Maui Whale Watching: 2-Hour Small Group Raft Tour from Lahaina
Overview
Our small group, 2-hour whale watching tours offer an intimate experience that larger boats can’t match. Departing from Mala Ramp in Lahaina, we visit the Maui Nui Whale Sanctuary, where humpbacks gather every winter to mate and give birth. With guaranteed whale sightings from December to April, or your next trip is free, you’ll witness these majestic whales up close.
What makes us unique is our focus on an immersive, educational experience. Enjoy front-row seats on our custom-built raft, guided by our marine naturalist, and listen to the whales’ songs using our onboard hydrophone.
As a family-owned business since 1992, we’re passionate about offering eco-friendly whale watching tours that foster a love for the ocean. We believe people protect what they love, and our mission is to inspire guests to appreciate and conserve Maui’s marine life through meaningful encounters with nature.
What's Included
- Whale loving Marine Naturalist
- Reef Safe Sunscreen
- Rain ponchos on rainy days
- Whale sighting guarantee — see whales or your next trip is free (or your money back, your choice)
- Hydrophone and speaker to listen to the whales
- Filtered water and paper cups to reduce plastic waste!
- Alcoholic beverages BYO - No glass allowed
Meeting Location
1223 Front Street
Lahaina, HI 96761, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Whales guaranteed — see humpbacks or your next trip is free (or your money back, your choice). A maximum of 20 guests on a low-riding raft, so every seat is at eye level with the whales, and a hydrophone aboard so you hear them sing. Every winter, humpback whales migrate to the warm, crystal-clear waters around Maui to mate and give birth; our 2-hour tour from Lahaina is the closest way to see them.
When you join us for one of the top-rated whale watching tours in Maui, you’ll experience an intimate, small group adventure with 360-degree views of the ocean. Our experienced captain and crew are passionate about Maui’s humpbacks and will share their extensive knowledge, ensuring you learn about the whales while enjoying the awe of seeing them in their natural habitat.
To make this adventure even more immersive, we provide a hydrophone and high-quality speakers, so you can listen to the enchanting whale songs right from the boat!
This trip is family-friendly and perfect for anyone looking to experience the best whale watching on Maui, on an eco-friendly tour where every seat is a front-row seat for watching the humpback whales up close.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- No Pregnant Persons.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- No Children under the age of 3
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-217433P4
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.97 out of 5 stars based on 715 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (10)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Maui Whale Watching: 2-Hour Small Group Raft Tour from Lahaina. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (HST).
- Whale loving Marine Naturalist.
- Reef Safe Sunscreen.
- Rain ponchos on rainy days.
- Whale sighting guarantee — see whales or your next trip is free (or your money back, your choice).
- Hydrophone and speaker to listen to the whales.
- Filtered water and paper cups to reduce plastic waste!.
- Alcoholic beverages. BYO - No glass allowed.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 3. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Maui Whale Watching: 2-Hour Small Group Raft Tour from Lahaina is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- No Pregnant Persons.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Maui Whale Watching: 2-Hour Small Group Raft Tour from Lahaina will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Whale loving Marine Naturalist
- Reef Safe Sunscreen
- Rain ponchos on rainy days
- Whale sighting guarantee — see whales or your next trip is free (or your money back, your choice)
- Hydrophone and speaker to listen to the whales
- Filtered water and paper cups to reduce plastic waste!
- Alcoholic beveragesBYO - No glass allowed
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- No Pregnant Persons.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- No Children under the age of 3
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
