Frequently Asked Questions
General
What are your hours of operation? Our hours of operation are everyday from 6 am to 6 pm, Hawaiian Standard Time. During these times, our Customer Care team is available at our direct number 808-249-8811, extension. Our representatives are also available in person in Ma’alaea at our retail store and front office until 4pm HST.
How do I make a reservation? Guests can book directly with our Customer Care team by calling 808-249-8811 from 6am to 6pm HST. Guests who choose to book directly with our team over the phone will benefit by not having to pay an online processing fee. We look forward to talking to you soon!
Do you offer a Kamaʻaina discount? Yes, we do offer a Kama’aina discount of 40% off for any guest with a valid State of Hawaii ID. Guests of Kama’aina can receive 25% off when booked together. This discount isn’t available online. Please call our direct number any time to book with one of our representatives at 808-249-8811, extension 1. We look forward to talking to you soon! Promotions and availability may change seasonally.
Should I bring cash, credit or a digital payment device? It’s best to bring all! Guests are encouraged to bring a credit card or digitally payment device for any purchases in our Ocean Store or onboard, including wetsuit rentals, reef safe sunscreen, sea sickness aids, additional cocktails, and snacks. Neither retail space accepts cash. Crew members graciously accept any cash gratuity as a thank you for their excellent service. ATMs are available in the Harbor Shops.
Is there anything that I shouldn’t bring? Guests are not permitted to bring or drink their own alcohol onboard on our vessels, in compliance with our liquor license. These items will need to remain in your vehicles or will be collected at boarding and given back to you at disembarkment. Tobacco products, cigarettes and digital smoking devices as well as illegal substances are also not allowed on our vessels. Guests requiring service animals must provide documentation at the time of booking and boarding. Extra recreational equipment including but not limited to rafts, surfboards, scuba gear, and drones are not allowed onboard. Inquire with a Customer Care representative about items in question. Please contact us before your tour so we can best accommodate your needs.
What else should I bring? It is recommended that guests bring a light jacket or sweatshirt for staying warm on the vessel. Guests can be chilled after snorkeling or in the wind. For evening trips, it can be brisk and guests are welcome to bring a small blanket to stay cozy and warm. Guests should wear low heeled footwear with good tread for all trips. High heeled shoes and boots are not recommended for stability and safety. Passengers are welcome to bring their electronic devices but are responsible for keeping them safe and dry. Any guests with strict dietary restrictions are encouraged to bring along their extra snacks. Although we can accommodate many dietary needs, it’s best to bring backup food. Passengers should bring their own medicine or medical devices as needed.
How many vessels do you have? Here is a link to our vessel descriptions: https://pacwhale.com/why-choose-us/our-fleet/ We currently have five vessels. Two are large double decker catamarans with capacity for up to 149 guests (although we cap our passenger count much lower for comfort). These vessels include, Ocean Voyager and Ocean Guardian. We also have a smaller 40 passenger vessel, Ocean Explorer, as well as a 55 passenger sailboat, Ocean Spirit. We have also just added our newest vessel Kai Ko which is a 65 foot luxury sailing catamaran. Each boat has slightly different amenities and run a variety of different trips. Ask a representative if you are seeking a particular boat or specific type of excursion.
How many passengers do you allow on your vessels? This depends on which tour/boat you are planning to book. Our Classic Whale Watches take 110 passengers on a 65 foot double deck power catamaran or a 65 foot double deck sailing catamaran. Our Whale Watch Sail tours carry 55 passengers on a 65 foot sailing catamaran and our Small Group Whale Watch carries 40 passengers on Ocean Explorer our 54 foot power catamaran. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but our crews are trained to maximize viewing opportunities responsibly.
How fast do your vessels go? Our vessels typically travel between 12-15 nautical miles or knots (kts). This is about 14 to 17 miles an hour. We may go up to 20 kts (about 23 mph) or more slowly when cruising or approaching snorkel sites. In whale season, we abide by local recommendations for safe driving around humpback whales and always reduce our speed to 15kts and slower still when closer to animals.
