Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching - Lahaina
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Eye-level whale watching (or summer time dolphin watching) onboard our low-to-water small group zodiac rafts.
Native Hawaiian owned and voted TripAdvisors Traveler's Choice, Hawaii Ocean Rafting has been Maui’s original ocean rafting experience for more than 30 years.
Our small group tours make for a fun, family style whale watch experience. Although whales are protected in Hawaii, they often approach our small boats for closer and eye level whale encounters. *Wildlife sighting's vary in the wild.
Search for dolphins (summer months) early season whales (Nov & May) and sightsee on this tour in the off season.
A low-to-water zodiac boat puts you close to the ocean’s surface for eye-level wildlife encounters and a eco-friendly adventure.
We are located in Lahaina, Maui, just a short drive from Kaanapali, Kahana, Napili, Kapalua and other West Maui accommodations. And a fun destination for visitors staying in Kihei or Wailea.
No pregnant persons or children under 3
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
No Infants
No Pregnant Persons or children under 3 permitted
Food Allergen Warning (Required Disclosure): Due to the nature of onboard food preparation and handling, we cannot guarantee that any menu item will be free from allergens. All meals or snacks served on this vessel may contain or come into contact with gluten, tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish, fish, soy, eggs, dairy, and wheat. If you have a known food allergy, please notify our team in advance and bring any required allergy medication (such as an EpiPen). We strongly recommend guests with severe allergies consult a physician prior to participating in the charter. We are not responsible for allergic reactions due to undeclared or cross-contact allergens.
No children under 3
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Join Maui's only Hawaiian Owned eye-level Whale Watching and Dolphin Search Tours onboard our low-to-water small group eco-rafts. Avoid the crowds and enjoy comfortable seating in a small group with spectacular views of Hawaii’s humpback whales or Maui's friendly dolphins. December- April: The Humpback Whale returns to the warm Hawaiian waters every year during the winter months for their mating and calving season. Although whales are protected in Hawaii and we do not approach them closer than federal regulations, they often approach our small rafts for those up close and eye-level whale encounters. The type of encounters vary in the wild. May-November: Dolphins are spotted year-round and our eco-rafts also provide eye-level encounters. November we begin our search for early whales. Your tour includes a full narration of interesting whale / dolphin and Maui facts by our naturalist, listening to whale songs on a hydrophone and lots of photo ops! *Our small locally native owned eco-company is excited to share Maui's wildlife with you!* Departures from Lahaina- arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure time so you don't miss boarding your boat! No pregnant person allowed
What‘s Included
Plan to get wet! This is a low to water boat- ocean spray and light rain can occur during tour.
Dolphin Tour includes snacks and beverages
Hydrophone to listen to whale songs
Life jackets are provided for emergencies but are not required to be worn during the tour.
*Type of encounters vary in the wild- Up close sightings not guaranteed
Whales or Dolphins (Based on option selected)
Tour Operator: Hawaii Ocean Rafting
Available shade varies on boat. Please bring sun protection: hat, sunglasses and reef safe sunscreen
Marine Naturalist Narration
Not suitable for pregnant persons or those with back/neck injuries.
Tour leaves promptly. Must arrive 30 minutes prior to board or will miss the tour.
Hotel pick-up and drop off
BYOB (Plastic or Cans Only)
Whales or Dolphins (Based on option selected at check out)
Gratuities
Upclose wildlife encounters are not guaranteed as animals are in the wild.
No Spray Sunscreen Permitted - Reef Safe Rub-on Sunscreen Only
Physical Mobility Required for Boarding due to boarding location
Options
5 Hour Snorkel + Whale Watch
Snorkel + Whale Watching: In addition to snorkeling 1-2 snorkel stops, this tour includes whale watching!
Duration: 5 hours: 5 Hours typically includes 1-2 snorkel stops to Lanai and whale watching on our eco-raft
Light Breakfast & Snacks: Sweet Pastries, fresh fruit, cookies, chips and soda, green tea and water
ECO-RAFT: 5HR Semi-Private Adventure Snorkel onboard our small group Raft Vessel. Small group, comfort ride, shade.
Combo Snorkel + Whale Watch: This snorkel will include 1-2 snorkel stops and whale watching! VESSEL: Small Raft vessel.
4 Hour Snorkel + Whale Watch
Snorkel & Whale Watch: In addition to a snorkel stop, whale watching will be included in this snorkel tour by RAFT.
Duration: 4 hours: Check in at least 30 minutes prior to departure time. The boat always departs on time and boarding is 15 minutes prior.
Light Breakfast & Snacks: Sweet Pastries, fresh fruit, cookies, chips and soda, green tea and water
Small RAFT Vessel : Small group rafting tour. Raft is low to water, smooth ride, shade and bench style seating.
Combo Snorkel + Whale Watch : This snorkel will include 1 snorkel stop and whale watching!
