2-Hour Whale Watch Cruise from Kaanapali with Sea Maui Including Snacks & Open Bar [Dec-Apr]

Experience Maui’s humpback whales during their annual winter visit as they migrate from Alaska to give birth and care for their calves. This Sea Maui sailing cruise offers a comfortable and eco-friendly way to watch these remarkable animals in the warm waters off Kaanapali. Settle into the open-air catamaran and take in wide ocean views while enjoying drinks from the premium open bar. Choose a relaxed seat in the shaded lounge or head to the front trampoline nets for a livelier ride close to the water. Certified naturalists are on board to share insight into whale behavior and answer questions throughout the trip. A hydrophone is also available so guests can listen to the whales’ haunting songs beneath the surface, adding a unique and memorable element to your whale watch adventure.

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Why do travelers choose this tour?

Seasonal Maui whale watch from Kaanapali Beach: Operated only during whale season from December through April, this two hour cruise offers one of the most convenient ways to see humpback whales along Maui’s famous Kaanapali coastline.

Relaxed sailing with premium open bar: Cruise on a stable, open air sailing catamaran while enjoying a premium open bar with local beers, wine, champagne, spirits, soft drinks, juices, and island style cocktails like Mai Tais and Maui Mules.

Expert marine naturalists on board: Certified marine naturalists share insight into whale behavior, migration, and Maui’s marine ecosystem, answering questions and helping guests spot whales and other marine life throughout the tour.

Unique hydrophone whale song experience: A hydrophone, or underwater microphone, is lowered into the ocean so guests can listen in real time to the haunting songs of humpback whales as they swim and interact below the surface.

Convenient Kaanapali departure with parking validation: Depart directly from Kaanapali Beach in front of Whaler’s Village Shopping Center, with parking validation that can save around twenty dollars for guests who drive.

What to expect

• Check in at the Sea Maui booth on Kaanapali Beach in front of Whaler’s Village and prepare for barefoot beach boarding onto the catamaran.
• Cruise for about two hours along the Kaanapali coast in the warm winter waters where humpback whales gather to mate, give birth, and care for their calves.
• Watch for whale blows, tail slaps, breaches, and mother and calf pairs while enjoying wide open ocean and West Maui mountain views.
• Listen to live whale songs through the onboard hydrophone as your crew explains what scientists know about this fascinating behavior.
• Relax in the shaded lounge or stretch out on the front trampoline nets while enjoying light snacks such as chips and granola bars.
• Take advantage of the premium open bar with soft drinks, lemonade, passion orange guava juice, local beers, wine, champagne, and mixed cocktails.

Local expert tips

• Parking at Whaler’s Village can add up, so be sure to get your parking ticket validated by Sea Maui staff to take advantage of the savings on your visit.
• Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to allow time for parking, check in, and the short walk across the sand to the boarding area on Kaanapali Beach.
• It can feel cooler on the water than on shore, especially when the boat is under way, so bring a light jacket or hoodie to stay comfortable during the cruise.
• If you enjoy a lively ride and do not mind getting a little wet, sit on the front trampoline nets; for a drier and more relaxed experience, choose the shaded lounge seats.
• Plan extra time before or after your whale watch to explore the shops and oceanfront restaurants at Whaler’s Village, all within easy walking distance of the check in area.

What to bring

• Comfortable resort casual clothing and footwear that is easy to remove for beach boarding
• Light jacket or hoodie for cool trade winds on the water
• Reef safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a secure hat if desired
• Camera or smartphone for whale photos and scenic shots
• Government issued photo ID for guests who plan to enjoy alcoholic beverages
• Cash or card for gratuities and any purchases at Whaler’s Village before or after the cruise

Boat Information

The Sea Maui 2 is a 55 foot powered sailing catamaran that carries up to 48 passengers. The vessel features a covered bar and lounge area, two full bathrooms, and spacious forward trampoline nets where guests can sit or stretch out while enjoying the salt air. With wide decks, comfortable seating, and easy access to the bar, Sea Maui 2 provides a relaxed and social setting for whale watching along the Kaanapali coastline.

How to get there?

Sea Maui departs directly from Kaanapali Beach in front of Whaler’s Village Shopping Center. Guests who drive can park in the Whaler’s Village parking structure and have their ticket validated by Sea Maui staff, which can save around twenty dollars in parking fees. After parking, walk to the beachfront area in front of Whaler’s Village to check in and meet your crew before boarding the catamaran from the sand.