Are there bathrooms onboard your vessels? Yes, all of our vessels have at least one restroom, if not two. There are also restrooms located in the harbor and in the shopping area! Guests are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for parking and check-in.
Is there shade on your vessels? Of our five vessels, 4 of them have an inside cabin for shade and guests are welcome to move around the vessel as needed. We do not have assigned seating. Ocean Explorer is the only vessel without inside coverage. Although it does have a small shade structure on the back, passengers embarking on Ocean Explorer should be prepared for more sun, wind and weather exposure.
What sort of sunscreen should I bring? The state of Hawaii has banned all non-mineral based sunscreens to protect our precious and fragile ocean environment. For this reason, we only allow mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as the ONLY active ingredients. These are available online, at most retailers, at our Ocean Store, and onboard. We also do not allow aerosol sunscreen on the vessels, as it tends to blow onto other guests and can damage the paint and windows. Thank you for not bringing it onboard!
Do you have lockers onboard? No, we do not have lockers or storage facilities on the vessels. However, guests can store their bags and belongings at their seats or inside the main cabin. Crew members are always onboard and present in passenger areas. We’ve never had an issue with theft on our trips.
Do I need to print off the confirmation email? There is no need to print the confirmation email, as we are able to look you up based on your booking name, booking phone number, or your reservation number. Mahalo! Please contact PacWhale Eco-Adventures directly if you need additional assistance with reservations or schedule changes.
Do I need to sign a waiver? After you complete your booking, you will receive a confirmation email and an email with a link to sign our digital waiver. The link is from a New Zealand based company called Wherewolf (it is not spam). All guests will be asked to sign this waiver, and parents/guardians will need to do so for children. This will be for all trip types. To save time upon arrival at check in, guests are encouraged to sign their waivers ahead of arriving onsite. We will have iPads set up for you to sign your waiver if you didn’t get a chance located in our Ocean Store.
How do I cancel my trip? We are sorry to hear that you need to cancel your adventure. Please go ahead and give our main phone line a call so that they can ensure any refund gets properly returned to your credit card. Our number is 808-249-8811, extension 1. Any representative would be happy to assist you.
How do I receive a refund? Refunds will be assessed and managed through our Customer Care Department by calling 808-249-8811, extension 1, or in person at our Ocean Store or office in the Shops at Ma’alaea, 6am to 6pm HST. If a passenger booked their trip through an affiliate or concierge, they will ultimately need to return to that vendor to receive a refund.
Do you have trip protection? We understand plans unexpectedly change. Enjoy flexibility with Trip Protection. With this option, you can refund or reschedule your tickets up to one hour before your scheduled departure. All you have to do is email a request to [email protected] no later than 1 hour in advance of your reservation for a full refund (minus prepaid Trip Protection fee). Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but our crews are trained to maximize viewing opportunities responsibly.
Do you provide towels? No, we do not provide complimentary towels on our vessels. Guests are encouraged to bring their own or purchase one from our Ocean retail store prior to departure.
Is there WiFi? No, we do not provide free WiFi on our vessels, but your mobile device will remain in service in most areas in which we travel.
Is there a store onboard? While we do have a full retail store on land at your check in location, we do not have a wide selection of goods for purchase onboard, aside from sunscreen, motion sick wristbands and medication. Guests will also be able to purchase snacks and drinks onboard depending on their trip. We advise all passengers to peruse our on land retail store before departure if they need any additional supplies including clothing, towels, cosmetic items, snacks, drinks, blankets, etc. All proceeds from our retail store (as well as our trips), go back to support over 40 years of conservation, outreach, research and education efforts.
Is it okay to bring small babies on board? Excluding our smaller vessel, Ocean Explorer, all of our vessels are safe for travelers of all sizes. Parents should use discretion when deciding on excursions for small babies as it can be sunny, windy and even cold on trips. Most boats do have an inside cabin which provides some protection from exposure. For older passengers, family members should consider the mobility issues and discuss accessibility with our team members. Some vessels have steps or docking ramps which should be considered. Ask our representative which trips may be best for you and your family.
