Set sail on Maui’s luxurious Ocean Spirit catamaran for a private 2-hour whale watch led by certified Marine Naturalists. Witness humpback whales in their natural habitat with an eco-friendly guarantee of sightings or a free return trip.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required as the tour is mostly seated.
Wildlife
History
Lahaina was once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and a historic whaling port, adding cultural depth to your marine exploration.
Conservation
PacWhale Eco-Adventures follows responsible whale watching guidelines to minimize disturbance and supports local conservation programs.
PacWhale Eco-Adventures
Set sail on Maui’s luxurious Ocean Spirit catamaran for a private 2-hour whale watch led by certified Marine Naturalists. Witness humpback whales in their natural habitat with an eco-friendly guarantee of sightings or a free return trip.
PacWhale Eco-Adventures is a Maui-based marine tour operator specializing in responsible, high-quality ocean excursions departing from Ma'alaea Harbor.
With an emphasis on marine conservation and education, PacWhale offers a range of experiences including whale watching, dolphin research cruises, Molokini snorkeling trips, turtle reef snorkels, and evening sunset and stargazing sails. Certified Marine Naturalists lead tours, providing species identification, natural history interpretation, and respectful wildlife viewing protocols.
The company’s whale watch is a top-rated ecotour with a 97% sightings success rate for humpback whales during peak season, offering guaranteed encounters and guided listening to whale song from onboard hydrophones. Molokini trips include the Wikiwiki Express and Molokini & Turtle Arches snorkels, combining protected-reef snorkeling with on-deck instruction and small-group attention. Dolphin-focused tours operate as three-hour research-style excursions that seek Hawaiian Spotted, Bottlenose, and Pan Pacific Spotted dolphins, blending observation with informal science learning.
Specialty cruises include adults-only sunset sails with pupus and cocktails, family-friendly sunset and celestial cruises featuring astronomy commentary (in partnership with noted astronomers), and seasonal holiday events such as July 4th cocktail and fireworks cruises from Ma'alaea. Boats emphasize eco-friendly practices, safety, and guest comfort, with continental breakfasts and BBQ lunches on select trips, plus knowledgeable captains who select prime locations daily.
PacWhale Eco-Adventures is recognized for conservation partnerships, experienced crew, and an educational approach that balances unforgettable wildlife encounters with stewardship of Maui’s marine environment.
Departing from Ma'alaea Harbor, trips serve South and West Maui visitors and welcome families, couples, beginners, and experienced snorkelers seeking turtles, dolphins, and vibrant reef life.
Sightings Rate
97%
Humpback whale sightings in season
Tours Offered
10 Unique Trips
Snorkel, whale, dolphin, sunset, and more
Certified Guides
Certified Marine Naturalists
Secure a spot on a top-rated whale watch, Molokini snorkel, or sunset cruise from Ma'alaea—limited seats on popular departures.
Bring binoculars for a closer look
Although whales often surface close to the boat, binoculars can enhance your viewing experience and help spot distant whales.
Apply reef-safe sunscreen
Protect both your skin and Maui’s marine ecosystems by using environmentally friendly sunscreen during the tour.
Wear non-slip shoes
The boat deck can be wet and slippery, so comfortable non-slip footwear ensures safety while moving about.
Stay hydrated before and after the trip
Though the journey is short, staying hydrated helps prevent seasickness and keeps you refreshed during your adventure.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects your skin while preserving Maui’s delicate marine environment during sunny summer tours.
summer
Light jacket or windbreaker
Keeps you comfortable against ocean breezes and cooler temperatures during winter excursions.
winter
Binoculars
Enhances whale spotting from a distance, improving your viewing experience.
Non-slip boat shoes
Ensures safe footing on the boat deck which can become slippery.
Onboard education and species ID
Departure Point
Ma'alaea Harbor
Convenient South Maui departures