Maui: Deluxe Whale Watch Sail & Lunch from Ma`alaea Harbor

A whale surfacing beside a quiet boat is the kind of moment that makes you forget your camera for a beat. This three-hour sail from Maalaea Harbor looks for humpbacks, gives you time to watch their behavior, and uses an underwater hydrophone so you can hear their songs.

I like two things in particular: the Marine Naturalist’s explanations give the sightings context, and the nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation puts cruise profits toward ocean research, education, and conservation. The main consideration is that wild whales set the schedule, so sightings can vary in number and closeness, even with the whale-sighting guarantee.

At a glance

• About 2.5 hours on the water: The full experience lasts three hours, including boarding and return to Maalaea Harbor.
• Listen as well as look: An underwater hydrophone lets you hear whale songs.
• Lunch is part of the outing: Expect island fruit, sliders, salads, snacks, sweets, and nonalcoholic drinks.
• A useful option for families: Children can take part in the onboard Jr. Naturalist Program.
• A whale-sighting guarantee offers a second chance: If no whales are seen, you can go again on a whale watch of equal or lesser value within one year.

Leaving Maalaea Harbor for whale country