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Maui Activities Whale Watching

Ultimate Whale Watch Tours from Lahaina (10% Off!)

Ultimate Whale Watch and Snorkel has been rated Maui’s #1 whale-watching tour and we agree! Their small power rafts are our favorite way to go whale watching. Tours depart from Mala Ramp (near the Cannery Mall). Take 10% off with promo code HVG on their 2-Hour, $88 whale tour!

ultimate whale watching tour review

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. The Hawai’i Vacation Guide has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Hawai’i Vacation Guide and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Read about our affiliate policies here.

Activity Overview

  • Departs From: Maui – Lahaina/Ka’anapali (West)
  • Duration: 1.5 hrs to 2 hrs
  • Price: $77
  • Included in the price: small group tour (26 or less), guaranteed sightings, marine naturalist guide, hydrophone to listen to whale songs
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Our Experience

Our family has been going out with the Ultimate Whale Watch and Snorkel’s Ohana for years. We have made many videos sharing our experiences with them and whale watching on Maui.

Save 10% on their 2-hour, $88 Whale Watching Tour with promo code HVG

Hawaii Vacation Guide Coupon Codes Ultimate Whale Watch Maui
Enter HVG in the reservation box. If you get an error, try a different browser or clear your cache.

Check out one of our whale-watching videos below to see what to expect with Ultimate.

Reasons to Go Whale Watching With Ultimate

Want to ditch the crowds? Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel offers small group tours aboard their raft (26 or fewer guests).

Check out their most popular, 2-Hour Ka’anapali Beach Whale Watching Tour.

We enjoy whale watching on a power raft because you can see so much on a 2-hour whale-watching tour. Speed along in a high-speed raft to find the humpback whales (they don’t chase!) all over the channel.

Whale Watching Tip! Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel guarantees sightings. Book your whale-watching tour early in your vacation. In case you don’t see whales, they will rebook you for free. Don’t get me wrong, you will most likely see whales as you leave the Lahaina Harbor in January and February!

Onboard Naturalist

A marine naturalist is onboard to answer all your questions

Listen to Whale Songs

They will dip the hydrophone in the water so you can listen to whale songs

Bring Your Camera

Bring your phone or a professional camera for pictures. We like to bring our GoPro (underwater camera) on a selfie stick to get underwater shots.

1.5 or 4-Hour Duration Tours

Tours start at 1.5 hours. The most popular tour is 2 hours. Ages 4 and older are welcome.

Departs from West Maui

They are currently departing from Mala Boat Ramp but this may change. See the FAQ below for more details.

Whale Watch + Snorkel

What this team is famous for, is combining whale watching with a snorkel tour to the best spots on Maui. Click below to learn more!

Book with Ultimate Whale Watch
ultimate whale watch tour review close encounters
Bring your underwater camera to capture those close encounters!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Please note this trip does not permit participation for guests with back injuries, neck injuries, or pregnant women. Children must be 4+ years old. There is a 24-hour cancellation policy for all group charters.

Where do tours depart?

Ultimate Whale Watch and Snorkel tours used to depart from Lahaina Harbor, but since the destruction of the harbor in the August 8, 2023 fire they have had to change course.

They depart from Mala Ramp, just north of Lahaina and near the Cannery Mall and Star Noodle.

What does the marine naturalist do onboard?

Ultimate Whale Watch has a wonderful team of marine naturalists. Their marine naturalist guides will be on board sharing marine educational info.

ultimate whale watch with owner Lee
The Hawaii Vacation Guide with Lee, the owner and operator for Ultimate Whale Watch and Snorkel!

Can I bring a good camera?

Absolutely! Bring a GoPro or another suitable waterproof camera to get underwater shots. You can also bring your fancy camera, but there may be light spray, so make sure you can keep it dry.

Does Ultimate Whale Watch provide transport from my hotel or condo?

While staying on the island, you will probably find it cheaper and more convenient to rent a car. Otherwise, several taxi companies can assist you or Uber or Lyft.

What do I bring on the snorkeling trip?

Bring a hat, sunglasses, and a camera! There is dry storage onboard for backpacks and purses. Will I get seasick?

Will I get seasick?

These small, fast-moving boats tend to cause less seasickness than other types of boats. However, as a precaution, motion sickness medicine should be taken the night before the tour to solve all worries.

Are the boats covered?

Yes, there is a shade canopy on all the rafts. You can choose to sit in the shade on benches or on the raft edges at the front!

About Ultimate Whale Watch

We have never been disappointed with a whale watching or snorkel tour from the Ultimate Whale Watch and Snorkel Team. Henry loves going out on their rafts during whale season. They have seasoned captains who volunteer their time and money to rescue whales in Maui’s waters and have the best naturalists on board.

We are affiliate partners with Ultimate Whale Watch and Snorkel and Viator which means we receive a small commission for each completed booking made through this site. This is done without any additional cost to you. You can read more about our affiliate policies here. Know that we only recommend tour operators that we know and trust. Your positive experience and your trust in us mean more than any affiliate commission. By booking tours through our website you help us to provide free information and videos to help you and other readers plan their perfect Hawaii vacation. Thank you so much for your support — you are amazing!

Book with Ultimate Whale Watch
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