Maui Whale Watching & Snorkeling Tour From Maalaea Harbor Aboard Pride of Maui

The Maui Whale Watching & Snorkeling Tour from Ma’alaea Harbor aboard the Pride of Maui presents an enticing opportunity to experience the island’s natural wonders. Knowledgeable guides lead the way, educating visitors about the captivating behavior of humpback whales as they sail along the coastline. Equally enchanting is the chance to explore the vibrant marine life through snorkeling, where encounters with sea turtles, tropical fish, and diverse coral formations await. With the tour’s inclusive offerings of lunch, alcoholic beverages, and snorkeling equipment, it’s an immersive experience that caters to up to 75 travelers. The stage is set for an unforgettable day on the water, but what surprises might this tour have in store?

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

Key Points

• The tour combines whale watching and snorkeling activities, providing an opportunity to encounter humpback whales and vibrant marine life.
• Snorkeling equipment is provided, but full-face masks are not allowed for safety reasons.
• The tour departs from Ma’alaea Harbor North Loading Dock, with parking available across from Carl’s Jr. before the Ocean Center.
• The tour has a maximum capacity of 75 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience with knowledgeable guides.
• The tour includes lunch, alcoholic beverages, soda/pop, and bottled water, enhancing the overall experience.

Overview of the Tour

The Maui Whale Watching & Snorkeling Tour from Maalaea Harbor aboard the Pride of Maui combines the thrill of whale-watching with the exploration of the underwater world through snorkeling.

Guests will sail along the coast, keeping an eye out for humpback whales that frequent the area during the winter months. The friendly and knowledgeable guides will educate visitors about the whales’ behavior and biology as they’re spotted.

After the whale-watching portion, the tour shifts to snorkeling, allowing participants to discover the vibrant marine life that inhabits the clear waters.

With a maximum capacity of 75 travelers, this tour provides an intimate and personalized experience for those seeking to enjoy Maui’s natural wonders.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes a variety of amenities, such as lunch, alcoholic beverages, soda/pop, and bottled water. Plus, the use of snorkeling equipment is provided. However, for safety reasons, full-face snorkeling masks are not allowed on this tour.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Lunch	Full-face snorkeling masks
Alcoholic Beverages
Soda/Pop
Bottled water
Snorkeling equipment

Meeting and Pick-up Details

Participants should meet at the Ma’alaea Harbor North Loading Dock, left of the Coast Guard Station, to check in for the tour.

The harbor parking is across from Carl’s Jr. before the Ocean Center, and payment should be made by credit card only. The parking lot is a 5-6 minute walk to the dock.

Tour participants are advised to arrive at the meeting point on time as the tour departs promptly. The maximum group size is 75 travelers, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible.

Public transportation is available nearby for those who need it.

Tour Logistics

Once aboard the Pride of Maui, guests can expect a combined tour of whale watching and snorkeling. The vessel has a maximum capacity of 75 travelers, offering an intimate and personalized experience.

Snorkeling gear is provided, though full-face masks are prohibited for safety reasons. Lunch, alcoholic beverages, sodas, and bottled water are included in the tour package.

Key features of the tour include:

• Exploration of the world beneath the waves through snorkeling
• Learning about whale behavior from the knowledgeable guides
• Enjoying a complimentary meal and refreshments during the trip
• Opportunities for photography and wildlife viewing

A convenient departure point from Maalaea Harbor.

Snorkeling Experience

The snorkeling portion of the tour allows guests to enjoy the vibrant underwater world off the coast of Maui. Snorkeling equipment is provided, enabling participants to explore the rich marine life and coral formations at their own pace. Guides are on hand to offer assistance and insights, ensuring a safe and memorable snorkeling experience for all.

Marine Life	Coral Formations	Snorkeling Tips
Sea Turtles	Reef Structures	Mask Fit
Tropical Fish	Underwater Caves	Breathing
Manta Rays	Colorful Reefs	Kick Technique
Dolphins	Shipwrecks	Buoyancy
Whales	Submerged Lava	Safety Signals

Whale Watching Highlights

Along With the vibrant snorkeling experience, the Maui Whale Watching & Snorkeling Tour also allows guests to marvel at the awe-inspiring sight of these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

As the boat sails across the sparkling waters, expert guides share fascinating insights into whale behavior and biology, helping passengers gain a deeper appreciation for these magnificent creatures.

The tour offers ample opportunities to spot breaching, tail slapping, and spy hopping – behaviors that captivate onlookers.

Guests may also be lucky enough to witness the synchronized swimming of mother-calf pairs or the competitive displays of male humpbacks.

With the stunning Maui coastline as a backdrop, the whale watching portion of this tour is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

• Knowledgeable guides provide in-depth commentary on whale behavior
• Opportunities to witness breaching, tail slapping, and spy hopping
• Potential sightings of mother-calf pairs and competitive male displays
• Breathtaking views of the Maui coastline
• A chance to connect with the awe-inspiring power of these gentle giants

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Why do customers rave about the Maui Whale Watching & Snorkeling Tour according to the 89 reviews? The tour has earned an impressive 5.0 rating based on these reviews, which highlight the exceptional experience.

Customers praise the knowledgeable and friendly crew, who provide insights into whale behavior as you sail. The food, including lunch and beverages, also receives high marks.

The real stars of the tour are the snorkeling opportunities, which allow you to explore the vibrant underwater world. Reviewers note that the use of provided snorkeling equipment makes it easy to get up-close with the marine life.

Practical Information

From Maalaea Harbor, guests can find the tour’s check-in at the Ma’alaea Harbor North Loading Dock, located to the left of the Coast Guard Station.

Harbor parking, which should be paid for by credit card only, is across from Carl’s Jr. before the Ocean Center, with the dock just a short 5-6 minute walk away.

This Maui tour has a maximum capacity of 75 travelers and isn’t wheelchair accessible, but is stroller-friendly and near public transportation. Most travelers can participate in the whale watching and snorkeling activities.

The tour includes:

• Lunch
• Alcoholic beverages
• Soda/pop
• Bottled water
• Use of snorkeling equipment (no full-face masks allowed for safety)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Yes, travelers can bring their own snorkeling equipment. However, the tour operator doesn’t allow full-face masks for safety reasons, so guests must use the provided standard snorkeling gear.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

There is no minimum age requirement for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, though parents should ensure young children have the necessary swimming skills and comfort level with snorkeling.

How Long Does the Tour Typically Last?

The tour typically lasts around 4 to 5 hours. This includes time for whale watching and snorkeling activities. The exact duration may vary depending on the weather conditions and the pace of the tour.

Can I Request Dietary Accommodations for the Lunch?

Yes, guests can request dietary accommodations for the lunch on this tour. The tour provider aims to accommodate various dietary needs, so they encourage guests to inform them of any special requests when booking the tour.

Are There Any Restrictions on Items I Can Bring Onboard?

There are some restrictions on items that can be brought onboard. Passengers can’t bring full-face snorkel masks for safety reasons. However, all other snorkeling equipment is provided. Food and non-alcoholic beverages may also be permitted, but guests should check with the tour operator.

Recap

The Maui Whale Watching & Snorkeling Tour from Ma’alaea Harbor aboard the Pride of Maui offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts.

Guests can witness humpback whales in their natural habitat, explore vibrant marine life through snorkeling, and enjoy a delicious lunch with alcoholic beverages.

With knowledgeable guides, a comfortable boat, and a range of included amenities, this tour provides an intimate and memorable adventure on the waters of Maui.