Can I bring my stroller? Parents are welcome to bring a stroller onboard if it can be folded and stored during the trip. Due to the rocking nature of a vessel at sea, it is advised that parents hold small children in a seated position and ask for assistance when maneuvering about the boat.
How many free children can I bring? Families may bring ONE free child per paying adult. Promotions and availability may change seasonally.
Do I have to fill out a liability waiver for free children? Yes, all passengers boarding our vessels are required to fill out a liability waiver. Parents/Guardians will be asked to complete these waivers for any children they have with them, independent of age or ticket price.
What is the best time of day to go for wind, weather and animal sightings? We offer trips throughout the day from whale watches (Nov-April), to snorkel trips, to cocktail and dinner cruises. Most snorkel trips launch in the morning to take advantage of the typically less windy morning weather from our predominant tradewinds from the northeast. Although Ma’alaea is the second windiest harbor in the world, calm days, afternoons, and evenings are not uncommon. Our captains and team members are also excellent at finding calm spots out of the wind and waves regardless of the time of day. Weather can vary daily and seasonally, and guests can check the forecast or consult with our team before traveling. Animal sightings can happen at any time of day and in any weather situation. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but our crews are trained to maximize viewing opportunities responsibly.
What happens if I get seasick? All of our boats are fairly stable and smooth vessels, although Ocean Spirit seem to provide the most comfort to guests sensitive to the motion of the ocean. Seasickness tends to be more closely correlated with the ocean swell (wave sets that have travelled long distances across the open ocean) than the vessel. Windy days don’t tend to bother guests with sensitivities as much as days with swell. All of our captains are skilled drivers and pay close attention to the seas to keep our guests comfortably situated in the waves and wind. Guests with concerns are advised to hydrate well, use motion sickness wristbands, or appropriate medication at your personal discretion. Our team does have seasickness medication and wristbands available at the retail store and onboard. Sitting facing into the wind, rather than backwards, drinking a lot of water, and getting in the water to cool off, are all great ways to fight the effects of motion sickness. Our team is also prepared to help you in any event.
What if it rains on a cruise? Although precipitation is less common on the leeward side of the island (which is where Ma’alaea Harbor is located), we do occasionally get rain. Most of the time, we will continue our trip as planned if the sea conditions are safe for snorkeling and/or safe passage of the vessel. Our captains are always watching the weather and make decisions based on years of experience with local conditions, while reviewing a variety of weather resources. If rain (especially lightning) threatens trip safety, our team will call or update you as conditions change. Most vessels have an inside protected cabin in the event of fleeting rain, which is more often the case.
Do we have a Kihei Ocean Store? Our new Kihei retail store is open from 9:00AM – 5:00PM and is located at 1993 S Kihei Rd #7 Kihei HI 96753. Feel free to come by and book a tour with us there as well.
Accessibility & Special Needs
Can we bring a guest in a wheelchair? Any of our larger vessels (Ocean Guardian or Ocean Voyager) that are scheduled to load on the North Dock, are accessible to guests using wheelchairs. However, each vessel uses the same loading ramp and family/friends of wheeled guests will be required to assist during loading and may need to help lift a wheelchair down or up. In addition, all these vessels have stairs only to the top and front deck. Guests would need to remain on the lower deck and have the ability to lock their wheels or transfer to a stable seat. The best vessel for access to the restrooms is Ocean Guardian, as there is no step to enter. Ask a representative for more details. Please contact us before your tour so we can best accommodate your needs.
Can I bring my dog? Guests with valid service animal credentials and paperwork are allowed to bring their animal if required. Those guests would be responsible for all care associated with that animal while onboard and must supervise them at all times. Please contact us before your tour so we can best accommodate your needs.
