Whale Watch Sail Maalaea offers an unforgettable whale watching experience on Maui’s spectacular waters. The 1.5-hour tour aboard the luxurious Ocean Spirit catamaran promises up-close encounters with majestic humpback whales, guided by a knowledgeable Marine Naturalist. Guests can listen to the whales’ songs and learn about their behaviors, making it an educational adventure for the whole family. With a guarantee of whale sightings and a repeat tour if needed, this tour ensures a memorable outing for nature enthusiasts. But that’s just the beginning…
Key Points
- 1.5-hour whale watching excursion on a luxury sailing catamaran in Maui’s waters, offering the opportunity to observe 10,000-12,000 humpback whales.
- Guided by a Marine Naturalist who provides expert commentary on whale behaviors, including male competition pods and mothers training calves.
- Underwater headphones available to hear whale songs, and a guaranteed whale sighting with a repeat tour offered if no whales are seen.
- Onboard Junior Naturalist Program for children and complimentary filtered water, as well as a 40% discount on reef-safe sunscreen.
- Tour departs from the Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store at Maui Harbor Shops, with arrival required 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
Tour Overview
The Whale Watch Sail Maalaea offers a 1.5-hour excursion on a luxury sailing catamaran, Ocean Spirit, to observe humpback whales in their natural habitat.
A 1.5-hour excursion on a luxury sailing catamaran to observe humpback whales in their natural habitat.
Priced at £86.46 per person, the tour provides the opportunity to witness up to 12,000 humpbacks visiting Maui’s waters. Passengers can expect expert commentary on whale behaviors and an educational experience led by a Marine Naturalist.
Underwater headphones are available to hear the whales’ songs. The tour also includes a Junior Naturalist Program for kids, filtered water, and a whale sighting guarantee.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and payment can be made later.
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Pricing
Though the Whale Watch Sail Maalaea costs £86.46 per person, this price includes a range of valuable amenities.
The 1.5-hour tour provides the opportunity to observe humpback whales in their natural habitat aboard a luxury sailing catamaran. Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve their spot without upfront payment.
The tour also offers an educational experience with a Marine Naturalist, underwater headphones to hear whale songs, and a guarantee of whale sightings.
Onboard amenities like the Junior Naturalist Program for kids and reef-safe sunscreen add to the overall value.
Experience Highlights
Expert commentary on humpback whale behaviors enhances the Whale Watch Sail Maalaea experience. Guests observe 10,000-12,000 humpbacks visiting Maui’s waters. They witness male competition pods and mothers training calves.
A Marine Naturalist provides an educational experience, sharing insights into whale songs through underwater headphones. The Onboard Junior Naturalist Program engages kids, while filtered water and a marine wildlife glossy photo card are included amenities.
Whale sightings are guaranteed, or guests can go again for free. With a 4.9/5 overall rating, the tour offers an engaging and informative whale watching adventure.
Included Amenities
Onboard Junior Naturalist Program for kids engages the young guests. While sailing, children can participate in this interactive program and learn about whales, their behaviors, and the marine environment. Complementing the experience, the tour provides filtered water and a glossy photo card featuring marine wildlife. Most impressively, the tour guarantees whale sightings or offers a complimentary repeat tour. To protect the delicate coral reefs, reef-safe sunscreen is available at a 40% discount.
| Amenity | Description |
| — | — |
| Junior Naturalist Program | Engaging educational activities for children |
| Filtered Water | Complimentary water provided |
| Marine Wildlife Photo Card | Glossy photo card featuring marine life |
| Whale Sighting Guarantee | Repeat tour if no whales are seen |
| Reef-Safe Sunscreen | Available at 40% discount |
More Great Tours NearbyMeeting Point and Important Information
The tour departs from the Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store, located at the Maui Harbor Shops adjacent to the Maui Ocean Center.
Participants should arrive 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Smoking isn’t allowed on board the vessel.
Arrive 45 minutes early, and no smoking permitted on the vessel for a seamless whale watching adventure.
Guests are advised to follow the instructions and guidance provided by the crew for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Arriving early and adhering to the rules will help ensure a smooth and seamless whale watching adventure aboard the Ocean Spirit catamaran.
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Customer Reviews and Ratings
A strong 4.9 out of 5-star rating based on 27 customer reviews highlights the positive sentiment surrounding the Whale Watch Sail Maalaea tour.
Travelers particularly praised the knowledgeable crew, who kept them well-informed throughout the engaging experience. One reviewer from Germany noted the tour as "perfect" with a guaranteed whale sighting, while another highlighted the crew’s helpfulness.
Overall, guests emphasized the high value for money, with one GetYourGuide traveler commending the crew’s efforts to ensure they saw whale activity immediately.
The consistent positive feedback attests to the tour’s quality and ability to deliver on its promises.
Humpback Whale Behaviors
Expert commentary on humpback whale behaviors is a highlight of the Whale Watch Sail Maalaea tour. The Marine Naturalist provides insights into the complex social interactions and behaviors of these magnificent creatures.
Participants can observe:
Participants can observe the dramatic displays of power and dominance among male humpback whale competition pods.
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Male competition pods engaged in dramatic displays of power and dominance.
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Mothers carefully training their calves on essential survival skills.
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Glimpses of the whales’ haunting, ethereal songs through the underwater headphones.
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The sheer scale of the annual humpback whale migration, with 10,000-12,000 visiting Maui’s waters.
This educational experience allows visitors to gain a deeper appreciation for the marine ecosystem and the whales’ natural behaviors.
Educational Experience With Marine Naturalist
As a key highlight of the Whale Watch Sail Maalaea tour, the Marine Naturalist provides an engaging and immersive educational experience for participants.
With expert commentary on humpback whale behaviors, the Naturalist shares fascinating insights into the lives of these majestic creatures. Guests can learn about the 10,000-12,000 humpbacks visiting Maui’s waters, observe their behaviors like male competition pods and mothers training calves, and even listen to their songs through the available underwater headphones.
This educational component elevates the tour, offering an enriching and informative experience beyond just whale sightings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Capacity of the Ocean Spirit Catamaran?
The tour operator doesn’t specify the maximum capacity of the Ocean Spirit catamaran. However, the vessel’s size and configuration suggest it likely accommodates a moderate number of passengers for an optimal whale watching experience.
Are Wheelchair-Accessible Accommodations Available on the Tour?
The tour overview does not mention whether wheelchair-accessible accommodations are available. Customers with mobility needs should contact the tour provider directly to inquire about accessibility options and make any necessary arrangements prior to booking.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Beverages on Board?
Yes, passengers can bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages on board. However, the tour operator provides complimentary filtered water and discounted reef-safe sunscreen. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the tour.
Do You Offer Any Discounts for Seniors or Children?
Yes, the tour offers discounts for children and seniors. Children under 4 are free, while those 4-12 receive a 30% discount. Seniors aged 65 and above also get a 10% discount on the regular ticket price.
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?
The minimum age requirement is not specified in the provided information. However, the tour does offer an Onboard Junior Naturalist Program for kids, suggesting it’s suitable for family participation with children of various ages.
The Sum Up
The Whale Watch Sail Maalaea offers an unforgettable educational experience for families. With expert commentary, guests can witness the majestic humpback whales and learn about their behaviors. The guaranteed whale sightings and repeat tour policy make it a reliable and enjoyable excursion. The luxurious sailing catamaran, Ocean Spirit, provides the perfect setting to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
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