If you’re looking for a Maui whale watching tour that feels relaxed, scenic, and well worth your time, this one is a great option.
We went whale watching with PacWhale Eco-Adventures during peak season, and the conditions could not have been better.
The weather was perfect, the ocean was calm, and the views of Maui from the water were just as memorable as the whales themselves.
We saw whales up close throughout the tour, doing exactly what you’d expect to see during whale season, and it never felt rushed or crowded.
Overall, it was an easy, enjoyable experience and something we really loved doing together on our anniversary while visiting Maui.
Here’s what the PacWhale Eco-Adventures tours are like and what you should know before booking.
The Best Maui Whale Watching Tour
I had been whale watching twice in California before without seeing a single whale, so this was very exciting for me!
We recommend doing the PacWhale Eco-Adventures Whale Watch Sail Deluxe Tour in Ma’alaea.
The main difference between the deluxe tour and the regular tour is that drinks and lunch are included with the deluxe tour and the deluxe tour is about 30 minutes longer.
At full price it’s only $30 more to take this tour, so it’s worth the splurge, but definitely not necessary.
Below is a video compilation of our photos and videos from our tour.
Click Here To Book Your Standard PacWhale Eco-Adventures Whale Watching Tour Today!
Food and Drinks Onboard The Deluxe Tour
When we took our tour, 3 alcoholic drinks were included for adults 21+, but now it just includes 2.
On our excursion we were able to enjoy a couple Mai Tai’s, Blue Hawaiians, and an IPA from Maui Brewing Co.
Don’t worry, we also drank plenty of water!
For lunch, we enjoyed chips and salsa, fresh fruit, pulled pork sliders with a bean and corn casserole, and a brownie.
The current menu has had some updates, but it now includes:
- Refreshments: unlimited soda, juice, filtered water, plus for guests 21+ (with ID), two adult premium beverages are included.
- Lunch Menu:
- 1st course: fruit salad with toasted coconut
- 2nd course: teriyaki chicken with mango chutney, vegan beyond hamburger steak with vegetarian mushroom gravy, japanese sticky rice, “local-style” potato salad-macaroni salad
- Dessert: triple chocolate chip brownie
Whale Sightings
All tours have a Naturalist onboard that will tell you anything and everything you would want to know about the whales here.
We learned all the different types of behavior they’ll display, as well as their “family” dynamics.
They also help you spot any whales off in the distance since you can’t look in every direction at once!
As a rule, these boats cannot come within about 100 yards or so of the whales because they are in protected waters.
However, whales are free to come up to the boat on their own.
One little humpback whale did just that!
The whale just came right up to say hello and rolled around all over the place before swimming off.
It was the cutest!
You can check it out in the video at the top of this post.
The video also features the whales singing underwater.
The tour included a hydrophone to listen to the whales and they played it over the speakers for several minutes so we could all hear.
Also be prepared for some whale related trivia!
We played a trivia game while on board and I will tell you we did not do very well.
Click Here To Book Your Standard PacWhale Eco-Adventures Whale Watching Tour Today!
Things To Bring With You On The Tour
You don’t want to forget your sunscreen on this tour.
3 hours of direct sunlight can be brutal on your skin if you’re not prepared.
Though we didn’t get in the water at all, we still wore our “reef safe” sunscreen.
Those are the sunscreens made with zinc oxide and are also known as mineral sunscreens.
They leave a white coating on your skin, BUT if you are getting in the ocean at all in Maui, you have to use this type of sunscreen.
All other types of sunscreen are actually banned on Maui due to their impact on the environment.
From what I understand, you can bring other types with you, but you can’t purchase other types while you’re there.
We bought ours from Costco once we arrived.
I also recommend a light jacket or something that covers your shoulders just in case.
It was really a lifesaver for me.
Additionally, if you have binoculars, those would be great to bring with you on this tour.
JP brought some and had been using them to look for whales from our hotel balcony each day, so it wasn’t any sort of added burden to bring them with us for the day.
Click Here To Book Your Standard PacWhale Eco-Adventures Whale Watching Tour Today!
More Fun Things To Do On Maui
There are so many great things to do on a vacation on Maui and no, I don’t recommend just sitting at the pool or beach at your resort all week.
Here are the must-do’s on the island.
Best Luaus On Maui
You have to go to a luau at least once when you’re visiting any of the Hawaiian islands.
Our luau was on a smaller scale than some of the most popular ones on the island, but the more intimate show was a great introduction to Hawaiian luaus.
We also have a guide on what to wear to a luau!
Road To Hana Full Loop Drive
I highly recommend driving the full loop route if the weather permits.
Most visitors just drive to Hana and back, but there is so much more to do and see!
Click Here To Download Your Self Guided Road To Hana Full Loop Tour Today!
West Maui Coastline Driving Tour
West Maui has a ton of lesser known spots that are just as scenic as the rest of Maui.
Some of our favorite beaches and towns, like Kapalua are in this area!
Click Here To Download Your West Maui Coastline Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour Today!
Maui Mini Golf Park
In the same parking lot as the whale watching tours in Ma’alaea Harbor, you can enjoy mini golf and other activities like rock wall climbing.
It’s a fun activity for when you have extra time before or after your tour.
Sunset Dinner Cruises
Sunset dinner cruises are a great opportunity for whale watching and having a romantic dinner all in one.
The menu was phenomenal and it was just long enough to enjoy our meal, enjoy the sunset, and look for whales and dolphins.
Click Here To Book Your Sunset Dinner Cruise Today!
Where To Stay On Maui
I highly recommend staying at Ka’anapali Beach Club when you’re visiting Maui.
I recommend this resort specifically because for the same price as a standard hotel room, you’ll get a full kitchen, balcony with ocean views, a jacuzzi tub, separate bedroom and living spaces, and more.
If this room type is available, I recommend trying to book the one bedroom Deluxe Oceanview Suite.
You can see the full room tour in this video below.
Click Here To Book Your Stay At Ka’anapali Beach Club Today!
Where To Eat On Maui
We spent 6 days on Maui trying all the best restaurants and some of the hidden gems.
We’ve compiled them all into a list of the best restaurants on Maui.
One Week Maui Itinerary
Maui has so many great whale watching tour operators, but the best one to go with is PacWhale Eco-Adventures whether it’s their deluxe tour, standard tour, or another kind.
To make the most of your Maui vacation, check out our 6 Day 5 Night Complete Maui Itinerary, which is perfect for a honeymoon, anniversary trip, or just because!