All Reviews for Marine Wildlife Encounters

We were able to see a lot on the 7:30 departure. I can only say we were lucky. A curious whale happened to come by and swam around the boat for over 15 minutes. The English-speaking tour had more than 90% American guests, and it was a big hit. To borrow the words of an American girl nearby, "Best $30 dollars than ever!"

7：30出港便でガッツリ見れました。
運が良かったとしか言いようがありません。
たまたま好奇心旺盛なクジラが来てくれたので、
15分以上も船の周りをぐるぐる回ってくれました。
英語ガイド便は9割以上がアメリカ人客で、大盛り上がり。
近くにいたアメリカ人の女の子の言葉を借りると、
Best $30 dollars than ever !

This cruise was the perfect way to end one of our days in Maui. The staff gave fun facts about the island during the cruise and would stop along the way to get the perfect view of any wildlife you saw. The staff interacted with everybody on the boat and attended to everybody well to make sure everyone who wanted a drink had one. I highly recommend this cruise if you are wanting a relaxing way end to your day with beautiful views.

Highly, highly recommend these guys! They have bean bags on the net lounge area to sit on which was very nice and made it more comfortable. The crew was so attentive and were constantly making rounds checking on everyone and even told us not to worry about getting drinks ourselves that they would be bringing them around, so we never even had to get up for a refill! They were also so helpful with a proposal that my friend was planning. They made sure that everything went smoothly for them and I can't thank them enough for making their night so special!

I participated in this tour, departing from the hotel where I stayed, and as others have shared in their experiences, boarding the boat that approaches the beach between the waves left me quite wet, making me wish I had worn my swimsuit. However, I was able to encounter more whales than I had imagined, see whales swimming right beneath the boat, and hear their songs, which created wonderful memories. The crew was also very pleasant, and I had a comfortable time.

宿泊したホテルの前からの出発ということで参加しましたが、波の合間を見計らいビーチに接岸するボートに乗り込むこのツアーは、他の方の体験談通りでしたので、水着にしておけばよかった・・・と思うほどの濡れ具合です。
ただ想像以上に沢山のクジラたちに遭えたこと、船の真下に泳ぐクジラを見ることが出来たこと、クジラの歌ごえを聴くことが出来たことは、素敵な思いでとなりました。
クルーの皆さんもとても感じが良く、心地よい時間を過ごすことが出来ました。

The check-in area at the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel is very convenient, located by the seaside lawn. With the strong winds in Ka'anapali, we hurriedly boarded the catamaran, timing our entry just right. As soon as we set off, we were served mini cakes and drinks (including alcoholic options), and there was an all-you-can-eat dessert and drink service. The staff moved around among the passengers, engaging in friendly conversation while being attentive to our needs.

The two-hour cruise featuring dolphins, sea turtles, and whales flew by in no time. It seems that when the weather is bad, departures are from Lahaina, but we were fortunate to have good weather this time. The day before, the operator called to ask if we could push our reservation back by an hour, but they communicated clearly and patiently, so the time change was no problem at all. In the afternoon, we drove from Lahaina to the airport with our rental car, making for a fulfilling day. After spending three days in Maui, we left for Waikiki, where we spent another seven days. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Hawaii. I hope everyone has a great time!

宿泊先のカアナパリビーチホテルのシーサイド芝のエリアがチェックインなのでとっても楽です
風の強いカアナパリ　双胴船に乗り込むタイミングを計りながら急いで乗り込みます　動き出してすぐミニケーキ　ドリンク（アルコールもあり）　デザートは食べ放題　飲み放題　スタッフが気配りしながら乗客の間を動き回りながら楽しく話しかけてくれます
イルカの体現　海亀　クジラと２時間のクルーズはあっという間に終了です　天候が悪いときはラハイナからの出航になるようですが今回は天候に恵まれよかったです　前日運営外車から予約時間を１時間遅らせて欲しいと電話がありましたがゆっくり分かりやすく話してもらえたので時間変更も特に問題ありませんでした　午後からはレンタカーでラハイナ　→　エアポートへの移動でしたが充実した1日でした　３日間過ごしたマウイを離れ、ワイキキに戻り７日過ごしました。大いにハワイを満喫できました　皆さん楽しんでください　

The whales were fairly visible, and considering the price, it was worth it without being too long of a commitment. I was worried because the reception area was hard to find.

