Whale Watching from South Maui (rafting) for less than $89!
There are two great things about this Maui whale-watching tour! First, it leaves from Kihei in South Maui (super convenient). Second, you’ll love the chance for close encounters from their power raft on this 1.5-hour, 15-passenger tour. Booking here saves you $10 per ticket!
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Activity Overview
Book directly with Redline Rafting by clicking the link below and save $10 compared to their retail rate of $99. They may also be offering their $75 special on their 11 am tour!
They will email you a confirmation email and take care of the rest of your whale-watching tour! Booking here helps us write more Hawaii travel info, at no cost to you. Mahalo for your support!
This tour is only available during the annual humpback whale migration season. Tickets are available from January through March.
Whale Watching Highlights with Redline Rafting
The whale-watching tour on their power raft leaves from Kihei Small Boat Ramp on South Maui, between Kihei and Wailea (click here for directions).
See the most stunning marine life in their natural habitat on this amazing whale-watching tour. Humpback whales migrate to the Hawaiian Islands during the winter months, December to March, for the purpose of calving and mating. The warm inshore waters surrounding the Hawaiian islands offer the young whales protection from predators as they build up enough body fat for their 3,000-mile journey north.
Watch as humpback whales complete acrobatic breaches, pec slaps, spy hopping, and more. Whale sightings are not guaranteed, but the captain and crew are experts at spotting them. They abide by federal requirements to maintain a safe distance from the whales to avoid disturbing them.
While whales can be spotted all over the island, they usually head down to the calmer waters of West and South Maui.
- 3 tours are available daily (7 AM, 9 AM, and 11 AM)
- Check in 30 minutes prior to departure at Kihei Small Boat Ramp
- Small group tours of a maximum of 15 passengers
- Onboard marine naturalist
- Guaranteed to see and hear humpback whales
- Onboard hydrophone to listen to the whales
- 1.5-hour tours
Our Experience with Redline Rafting
We have recommended Redline Rafting for years, as they are a local company and provide unique snorkeling tours around South Maui. We had a blast with them on their 2-hr Molokini Crater tour. Watch our experience with them below.
Learn more about their 2-hour and 5-hour Molokini snorkeling tours here.
Redline Rafting Whale Watching Review: Why We Love It
Redline Rafting whale-watching tours offer a good tour size on a comfortable boat. We like whale watching from a power raft for its ability to cover more ground to find the whales and since they are close to the surface, whales take a natural interest in taking close looks.
Between their knowledgeable crew and the great departure location in South Maui, this is a great whale-watching tour.
Power raft is super fun
Power rafting tours add adventure to your whale-watching. Their quick and comfortable rafts get you out on Maui’s water to find and respectfully watch the whales.
1.5-Hour Duration Tours
3 tours are offered daily for 1.5 hours. Ages 8 and older are welcome. All tours leave in the morning as the trade winds pick up in the afternoon, making for a rough ride.
Departs from Kihei Small Boat Ramp
Located off South Kihei Road between Kihei and Wailea, this is the ideal departure location for a quick and fun whale-watching experience.
Excellent Crew
Super friendly, knowledgeable, great reviews, and we enjoyed going out with them too. If you’re going to spend 1.5 hours on a boat, it’s helpful to enjoy the crew members and tour guides.
Redline Rafting Whale Watching Review: Things to consider
Power rafts make for an adventurous ride. While we love to hold on tight to the side rope and have our feet under the jackline, some folks don’t love tours like this one. While the ride is smooth and comfortable, you may be sitting on the side of the inflatable raft or in a seat inside the raft.
There is also no shade canopy (except for the Captain) so bring that sun-protective clothing!
Due to the adventurous nature of this trip, it is not recommended for pregnant women, people with back or neck problems, elderly or fragile people, or children under 8.
If your plans change, they do have a strict cancellation policy. They offer a full refund if you cancel your trip 48 hours in advance.
If you’d prefer a more comfortable whale watching experience, like on a luxury catamaran, then we highly recommend this South Maui Whale Watching tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is check-in and departure?
They offer three time slots for their whale-watching tours (January through March only). Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure (the stated tour time) as they leave promptly!
Where do I check in?
Check-in is at the boat ramp, look for their red and grey raft located at the Kihei Small Boat Ramp.
What is the cancellation policy?
In the unfortunate event that a cancellation is necessary, they require 48 hours’ notice of the cancellation or reschedule from the check-in time . This allows them enough time to find new friends to enjoy the coastline. Cancellations within 48 hours will be assessed the full fare.
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