Have you ever wanted to see a whale up close? If so, private whale watching in Maui is an experience you’ll never forget.
On these tours, you’ll not only see whales, but you’ll also learn about these amazing creatures from expert guides.
Private Whale Watching Maui
Maui is the perfect place to be to see all kinds of different whales! Here is a list of some private tours to look at in Maui that will help you spot one of the many species of whales that live in the Hawaiian Islands.
1. Private Kayak & Whale Watch Tour (7am-10am)
Price: $200 per person
Reviews: 65+ reviews (5/5 stars) #1 on Viator
Duration: 3 hours long
Departs From: Makena
Includes:
- Free Digital Photos that you will get the same day as your tour!
- Bottled water
- Reef Safe Sunscreen
2. Hawaiian Canoe Sailing Experience in Maui
Price: $179 per person
Reviews: 10+ reviews (4.5/5 stars)
Duration: 2 hours long
Departs From: Makena
Includes:
- Use of Snorkeling equipment
- Bottled water
3. Private kayak whale watch and snorkel tour
Price: $250 per person
Reviews: 10+ reviews (5/5 stars)
Duration: 4 hours long
Departs From: Makena
Includes:
- Free Digital Photos that you will get same day as your tour!
- Reef Safe Sunscreen
- Water and Snacks
4. Private Charter Around Lanai Island 7 Hr Snorkeling Tour
Price: $6,500 per group
Reviews: 5/5 stars
Duration: 7 hours long
Departs From: Kaanapali
Includes:
- Beverages
- Local guide
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Use of Snorkeling equipment
5. Luxury Private Charter aboard Sea Monkey – 6 Passengers Max
Price: $1,600 per group (up to 6 people)
Reviews: 5/5 stars
Duration: 4 hours long
Departs From: Lahaina Harbor
Includes:
- Lunch
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Soda/Pop
- Use of Snorkeling equipment
Why Maui for Private Whale Watching?
Maui is world-renowned for its exceptional whale watching. The humpback whales that migrate to the Hawaiian Islands each winter are a source of fascination and wonder for visitors from all over the globe.
Maui offers some of the most intimate and up-close encounters with these gentle giants anywhere in the world.
If you’re looking for a truly special whale watching experience, private tours are the way to go. Private whale watching Maui tours offer smaller groups and more personalized attention, ensuring you have an unforgettable encounter with these amazing animals.
Plus, you can choose the pace and itinerary of your tour, making sure it fits perfectly with your needs and interests.
When to Go to Maui for Private Whale Watching
The best time to go whale watching in Maui is from December through April when whales are migrating to and from their summer feeding grounds. However, sightings of whales can occur at any time of year.
When to See Humpback Whales in Maui
There are two seasons for seeing humpback whales in Maui. The first is in the winter from December through March. This is the best season to go because you are almost guaranteed a whale sighting!
The second season is in Fall from September to November. They will sometimes start appearing in September, however, more often they will come in October.
It is rare to spot whales during this time of year but not impossible!
When to See Short-Finned Pilot Whales in Maui
These whales are somewhat rare to spot in Maui so if you are lucky enough to see one then it is a real treat. To see short-finned pilot whales in Maui you are going to want to go during peak whale watching season which is from mid-December to the end of March.
When to See False Killer Whales
These whales are rare to spot in Maui and you will have to be pretty far offshore to spot one. To see false killer whales in Maui you are going to want to go during peak whale watching season which is from mid-December to the end of March.
When to See Whale Sharks in Maui
March to June is going to be the best time to spot a whale shark in Maui. These massive whales are somewhat rare to see so make sure that you talk to your guide before you go and tell them that this is the whale that you want to see.
Species of Whales in Maui
There are four varieties of whales that you can see while whale watching in Maui. Most common is the humpback, then short-finned pilot, then false killer whales, and lastly whale sharks.
Best Spots in Maui for Whale Watching
If you want guaranteed whale sightings then you are going to want to go to the Maui Nui Basin. This is the area between Maui, Lanai, and Kaho’olawe.
This area is a protected area for whales so make sure that you check with your guide before heading out.
To get here you are going to have to leave from Lahaina Harbor and take the 30 minutes to an hour boat ride out into the middle of the ocean to see these magnificent animals.
If you want a more private whale-watching experience then this post about private boat charters in Maui is perfect for you!
Best Time of Day for Whale Watching In Maui
The best time to see whales in Maui is when the water is the calmest. This means that early morning and sunset are going to be the best time to go.
If you want good lighting though then you are going to want to go around 11-3 pm, however, the water is a little more choppy so you might not have as good of a chance to see them.
What to Bring Private Whale Watching in Maui
Since the weather on Maui can be quite variable, it’s always a good idea to dress in layers. Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, binoculars, and some snacks and drinks.
Other Sealife in Maui
Maui is not only home to whales, there are many different sea animals in Maui.
On your whale-watching tour, you might be lucky enough to see Spinner Dolphins (Very common), Bottlenose Dolphins (Somewhat common), Blacktip Reef Sharks (common), Whitetip Reef Sharks (common), and even Hammerhead Sharks (rare).
If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, private whale watching in Maui is definitely the way to go.
With knowledgeable guides and plenty of whales to see, it’s an amazing adventure that you’ll never forget. Have you gone on a whale watching tour before? What was your experience like?
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Dayna Brockbank is a travel and language-learning blogger who has lived around the world but has now settled in Nice, France. She speaks 3 languages at varying levels of fluency: Spanish, Italian, and French, and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Spanish Education. She and her husband focus on making travel part of life by living cheaply and traveling on a budget.