Maui’s waters come alive during whale watching season, as humpbacks migrate to the island’s sheltered bays. The Maui Whale-Watching Tour by Raft from Kihei provides travelers an intimate opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures up close. Aboard a small, 22-passenger raft, expert naturalist guides share their knowledge while guests witness whales breaching, spouting, and slapping the surface. Beyond the whales, the tour also offers the chance to spot other marine life, including dolphins and sea turtles. But the experience isn’t without its challenges, as weather conditions can sometimes lead to tour cancellations, leaving adventurers longing for another chance to…

Key Points

  • This 1.5-hour excursion offers the opportunity to spot humpback whales in the waters surrounding Maui, led by an expert naturalist guide.
  • The tour is limited to 24 people, providing an up-close and personal whale-watching experience, with the ability to observe whales breaching, spouting, and slapping the water.
  • Participants must be at least 8 years old, with a maximum recommended age of 65, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant travelers or those with certain medical conditions.
  • The tour departs from the Kihei Boat Ramp, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and a ‘Reserve Now and Pay Later’ option.
  • Whale sightings are guaranteed during the excursion, and the tour includes a hydrophone for listening to whale vocalizations and nonalcoholic drinks.

Tour Details

The Maui whale-watching tour by raft from Kihei offers a 1.5-hour excursion to spot humpback whales in the warm waters surrounding the island.

Led by an expert naturalist guide, the intimate tour is limited to just 24 people, providing an up-close and personal whale-watching experience.

Guests have the chance to observe the majestic humpbacks breaching, spouting, and slapping the water, as well as potentially spot dolphins and sea turtles.

The tour also provides a hydrophone for listening to the whales’ vocalizations. Nonalcoholic drinks are served, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Priced starting at $84.14, this tour offers an affordable and exciting way to witness Maui’s impressive marine life.

Requirements and Restrictions

This whale-watching tour has several requirements and restrictions:

Participants must be at least 8 years old, and the maximum recommended age is 65 due to the tour’s adventurous nature.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant travelers, individuals with back or neck problems, heart conditions, or serious medical issues.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 22 travelers, and the tour is weather-dependent.

Cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour are subject to a full refund policy.

These requirements and restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants during this exciting Maui whale-watching adventure.

Customer Reviews

Customers who’ve taken this whale-watching tour by raft from Kihei have overwhelmingly positive reviews, with a 5.0 rating based on 472 reviews. Reviewers praise the crew’s knowledge and friendliness, making the experience exciting for families.

Highlights include sighting whales breaching, as well as encountering dolphins and sea turtles. While some customers noted cancellations due to weather conditions, the overall consensus is that this tour offers an affordable and fun excursion compared to other options.

However, a few reviewers had mixed experiences with whale sightings, underscoring the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters. Despite this, the tour remains a popular choice for those seeking a memorable Maui whale-watching adventure.

Directions and Logistics

Parking is available at the Kihei Boat Ramp, the designated meeting point for the tour. Customers should check-in at the specified departure times, with the tour returning to the same location at the end.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, and a ‘Reserve Now and Pay Later‘ option provides flexibility for bookings.

This 1.5-hour Maui whale-watching experience departs from the southern coastline, known for its high whale populations. The tour is limited to 22 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized adventure to spot humpback whales, dolphins, and sea turtles along the way.

With an experienced naturalist guide and on-board hydrophone, customers can learn about Hawaii’s marine life during the excursion.

Additional Information

The whale-watching tour guarantees sightings of these majestic marine mammals, with gratuities included in the price. Customers can further their understanding of Hawaii’s diverse ocean life through the informative guidance of the naturalist on board.

However, the tour isn’t accessible for wheelchair users.

In the event of poor weather conditions, the company offers free cancellation to provide flexibility for bookings.

Selecting the best time slot for the tour is recommended to maximize the chances of an unforgettable whale-watching experience.

While the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, it’s not recommended for pregnant individuals, those with medical conditions, or anyone over the age of 65 due to its adventurous nature.

Whale Sighting Guarantee

One of the key features of this Maui whale-watching tour is the guarantee of whale sightings, ensuring an unforgettable experience for participants.

The tour operator is so confident in the abundance of humpback whales in the area that they promise:

  • A sighting of these magnificent creatures during the 1.5-hour excursion.
  • The opportunity to observe their captivating behaviors, such as breaching, spouting, and slapping the water.
  • The chance to listen to their vocalizations through the on-board hydrophone.
  • An unparalleled close-up encounter with one of nature’s most awe-inspiring marine mammals.

This guarantee sets this whale-watching tour apart, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the wonders of Maui’s vibrant ecosystem.

Marine Life Learning

Aboard the intimate whale-watching raft, a knowledgeable marine naturalist shares fascinating insights about Hawaii’s diverse underwater ecosystems, captivating participants with their expert commentary.

From the unique behaviors of humpback whales to the intricate relationships between coral reefs and their inhabitants, the naturalist illuminates the wonders of Maui’s marine life.

Guests learn about the delicate balance of these ocean environments and the importance of conservation efforts.

With a hydrophone on board, they can even listen to the haunting songs of the humpback whales, adding to the immersive educational experience.

This whale-watching tour isn’t just about spotting the majestic creatures; it’s a chance to gain a deeper appreciation for Hawaii’s remarkable marine biodiversity.

Tour Cancellation Policy

Cancellation of the Maui whale-watching tour is covered by a flexible policy, with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

This ensures guests have the option to reschedule or receive a refund should weather conditions or other factors prevent them from attending the tour on their originally booked date.

The tour’s weather-dependent nature means that flexibility is essential, allowing guests to plan their trip with confidence.

Key aspects of the cancellation policy include:

  1. Full refund if canceled 24 hours prior to the tour
  2. Flexible rescheduling options
  3. Weather-related cancellations covered
  4. Hassle-free booking and cancellation process

This cancellation policy provides peace of mind and allows guests to fully enjoy the Maui whale-watching experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Motion Sickness?

The tour may not be suitable for people prone to motion sickness, as it’s an intimate whale-watching experience on the open ocean. Travelers with medical conditions or concerns should consult the tour operator for guidance on managing potential seasickness.

Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment?

Customers can bring their own camera equipment on the tour. The tour provides an ideal opportunity to capture stunning images of whales and other marine life. However, guests should ensure their equipment is secure and manageable during the boat ride.

Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements to Be Considered?

While no special dietary requirements are mentioned, the tour provides non-alcoholic drinks. Travelers with any dietary needs or restrictions should contact the tour operator in advance to inquire about accommodation.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement for the Tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 22 travelers, but there’s no minimum group size requirement. Participants can book individually or in smaller groups to join the shared tour experience.

Can I Purchase Additional Snacks or Refreshments on the Boat?

Nonalcoholic drinks are provided on the tour, but passengers can’t purchase additional snacks or refreshments on the boat. Bringing your own food and drinks is allowed, as long as they’re non-alcoholic.

Recap

The Maui Whale-Watching Tour by Raft from Kihei offers an intimate whale-watching experience led by expert naturalist guides.

Customers praise the tour’s personalized approach and the chance to spot whales, dolphins, and sea turtles up close.

While weather-related cancellations are possible, the tour provides a unique opportunity to learn about and observe Maui’s marine life in a small group setting.

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