Are you ADA compliant? Boarding access varies by vessel, and we warmly welcome all guests on our trips. While passenger vessels such as ours are not required to meet full ADA accessibility standards, we are committed to doing everything reasonably possible to support guests with mobility challenges so they can enjoy a safe and memorable experience. The Ocean Guardian is the only vessel equipped with a wheelchair-accessible restroom. While both Ocean Guardian and Ocean Voyager share a wheelchair-accessible boarding ramp. Guests who can walk short distances independently are generally able to board most vessels. Wheelchairs must be lightweight and foldable to be brought onboard, and electric wheelchairs are not permitted due to weight restrictions. Guests using wheelchairs must be accompanied by a family member or friend who can assist with boarding and disembarking, as crew members are not permitted to lift or carry guests or occupied wheelchairs. Guests traveling alone with significant mobility limitations should be aware that they cannot rely solely on crew assistance for boarding or disembarking. Our crew will gladly explain the boarding process, identify potential challenges, offer best-practice recommendations, assist with stabilizing during boarding when appropriate, and help load, unload, and secure unoccupied wheelchairs. If needed, we are happy to recommend a vessel with ramp access or coordinate with Customer Care to reschedule for a more suitable option. Please note that the Ocean Guardian Dinner Cruise is not wheelchair accessible, as all seating is located on the upper deck or in stadium-style seating areas and guests would need to climb a few stairs to get to a table. For reference, below see two pictures of our boarding ramp. Please contact us before your tour so we can best accommodate your needs.
Will I face mobility issues on your vessels? Excluding our smaller vessel, Ocean Explorer, all of our vessels are suitable for all travelers. Our larger vessels, Ocean Guardian and Ocean Voyager, feature a docking ramp with handrails to assist with boarding. For passengers with limited mobility or older guests, we recommend that family members consider any mobility concerns and discuss accessibility needs with our team in advance. Please feel free to call our reservations department at 808-249-8811, and we would be happy to go into more detail and help determine which vessel would be the best fit for you and your family.
CHECK-IN LOCATION
Check-in inside the Ocean Store
300 Maʻalaea road
Wailuku, HI 96793
What is the check-in procedure and why? All guests are asked to check in at our Ocean Store in the Ma’alaea Harbor Shops 45 minutes before departure. This allows guests enough time to properly park (it is paid parking) and check in with our Customer Care team. Our team wants ensure that everyone is present and has signed their waiver. Crew members will gather guests about 20 minutes before departure to provide our mandatory greeting as well as any updates or announcements about the trip as necessary. Dock assignments and locations may change, so it is best for guests to meet at the store and follow the group to the proper departure dock. Our harbor location has a Starbucks, public restrooms and shopping for guests waiting for their boats. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for parking and check-in.
Do you run out of two harbors? Yes, we operate out of both Ma’alaea and Lahaina harbors. Please view your confirmation email for harbor specific check-in information.
PARKING
Is there paid parking? The Harbor Shops visitor parking lot by Maui Ocean Center, as well as parking at the Maʻalaea boat harbor lots are paid parking. Please read all signage for your parking location and follow its protocol. Please call PARKLINQ at (808) 207-4715 if you have any questions for Harbor Shops parking and SECURE at (808) 517-1331 if you have any questions for Harbor parking. If your party includes mobility challenged passengers, please park in the handicapped spots just in front of our Ocean Store, then send a member of your party to check in at the store. You will be given directions on how to drive your mobility challenged friend or family member to the boat.
CANCELLATION POLICY
We accept cancellations 48 hours prior to the scheduled date of your trip. If a member of your party has an emergency or illness, please contact our customer care team for further assistance at (808) 249-8811.
AFFILIATION WITH PACIFIC WHALE FOUNDATION
PacWhale Eco-Adventures is 100% owned by nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation, as is our Maʻalaea Ocean Store and Online Ocean Store. The profits that we generate go to supporting Pacific Whale Foundation’s work to protect the ocean through science and advocacy, and to inspire environmental stewardship.
