Maui Catamaran Cruises: The 15 Best Days on Deck

1.Ma’alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tour Aboard Power Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 979 reviews · 2 hours · from $49Our pick

Cruise from Ma’alaea Harbor aboard Quicksilver’s double-deck power catamaran. Your captain and crew explain whale behavior while hydrophones bring their songs onboard. Look for calves, spy-hops, tail slaps, and breaches, with shaded seating, restrooms, and drinks included.

“The staff and Captain were extremely pleasant, informative and competent. The boat was very safe and comfortable with both open and under awning seating, bathroom and some snacks/drinks for sale. Plus they shared water during the sail. We saw whales immediately on leaving the harbor and the Captain did a great job of safely following blows and sightings. We saw breeches, flukes and fin waves, mommas and a baby. Additionally, the company worked with my husband and I when we had to reschedule due to some weather issues that affected our original date. Very gracious and accommodating. I would definitely recommend and definitely book this cruise again!!”

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2.‘Alihilani Sunset Sail Catamaran Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 348 reviews · from $114

Sail Maui’s Alihilani carries you through the Auau Channel from Maalaea Harbor for a two-hour sunset sail. Expect open-deck seating, trampoline nets, drinks, cold hors d’oeuvres, English-speaking crew, and possible dolphins or humpback whales from December through March.

“Absolutely amazing experience! Jamie, Nicholas, and Steven were a fantastic crew, and we would recommend this to anyone coming to Maui!”

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3.Molokini Snorkel and Performance Sail with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 224 reviews · 5 hours · from $200

Sail from Ma’alaea Harbor to Molokini on a fast catamaran with breakfast, snorkel gear, reef-safe sunscreen, lunch, and drinks included. You’ll snorkel in a protected volcanic crater, watch for whales from December through May, and may help at the helm with the crew.

“Such an amazing tour! A must do! Way better then the huge ships! Great crew, good food, excellent beer, and phenomenal snorkeling!”

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4.Molokini Snorkel and Performance Sail: Mā’alaea Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 214 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $200Top rated

Leave Mā’alaea Harbor at 7:30 am aboard Sail Maui’s catamaran for Molokini snorkeling, sailing, breakfast, lunch, and drinks. Crew members such as AJ, Brandon, Jeff, Micah, and Greg are praised for warm help, clear instruction, and family-friendly care. Whale sightings are possible in season.

“Guys absolutely outdone themselves. Amazing vessel, food, vibes and music was just right. If you’re looking for less mainstream experience - this is it. 11 out of 10”

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5.West Maui Snorkeling & Sailing Day Trip with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 210 reviews · from $200

Sail from Maalaea Harbor toward Lanai aboard a comfortable catamaran, with snorkel gear, breakfast, a buffet lunch, reef-safe sunscreen, and an open bar included. Captain Patrick, Captain Ron, James, Dan, and other crew members are noted for clear safety briefings and friendly help, while conditions decide the final snorkel stop.

“We had a great experience including my husband and boys aged 15 and 17. We are very happy to be able to participate in this catamaran trip, where we were snorkeling on Lanai and seeing dolphin herds and whales. Thanks to the captain and crew members.”

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6.Sunset Sail from Ma’alaea Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 207 reviews · from $151

Join Pacific Whale Foundation’s two-hour Ocean Spirit sunset sail from Ma’alaea Harbor. You’ll watch the Pacific turn gold, enjoy island-style music, appetizers, coffee, tea, and soft drinks, and may spot humpback whales in season. Alcohol service has changed, so confirm the current policy before booking.

“We really enjoyed our sunset sail. Our all female crew were fun and hard working (I had no idea of the physical exertion required in hoisting the sail). The food was really good and my beer was cold. But the real attraction was nature itself. Being in the ocean watching the sunset was simply amazing.”

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7.Whale Watching Tour on a Charming Hawaiian Catamaran From Maalaea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 194 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85

Spend about 2½ hours aboard Winona, a Hawaiian-built catamaran departing Maalaea. From December through March, watch humpback whales with Capt. Sam, Spencer, Meghan, or the crew, listen through underwater hydrophones, and enjoy snacks, drinks, music, and views of West Maui, Molokai, and Lanai.

