Maui Whale Watching Snorkel Tour

Exceptional Whale Watching Value

Experience Maui in winter at its most unforgettable. Enjoy two full hours of whale watching during peak season, followed by a snorkel stop chosen by the captain based on the day’s safest, clearest conditions.

Pride of Maui is one of the island’s most stable and spacious catamarans. The vessel includes two restrooms, warm freshwater showers, submerged ladders, shaded seating, an indoor cabin, a water slide, a large hardwood bar, and over 2,500 square feet of open deck space for panoramic viewing.

Whale Watching on Maui

From December through March, North Pacific humpback whales gather in the warm, shallow waters surrounding Maui. This region hosts one of the highest seasonal concentrations of humpbacks in the world. Guests may witness breaching, tail-lobbing, pectoral slaps, spy-hopping, escort pairs, and curious calves practicing beside their mothers.

During peak season, sightings are frequent and often spectacular. Our captain and crew position the vessel responsibly to provide excellent viewing opportunities while following all federal whale protection guidelines.

For more than one reason, the Island of Maui is consistently rated among the best places in the world to visit—something both locals and humpback whales seem to agree upon. Each winter, these remarkable mammals journey from cold Alaskan waters to Hawaiʻi’s warm, protected ocean for their annual breeding season.

Early arrivals may appear as soon as October, and numbers steadily grow through the holidays as more pods and escorts reach Maui. Whale Season spans from mid-fall to April, with peak viewing typically from January through March.

Common Behaviors
Guests may observe blowing, spy-hopping, fin and tail slaps, competition among males, escort pairs, and playful calves learning beside their mothers. Mature humpbacks reach about 40 ft and average 40 tons, though some grow larger; newborn calves weigh roughly 1–1.5 tons and reach up to 14 ft in length.

Restrictions
Data from NOAA, Hawaiʻi DLNR, and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary outline strict federal protections for all North Pacific humpback whales. These baleen whales are classified as a protected species. Approaching them within 100 yards is prohibited, and Pride of Maui strictly follows these regulations.

Curious whales may sometimes approach vessels on their own. These moments offer exceptional viewing, but the vessel remains stationary to ensure compliance and safety.

Snorkeling on a whale watching tour gives guests a fun, relaxing break between viewing periods. While whale watching is the primary focus of the day, our snorkel stop offers a chance to see Maui’s colorful reef fish, corals, and vibrant underwater scenery.

Snorkeling in Maui
Warm, clear conditions support an incredible diversity of tropical marine life. Guests may see Moorish idols, butterflyfish, angelfish, wrasse, triggerfish, and more. Snorkeling is suitable for beginners, and sanitized gear is provided.

Guarantee
Whale numbers continue to increase through mid-January, with peak sightings January through March. Our whale sighting guarantee provides a free pass for a future whale watch if no whales are seen. (Guarantee applies January–March only; December and April sightings vary with migration timing.)

Snorkel Gear
We provide all sanitized snorkel gear needed for a comfortable experience, with optional wetsuits available for rent.

Amenities
Pride of Maui’s wide, stable platform offers ample viewing space and unobstructed photo angles. Amenities include a hardwood bar, warm showers, submerged ladders for easy entry and exit, restrooms, commercial BBQ grills, and a water slide for added fun after snorkeling.

Crew & Safety
Safety is our highest priority. Our captains and crew are trained in CPR, emergency response, and in-water support. Lifeguards are posted in the water and onboard during snorkeling. Pride of Maui operations follow modern navigation and safety standards so guests can relax and enjoy the experience.

Biology
North Pacific humpback whales generally range from 25–40 tons and can reach 60 ft in length. Calves are born at roughly 12–14 ft and gain weight rapidly on nutrient-rich milk. Adult humpbacks feed in Alaskan waters and rely on stored energy during their stay in Hawaiʻi.

Behavior
Humpbacks are known for expressive surface behaviors. Competitive pods of males may display head-slapping, tail-slapping, and breaching while vying for a female’s attention. Females with calves may seek sheltered areas where newborns can nurse and rest.

Conservation
Federal protections enacted through the Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1969 and the Marine Mammal Protection Act safeguard humpbacks from harassment and hunting. Tour operators in Hawaiʻi—including Pride of Maui—uphold strict viewing guidelines to protect these remarkable animals.

Migration
Humpbacks migrate roughly 3,500 miles from Alaska to Hawaiʻi, a journey that takes several weeks. They begin arriving as early as October, with peak numbers in winter, and depart gradually through April. Maui’s shallow, warm waters create ideal conditions for calving and social behavior.

Mating
Humpback mating is not directly observed in Hawaiʻi, but male displays during the season suggest active competition. Genetic studies show that calves from a single female often have different fathers across years.

Lunch
Your freshly grilled BBQ lunch features cheese and crackers, big juicy burgers, jumbo hot dogs, potato chips, a fresh fruit platter, and ginger shoyu chicken. Save room for our homemade macadamia white-chocolate chip cookies, baked daily.

If your party includes vegetarian or vegan guests, please contact us at least 72 hours in advance at 808-242-0955.

Premium Open Bar
After snorkeling, enjoy an ice-cold selection from our Premium Open Bar, including Maui Brewing Company craft beer, crisp Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, premium Napa Chardonnay, and our signature Mai Tais. Non-alcoholic drinks include fruit juice, filtered water, and soda.