Hawaii Ocean Rafting – Whale Watch by Raft

Maui Whale Watching Raft Tour

A whale watch tour off the coast of Maui, such as the Hawaii Ocean Rafting Whale Watch by raft, is much different than being on one of the larger boats. The whales get very up close and personal! Being at eye level with the Humpback Whale is absolutely thrilling, especially when they breach close to the raft, and it’s something you will NEVER forget. Plus, everyone gets wet!

There have been many experiences where the whales come right up to the side of the raft and boat tour passengers are able to look them right in the eye. Whoa…. From Hawaii Ocean Rafting Whale Watch, you can really get an idea of how big the Humpback Whale really is. They are much bigger than the raft. You can feel their power, see the barnacles, and get soaked when they spout.

A whale-watching tour in Maui from a raft is a top water activity for tourists and is as unique as it is fun. Not only that, but a whale watch with Hawaiian Ocean Rafting means getting to the whales extremely quickly. This provides more time to watch the magnificent Humpback Whales. The boat they use is a zodiac rigid hull raft. Zodiac rafts usually are certified to carry 22 guests. Hawaiian Ocean Rafting keeps the passenger count to 18 for comfort. There is shade aboard, but not much.

Because of the number of passengers allowed on each tour, they sell out very quickly. So be sure you schedule your whale-watching tour early – like even before you arrive on Maui, that way you’ll be sure to have a front-row seat to the best show on Maui – featuring Humpback Whales and dolphins.

Schedule your Hawaii Ocean Rafting Whale Watch on Maui today and discover the magic of being up close and personal with these gentle giants.

Fun Humpback Whales Facts

The Humpback Whale’s winter home is in Hawaii. During the summer months, they are in the Northern Hemisphere where the whales prefer the cooler waters off the coast of Alaska. Alaska is their feeding ground. While Hawaii’s annual visitors are enjoying the warmth of the tropics in the winter they do not eat.

Although whale-watching tours can be had from any island in Hawaii, the best ones are from Maui. The waters between the islands offer great protection to the whales and their young. The waters off Maui were made an official Hawaii Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary. And the Whales seem to know it as more whales are sighted off Maui than on any other island.

In the 1990s whale watching was more or less out of control, with charter boats trying to get within a couple of feet of the Humpback Whale. Environmentalists got together and petitioned the State Legislature to pass laws limiting the distance a charter boat can come within up to the whales. This act alone resulted in fewer whales being struck by boats, resulting in less injury to the whales. The federal government added the Humpback whale to the endangered species list at about the same time.

Once a population in decline, the Humpback Whale is now flourishing. Each year there is a whale count. Volunteers man their boats and count all the whales around Maui. The population has grown significantly since they were added to the endangered species list.

Tips for the Day of the Whale Watch Tour

• Wear a hat
• Bring sunscreen
• Dress to get wet
• Make sure your camera is charged and has space for your photos
  (waterproof bag comes in handy)
• Bring bottled water

Food on the Whale Watch?

Sorry, there is no food or beverage during the tour.

Whale Watch Tour Restrictions

• No pregnant women
• No people with bad backs or necks
• No children under 3 years old
• No handicap access

Whale watching on Maui is seasonal from December 15th through April 15th. There are no whale-watching tours in the Summer because they have made their way back to Alaska.

Other Activity Options by Hawaii Ocean Rafting: Hawaii Ocean Rafting – Lanai Dolphin Snorkel Tours