クジラはまあまあ見えてそこまで長い時間の拘束でもなくこの料金なら申し分なし。
受付場所がわかりづらく心配になった。

Absolutely wonderful whale watching tour!! The staff was knowledgeable and kind!! The boat was mellow and perfect! I had a great tine!! Thank you so much

The departure was at 14:15 on December 29. Before boarding, a Japanese guide came to find us and greeted us. There were only two groups of Japanese people. The guide kindly explained the positioning inside the ship. We were able to see spouts from a distance a few times, but there was only one jump in front and about two jumps to the right front. The one in front was relatively close, and we could see the stripes on the whale's belly, with the splash being incredibly large. I believe they mentioned that radar could not be used for whale protection, and we could only approach within 100 meters. During the port call, there was a spout rising in the right front, but there were no jumps. Even though the season has just started, I think it is possible to see whales during the approximately 2-hour cruise. However, I heard that around February 10 is when the number of whales peaks, so if you can choose the timing, that might be a good time to go. Since I couldn't see whales in either Ogasawara or Oahu, this was a very good experience.

12/29　14:15の出航でした。乗船前に日本語ガイドさんが我々を見つけに来てくれて、声をかけてくれました。日本人は2組だけでした。ガイドさんは、船内での位置取り等丁寧に教えてくれました。潮吹きは遠くで何回か見れましたが、ジャンプは前方で1回、右前方で２回くらいでした。前方のものは割と近くでクジラのおなかの縞が分かるくらいと水しぶきの余韻が半端なく大きかったです。クジラ保護のためレーダーが使えず、また100Mまでしか近づけないと言っていたと思います。寄港途中も右舷前方で潮が上がりましたがジャンプはありませんでした。シーズンが始まったばかりでも約2Hのクルーズでクジラを見ることは出来ると思います。ただ2/10位がクジラの数がピークになるとのことだったので、時期を選べるならその頃が良いのかなと思います。
小笠原でもオアフでもクジラを見ることができなかったので、とっても良い体験になりました。

The narrator was fantastic and did his best to point out cool things to see. The divers worked hard at finding interesting things to show us up close but it felt like we could’ve gone to a better location where there was opportunity to see more fish. Between Reefdancer and Atlantis, the latter was a much better experience.

It seems that the whales weren't around for about two months, but I was able to see them, and I also saw dolphins. Above all, our guide, Taka, had an incredible love for whales, and just listening to him was a lot of fun! I will definitely go again!

クジラは2月ほどではなかったらしいけど、見れたし、イルカもみれて、なんと言ってもガイドのタカさん、クジラ愛が凄くて話を聞いてるだけでも楽しかったです！また行きます！

We drove to the port from our accommodation, but if you're going by car, be careful about parking. In Lahaina, the parking lots in the city are almost full by noon, and street parking is not allowed. There are parking lots a bit further away, but I was a bit rushed since we didn't have much time before our meeting.

Due to the boat schedule, we had a bit of a wait, but while relaxing and looking at the sea at Lahaina Harbor, it didn't bother me at all. Right in front of us were Lanai and Molokai islands.

We were the only Japanese family there, and coincidentally, a Japanese guide joined us for the trip, providing us with a personal tour. It was super lucky! Before we headed out, we learned about whale behavior and Maui Island, and soon after, we received the news of a whale sighting. The guide pointed out directions like "10 o'clock" and "2 o'clock." At first, it was difficult to spot them, but as we got used to it, we began to recognize the spots where the whales were blowing water and moving through the waves. Some mother and calf pairs even came very close to the boat, creating a huge excitement on board with cheers all around. In less than an hour, there were over 20 photo opportunities. However, unless you have a telephoto lens, you won't be able to take postcard-like pictures. It seems there are laws regarding the distance from whales, so it might be better to see them with the naked eye.

