9 Maui Dolphin Watching Tours Worth Booking

1.Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,482 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85Our pick

From December to April, search for humpback whales from a low-water zodiac raft with guides such as Captain Jack, Mark, or Olivia. Hear whale songs through a hydrophone and learn about Maui’s marine life. Summer departures focus on dolphins and coastal scenery. Plan to get wet.

“Guides were excellent. Very knowledgeable about the whales, super friendly, and very focused on making sure we got good sightings.”

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2.Ultimate 4 Hour Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Encounter

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 927 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $175

Leave Lahaina at 9 a.m. for two snorkel stops near Lanai and Maui, with crews such as Jill, Casey, Lexi, and Chad guiding the way. Expect reefs, turtles, dolphins, possible sharks, seasonal whales, snacks, drinks, and a boat limited to 26 people.

“Great trip - we saw whales, dolphins, and snorkeled in an amazing place. Lexi and Jill were our amazing crew on this journey. We had a fantastic time and highly recommend this trip.”

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3.Eco-Raft Tour: Maui-Lanai Snorkel / Dolphin Watch (Semi-Private)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 259 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $96

From Lahaina, Hawaii Ocean Rafting takes small groups of up to 15 toward Lanai for snorkel stops, dolphin watching, marine education, and Hawaiian stories. Certified lifeguards provide gear and instruction. Choose a five-hour snorkel trip, a seasonal snorkel and whale-watch combo, or a two-hour sightseeing cruise.

“This was an incredible snorkel and whale watching trip. Jill took us to one of the best snorkel sites we'd ever been too. Plenty to see and do. On the return trip we encountered a whale decide to put on a 30-40 minute acrobatic show for us just 100 feet away. This whale must have breached 15-20 times, did 20 or more tail slaps and fin slaps. Beyond awesome! All in all an incredible experience. Thank you Jill and crew.”

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4.Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Watch from Maalaea

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 235 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $183

Cruise from Ma'alaea to Lanai aboard a 65-foot Pacific Whale Foundation catamaran. You’ll get breakfast, lunch, snorkel gear, fish lessons, and about 90 minutes at a Lanai reef, with chances to see spinner dolphins and seasonal humpback whales. Captain Emily has earned special praise for her warm family welcome.

“Best high light of the day was seeing dolphins and baby dolphins 🐬 by the boat and of course snorkel as well definitely recommend! 😍”

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5.Lanai Deluxe Dolphin Adventure & 3 Snorkel Sites

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 102 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $200

Leave Mala Boat Ramp at 8 a.m. on a fast raft for Lanai’s cliffs, reefs, and dolphin waters. Captain Jill, Emma, Hannah, Amy, and other crew members lead small groups of up to 26, with gear, flotation, breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks included. Expect a lively six-hour ocean outing.

“The captain and crew were amazing! We had the best time and highly recommend this trip. Could not have been more impressed by the quality of the trip. The boat was comfortable and had lots of room. The gear was great and we saw a group of 400 dolphins along with three very cool places to snorkel. And encountered sea turtles, flying fish, whales in the distance and even got to see friendly reef sharks they the crew knew about and gave the option to get in or not. I would recommend to anybody advanced or beginner. Great for children too.”

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6.Half Day Snorkel to Lanai from Kaanapali Beach + Dolphin Search

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 99 reviews · 4 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $192

Ride from Kaanapali Beach to Lanai with Captain Dan and a friendly crew, stopping at two quieter snorkel sites. You get breakfast, drinks, gear, flotation devices, and an onboard restroom. Spinner dolphins may appear on the crossing, while humpback whales are possible from December 15 through May 15.

“This is half day excursion with whale watching on the 46-60 min boat ride out to Lanai. You snorkel in two spots in Lanai before heading back. On our trip we saw lots of whales and our guide, Jacob, was friendly and informative telling us interesting facts about whales and the Hawaiian islands. It was rougher than usual at Lanai so Jacob and Dan were kind enough to take us to the other side of the island where the waters were calmer. Highly recommend this trip especially with Jacob and Dan. They were great.”

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7.Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 98 reviews · 5 hours · from $172

Sail from Maalaea Harbor to Lanai aboard a 65-foot catamaran for reef snorkeling, dolphin watching, and marine life viewing. Certified Marine Naturalists lead a reef tour, while breakfast, grilled lunch, drinks, and a kids’ Junior Naturalist program make this a well-rounded half-day outing.

“It was very good trip! We see so many dolphins and the snorkeling was also very exiting. A lot of fishes and one turtle. But we do not swim with Dolphins, which is understandable. The food and drinks were plenty and really delicious! A lot of value for the money! Thank you! I will come back with my kid.”

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8.Maui Eco-Raft: 2 Hour Dolphin Watch Sightsee Tour (Semi-Private)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 95 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $96

Board a low-to-water eco-raft in Lahaina for two hours of dry sightseeing along West Maui and Lanai. Marine naturalists such as Captain Jack, Captain Hack, Bree, and Nicole share facts about dolphins, whales, turtles, and island life. Expect spray, snacks, and wild sightings that can never be promised.

“The crew was fantastic. Very informative and funny. Was amazed by the number of dolphins we saw. So glad we did this.”

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9.Kaanapali Dolphin Watching Boat Trip with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 85 reviews · 2h 30m · from $139

Board a luxury catamaran from Ka'anapali Beach for a 150-minute wild dolphin sail with lunch, chef-inspired pupus, an open bar, and an English-speaking marine naturalist. You get 360-degree views, direct beach loading, and a real chance to see dolphins, though sightings are not guaranteed.

“Good but I would to schedule it again since We didnt have the chance to meet the dolphins”

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