FULL-FACE MASK SNORKEL POLICY
For safety reasons, the use of full-face masks is not permitted on our snorkel ecotours. We do provide high quality snorkel gear on board for all guests. Learn more.
Cruise Dining
Do you have gluten free options? Our dinner cruise provides quite a few options for our gluten free guests. The first course is dinner rolls, so unfortunately those are not gluten free. However, we follow that with a Watermelon Pesto salad which is delicious and gluten free. For entrees, all options are possible for our gluten free guests…the Shrimp and Portabella are both gluten free, the chicken has a gluten free soy sauce, so that is fine as well. The short rib does come with a mushroom demi glace, which would need to be left off if that was your choice, as it has flour. The veggies are gluten free as well. The dessert is strawberries, blueberries and a brownie (with gluten). Gluten Free guests can identify themselves both at the time of booking and onboard and our team can make you a nice fruit plate and ensure that all other courses are safe to eat.
What vessels do cocktail and dinner cruises take place on? For dinner cruises, guests will most likely be booked on either Ocean Guardian or Ocean Discovery. For cocktail cruises, guests will most likely be joining us on Ocean Spirit, our sailboat. Our Sunset and Celestial cruise, most frequently departs aboard Ocean Voyager. Vessel assignment is subject to change without notice. Guests slated to depart on the sailboat will be informed if the vessel assignment needs to be changed and will be given options for their reservation.
What sort of food do you have onboard? Our team is proud to support a local business and local farms by serving food from our partners at Three’s Bar and Grill in Kihei. We have selected menus that are mass appeal, easy to serve on a vessel, and have a touch of local flavor and flare. Snorkel trips will provide breakfast and grilled lunch (for the exclusion of our afternoon snorkel which only has lunch). Our cocktail cruises and Celestial cruise, serve a variety of pupus (appetizers) options. And, our dinner cruise serves bread, salad and a choice of entrée, plus dessert. All trips have options for vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Please inquire with a representative to learn more by calling 808-249-8811, extension 1.
What sort of drinks do you have onboard for adults? For adults, 21 and older with a valid ID (please have it if you look under 30), we have a variety of beverages available including mixed drinks with vodka, lite, dark and coconut rum, and gin (most of which provided by our local partners at Ocean Vodka). Our team can serve a variety of drinks with these spirits and mixers, including Mai Tais, Blue Hawaiians, vodka cranberry, lava flows, etc. We also have tequila and red and white wines. All guests must drink responsibly and will be kept to a three drink limit per company policy.
What sort of drinks do you have onboard for kids? For children or non-drinkers, our boats have a variety of beverages including soda, juice, water, tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Variety and selection may vary. For snorkel trips, cocktail and dinner cruises, and exclusive/ultimate trips, all drinks are included. For classic whale watches, drinks are available for purchase. Endless water is provided for all passengers on all trips. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but our crews are trained to maximize viewing opportunities responsibly.
Do you have vegetarian/vegan options? We do indeed have food options for our vegetarian and vegan passengers. All of our menu options/descriptions are available under the trip offerings on our website. In short, our snorkel trips provide beyond burgers and cucumber salad (macaroni salad for the non vegans), and pastries (with dairy) and fresh fruit. Cocktail cruises have pupu style food with potstickers, fruit, chips, salsa and cheese (for the non vegans). And dinner cruises provide a portabella mushroom, veggies and watermelon salad, which can be modified to remove the feta and any dairy. When booking, just let the representative know about your dietary restrictions and we will make sure to make a note on our manifest. Once you arrive for your trip, let your crew members know and they can alert you to all the options, ingredients (including items with butter and milk), and can even set items aside as needed, to ensure you get enough. Let us know if you have any other questions and you can call our agents to ask specifics at 808-249-8811.
Will there be coffee? Guests joining us on morning trips departing before 10 am will have access to fresh brewed coffee from our partners at Oma Coffee. Any passengers desiring a cup of coffee at any other time of day should request a fresh pot with our onboard team members. We would be glad to make you some. There is also a Starbucks located adjacent to the parking lot of the Ma’alaea Harbor Shops. It is open early for any guests arriving for morning adventures.
