Midday Sail with the Whales: Experience Maui’s Humpbacks up Close
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; requires ability to comfortably stand and move around on a sailboat deck.
Overview
Set sail from Mā'alaea Harbor on a two-hour journey through Hawai‘i’s prime whale-watching waters. Sip local wine and beer while spotting spectacular humpback breaching in the sheltered ‘Au ‘au Channel off Maui.
Midday Whale Watch
2 Hours • All ages • Maui is the place to see humpback whales!
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable sailing adventure from Mā'alaea Harbor, where you’ll have the chance to witness majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat. Enjoy refreshing beverages as you sail through the stunning waters of Maui, known for its incredible whale sightings and breathtaking acrobatics. Join us for this seasonal experience!
Join the captain and crew in keeping a lookout and refresh with a variety of beverages, including wine and local beer.
Trip Details
- Departure From Mā'alaea Harbor
- Seasonal Dec 15th - March 31st
About
Maui is the place to see humpback whales. Each year these magnificent creatures migrate south from Alaska, and although you can see them throughout Hawai'i, the ‘Au ‘au channel off the coast of Maui boasts the greatest number. Our warm, relatively shallow and protected waters make an ideal location for the humpbacks to mate and give birth to their calves. These whales are known for their acrobatics, and are often seen fully breaching out of the ocean!
We generally spot humpbacks on all of our trips during the winter, but this season we’re offering an exciting opportunity to sail with the whales! We’ll embark from Mā’alaea harbor and set sail in the afternoon tradewinds. This trip is exclusively sailing, so we can head to wherever the whales may be.
Check-In:
- 1:00 p.m. for 1:30 p.m. departure at Mā'alaea Harbor Slip 72
Trip Includes
- Beverages including local beer & wine.
- Max 25 passengers per trip.
- 24 hour cancellation policy on all tours.
Adventure Tips
Bring binoculars for distant whale spotting
Enhance your whale-spotting experience by bringing binoculars to catch distant behaviors amid the channel’s wide expanse.
Dress in layers to adapt to ocean breeze
Ocean winds can cool the midday sun quickly; pack a light windbreaker or fleece to stay comfortable on deck.
Arrive early for smooth check-in
Plan to arrive at Mā'alaea Harbor 30 minutes before the 1:30 p.m. departure to ensure timely boarding and orientation.
Keep your camera ready with zoom lens
Use a zoom lens to capture close-ups of whale breaches and tails without disturbing the animals.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Humpback whales
- Spinner dolphins
History
The ‘Au ‘au Channel has been a crucial marine mammal habitat for centuries and is protected by Hawaiian conservation efforts since the mid-20th century.
Conservation
The sailing method minimizes noise and water pollution, supporting responsible whale watching and marine preservation in the area.
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Adventure Hotspots in Wailuku
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windbreaker or light jacket
Protects against the cool ocean breeze during whale season in winter.
winter specific
Binoculars
Improves the ability to spot whales far from the boat.
Sunscreen
Crucial for sun protection while spending time on open water.
Hat with chin strap
Keeps your head shaded and secure during breezy conditions on deck.