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Dolphin Watch
Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch
Molokini & Lanai Snorkel
Sunrise Whalewatch Lahaina
Sunrise Whalewatch Ma'alaea
Ultimate Whalewatch
VIP Whalewatch
Whale Photo Safari
Whalewatch Lahaina
Whalewatch Lahaina Raft
Whalewatch Ma'alaea
Whalewatch Special Lahaina
Whalewatch Special Ma'alaea

WHALE WATCHES
Maui is one of the world's top whalewatch spots, the winter home to thousands of humpback whales that migrate here to mate, give birth and care for their energetic newborn calves. Experience this remarkable whale habitat with the experts at Pacific Whale Foundation. Drawing on our three decades of whale research and our extensive ecotourism experience, we offer the most innovative and educational whalewatches in Hawai'i. We are proud to be Maui's #1 whalewatch choice.

Our cruises depart from Ma'alaea and Lahaina Harbors and travel through the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Our vessels are ultra-stable, modern catamarans, designed especially for whalewatching. All of our vessels are equipped with Whale Protection Devices, which are exclusive to Pacific Whale Foundation. During our cruises, we invite you to watch and assist our onboard marine biologists and naturalists as they gather data about the whales they encounter.

We guarantee whale sightings: if you don't see a whale (from Nov. 26 through May 15) you go again FREE.

Choose us and make a difference: 100% of the profits from all of our whalewatch cruises go to funding marine science and advocacy programs in Hawaii and abroad.

The waters surrounding the island of Lana'i are recognized as a vital wild dolphin habitat. Against a backdrop of red rock sea cliffs, many species of dolphins and toothed whales are frequently sighted. In winter months, humpback whale sightings are also very likely.

DOLPHIN WATCHES
Pacific Whale Foundation's pioneering studies of the wild dolphins and toothed whales of Maui County began in this area. On our educational and fun dolphin watch eco-adventures, we introduce you to the thrill of watching dolphins in the wild. Seeing dolphins swimming next to the boat, bow riding and doing acrobatic leaps and flips is an experience you'll always remember.

The species we encounter most frequently include Pacific bottlenose dolphins, pan tropical spotted dolphins, and the Hawaiian spinner dolphins. Spotted dolphins and spinner dolphins are often seen in social pods of 30 animals or more. We offer cruises that focus exclusively on watching dolphins as well as those that also offer snorkeling at a beautiful Lana'i reef.

Dolphin Watch

PLEASE NOTE: Dolphin Watch is a seasonal cruise, available May-November only.

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Graceful, social and acrobatic, dolphins offer one of the most fascinating and fun wildlife watching experiences you'll find anywhere. Come experience their remarkable world with our expert team!

During this adventure, you'll cruise across ocean channels where wild bottlenose dolphins often swim alongside our boat to bowride.

We'll also visit scenic bays on Maui or Lana'i that are home to spinner dolphins, found in huge social groups of 20, 50, 100 or more animals. View the astounding behavior that gave these dolphins their name, as they leap from the sea and spin rapidly in mid-air. Seeing these social and graceful animals swimming next to the boat, bow riding and socializing with eachother is an experience you’ll always remember.

And that's not all: sightings of spotted dolphins and toothed whales are also possible!

Pacific Whale Foundation’s pioneering studies of the wild dolphins and toothed whales of Maui County span more than 15 years. During this cruise, you'll receive expert interpretation of the dolphins' behaviors by our professional naturalists (certified by National Association for Interpretation). You'll also learn about wild dolphin research and our latest findings.

Best of all, wild dolphin sightings are guaranteed. If we fail to see wild dolphins, all paying passengers will receive a Just a Fluke coupon to go again free on a regularly scheduled Dolphin Watch cruise.

Includes:
* Educational and informative marine talks by our naturalists
* Free Jr. Naturalist program for kids
* Free dolphin poster and dolphin watching guide

* Complimentary filtered water

* Snacks, juices and sodas available for purchase

Available Tuesdays through Saturdays
Departs: 9:00 am (Ocean Liberty)
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Check-in: 45 minutes prior to departure:
- Pacific Whale Foundation Lahaina Ocean Store at 612 Front Street, Lahaina

Special bonus: Become a Pacific Whale Foundation Member now and receive a free ticket for our Dolphin Watch cruise!

