10 Maui Dolphin Tours That Fill Up First

1.Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,482 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85Our pick

Ride a low-water zodiac raft from Lahaina for eye-level humpback whale watching from December to April, or dolphin viewing and coastal sightseeing in summer. Your marine naturalist explains Maui’s sea life, and whale-season trips use a hydrophone for underwater songs. Expect spray and a small-group feel.

“Captain Jack and Jess were awesome. The whale experience was a highlight of our trip. We saw a baby whale breach probably 150 yards from our boat which was my personal highlight.”

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2.Ultimate 4 Hour Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Encounter

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 927 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $175

Leave Lahaina at 9 a.m. for two snorkel stops near Lanai and Maui, with a chance to see spinner dolphins, turtles, reef sharks, and whales from December through April. Captains Jill, Casey, Lexi, and others provide gear, flotation aids, snacks, drinks, and reef-safe sunscreen for a group of up to 26.

“The tour was wonderful. Great snorkeling, dolphins galore and the crew was exceptional. Would do it again, especially during whale season.”

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3.Eco-Raft Tour: Maui-Lanai Snorkel / Dolphin Watch (Semi-Private)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 259 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $96

Join Hawaii Ocean Rafting from Lahaina for a semi-private trip to Lanai. Captain Jack, Jill, Darrell, and other crew members may guide you to two snorkel sites, dolphin pods, turtles, and sea cliffs. Choose a five-hour snorkel, two-hour dolphin watch, or seasonal snorkel and whale-watching combo.

“Would come back. Helped a ground of starter snorkelers, they were great to my wife when she inhaled too much salt water, and prescription goggles made the day fantastic.”

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4.Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Watch from Maalaea

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 235 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $183

Cruise from Maalaea to Lanai aboard a 65-foot Pacific Whale Foundation catamaran. You’ll get breakfast, lunch, snorkel gear, marine-life lessons, and about 90 minutes at a reef, with chances to see spinner dolphins, whales, fish, eels, and octopus.

“Incredible staff ensured we had what we were taken care of, they shared information about the wildlife and ensured that we not only got pit to the reef (lanai), but that we saw tons of dolphins and whales”

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5.Lanai Deluxe Dolphin Adventure & 3 Snorkel Sites

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 102 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $200

Leave Mala Boat Ramp at 8 a.m. on a fast, small-group boat for Lanai’s reefs and sea cliffs. Captain Jill, Emma, Hannah, Amy, and other crew members may guide you to fish, turtles, dolphins, rays, octopus, or reef sharks. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks, gear, and flotation devices are included.

“The guides were super friendly and informative. It’s nice to see staff that really seem to enjoy their work. Very likable crew that was great with my kids!”

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6.Half Day Snorkel to Lanai from Kaanapali Beach + Dolphin Search

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 99 reviews · 4 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $192

Leave Kaanapali Beach by zodiac for Lanai’s quieter coast. Captain Dan and crew may stop at sea caves, two clear snorkel sites, and pods of spinner dolphins. Breakfast, drinks, gear, flotation aids, a restroom, and a fresh-water shower are included.

“This was a great trip with an excellent captain and crew. The snorkeling spots were pristine and we saw many whales. We even came upon a very large pod of spinner dolphins that put on a show. I would highly recommend this trip.”

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7.Maui: Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 98 reviews · 5 hours · from $172

Sail from Maalaea Harbor to Lanai aboard a 65-foot catamaran for reef snorkeling and dolphin watching. A certified marine naturalist leads the reef tour, while breakfast, grilled lunch, drinks, snorkel gear, and one alcoholic drink are included.

“The crew was fabulously efficient in how the whole trip was set up. We were lucky and came upon hundreds of dolphins along w about 1 1/2 hrs of snorkeling. An amazing trip!”

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8.Maui Eco-Raft: 2 Hour Dolphin Watch Sightsee Tour (Semi-Private)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 95 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $96

Board a low-to-water eco-raft in Lahaina for a two-hour search for wild dolphins along West Maui and Lanai. Marine naturalists explain local wildlife, while snacks and drinks are included. The ride stays dry in principle, but ocean spray is part of the fun. No snorkeling, pregnant persons, or children under 3.

“We had the most amazing time. We saw a pod of 200 hawaiian spinner dolphins. absolutely stunning the captain and 1st mate where great made the whole trip perfect”

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9.Lana’i Snorkel And Dolphin Quest with Maui Turtle Spot Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 33 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Set out from Lahaina with guides such as Capt. Levi, Capt. Lainie, Emma, or Heidi for a 4.5-hour snorkel trip to Lanaʻi and West Maui. You’ll visit two sites, search for dolphins, look for turtles, and enjoy snacks aboard a stable boat for up to 20 people.

“We had an amazing morning on the water with Lainey and Levi! Their knowledge of Maui and the marine life was impressive and interesting for our entire extended family (wide range of ages). We thought we were a bit early for whale watching but we were lucky to see a whale within minutes of leaving shore. The snorkel spots were great, we saw a ton of fish, turtles, and sea urchins! We would definitely recommend Maui Ocean Adventures!!”

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10.Maui: Semi-Private Eco-Raft Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 11 reviews · 4 - 5 hours · from $204

Join a crew of up to 18 on a 37-foot Zodiac raft from Lahaina to Lanai. Captain Jack, Jill, Mark, and marine guides such as Olivia and Nicole have led trips with beginner instruction, two or three snorkel sites, meals, and wildlife watching. Expect a fast, bumpy ride and flexible stops based on sea conditions.

“Captain mark, Bree and Nicole were awesome! We went snorkeling and on the way there and back we seen a ton of whales! I would recommend!!!”

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