The guide specialized in whale behavior at university, and since we learned a lot before heading out, I felt like a bit of a whale expert after the tour. I was moved by the affection of the whale mother.

The guide informed us that December, when we visited, was not yet peak season, and that February is the best time. If I can go during that period, I definitely want to join the tour again. During that time, it seems there are spouts of water everywhere.

Regarding seating on the boat, we were advised to sit near the front on the first floor, as that is the best spot for whale watching. Most of the participants went up to the second floor. I realized that having a Japanese guide on board greatly enhances the enjoyment of the tour, even if you're on the same tour. If possible, please inquire about it.

Lastly, a little mishap on my part. I boarded wearing a comfortable dress, but the wind was quite strong, which was a bit embarrassing. Pants would have been the right choice. The noon tour had intense sunlight, and since there was nothing to block it out on the sea, sunscreen is essential. I applied some, but I still got quite sunburned. I took off my hat because it might fly away.

滞在先から車で港へ向かいましたが、車で行く方は駐車場に要注意です。
ラハイナは街中の駐車場は昼にはほぼ満車。路駐は出来ません。ちょっと離れると駐車場はありますが、集合時間に余裕がなかったので少し焦りました。

船の関係で、少々待ち時間が長かったのですが、ラハイナ港でのんびりと海を眺めていると全く気になりません。目の前にはラナイ島とモロカイ島が見えます。

日本人が私たち家族だけで、しかも日本人ガイドさんがたまたま予定があって同乗してくれたため専属でガイドしてくれました。超ラッキーでした！！沖に出るまでに鯨の生態やマウイ島の説明を聞いていると、すぐに鯨発見の知らせが。ガイドさんが、10時、14時の方向・・・と次々と教えてくれます。はじめは見つけることが難しかったのですが、慣れてくると潮を吹いている場所や、波間に動いている鯨の親子がわかってきます。中には、船のすぐ近くまで来てくれる親子もいて、船上は大興奮。歓声があちこちで。1時間弱の間に、20回以上はシャッターチャンスがあったかと。ただし、カメラも望遠でなければ絵葉書のような写真は撮れません。法律でクジラとの距離が決まっているようで、肉眼で見る方がよいかも。

ガイドさんが鯨の生態を大学で専門に研究している方で、沖に出るまでに色々と教えてもらっていたので、ツアー参加後はちょっとしたクジラ博士になった気分。鯨の母親の愛情に感動しました。

ガイドさんからは私たちが訪問した12月はまだピークではなく2月が最高だと教えてもらいました。もし、その時期に行けるのであれば、是非、その時期に再びツアーに参加したいと思います。その時期は、あちこちで潮が吹き回っているのだとか。

船上の席については、先頭近くの1階の椅子を勧められました。こちらが一番、鯨を見るのが適しているのだとか。ツアーのほとんどの方は2階にあがっていましたが。何につけ、日本人ガイドさんに同乗してもらえると、同じツアー参加でも楽しさが倍増だなあ、と痛感した次第。可能であれば問い合わせてみてください。

最後に、私の失敗談。楽ちんワンピースを着て乗り込んだら、風がかなりキツくて参りました。恥ずかしいことですが。パンツが正解。正午のツアーはかなり日差しもきつく、遮るものもない海上のため日焼け止めも必須です。塗っていたのですが、それでもかなり焼けました。帽子は飛ぶかもしれずで脱いでいました。

I made a reservation the day before. It was very convenient since I could get immediate confirmation. I went to the counter at the time indicated on the voucher (30 minutes before the start), but there was no one else there, and people started gathering about 10 minutes before. There are no chairs to wait on, and it was hot, so I think arriving about 10 minutes early is sufficient. Once we boarded the boat, we quickly saw a whale spouting water after about 10 minutes. We spotted around 10 whales before reaching Lanai Island. One whale jumped, and I could see its entire belly, but unfortunately, I couldn't take a photo, which was a bit disappointing. Overall, it was a very satisfying tour with plenty of whale sightings.