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Whalewatch Special Ma'alaea

Classic Whalewatch Special Ma'alaea

Our Classic Whalewatch Special is exactly the same as our Classic Whalewatches, except even more affordable. We offer these special cruises as part of our goal to make whalewatching accessible to all.

Each trip is led by a team of Pacific Whale Foundation's certified Marine Naturalists, who explain and interpret the social behavior of humpback whales. Listen to whale songs through underwater hydrophones, watch mothers and calves interact and see males compete for females.

Whale sightings are guaranteed on all Pacific Whale Foundation whalewatches (from November 26 – May 15) or you go again free. We are proud of our 97% sighting success rate.

Includes:
* Listening to whales on underwater hydrophones
* Educational talk by our team of certified Marine Naturalists
* Free Jr. Naturalist Program for kids
* Free whale poster and color whalewatch guide for your party
* Whale sightings guaranteed or you go again free

Available:
* Affordable rentals of binoculars and cameras
* Snacks and refreshments for purchase.

Departs: Daily from November 26 – May 15. (Whale Search Cruises available in early and mid November.) Please check for availability.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Check-in: 45 minutes prior to departure:
- For Ma’alea departures: 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.

Molokini & Lanai Snorkel

For the ultimate in adventure, this exclusive Pacific Whale Foundation Eco-Adventure offers a full day out on the water with two snorkel sites at two different islands.

Our first stop is world-famous Molokini crater. The snorkeling in this sheltered islet offers opportunities to view a wide array of wildlife. In fact, Molokini is home to more than 250 species of fish!

Next, we’ll cross the channel to snorkel off the scenic coast of Lana’i. The reefs surrounding Lana’i are known for their health and diversity, and the surrounding area is known for its populations of wild spinner, spotted and bottlenose dolphins. Wild dolphin sightings are likely, and we often encounter a curious sea turtle or two. Whale sightings are an added bonus in winter.

Includes:
* Professionally fitted, premium snorkel gear (including optical masks for eyeglass wearers)
* Flotation devices
* Reef-safe sunscreen
* Free learn-to-snorkel class
* Free fish i.d. class
* Free guided reef tour
* Free Jr. Naturalist program
* Tropical-style continental breakfast (locally grown fruits, Kula zucchini muffins, banana bread, coffee and juices).
* Barbeque lunch: chicken tenders (marinated in teriyaki sauce), hot dogs, garden burgers, marinated Kula cucumber salad, 3 Bean Salad (kidney, Black and Garbonzo), Kaiser rolls, plus double chocolate chip cookies made with organic flour. (Note: deli lunch offered on select trips.)
* Refreshments: sodas, tropical juices and filtered water. (After snorkeling, complimentary beer, wine and Mai Tais for adults 21+, must have valid picture i.d.

* Free marine wildlife poster and wildlife watching guide

Available:
* Affordable rentals of wet suit shirts, underwater cameras and
binoculars.
* Love the snorkel gear? You can arrange to rent it for the
week for a small additional fee.

Departs: Daily at 8:30 am from Ma’alaea Harbor
Duration: Approximately 6.5 hours
Check-in: 45 minutes prior to departure:
- Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store at The Harbor Shops at Ma’alaea (next to Maui Ocean Center). Parking is free.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Whalewatch Special Lahaina

Whalewatch Special Lahaina

Our Whalewatch Specials are exactly the same as our Classic Whalewatches, except they are even more affordable. We offer these discounted cruises as part of our goal to make whalewatching accessible to all.

Each trip is led by a team of Pacific Whale Foundation's certified Marine Naturalists, who explain and interpret the social behavior of humpback whales. Listen to whale songs through underwater hydrophones, watch mothers and calves interact and see males compete for females.

Whale sightings are guaranteed on all Pacific Whale Foundation whalewatches (from November 26 – May 15) or you go again free. We are proud of our 97% sighting success rate.

