Maui Whale Watching Boat Tour

It’s official. I have witnessed my first breach of the season. Standing on shore, I saw the massive splash out on the horizon line. The kind of splash and spray that can only come from the awesome Humpback Whale. It’s that time of year again when the whales return to Hawaiian waters to give birth to their young and mate and what better way to see them then on a Maui whale watching boat tour! During this season, islanders and locals alike set sail on boat tours with hopes of experiencing the phenomenal presence of these 40 ton creatures in their element. Each Hawaiian island has companies that offer snorkeling tours at sea. From December to March (the peak of whale season) the chance to see these animals in action is an additional bonus to an already unforgettable nautical experience in Hawaii’s azure waters.

Whale watching can be done on any of the islands in the Hawaiian chain though Maui is known to be one of the best islands to observe these hefty breaches and mighty tail slaps. Maui is also the headquarters of the Pacific Whale Foundation, a non-profit that has set an example in education and preservation of whales, dolphins and other sea life. With an extensive choice of boat tour options, the foundation’s eco-adventure cruises are the perfect way to enjoy a seafaring adventure and support a group working to protect a fragile underwater world.

If you’re staying on Maui and want to see whales, consider a vacation rental in the Wailea or Kihei area. There are many Maui villas to choose from that are situated near idyllic beaches with fantastic sunset views. Golf, shopping and nightlife are also readily available in the midst of South Maui’s sunny, tropical setting. Some relatives of mine rented an accommodation in Wailea last year and were able to watch whales breaching from the shores of Polo beach. So inspired, they decided to get a closer look and booked a tour through the Pacific Whale Foundation.  Their tour launched from Maalaea, which was only about a twenty minute drive away from Wailea.  The foundation also has tours launching from Lahaina.

Tours with the Foundation are ecologically-minded, which my relatives appreciated. The boats are powered on bio-diesel (recycled vegetable oil) with low emissions and engines have been equipped with noise reducing devices. Because the mission of the organization is to preserve and protect, respect of the sea life is a top priority. Passengers are offered “reef safe” sunscreen, which naturally biodegrades in the water, keeping the reef where snorkelers swim pristine. Even the plates and utensils used for the food served on the boat are biodegradable.

The only challenge my relatives found with Pacific Whale Foundation’s boat tours was deciding which one to go on. They offer many different kinds of tours for all ages. Though seasonal whale watching can happen on any boat excursion, they feature a whale watching tour that focuses on these giants of the sea. Marine naturalists are on board to educate about the fascinating life and social structure of the Humpback.

You can chose a tour by the kind of sea life you’d most like to see by following their recommendations on which trip is most likely to encounter dolphins or sea turtles.

There are also bigger adventures available for ambitious snorkelers at distant Molokini. A snorkeler’s dream, Molokini’s underwater U shape makes an ideal home for fish and coral, some of which are found nowhere else in the world.

You can opt for a cruise by moonlight or a sunset excursion. All options are detailed at the Pacific Whale Foundation website. Booking a boat tour with them supports the group’s efforts to keep Hawaii’s oceans beautiful.

No matter which island you find yourself on this season, keep your eyes open on the horizon. The whales have returned!