前日に予約しました。即時確約出来るのでとても便利でした。当時バウチャーの通りの時間(開始の30分前)にカウンターに行きましたが他に誰もいなくて10分前くらいに人が集まってきました。待つところは椅子もないし暑いので10分前くらいに行くので十分だと思います。船に乗り込み10分ほどするとすぐにくじらが塩を吹くのが見えました。ラナイ島の近くに行くまでに10頭くらいのクジラが見えました。1回だけジャンプしてお腹も全部見えましたが写真には撮れずで残念でした笑笑　くじらたくさん見られて大満足のツアーでした。

We participated as a family of five. The children were even happier than we expected, and the Japanese guide was easy to understand and kind. I was worried about the location, but I found it right away.

家族5名で参加させていただきました　期待していた以上に子供達も喜んで日本語ガイドもわかりやすく親切でした　場所が心配でしたがすぐに解りました

I waited a long time for the whale to appear, and finally, it showed up. I was able to encounter it at the fountain. The weather was also perfect, and I had a great time.

なかなか現れてくれず、鯨をずーと待ってました。やっと現れてくれて。⛲と出会うこと出来ました。天気も最高☀️で満喫出来ました。

I was able to see the whales breaching and diving multiple times. However, this is a matter of luck, and since it was just before the season, I only saw one whale. Additionally, due to regulations, the boat has a set distance it must maintain from the whales, so we were at a certain distance away.

くじらが上に飛び出す姿と、ダイビングする姿が何度も見れました。
しかし、これは運ですが、時期もシーズン直前ということで、一匹しか見れませんでした。
また、船はルール上くじらに近づける距離が決まっているため、ある程度離れた位置になります。

I thought the boat tour hadn't started yet, but I found a tour here and contacted you right away. Thank you for your prompt response regarding the Japanese interpreter, even on such short notice. In the end, it was too early in the morning, so I couldn't make it, but it turned out to be a wonderful whale watching experience, and I was truly moved. I've been on boats many times, but it's been a while since I was able to capture a photo of a jump. The pictures I took with my smartphone are a bit blurry, but I'm so thrilled that I got to see and capture it. Thank you for your attentive support.

まだ船のツアーが始まっていないのかと思っていたのですが、こちらでのツアーをみつけ早速連絡させて頂きました。
急にもかかわらず、日本人通訳の事のお返事頂きありがとうございました。結局、朝早かったので、無理でしたが、とても素晴らしいホエールウォッチングになり感動しました。
何度も船に乗ってますが、ジャンプの写真が撮れたのは、久しぶりです。
スマホで撮ったのでボケてますが、見れたこと、撮れたことに感動です。
いろいろご丁寧な対応ありがとうございました

My husband and I had date night and had an amazing time! Great Sunset, food and drinks. Everyone who worked on board was also fantastic and very helpful. I highly recommend.

Frenly answer old questions about the fish I feel see you again

It was a great experience. First time on a sailboat ⛵️. Loved every aspect of the trip.

It was a small group. And being so the crew was very personable and excellent and with the kids. It was nice having one on one time with various crew members.

As for the sights it was very poor visibility. The water due to abnormally large swells that had debris churned up. You couldn't see ten feet.

We did see lots of turtles and a few small fish. The divers did there best in showing us what they could. And they compensated us nicely in the end.

I would do it again.

This was an experience of a lifetime. The food was good. The crew was awesome and the spot to snorkel was fabulous. I think best of all this supports a good cause which was the tipped me going with them. On the way back they gave us a bonus looking at another dolphin pod prior to docking.

