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Humpback whale populations have severely declined in the past due to commercial whaling, getting to as low as 700 total at one point. Since then, conservation efforts and international law have helped protect these beautiful animals, allowing them to thrive. As of 2018, worldwide population estimates of humpback whales were around 135,000 individuals. Archeologists have uncovered ancient carvings that point to humpback whales visiting Hawaii and the island of Maui since AD. In addition to that, whales are also present throughout Hawaiian history, religion, and folklore. Many Native Hawaiians believe whales are aumakua, a deified ancestor that can take the form of an animal.
Maui Guidebook
If humpback calves were born in Alaska, they’d most likely freeze to death due to the fact that a newborn humpback has very little fat stores. It takes a North Pacific humpback whales 6-8 weeks to swim between Maui and Alaska, which is about 600 miles and the longest of any mammal. However, they spend around minutes cat-napping along the way, but mostly remain in constant motion at 3-5 mph. We’ll snorkel for about 45 minutes and then head out to do some whale watching.
Whale Watching Tours From Maalaea & Kaanapali
Whale songs can fill the water and be heard on even the most casual snorkel excursion. It’s roughly similar-looking to the false killer whale, but the pilot whale has a blunter, more bulbous head than the false killer. On the other hand, afternoon cruises may provide a higher chance of witnessing whales in action, as they tend to be more active during the day. When you book this tour, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy educational talks from an onboard marine naturalist.
The 5 Best Oahu Circle Island Tours
I noticed that the main issue was that the whales don’t come very close to the shore and tend to stay further out in the ocean. We were able to get super close to the whales and I got to see several whales leaping out of the ocean and splashing water everywhere. You can also see the whales from the shore but it’s much harder to see them properly as they don’t come very close to the shore. Steer clear of the 150-person cruises and choose a more intimate and safer experience for both you and the whales. You will travel out to sea on this small-group tour from Lahaina, where you can see whales and dolphins.
Why Maui Is a Premier Whale Watching Destination
Humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii’s warmer waters between December and April to raise their young. Pacific Whale Foundation offers top-rated Maui whale-watching tours with trained Marine Naturalists on board. The cruise includes a Junior Naturalist Program for kids, making it family-friendly. Sea Maui offers an eco-friendly sailing cruise for a chance to see these gentle giants up close.
Whales Are Protected Animals
That’s all you need to know to go and have your own whale watching adventure in Maui. It’s a great place to see marine life including whales, sea turtles, starfish, seals, seahorses and more. If you want to get a better, up-close view of the whales then your best option is to book a boat tour which takes you out into the ocean. Whale watching cruises in Maui typically utilize sturdy and stable vessels, including catamarans, rafting vessels, or raft-style boats specifically designed for marine wildlife observation. These vessels have amenities to ensure your comfort and safety during the tour. Experience the rush as you watch these majestic animals approach the vessel with curiosity, giving you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see their majesty up close.
Kapalua, Maui in January: Whale Watching & Golf - Travel + Leisure
Kapalua, Maui in January: Whale Watching & Golf.
Posted: Fri, 20 Dec 2019 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The whale sighting guarantee is good for free passes only, no refunds or cash value. For more than one reason, the Island of Maui is consistently rated the Best Island in the world. Not only do the visitors and happy locals of Maui know this, but so do the humpback whales. Year after year, the humpback whales travel from cool Alaskan waters all the way to warm Hawaiian oceans for their annual winter breeding. Whale watchers will be treated to sights such as water spouts, breaching, tail slaps, fin flapping, and mothers with their calves.
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You can definitely see whales from the shore in Maui and I did several times. I’ve been to Maui several times and never knew you could see whales there (I know, was I living under a rock or what??). FireStorm Internet runs this website to provide the most accurate and up-to-day information about tourist attractions. With only 20 passengers on this tour, you will get a better, more intimate wildlife experience.
The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers, people with back and heart problems, and other serious medical conditions. Remember to include your phone number or email in your booking, so you can be contacted if there are any changes to your tour. There is also a hydrophone on board if you wish to hear the song of the whales. Maui is a wonderland of natural beauty and fascinating aquatic life in the magnificent Pacific Ocean. Your use of the information provided in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and Services is for your informational purposes only and is subject to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Our Trilogy family takes seriously the responsibility of supporting our local Maui community and has a strong commitment to preserving our ocean and island environment.
I actually went on the whale watching boat tour myself and absolutely loved it. A standard whale watching cruise in Maui lasts between 90 minutes to 2 hours. Book this small-group VIP cruise off the coast of Lahaina to get a front-row seat on a whale watching tour. If you want to book a private whale watching charter, look no further than Maui Custom Charter. Captain Anna and team take care of all of the details to make sure your experience is incredible.
It is more expensive than a group tour, but I dare say it’s worth it. Each adventure is thoughtfully designed to showcase Maui's marine wonders, from snorkeling to whale watching. We do not offer SNUBA on our afternoon tour or our whale watching tour. When born, they can be between feet in length, and weigh 1-1/2 tons. Surviving off their mothers 50% fat milk, the calves grow at least 1-inch and gain approximately 100 pounds per day. The original Endangered Species Conservation Act (ESCA) of 1969 has been amended and updated as The Endangered Species Act of 1973.
For an even more immersive experience, consider a tour that offers hydrophones so you can listen to the whales’ enchanting songs. Embark on a journey to experience the magic of a sunrise snorkel in Maui. With the right preparation and respect for the ocean, you’re set for an unforgettable adventure.
I’ve been whale watching several times in different places and I have to say that hands-down, I think the whale watching experience on Maui is worth it. Every time a whale surfaces near the boat, does a pec slap, or mugs the boat, my heart races. And if you’re lucky enough to catch a breaching whale, that’s an amazing memory to take home with you.
Some common behavior displayed on a whale watching trip includes blowing and spy-hopping. They’ll also slap their tails, which is believed to be an act of communication and to demonstrate their individual strength. Spy-hopping is when the humpback whales come high out of the water to have a look around at the world above. Every year from December through March, the North Pacific humpback whales migrate to the warm tropical waters of Hawaii. The coastal waters of Maui enjoy the largest concentration of these amazing animals by far. Whale Watching in Maui is commonly considered some of the best in the world.
If that’s a concern, consider a boat tour that departs from Maalea Harbor instead. Whether you prefer the comfort of a boat, the excitement of snorkeling, the serenity of kayaking, or the thrill of rafting, there’s a tour for every traveler. Join us as we dive into these remarkable excursions, each promising breathtaking encounters with these magnificent marine giants. Finally, while the humpback is easily the most frequently seen, glimpses of other baleen whales—from blue whales to North Pacific right whales—do rarely occur in Maui’s waters. If you’re lucky enough to spot one of these incredible creatures in the flesh then well done you as not many people can say the same. The whales begin to arrive in late November and more show up as the season progresses.
From the colorful coral reefs to the playful dolphins and the exotic fish, every dive is a new adventure, unveiling the secrets of the underwater world. Within that window, peak whale-watching generally runs between January and March. Maui’s whale watching season runs between November and April each year. I’ve done all the hard work for you and put together a list of the best whale watching tours in Maui.
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