Includes:
* Listening to whales on underwater hydrophones
* Educational talk by our team of certified Marine Naturalists
* Free Jr. Naturalist Program for kids
* Free whale poster and color whalewatch guide for your party
* Whale sightings guaranteed or you go again free

Available:
* Affordable rentals of binoculars and cameras
* Snacks and refreshments for purchase (soda, juice, Maui Brewing Co. beer, and wine for adults 21+, must have valid picture i.d.)

Departs: Daily from November 26 – May 15. (Whale Search Cruises available in early and mid November.) Please check for availability.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Check-in: 45 minutes prior to departure:
- Departures: Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store
at 612 Front Street, Lahaina.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Whalewatch Ma'alaea

Pacific Whale Foundation offers multiple whalewatch eco-adventures throughout the day from Ma’alaea Harbor.(IIn addition to morning and afternoon trips, we offer a sunset whalewatch -- the perfect way to kick back, relax and enjoy one of the most beautiful times of day on the water!) Informative and fun, each of our two-hour whalewatches is led by a team of Pacific Whale Foundation's certified Marine Naturalists, who explain and interpret the social behavior of humpback whales. Listen to whale songs through underwater hydrophones, watch mothers and calves interact and see males compete for females. Every trip is different; you never know what you will experience!

M eet Our Vessels

Whale sightings are guaranteed on all Pacific Whale Foundation whalewatches (from November 26 – May 15) or you go again free. We are proud of our 97% sighting success rate.

Smoothies, snacks, sandwiches and drinks are available for sale onboard.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Whalewatch Lahaina

Pacific Whale Foundation offers multiple whalewatch eco-adventures throughout the day from Lahaina and Ma’alaea Harbors. Informative and fun, each two-hour classic whalewatch is led by a team of Pacific Whale Foundation's certified Marine Naturalists, who explain and interpret the social behavior of humpback whales. Listen to whale songs through underwater hydrophones, watch mothers and calves interact and see males compete for females. Every trip is different; you never know what you will experience!

M eet Our Vessels

Whale sightings are guaranteed on all Pacific Whale Foundation whalewatches (from November 26 – May 15) or you go again free. We are proud of our 97% sighting success rate.

Includes:
* Listening to whales on underwater hydrophones
* Educational talk by our team of certified Marine Naturalists
* Free Jr. Naturalist Program for kids
* Free whale poster and color whalewatch guide for your party
* Whale sightings guaranteed or you go again free

Available:
* Affordable rentals of binoculars and cameras
* Snacks and refreshments for purchase (soda, juice, Maui Brewing Co. beer, and wine for adults 21+, must have valid picture i.d.)

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Sunrise Whalewatch Ma'alaea

The golden hours of dawn at sea offer some exceptional whalewatching! Join us for a sunrise whalewatch and capture the first whale sighting of the day as the sun rises over Haleakala.

The dawn light is a favorite for photographers and the ocean is typically at its calmest at this time of day. Don't forget your camera on this early, but incredible whalewatch!

Includes:
* Listening to whales on underwater hydrophones
* Educational talk by our team of certified Marine Naturalists.
* Free Jr. Naturalist Program for kids. Each party
* Free whale poster and color whalewatch guide for your party.

Available:
* Affordable rentals of binoculars and cameras
* Snacks and refreshments for purchase.

Departs: Daily at 6:30 am
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Check-in: 45 minutes prior to departure:
- Departures: 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.

Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch

Snorkel off the island of Lana’i and watch dolphins in the wild – all in one trip!

Discover why Lana’i has been rated as one of the top 10 snorkel and dive spots in the world as you explore dazzling coral reefs, home to abundant fish and sea turtles. Wild dolphins are found here too, including spinner, spotted and bottlenose dolphins, and occasional toothed whales. Sightings of humpback whales are common in winter. If you do not see whales or dolphins, we will provide you with a fully transferrable "Just A Fluke" certificate good for a free Whale Watch or if you prefer, we can offer you 50% off another Lanai Wild Dolphin & Snorkel trip!