The tour guide and the boat were wonderful! The addition of divers who brought various sea life up to the windows was an unexpected touch. I'd definitely do this again.

I cant wait to go back! The new boat is beautiful and rides so incredibly smooth. The crew is what sets Sea Maui apart from the other guys. Throughout the cruise they were attentive and entertaining, treating everyone on board like long time friends. I was having such a good time on the cruise that I had forgotten dinner was included until they announced the buffet was ready! Great food and drinks with the best crew in Maui! Couldn't ask for more!

Awesome exhibits and great presentations on sharks and coral reef fish! Interactive tide pools for all ages. Left appreciating ocean life more!

Great experience under the water. We had à view of the ocean we could not have without diving equipement. The divers that show us what they find is very cool to !

I was relieved to find a Japanese person at the reception.
Inside the submarine, there is a tape with guidance in Japanese.
The day before, the waves were high, so the water was a bit murky, but I was still very satisfied to see the coral fish.

受付に日本人がいるので安心しました。
潜水艦内は日本語の案内音声のテープになります。
前日波が高かったので少し濁っていましたが、それでもコーラルフィッシュが見れて大変満足でした。

The sunset sail was very good, better than others I've done. Definitely wasn't live music and booking online doesn't allow for a kamaʻāina discount, once I got to the front desk I was told they did offer 25% but I couldn't get it since there wasn't a way to do it online.. 5 of us went so perhaps someone could figure that out on your end?
Otherwise the excursion itself was great even saw doplhins swim along the boat!

The crew on the boat was great, funny, helpful and knowledgeable.
The reef area the boat drove to and parked in was prettt boring. We saw maybe 4 types of fish and didnt travel anywhere else.
The diver brought a lot of neat things by the boat.

I thought I would encounter them a bit more, but I only finally found them towards the end. It was great to see them up close, but I do think the timing was off. I would like to try again someday.

もう少し遭遇できるのかなと思っていましたが、最後の方でやっと見つかったくらい。
近くで見れたのは良かったけど、やはり時季が悪かったのかなと思います。
いつかリトライしたいかな

Since the cruise was on April 13th, I was worried that there might not be any whales left. But they found them for us! We were able to see a mother and her calf, along with a male whale chasing after the mother. It turns out this male is not the father, just a pursuer. The mother whale is busy raising her calf and has no interest in him, yet he persistently follows her. Well, it might be nice to have him around like a bodyguard.

Thanks to our Japanese guide, Taka, who provided humorous and detailed explanations, we had a wonderful time. Maui has many surrounding islands, so the water is shallow and there are fewer sharks. This is why whales can safely give birth here. However, there aren't many fish in this area, so the mother whale is sacrificing her own body to feed her calf. Once the calf is big enough, they return to the rich feeding grounds of the Alaskan seas.

I really understood why there are so many whales in Maui, and I’m so glad I chose this cruise. Thank you, Taka!! And thank you, Veltra!!

４月１３日のクルーズだったので、もうクジラはいないかと不安でした。でもちゃんと見つけてくれました！一組の親子と、そのお母さんを追いかけるオスのくじらを観ることができました。このオスはお父さんではないそうです。ただのおっかけ。お母さんくじらは子育てで忙しいのでその気はないのに、しくこく追っかけてくるそうです。まぁ、ボディガードみたいでいいのかもしれませんね。
日本人のガイドのタカさんのユーモアあふれる詳しい説明のおかげで、楽しいひと時を送らせていただきました。
マウイは周りに島が多いので水深が浅く、さめが少ないとのこと。だからくじらはここで安心して出産が出来るそうです。でもこのあたりは餌となる魚が少ないのでお母さんくじらは身を削って子供におっぱいをあげているそうです。
子供が十分大きくなったら餌の豊富なアラスカの海に帰っていくそうです。
マウイ島にくじらが多い訳もわかり、本当にこのクルーズにして良かったと思いました。
タカさんありがとう！！
そしてベルトラさんありがとう！！