The Whalewatch Sail Deluxe Tour from Maalaea offers an intimate and engaging opportunity to witness the captivating behavior of Humpback whales in their natural habitat. Led by knowledgeable marine naturalists, this 3-hour cruise boasts a remarkable 93% chance of sightings, allowing guests to listen to the whales’ enchanting songs and indulge in a delicious buffet lunch. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or seeking a memorable family adventure, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that’s sure to leave you eager to learn more.
Good To Know
- 3-hour whale watching cruise led by marine experts from Pacific Whale Foundation, offering a 93% chance of humpback whale sightings.
- Opportunity to listen to whale songs through an underwater hydrophone, providing an immersive whale watching experience.
- Buffet-style lunch and two complimentary alcoholic beverages for adults included in the tour price.
- Meeting point at Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store in Wailuku, HI, with a maximum group size of 49 travelers.
- Tour consistently receives high ratings from travelers, with praise for the knowledgeable crew and engaging whale sightings.
Tour Overview and Highlights
The Whalewatch Sail Deluxe Tour from Maalaea, Maui, USA, is a 3-hour cruise that offers travelers the chance to observe Humpback whales in their natural habitat.
Led by marine naturalists and biologists from the Pacific Whale Foundation, the tour promises a 93% chance of whale sightings, with a free rain check if none are seen.
Participants can listen to whale songs through an underwater hydrophone and enjoy a buffet-style lunch with alcoholic beverages.
With a maximum of 49 travelers, the tour provides an intimate experience amidst the stunning Maui scenery.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Maui.
Whale Watching Experiences
As travelers embark on the Whalewatch Sail Deluxe Tour, they can expect an immersive experience observing Humpback whales in their natural environment.
Accompanied by marine naturalists and biologists, guests may witness whales breaching, slapping their tails, or engaging in competitive displays.
The tour also offers the opportunity to listen to the whales’ captivating songs through an underwater hydrophone.
Each excursion varies, as sightings depend on the season and whale behavior.
However, the tour guarantees a whale sighting or a free rain check, ensuring a memorable whale watching adventure.
Onboard Amenities and Dining
While aboard the Whalewatch Sail Deluxe Tour, guests can expect a host of amenities and dining options to enhance their whale watching experience. A buffet-style lunch features smoked pork, chicken sliders, fresh fruit, chips, and salsa. Plus, two complimentary alcoholic beverages are provided for adults. All taxes, fees, and handling charges are included in the tour price.
Onboard Amenities | Description |
---|---|
Lunch | Buffet-style with smoked pork, chicken sliders, fruit, chips, and salsa |
Beverages | Two complimentary alcoholic drinks for adults |
Taxes & Fees | All included in the tour price |
The combination of delicious food, refreshing drinks, and inclusive pricing ensures a comfortable and enjoyable journey for Whalewatch Sail Deluxe Tour participants.
Meeting Point and Logistics
Guests meet for the Whalewatch Sail Deluxe Tour at the Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store located at 192 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793.
The 3-hour tour begins at 1:00 PM and ends at the same location. The tour has a maximum capacity of 49 travelers, and children 4 and under can join for free with one paying adult.
The key logistics are:
- Meeting point: Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store, 192 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793
- Tour start and end time: 1:00 PM to the same location
- Maximum group size: 49 travelers, with children 4 and under free with one paying adult
Traveler Feedback and Recommendations
How do travelers feel about the Whalewatch Sail Deluxe Tour? Based on the 43 reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 stars, it seems most travelers are very satisfied.
Positive reviews highlight the knowledgeable and friendly crew, delicious food, and engaging whale sightings. However, some feedback mentions late lunch service and limited drink availability on certain trips.
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Whale Behavior and Sightings
According to the tour overview, visitors can observe a variety of humpback whale behaviors and interactions during the Whalewatch Sail Deluxe Tour.
The tour offers opportunities to witness:
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Mothers with calves – Humpback whales are known to migrate to Maui’s warm waters to nurse their young.
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Males competing for mates – Aggressive behaviors like breaching and tail slapping can be observed as males vie for reproductive success.
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Whale songs – An underwater hydrophone allows guests to listen to the complex vocalizations of these majestic marine mammals.
The specific sightings will vary depending on the season and the whales’ natural behaviors.
Guaranteed Whale Sighting Policy
The Whalewatch Sail Deluxe Tour comes with a guarantee – if no whales are sighted during the 3-hour cruise, guests receive a free rain check valid for one year. This policy ensures an exceptional whale watching experience, even if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate on a given day. The tour operator, Pacific Whale Foundation, is so confident in their team’s ability to locate whales that they stand behind their promise of a sighting.
Guarantee | |
---|---|
Whale Sighting | Yes |
Rain Check | One Year |
This commitment to customer satisfaction is a key reason the tour has an impressive 93% recommendation rate from travelers.
Tour Duration and Schedule
The Whalewatch Sail Deluxe Tour departs at 1:00 PM and returns to the same meeting point at Maalaea, Maui.
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, ensuring ample time to observe the whales and enjoy the included amenities.
The key details about the tour schedule are:
- Tour duration: 3 hours
- Departure time: 1:00 PM
- Return location: Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store at 192 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793
Travelers can expect to be back at the meeting point by the end of the 3-hour excursion, ready to continue their Maui adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
The tour’s policy permits passengers to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, the tour provides a complimentary buffet-style lunch and two alcoholic drinks, so most travelers opt to enjoy the included amenities.
Is There Wi-Fi Available on the Boat?
The tour doesn’t mention offering Wi-Fi on the boat. Most whale watching tours don’t provide internet access, as the focus is on enjoying the natural environment and wildlife sightings without distractions. Passengers should plan accordingly.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour has a minimum age requirement of 4 years old, with children 4 and under able to join for free when accompanied by a paying adult. There are no maximum age restrictions for the tour.
Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group?
The tour operator does not offer private group bookings. However, the tour has a maximum capacity of 49 travelers, allowing small groups to enjoy the experience together. Children 4 and under can join for free with a paying adult.
Is There a Cancellation Policy if the Weather Is Poor?
There is a cancellation policy if the weather is poor. According to the tour information, if a whale sighting is not guaranteed due to inclement weather, customers can receive a free rain check within one year to rebook the tour.
The Sum Up
The Whalewatch Sail Deluxe Tour offers an exceptional whale watching experience with a high sighting rate, knowledgeable guides, and onboard amenities. Guests can enjoy the chance to observe humpback whales in their natural habitat and listen to their enchanting songs during this 3-hour cruise. With a delicious buffet lunch and complimentary drinks, this tour provides a delightful adventure for the whole family.
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