What is the menu for your Sunset Cruises? Our sunset cruises provide these tasty appetizers: furikake crusted ahi crostini (sustainably caught tuna) with cilantro aioli and unagi glaze, grilled and chilled (sustainably farm-raised) tiger prawn cocktails with wasabi sauce, BBQ kalua pork quesadillas with Maui Gold pineapple chutney and cilantro lime aioli, vegetarian spring rolls, house fried corn tortilla chips, artisan cheese platter, fresh fruit, dessert of Kula strawberries and chocolate chip cookies.
Are there dining options other than PacWhale in the harbor? Thank you for your message. There are some great spots here in the Harbor Shops! There’s Point Break pizza in our courtyard. Haven’s Harborside is downstairs with a lovely view of the harbor. There is a nice restaurant at the aquarium called Seascape. There’s a casual spot closer to the harbor called Ma’alaea General Store. There’s also a Starbucks and a Carl’s Jr/Green Burrito close by. Please let us know if there is anything else that we can help you with today.
Private Charters
Do you allow ashes onboard? In order to bring ashes onboard, you will need to book a private charter, simply for the courtesy of the other guests. If you and your family, would like to have a small celebration of life or private moment onboard, you may certainly ask the crew while on the vessel. They would be more than happy to help. For more information, please call our main line at 808-249-8811. Please contact PacWhale Eco-Adventures directly if you need additional assistance with reservations or schedule changes.
Snorkeling
Can you drop me off after the first snorkeling site? No, we will not be able to bring any guests back to the harbor until the completion of our normal trip time, unless there is a medical emergency that requires a guest to be transported to medical professionals. We do have a variety of trips with varied lengths. Guests are encouraged to pick an adventure that is best suited for themselves and their families.
Is there a shower onboard? We do have small shower sprayers on the back of our snorkel vessels for a quick rinse after you get out of the water. These are not meant for full showers, but a great way to get the salt off.
What swimming experience do I need to snorkel? We are excited to bring all guests out on the water to experience the ocean, however; snorkeling can be a strenuous and risky activity without some level of comfort in the water. Our team are certified lifeguards and well practiced at assisting guests, but we are unable to teach full swimming lessons. We encourage all guests to practice or gain comfort before their trip as all of our snorkel sites are too deep to stand up (approx. 20-35 feet deep). Guests are certainly welcome to stay on board during snorkel time if they feel uncomfortable swimming. If you are a non swimmer, this doesn’t mean you cannot snorkel. Please just understand that depending on the day and passenger count, our team members may not be able to provide one on one assistance to those that cannot independently snorkel. We do provide a lot of flotation options and some of our boats have a large floating mat that is great for new swimmers to hang onto. Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to tow guests around. But, if a guest gains enough comfort in the water, we do lead a reef tour for pointing out animals on the reef.
Do you provide snorkel gear? We have snorkel gear available for all snorkelers joining us on in water adventures. Our masks and fins are high quality, cleaned and sanitized daily and should fit most passengers comfortably. Guests requiring larger fin sizes (above 13) should bring their own. Various floatation options are also available including float belts, life jackets and some boogie boards. Parents are encouraged to bring life jackets or gear for very small children/babies. We also have optical masks available for basic negative diopters for guests that are nearsighted (can’t see well in the distance). These masks are free to use but limited in quantity. Guests are also welcome to bring their own gear, for the exclusion of FULL FACE MASKS. For safety reasons, we do not allow guest to bring these on our vessels. Our team can help recommend the best experience for your group.
Do you offer SNUBA or SCUBA? No, at this time we do not offer these activities. Our team members would be happy to share their favorite spots or companies for excursions of this sort if you are interested.
