Maalaea Harbor: Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Maalaea Harbor offers an unforgettable whale watching experience with its two-hour catamaran cruise. From December to April, adventurers can witness the majesty of humpback whales up close, listening to their underwater songs through a hydrophone. Departing from Boss Frogs, the double-deck power catamaran provides ample seating and excellent vantage points to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply seeking a unique adventure, this excursion promises an up-close encounter that will leave you in awe of the ocean’s grandeur.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Whale Watching Experiences In Maui.

Key Points

• A 2-hour whale watching excursion from Maalaea Harbor, Maui, starting at $1,128 per person, available from December 1 to April 30.
• The cruise features a guided boat tour, listening to whale songs via underwater hydrophone, and the opportunity to observe whale behaviors like fin slaps and breaches.
• The double-deck power catamaran offers spacious decks, comfortable seating, and excellent vantage points for spotting whales, with onboard amenities like restrooms and non-alcoholic beverages.
• The tour departs and returns to Boss Frogs Snorkel, Bike & Beach Rentals, and parking is required at Maui Harbor Shops or Maui Ocean Center.
• The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and drones and smoking are prohibited, while a valid photo ID is required for all participants.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

The whale watching catamaran cruise offers a captivating 2-hour excursion from Maalaea Harbor in Maui. Priced from $1,128 per person, the cruise is available from December 1 to April 30, providing visitors a chance to observe the magnificent humpback whales in their natural habitat.

The tour includes a guided boat cruise, the opportunity to listen to whale songs through an underwater hydrophone, and the chance to witness the whales’ behaviors, such as fin slaps and breaches.

Cancellation is free up to 2 days in advance, allowing for flexibility in planning. With its spacious double-deck power catamaran and comfortable amenities, this whale watching adventure promises an unforgettable experience.

Experience and Itinerary

Departing from Boss Frogs Snorkel, Bike & Beach Rentals, this guided tour offers a scenic boat cruise through the waters of Maalaea Harbor, where participants can observe the captivating behaviors of humpback whales. Through the excursion, guests will have the opportunity to witness awe-inspiring displays, such as fin slaps and breaches, while also listening to the haunting melodies of whale songs via an underwater hydrophone. The knowledgeable crew will provide insights into the whales’ habitats and life cycles, enhancing the overall experience.

Departure	Activities	Highlights
Boss Frogs Snorkel, Bike & Beach Rentals	Guided tour, scenic boat cruise, whale watching	Observe whale behaviors (fin slaps, breaches), listen to whale songs via underwater hydrophone, learn about whale habitats
Return	Duration
Boss Frogs Snorkel, Bike & Beach Rentals	2 hours

Catamaran Features

Aboard the double-deck power catamaran, guests enjoy spacious decks and comfortable seating, with onboard restrooms for convenience.

The catamaran’s design provides excellent vantage points for spotting whales, allowing passengers to observe these majestic creatures from various perspectives.

Whether scanning the horizon from the upper deck or taking in the views from the comfortable seating areas, guests are sure to have an unobstructed experience.

The catamaran’s amenities also include complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, while alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the whale watching adventure.

Important Information

Guests must meet at Boss Frogs Snorkel, Bike & Beach Rentals, located at 300 Maalaea Rd in Wailuku, Hawaii, as this is the designated meeting point for the whale watching tour.

Parking is required at the Maui Harbor Shops or Maui Ocean Center. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Participants should bring a valid photo ID and a camera, but drones and smoking aren’t allowed.

The catamaran cruise departs and returns to the Boss Frogs location, providing an excellent vantage point for whale sightings during the 2-hour adventure from December 1st to April 30th.

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Customer Feedback

Customers have overwhelmingly positive experiences with the Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise, awarding it an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 590 reviews.

The tour guides receive high praise, with a 4.9/5 rating for their expertise and knowledge. The transportation on the comfortable double-deck power catamaran also earns strong feedback, with a 4.8/5 rating.

While the service and organization receive solid scores of 4.6/5 and 4.7/5 respectively, some guests note minor issues with parking logistics at the Maui Harbor Shops.

Meeting Point and Parking

The Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise departs from Boss Frogs Snorkel, Bike & Beach Rentals, located at 300 Maalaea Rd in Wailuku, Hawaii.

Parking is required at the nearby Maui Harbor Shops or Maui Ocean Center.

• Arrive early to secure a parking spot and avoid delays.

• The parking lot can fill up quickly, especially during peak hours.

• Utilize the free parking options to save money and time.

• Be mindful of parking signs and regulations to avoid any issues.

• Plan your transportation to the departure point in advance for a seamless experience.

Suitability and Restrictions

According to the provided information, the Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise may not be suitable for all travelers.

The activity isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the catamaran. Plus, the use of drones and smoking aren’t allowed during the cruise.

Passengers should bring a valid photo ID and a camera to capture the whale sightings. The cruise is available from December 1 to April 30, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

Whale Behaviors and Highlights

One of the key highlights of the Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise is the opportunity to observe a variety of whale behaviors.

Passengers can witness mesmerizing displays, including:

• Thunderous breaches as whales launch their massive bodies out of the water
• Graceful fin slaps as whales repeatedly swat the surface with their enormous flippers
• Mysterious bubble net feeding, where whales work together to corral and catch their prey
• Enigmatic spy hops, where whales curiously extend their heads above the waves
• Hauntingly beautiful whale songs, transmitted via the boat’s underwater hydrophone

These captivating sights and sounds provide an unforgettable window into the lives of these majestic marine mammals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

Passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the cruise. The catamaran provides complementary soda, juice, and water, and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on board.

Is There an Age Limit for Children on the Cruise?

The cruise doesn’t have a specific age limit for children. However, it’s recommended that parents ensure their kids can safely navigate the boat and participate in the activities.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance or Can I Buy Them On-Site?

Tickets for the whale watching catamaran cruise can be purchased in advance online or on-site at the departure location, Boss Frogs Snorkel, Bike & Beach Rentals. Early booking is recommended as availability may be limited, especially during peak whale watching season.

Are There Any Medical Conditions That Would Prevent Me From Participating?

The catamaran cruise is generally suitable for most participants, but it may not be recommended for those with certain medical conditions, such as mobility issues or respiratory problems. It’s best to consult with the tour operator for specific guidance.

Can I Reschedule My Cruise if the Weather Is Poor on the Original Date?

Yes, customers can reschedule their whale watching cruise if the weather is poor on the original date. The operator offers a full refund if the cruise is canceled at least 2 days in advance.

Recap

The Maalaea Harbor Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise offers an unforgettable two-hour adventure to witness the majesty of whales in their natural habitat. With its comfortable double-deck power catamaran, the cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and the chance to hear whales’ songs through an underwater hydrophone. This captivating experience is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Maalaea Harbor from December to April.

You can check if your dates are available here: