Whalewatch Deluxe Tour From Maalaea Harbor

The Whalewatch Deluxe Tour from Maalaea Harbor promises an unforgettable encounter with majestic humpback whales. Guests can admire these magnificent creatures from the comfort of a spacious 65-foot catamaran, while enjoying a delightful buffet lunch and informative commentary from the crew. With a whale sightings guarantee, this tour ensures an extraordinary Maui adventure – but what makes it truly unique?

Key Points

• The Whalewatch Deluxe Tour is a 65-foot double-decker catamaran cruise that takes passengers to witness the annual humpback whale congregation off Maui’s coast.
• The tour includes a buffet lunch and two complimentary alcoholic drinks for adults, as well as a whale sightings guarantee.
• Passengers can enjoy an immersive whale watching experience with indoor and outdoor seating, and the crew provides insightful commentary on the whales and local marine environment.
• The tour departs from Maalaea Harbor and includes accommodations for wheelchairs and service animals, with a check-in required 45 minutes prior to departure.
• The tour is an all-inclusive experience, with cashless transactions and gratuities included, though dietary restrictions have been reported to have some issues.

Tour Overview

The whalewatch tour takes place on a 65-foot double-decker catamaran, which can accommodate up to 147 passengers, though the tour is limited to a maximum of 75 travelers for optimal viewing.

During the tour, passengers have the opportunity to witness the annual congregation of humpback whales off the coast of Maui.

The tour includes a buffet lunch on board and two free alcoholic drinks for adults 21 and over.

Whale sightings are guaranteed, and if no whales are seen, participants can join another tour for free within a year.

Onboard Experience

Once aboard the 65-foot double-decker catamaran, passengers can expect an immersive whale watching experience.

The vessel accommodates up to 147 guests, but the tour limits capacity to 75 for optimal viewing. With indoor and outdoor seating, passengers can easily move about and spot the majestic humpback whales.

A buffet lunch is served during the tour, and adults 21+ receive two complimentary alcoholic drinks.

Crew members provide insightful commentary, sharing their expertise on the whales and the local marine environment.

The tour’s all-inclusive nature ensures a hassle-free, comfortable journey for an unforgettable whale encounter.

Whale Sightings Guarantee

A key selling point of the Whalewatch Deluxe Tour is its whale sightings guarantee. If no whales are spotted, participants can join another tour within a year free of charge. This ensures customers get to see the magnificent humpback whales that congregate off Maui’s coast annually for breeding.

If no whales are seen	Participants can
During this tour	Join another tour for free within a year

This guarantee gives travelers peace of mind and confidence that they will witness the incredible whales, a highlight of any Maui vacation.

Dining and Refreshments

Although the Whalewatch Deluxe Tour is primarily focused on whale sightings, it also offers a variety of dining and refreshment options for passengers.

The tour includes a buffet lunch served onboard the 65-foot catamaran. Complementary coffee, tea, and one free alcoholic drink per adult with valid ID are provided.

Cashless transactions are required, as only credit, debit, or digital payments are accepted. Gratuities are included, although cash is accepted for additional tips.

Souvenir photos are available for purchase. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated, though some past guests have reported issues in this area.

Payment and Transactions

Passengers on the Whalewatch Deluxe Tour can expect a cashless experience, as the company only accepts credit, debit, or digital payment methods onboard the vessel.

All taxes, fees, and handling charges are included in the tour price. The buffet lunch, beverages (including one complimentary alcoholic drink for adults), coffee, and tea are provided.

Gratuities are also included, though cash is accepted only for additional tips. Souvenir photos are available for purchase.

This seamless payment process ensures a convenient and hassle-free experience for travelers.

Meeting and Departure Information

The Whalewatch Deluxe Tour departs from the meeting point at 192 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793, USA.

Guests must check-in 45 minutes prior to departure at the Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) retail store in the Maalaea harbor shops.

Parking is shared with the Maui Ocean Center Aquarium.

The tour starts at 1:00 PM and ends back at the meeting point.

Guests can pay using credit, debit, or digital methods, as the boat operates on a cashless system.

Those with wheelchairs or service animals can be accommodated with assistance.

Accessibility and Accommodations

Travelers can easily participate in the Whalewatch Deluxe Tour, as the company offers accommodations for wheelchair users and service animals. Confirmation is provided at booking, ensuring a smooth experience.

While most travelers can join, children must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum drinking age is 21, and collapsible wheelchairs are accommodated with assistance.

To ensure an optimal viewing experience, the tour is limited to a maximum of 75 travelers per trip. The company give you an accessible and inclusive whale watching adventure for all participants.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

A review of the Whalewatch Deluxe Tour highlights its strong ratings, with a 93% recommendation rate and an average score of 4.7 across 27 reviews.

Positive feedback emphasizes the knowledgeable crew and consistent whale sightings.

Some customers have raised concerns about dietary restrictions and communication issues regarding beverages.

The tour company is responsive to feedback, offering partial refunds or complimentary trips to unsatisfied customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The maximum group size for the tour is 75 passengers. The tour is conducted on a 65-foot double-decker catamaran that can accommodate up to 147 people, but the maximum number of passengers is limited to 75 for optimal viewing.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, guests can’t bring their own food and drinks. The tour provides a buffet lunch and two free alcoholic drinks for adults. All food, beverages, and taxes are included in the tour price.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography?

There are no stated restrictions on photography during the whale-watching tour. Participants are free to take photos throughout the experience, though they should be mindful not to obstruct the views of others.

Is Seasickness Medication Provided on Board?

The tour doesn’t provide seasickness medication on board. However, passengers can bring their own medication or purchase it from the retail store before the tour. It’s recommended to prepare for potential seasickness if needed.

How Long Is the Duration of the Tour?

The duration of the tour is not explicitly stated, but it likely lasts several hours. The tour includes a buffet lunch and two free alcoholic drinks for adults, suggesting an extended excursion to view the humpback whales.

Sum Up

The Whalewatch Deluxe Tour from Maalaea Harbor offers an unforgettable Maui experience. Guests board a spacious catamaran for optimal whale watching, enjoying a buffet lunch and complimentary drinks. With a sightings guarantee, participants can return for free if no whales are spotted, ensuring an extraordinary adventure. The tour’s accessibility and rave reviews make it a top choice for those seeking an immersive whale-watching experience on Maui.