“Excellent trip, good information, good weather, good drinks, good snacks, remember sun screen and fun friends to bring with you”

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8.Ka’anapali Luxury Sunset Cocktail Sail with Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 150 reviews · 2 hours · from $134

Board the Teralani catamaran from Ka'anapali Beach for a two-hour sunset sail with ocean views from every table, premium drinks, and pupus including coconut shrimp and teriyaki meatballs. Crew members such as Captain Ian, Anna, and Patrick have earned praise for warm service, while whales may appear from November through April.

“Such an incredibly fun time! Great food and drinks, awesome music, beautiful views, and very welcoming and friendly crew. Thank you so much for a fantastic evening!”

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9.Ka’anapali Luxury Sunset Dinner Sail

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 123 reviews · 2h 30m · from $169

Board Teralani Sailing Adventures directly from Ka'anapali Beach for a 150-minute sunset sail. You get ocean views from every seat, an open bar, and a buffet of Hawaiian-inspired dishes. Captains such as Patrick and Sam keep watch for whales, while the crew handles drinks, dinner, and beach boarding.

“Incredible experience! One of the highlights of our Maui trip! The crew was very friendly and professional. It was a beautiful night with a gorgeous sunset and the food was very tasty! Not mentioning the variety of cocktails! My husband and I truly enjoyed ourselves as it was very relaxing and enjoyable. Captain Patrick and the crew including Sammy and Miles were amazing. Max took beautiful pictures on board. We highly recommend this activity!!!”

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10.Coast of Ka’anapali Beach Sunset Dinner Sail

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 121 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $158

Board Gemini directly from Ka'anapali Beach for a barefoot two-hour sunset sail. Expect a beach launch through shallow surf, views of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai, a buffet dinner, open bar, music, and a crew such as Captain Andrew, Kayla, or Drew, depending on the sailing.

“It was wonderful!! I really felt like I was on vacation. Russell, Arielle and Captain Brad were the best! So fun and nice and helpful. I didnt have high expectations for the food but I was wrong , it was excellent! I highly recommend Gemini. A note to Russell, thanks for helping my hubby when he stumbled getting off the boat. You saved him from going down!!”

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11.Snorkeling and Sailing Adventure with Buffet Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 115 reviews · from $172

Spend four hours aboard Gemini Sailing Charters off West Maui, snorkeling at Honolua Bay or another sheltered site, then enjoying a hot buffet and open bar. The crew provides instruction, quality gear, prescription masks, and kid-size equipment. Winter trips look for humpback whales, while summer sails may spot spinner dolphins.

“Great crew, friendly and attentive. Loved that they had gluten free options.”

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12.Turtles & Tacos Luxury Catamaran Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 103 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $199

Sail from Maalaea Harbor on Alii Nui’s spacious catamaran for about three hours of turtle snorkeling, tacos, margaritas, and local beer. The crew handles the gear and safety briefing, while onboard photographers capture above and below-water moments for purchase. Captain Bre, Josh, and Tim have all earned warm praise.

“One of the best days I’ve had in Maui!! Fantastic attentive staff, open bar with delicious island cocktails, snorkel gear, mineral sunscreen and towels provided, great tacos. And…swimming with turtles was just amazing!! Beautiful sail to a spectacular snorkel spot. I would do this again for sure!”

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13.Sunset Sailing on a Floating Tiki Bar Charming Hawaiian Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 87 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $119

Board Winona in Maalaea at 4:30 pm for a roughly two-hour sunset sail along Maui’s coast. You’ll get Hawaiian snacks, local beer, seltzers, cocktails, soft drinks, music, and two restrooms. From December through April, keep watch for humpback whales.

“It was fun for rverone, they allowed you to walk all over the sail boat barefoot, it was a beautiful sunset, we were lucky and seen whales and dolphins”

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14.West Maui Snorkel & Sail

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 82 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $206

Sail Maui takes you from Lahaina Harbor to West Maui snorkeling sites selected for the day’s conditions. Expect coral reefs, sea turtles, fish, breakfast, lunch, snorkel gear, reef-safe sunscreen, and an open bar aboard a group of up to 25 people.

“The crew was very accomodating and helpful. Good food. Small friendly group. This was everything we wanted it to be!!”

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15.‘Alihilani Sunset Sail from Ma’alaea Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 74 reviews · from $112

Board Sail Maui’s 65-foot Alihilani catamaran at Maalaea Harbor for a two-hour sunset sail. You can spread out on the forward trampolines, sit under 575 square feet of covered space, enjoy appetizers and drinks, and watch for humpback whales from December through May.

“So much fun, food and drinks were great. Amazing crew. The humpback whales were putting on an incredible show.”

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