2HR Dolphin (only) Watch Tour
Dolphin Watching Only: Seasonal (May-November) Dolphin watch & sightsee tour. Dolphin sighting vary, not guaranteed.
Duration: 2 hours: Always check in 30 min-prior to your tour or you will miss boarding your boat. 2 Hour Dolphin Watch and Sightseeing Boat Tour
Snacks and Beverages: Snacks and soda, green tea and water
Summer Dolphin Watching Tour: Watch dolphins from our eco-raft during the summer months. No in-water or whales, sightsee from the comfort of the boat! 2HRS
Popular Whale Watch RAFT
Duration: 2 hours
Water onboard
2 Hour Raft Tour Popular Times: 2 Hour Eye-Level Whale Watch. Vessel: Raft - Guarantee whale sighting or go again for free!
90 Min. Whale Watch RAFT
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes: Always check in 30 min-prior to your tour or you will miss boarding your boat.
Water onboard
90 Min. Raft Tour : Whale activity & experience are the same, just a shorter duration of 90 Min. Vessel: RAFT Guarantee sighting or go again!
2HR Whale/Dolphin Search Tour
Search for Dolphins & Whales: Search for dolphins and early/end of season whales (whale season is December 1 - April 15 . Sightings vary, not guaranteed.
Duration: 2 hours: Always check in 30 min-prior to your tour or you will miss boarding your boat. 2 Hour Dolphin/Whale Search Sightsee Boat Tour
Snacks & Beverages: Snacks and soda, green tea and water
Early/End Season Whale Search : Search for dolphins (year-round) and early/end season whales (Nov/April/May). No in-water activity, sightsee from the boat!
Preferred Whale Watch RAFT
Duration: 2 hours: Always check in 30 min-prior to your tour or you will miss boarding your boat.
Water onboard
Preferred Time Raft: The time does not impact whale activity. It is a preferred time for guest's schedules. Guarantee whale sighting or go FREE!
Reviews
2,693 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Whale watching near Lanai
V3589WTwilliams,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Outstanding! Very skilled crew!!
Humpback calf’s.
Kenneth S,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were able to get close to a couple of female Humpbacks with their calves. The mom’s hung out just below the surface while the calves played and breached about. What an amazing experience. The boat captains were skilled at positioning us as the whales approached us. Conditions were very windy in and out of the harbor and they adeptly handled the Zodiac boat out and in. Would highly recommend them!
Amazing whale watching adventure!
Joseph L,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is our second time booking this tour and we will continue to do so when we visit Maui. It is exactly as advertised and more. The guides were extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Great experience for individuals, couples, families or anyone else!
Terrifc day getting to see whales breaching WOW!
S3459HCryana,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Clint and Brittany were terrific as was the organization and communication with the Hawaii Ocean Rafting co. The whole experience was easy going and fun. Clint and Brittany took us out on the Eco Raft and within minutes we saw our first whale! As we navigated the waters we were able to see a few more and then came upon a mom, baby and escort who were breaching the waters! It was amazing We were a small crowd on the boat, so it was easy to see everything going on around us. Clint and Brittany offered up a lot of knowledge and kept us informed about everything going on. Highly recommend.
Best experience ever
Nat K,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The staff was super nice and knowledgeable. We saw a lot of whales, and they were very close! We had so much fun!!
Great Experience. We went...
Sheila H,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great Experience. We went out at 8:00 am and saw a lot of whale activity. Guides were very knowledgeable. Perfect way to start the day!
Amazing whales watching
Trail774663,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent crew, captain Jack and crew Sye were great. Captain Jack was nice and very easy to like. Sye had a real passion for whales and it showed when he answered our questions. Both were really great at their jobs. The boat was nice and the check-in was simple and quick. We saw several whales including a baby that was in a happy place. It breach at least 20 times while we were watching him/her. A great trip for all.
Fun and relaxing whale watching
Jclgurl,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went with captain Jack and crew member Sai. I love their warmth and great info on whales. They spotted mother and calf whales and escort males, two groups as well as another whales group. One calf whale was curious about our boat so it swam under our boat and came up and we were so amazed and happy to see it. Also I enjoyed watching the cute baby whale playing in the ocean, along with the mother and escort males. The coastline views were also stunning and beautiful. Jack and Sai gave clear and great safety instructions for us so I felt safe and protected the whole time.
Awesome trip!
H9538PWkatherines,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jack and Nicole were both terrific-Jack has lots of funny jokes, and really knows his stuff. Nicole was fun to chat with. She is clearly passionate about her research. It was fun and we saw lots of whales although no breaches. We did see a mama and baby, which was neat.
Best whale watching experience!
J5285VOchristineh,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain H. And Sy were amazing. They found the best whale groups and were very informative.
From US$85.16
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Operated by Hawaii Ocean Rafting