island vegetables cooked over hibachi grill), Fresh Baked Taro and Soft Rolls. Dessert of Pumpkin Haupia Squares (Hawaiian Coconut Dessert infused with Pumpkin Mini Pumpkin Pies) and Double Chocolate Brownies .

There's all you can drink juices, sodas, and filtered water for everyone. Every adult gets 3 complimentary cocktails of their choice of Maui microbrewery beer, wine, tropical drinks and our signature Maui Mai Tais ( 21+, must have valid picture i.d.). Frozen cocktails are available for purchase. Book early for this unforgettable cruise early to enjoy a truly Maui-style Christmas.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Christmas Dinner Cruise (Premium Seating)

There's all you can drink juices, sodas, and filtered water for everyone. Every adult gets 3 complimentary cocktails of their choice of Maui microbrewery beer, wine, tropical drinks and our signature Maui Mai Tais (21+, must have valid picture i.d.). Frozen cocktails are available for purchase. Book early for this unforgettable cruise early to enjoy a truly Maui-style Christmas.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Easter Brunch Cruise

Enjoy a bright and beautiful Easter on a relaxing Easter Brunch Cruise with Pacific Whale Foundation. The cruise takes place on Easter (Sunday, April 8th) from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, departing from Lahaina Harbor. You'll enjoy beautiful views of the West Maui Mountains and sweeping views of the neighboring islands of Kaho'olawe, Lana'i and Moloka'i. Live musical entertainment is featured onboard. As a special bonus, sightings of whales and dolphins are very possible!

The chef-prepared buffet includes:

Roasted Thyme Chicken Breast with Hamakua Mushroom Garlic Cream
Island Baked Ham with Pineapple Glaze
Vegetable Stuffing: traditional stuffing prepared with Kula onions, celery and carrots
Parmesan and Chive Scalloped Potato
Upcountry Greens with Maui Onion Dressing
Grilled Island Grown Seasonal Vegetables
Homemade fresh taro and soft rolls

Desserts include: Chocolate Mac Nut Brownies, Chocolate Fudge Brownies topped with Macadamia Nuts, Tropical Fruit Tartlet, Maui Gold Pineapple, Big Island Papaya, Kula Strawberries in a Tartlets Shell with a delicious pastry cream

Locally grown fruits and vegetables are featured, along with local specialty items, such as rolls made with taro flour.

Refreshments are included. Choose from juices, soda and filtered water. Up to three alcoholic drinks are included in the price for adults (21+, must have valid picture i.d.), including Maui Brewing Co. locally-brewed beer, white and red wine, Mai Tais and blended drinks.

Departs: Sunday, April 8, 2012
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Check-in: 45 minutes prior to departure at Pacific Whale Foundation's Lahaina Ocean Store at 612 Front Street, Lahaina

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Halloween Cocktail Cruise

Our Halloween Cocktail Cruise is a relaxing roundtrip sunset/starlit trip between Ma’alaea and Lahaina with cocktails and wickedly good appetizers – and a two hour stopover to enjoy Lahaina’s Halloween festivities.

Some of the best Halloween merriment in all of the Pacific will take place in Lahaina, now that the town's famous Halloween festivities are back. If you're planning to join Lahaina's Halloween revelers, make it even more of a good time by starting your evening on our Halloween Cocktail Cruise. It transports you from conveniently located Ma'alaea Harbor to Lahaina (and back again) in style and comfort!

Departing from Ma'alaea Harbor at sunset, this cruise has all of the ingredients for Halloween good times, including delicious hot and cold appetizers and drinks served to you enroute to Lahaina. Enjoy BBQ Pork Sliders, Buffalo Chicken Sliders, Macaroni Salad and Roasted Green Beans with Maui Onions. Your ticket includes all-you-can drink juices, sodas and filtered water; adults 21+, with valid picture i.d. can enjoy up to three alcoholic drinks, including Maui Brewing Company beer, wine, Mai Tais and tropical mixed drinks.

You'll disembark at Lahaina Harbor near the Front Street festivities. Enjoy two hours of Halloween good times before you reboard for your return cruise to Ma'alaea. Under the starlit sky, our professional staff will serve you fresh-baked dessert treats (Coconut Brownies and Caramel Apple Bread) and hot locally grown coffee...a perfect way to wind down your Halloween evening.

