Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Any single vessel that floats is going to be offering whale-watching between December 15
and April 15. Even though whale season officially lasts until May 15, the whales aren't
encountered with enough regularity after mid-April to guarantee sightings. The peak of the
season for whale-watching is January through March, and whether you're on a sailboat,
powerboat, raft, fishing boat, kayak, or ferry, simply being out on the water turns the exper-
ience into whale-watching. Most snorkeling and sailing operators also offer whale-watch-
ing during winter, with most boats carrying whale naturalists well-versed in the study of
these gentle giants. Since most prices are about the same, the choice ultimately comes
down to what sort of vessel best suits your comfort level. Small rafts out of Lahaina Harbor
will place you the closest to the water (which is great if you get “mugged”). All sailboats
also offer whale-watching trips out of both Lahaina Harbor and Ka'anapali Beach. The
large, 149-passenger diesel boats in Lahaina provide the most affordable rates, but you'll
be sharing the vessel with over 100 other people and won't get 360° views. Pacific Whale
Foundation has the largest presence for whale-watching in Lahaina.
