12 Maui Dolphin Tours to Plan a Maui Day Around

1.Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,482 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85Our pick

From Lahaina, ride a small zodiac raft for whale watching from December to April or dolphin watching and coastal sightseeing in summer. A marine naturalist explains local wildlife, and whale-season trips use a hydrophone to pick up whale songs. Crews have included Captain Jack and marine biologist Jess, though the team can vary.

“We had a memorable time seeing the whales & some babies. The highlight was hearing the whale songs. Description of beverages on board is a little misleading; only water was offered upon request.”

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2.Ultimate 4 Hour Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Encounter

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 927 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $175

From Lahaina, a captain and crew take you by boat to two snorkel spots near Lanai and Maui. Gear, flotation aids, reef-safe sunscreen, snacks, and drinks are included. Look for dolphins, turtles, colorful fish, and seasonal whales, with guides such as Jill, Casey, Lexi, and Chad leading outings.

“This is a great option for snorkeling and dolphin watching. They take you to two spots, one with fish and one with turtles. Also stopped and saw a pod of dolphins jumping out of the water and surfing waves. Casey and Jill were fun, informative, and all around great tour guides. If you want a smaller boat, smaller group, and more intimate experience, this is the tour I would book.”

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3.Eco-Raft Tour: Maui-Lanai Snorkel / Dolphin Watch (Semi-Private)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 259 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $96

Set out from Lahaina on a small raft for a two-hour dolphin watch or a snorkel trip that may reach Lanai, depending on sea conditions. The crew provides lifeguard-led snorkel instruction, gear, snacks, drinks, and marine naturalist narration. Crews vary, with captains such as Jack and Jill among those who have led trips. Winter tours may combine snorkeling with whale watching.

“Terrific tour! All it was advertised to be, with attention to the small group and maximizing on best experience possible given the daily weather conditions. Incredible boat staff!”

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4.Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Watch from Maalaea

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 235 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $183

Leave Maalaea Harbor on a 65-foot, two-deck catamaran for a five-hour outing toward Lanai. Certified marine naturalists provide snorkel gear, basic instruction, and a fish identification class. Expect about 90 minutes in the water, breakfast and lunch, and a chance to spot wild dolphins. Wind can change the destination, so confirm the route before departure.

“Great day on the water! I enjoyed the staff, who are passionate advocates for the environment and education.”

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5.Lanai Deluxe Dolphin Adventure & 3 Snorkel Sites

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 102 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $200

Leave Lahaina at 8 a.m. aboard a fast rafting vessel for two or three snorkel stops off Lanai, with breakfast, lunch, snacks, and gear included. The crew may spot spinner dolphins, turtles, rays, or reef sharks, but wildlife sightings vary. Captain Jill and crew members such as Emma, Hannah, and Amy have been praised for their care and local knowledge.

“Loved seeing 100-150 Spinner Dolphins. The fish were so colorful and the corals were beautiful. We had a great captain named Chris and his wonderful helper Emma. Both were fun, knowledgeable and courteous. Emma especially took extra measures to be sure everyone was well taken care of. Lots of fun and the captain showed us such beautiful sites. Truly a memorable experience.”

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6.Half Day Snorkel to Lanai from Kaanapali Beach + Dolphin Search

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 99 reviews · 4 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $192

Board at Kaanapali Beach for a half-day trip to Lanai, with two coastal snorkel stops and a search for spinner dolphins. Captain Dan and crew members such as Marissa, Jacob, Nico, or Willow may lead the outing. Gear, flotation devices, breakfast, and drinks are included. Expect a long open-water ride, and possible humpback sightings from December 15 to May 15.

“Very organized, efficient and such nice people working on the boat. I would 100% recommend this tour.”

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7.Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 98 reviews · 5 hours · from $172

From Maalaea Harbor, ride a 65-foot catamaran to Lanai for a guided reef snorkel and a chance to spot wild dolphins, turtles, and other marine life. Certified Marine Naturalists lead a reef tour, while breakfast, a grilled lunch, snorkel gear, and drinks are included. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“It was very good trip! We see so many dolphins and the snorkeling was also very exiting. A lot of fishes and one turtle. But we do not swim with Dolphins, which is understandable. The food and drinks were plenty and really delicious! A lot of value for the money! Thank you! I will come back with my kid.”

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8.Maui Eco-Raft: 2 Hour Dolphin Watch Sightsee Tour (Semi-Private)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 95 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $96

From Lahaina, join a small-group eco-raft tour along the coasts of West Maui and Lanai. A marine naturalist shares facts about dolphins, turtles, and other sea life while you watch from close to the water. Snacks and drinks are included, and lunch wraps are an optional upgrade. Sightings are not guaranteed, and there is no snorkeling.

“The crew was fantastic. Very informative and funny. Was amazed by the number of dolphins we saw. So glad we did this.”

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9.Kaanapali Dolphin Watching Boat Trip with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 85 reviews · 2h 30m · from $139

Board Teralani Sailing Adventures’ luxury catamaran directly from Ka’anapali Beach for a 150-minute sail along Maui’s coast. Look for wild dolphins with an English-speaking marine naturalist, enjoy chef-inspired pupus, lunch, and an open bar, and take in views of the West Maui Mountains. Crew members on past trips have included Captain Bama, Conner, Danielle, and Aleia.

“We saw so many dolphins and even saw a few whales after the season ended! The food was delicious. The crew was friendly and knowledgeable. Cannot recommend it enough.”

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10.Lana’i Snorkel And Dolphin Quest with Maui Turtle Spot Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 33 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Join Maui Ocean Adventures for a roughly 4.5-hour morning boat trip from Lahaina to snorkel off Lanai and West Maui, weather permitting. The crew supplies snorkel gear, guidance, and snacks, including banana bread with lilikoi spread. Captains Levi and Lainie have led some trips, but crew members can vary. Expect a small group, open-water conditions, and no restroom aboard.

“Fantastic crew, Emma and Lani were amazing! The snacks/drinks provided were yummy! Lani and Emma provided safety and Oceanic education! Would book again!!! smaller boat for a great size for snorkeling. Boat provided storage for our belongings to keep dry too!”

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11.Semi-Private Eco-Raft Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 11 reviews · 4 - 5 hours · from $204

Ride a 37-foot raft from Lahaina to Lanai with fewer than 18 people, three certified lifeguard marine naturalists, snorkel instruction and gear. Expect two or three possible snorkel sites, food and time to watch for dolphins. Crew names vary; Captain Jack, Olivia, Nicole, Mark and Jill have led trips.

“We saw an incredible number of whales, because our guide was so knowledgeable”

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12.Eco-Raft Dolphin Watch Tour with Snacks

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 8 reviews · 2 hours · from $96

From Lahaina, join a two-hour, small-group eco-raft trip along the coasts of West Maui and Lanai. A marine naturalist shares facts about local wildlife and the islands while you watch for dolphins, turtles, rays, and other marine life. You stay aboard and dry. Snacks and drinks are included; sightings are never guaranteed.

“Amazing trip!! Hosts were great, saw lots of dolphins!”

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