While this trip is fun, it's also practical. Parking for this cruise is in centrally located Ma'alaea, where there's abundant, well-lit free parking. Best of all, you'll skip the "scary" traffic on the road to Lahaina and the ghoulish parking hassles.

Ticket prices are round-trip. Departure times are 6:00 pm and 6:30 pm. Please allow 4.5 hours for this trip, including two hours in Lahaina.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Whale Photo Safari

Join us for a Sunday morning whale photography workshop at sea, led by a Pacific Whale Foundation naturalist and professional wildlife photographer David Fleetham.

David Fleetham’s photographs have been published around the globe, with over one hundred magazine covers to date. In 1991 his photograph of a sandbar shark appeared on the cover of LIFE. It is the only underwater photograph to ever be selected for the cover. His award-winning work has been published by National Geographic, The Cousteau Society and every North American diving publication. The Smithsonian Museum, The North Carolina Museum of Natural History, The London Zoo, Hong Kong Museum, The Waikiki, Vancouver, Monterey Bay, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Maui Ocean Center and the Aquarium of the Americas all display his work.

Whether you are a novice or an experienced photographer, this unique hands-on adventure will help you learn and practice expert techniques for photographing whales and other wildlife. Bring your own digital camera and learn to get the best results from whatever model you currently own. During your three hour cruise, you’ll discover the most effective camera settings for our local conditions at sea. You’ll also learn about and have the opportunity to use proven digital photo techniques to maximize each opportunity presented by the whales that you encounter. We'll also take a break from photography to drop an underwater hydrophone into the water to listen to live whale songs.

This cruise departs from Lahaina Harbor on Sunday mornings. It takes place on our new raft, Ocean Freedom, to give you fantastic water-level views of whales. Just launched in 2011, Ocean Freedom's innovative design was created by the longtime Hawaiian mariners at Navatek, and incorporates special "no slamming" features for added stability and comfort. Ocean Freedom also has an onboard bathroom.

Please note that you are required to bring your own camera equipment on this cruise. Didn't bring your camera to Maui? We rent Canon PowerShot digital cameras at Pacific Whale Foundation's Ocean Stores.

We provide complimentary usage of dry bags for your gear on this vessel.

Includes:

Tropical-style continental breakfast with tropical fruit, fresh baked pastries, juices and local Maui coffee, served pre-departure at the dock.
Soda and filtered water served throughout the cruise.
Collection of digital photos taken by our team during your Whale Photo Safari and some favorite photos from Pacific Whale Foundation.
Free whale poster and free color whalewatching guide.

Available:

Affordable rentals of binoculars and point-and-shoot cameras

Departs: Lahaina Harbor on Sunday mornings, from 9:15 am to 12:15 pm, from January 8 - May 6.

Duration: Approximately 3 hours

Check-in: 45 minutes prior to departure at Pacific Whale Foundation's Lahaina Ocean Store at 612 Front Street, Lahaina.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Halloween Express

Please note that tickets for our Halloween Express must be purchased by phone. We're happy to extend our online discounts to you. To book your cruise, call 1-800-942-5311 ext. 1 or (808) 249-8811 ext. 1 between the hours of 6:00 am and 9:00 pm Hawaii Time.

The Lahaina Halloween festivities are back! Enjoy the merriment but avoid the ghoulish traffic and monstrous parking by traveling to Lahaina on our Halloween Express cruises. As you’ll discover, half the fun is cruising there on a comfortable, ultra stable catamaran under the stars with our professional crew. Put on your favorite costume and join us!

With our Halloween Express cruises, you choose from a schedule of departures from Ma’alaea to Lahaina and return trips from Lahaina to Ma’alaea. The ticket prices are ultra-affordable - nothing scary about them! Soft drinks and snacks are optional and reasonably priced ($1 - $2 ) purchased as you wish during the trip.

Departures from Ma’alaea Harbor (to the Lahaina festivities) are offered at 5:30 pm and 6:15 pm. One way ticket prices are $34.95 for adults, and $29.95 for children ages 12 and under.

Departures from Lahaina Harbor (to take you back to Ma’alaea) are at 9:30 and 11:00 pm. One way ticket prices are $34.95 for adults and $29.95 for children ages 12 and under.

Please note that you will need to purchase two tickets for a roundtrip.

For reservations, please call Pacific Whale Foundation today at (808) 249-8811 ext. 1 or 1-800-942-5311 ext. 1.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.