How deep will the water be? The depth of the water depends on the snorkel site, but typically our vessels will moor or anchor for snorkeling in 20-35 feet of water. Guests will be directed to snorkel areas adjacent to the boat in more shallow areas near the reef. All guests are encouraged to use flotation as needed and remain a safe distance from the fragile and alive coral reef. Our team can help recommend the best experience for your group.
Transportation
How do you get to the vessel? Guests departing the harbor will need to walk with our crew members to their respective boats. The distance to the dock depends on which vessel your trip is assigned to, but could be 1/8-1/4 of a mile around the harbor. Passengers that may need assistance or extra time may check in at the store and ask our representatives for the departure location. You will be given directions on how to start your walking journey early or how to drive to the location and drop off your friend or family member and then re-park your car.
What does transportation from a cruise ship look like? If you are booking an excursion with the cruise ship, you will be transported via charter bus to and from our harbor. The bus will pick you up at the ship. If you are booking directly with us, you would be responsible for your own transportation to our our harbor (address below). Ride share options are available on island and it is encouraged to book them early, as it would be an early pickup at the cruise ship. Our fleet departs from Ma’alaea Harbor on the far side of the central valley, which would be about a 20-25 minute ride from the ship. All guests are asked to arrive 45 minutes prior to departure to facilitate check-in, so you would need to plan accordingly. Our address is: 300 Ma’alaea Road, Harbor Shops, right next to the Maui Ocean Center. Please contact PacWhale Eco-Adventures directly if you need additional assistance with reservations or schedule changes.
Do you have a hotel pick-up service? No, we currently do not have a hotel pick-up service. Any guests driving their own vehicle, can park in the large public paid parking lot next to the Maui Ocean Center Aquarium. Guests may also opt for a mobile ride share option and can give our address of 300 Ma’alaea Road.
Whale Information
When is whale season? Our whale season in Maui runs from November through April. During these months, we offer daily whale watches from sunrise to sunset. Outside of these months, humpback whales return to their northern feeding grounds off of Alaska, Canada, and Russia, and it is very rare to see them. We do run many other adventures including dolphin watches, snorkel trips, and evening cruises. To learn more, check out our website or call our team at 808-249-8811.
What is the best time to see whales? There is no best time for whale watching. The whales’ behavior is not dependent on the time of day, since they don’t have regular sleep/active cycles like we do. Guests can see amazing whale behavior all day long. Many guests find that morning trips are more comfortable as it can be less windy (this wind typically picks up midday and dies down around sunset). Less windy conditions do make it easier to see whales from afar, but it doesn’t affect their behavior. Midday trips are fun, but can be hot, so you want to stay hydrated. And finally, early morning and sunset trips are beautiful times to be on the water and can produce amazing whale shows as well. You never know what you are going to get! Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but our crews are trained to maximize viewing opportunities responsibly.
How close do you get to the whales? Humpback whales are a protected species and we are not allowed to approach them within 100 yards. However, whales may decide to approach our vessels. In this event, the captain would be required to put the engines in neutral until the animals are safely outside 100 yards. Our team has an onboard laser range finder to measure this distance. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but our crews are trained to maximize viewing opportunities responsibly.
Is there a whale sighting guarantee? Whale sightings are guaranteed or go again free! If the Captain doesn’t see a whale during the tour, we offer a complimentary trip that can be used within one year of your tour date. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but our crews are trained to maximize viewing opportunities responsibly.
What is the whale and dolphin photo donation program? Share your photos of dolphin dorsal fins and humpback whale flukes with researchers who study them! Photo-identification of whales and dolphins has been part of our long-term research at Pacific Whale Foundation, and you can help. By donating your photos, you will help us to monitor the life history traits, population trends, and habitat use patterns of whales and dolphins around the world.
holiday cruises
Do you have 4th of July cruises? We do have 4th of July Cruises available this year. We will be sending out a few of our boats for a fun night out on the ocean, complete with food, beverages and local fireworks! It is a really fun night out on the water. Check out our website for details or call us directly at 808-249-8811, extension 1, for more details and to book.