Includes:
* Professionally fitted, premium snorkel gear (including optical masks for eyeglass wearers)
* Flotation devices
* Reef-safe sunscreen
* Free learn-to-snorkel class
* Free fish i.d. class
* Free guided reef tour
* Free Jr. Naturalist program.
* Tropical-style continental breakfast (locally grown fruits, fresh-baked pastries, coffee and juices)
* Barbeque lunch: chicken, hot dogs and veggie burgers, plus pasta salad. (Note: deli lunch offered on select trips.)
* Refreshments: sodas, tropical juices and filtered water. (After snorkeling, complimentary beer, wine and Mai Tais offered for adults 21+, must have valid picture i.d.)

* Free marine wildlife poster and wildlife watching guide

Available:
* Affordable rentals of wet suit shirts, underwater cameras and
binoculars.
* Love the snorkel gear? You can arrange to rent it for the
week for a small additional fee.

* Duration: Approximately 5 hours
* Check-in: 45 minutes prior to departure:
- Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store at 612 Front Street, Lahaina.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Sunrise Whalewatch Lahaina

The golden hours of dawn at sea offer some exceptional whalewatching! Join us for a sunrise whalewatch and capture the first whale sighting of the day as the sun rises over Haleakala.

The dawn light is a favorite for photographers and the ocean is typically at its calmest at this time of day. Don't forget your camera on this early, but incredible whalewatch!

Includes:
* Listening to whales on underwater hydrophones
* Educational talk by our team of certified Marine Naturalists.
* Free Jr. Naturalist Program for kids. Each party
* Free whale poster and color whalewatch guide for your party.

Available:
* Affordable rentals of binoculars and cameras
* Snacks and refreshments for purchase (soda, juice, Maui Brewing Co. beer, and wine)

Departs: Daily at 6:30 am
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Check-in: 45 minutes prior to departure:
- Departures: Pacific Whale Foundation
Lahaina Ocean Store at 612 Front Street, Lahaina.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Ultimate Whalewatch

Learn firsthand what it is like to be a whale researcher on a personally guided group tour. This is a special opportunity to interact with Pacific Whale Foundation’s researchers and marine biologists. This research adventure begins over a complimentary continental breakfast (pastries, fresh fruit, coffee and tea) in Pacific Whale Foundation’s Discovery Center. Your small group will gather for a 45-minute presentation by a member of the Pacific Whale Foundation’s research team to learn about the foundation’s ongoing whale research and photo identification efforts. You’ll also learn about the whales that you are about to encounter.

The group will then embark on a two-hour whalewatch tour with a member of the research team. Researchers will share their knowledge of whale behavior, and interpret the significance and purpose of humpback social activity within the context of season and location. The tour wraps up with a final 45-minute visit to Pacific Whale Foundation’s research lab.

Offered on Mondays, from 8:00 am to 11:30 am. Meet at 7:45 am for this tour at Pacific Whale Foundation’s Ocean Store, 300 Ma'alaea Road, located at the Ma’alaea Harbor Shops, adjacent to the Maui Ocean Center Aquarium and next to Ma'alaea Harbor. As always, whale sightings are guaranteed. (If you do not see whales, you will get a free ticket for one of our Classic Whalewatches.)

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.

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.

Whalewatch Lahaina Raft

New! Rafting Whalewatch Ecotours With Pacific Whale Foundation

Experience the combined thrill of whalewatching and ocean rafting, on a brand new ecotour offered by Pacific Whale Foundation. Cruise from Lahaina Harbor on Pacific Whale Foundation's high-tech raft Ocean Freedom for exciting water-level encounters with Maui's humpback whales. Ocean Freedom is a sleek rigid hull inflatable raft with a unique anti-slamming design for a smoother ride than ordinary rafts.

Each trip includes expert interpretation of the whales' fascinating behaviors by Pacific Whale Foundation's certified marine naturalists. Sightings are guaranteed, or you get a free ticket for a regular Pacific Whale Foundation whalewatch.

Our 2-hour ocean rafting whalewatch cruises depart 4 times daily. First trip is 6:45 am.

Your ticket includes filtered water plus free whalewatch guide and whale poster. (Helpful hint: wear a swimsuit or quick drying clothing; getting wet is half the fun!) We provide complimentary use of dry bags for your valuables during your cruise.

Children must be 6 and over. Not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with neck or back concerns.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.