Maui: Ultimate 3.5 Hour Whale Watch & Snorkel

Ultimate is an understatement…this company always give you top notch experience and knows where and when to take you where you need to be!! Lacie and Lauren took us around the rain as to the best snorkeling spot. Then back around the rain and immediately stop when whales present. Positioning the boat in just the right locations. We ONLY choose Ultimate whale watching !!! Thanks guys…see you in a couple days for our VIP tour.

We have taken a snorkel and whale watching trip with this company several times over the years. They never disappoint. Captain Jill and crew Charlie were very knowledgeable and helpful. On this trip we got to snorkel in a new spot over off lanai. We saw two turtles and a lot of beautiful fish. The coral was bright and healthy looking! We then were on the hunt for whales. We saw a lot of mothers with babies this trip. We saw a mother breaching way up pretty close up! Overall another great trip with Ultimate Whale Watch and Snorkeling!

I chose this company because they seemed very attuned to environmental impact, and indeed, they were excellent. The captain was skilled at maneuvering the boat to see but not crowd the whales. The team of two women were well trained, well informed, kind and sensitive to our impact on the whales.

most amazing experience ever whale came right to the boat and splashed us then went under boat also saw two kinds of dolphins and snorkel time loved it all so much went next day and saw more breaching whales and going a third time this week smaller boats are awesome and captains are fun and amazing

This tour was the best we had for snorkeling saw lot of different fish and turtles unfortunately didn't see dolphins or whales but the staff were great we have 2 little boys and Casey helped them learn how to snorkel we really appreciate all the help she gave us

These girls are a Hoot! Very engaged with the clientele and witty as hell! Great music and the experience to approach the whales with great care!

My family did the whale watch and snorkel tour with Captain Erin and Cassie (they were amazing). It was great and a highlight of our trip. We saw about 10 whales and learned a ton from the staff. Snorkeling was fun and we had a ton of time to see the turtles, fish, and coral. Support this crew, who also volunteer to detangle whales.

The Ultimate Whale Watch is the real deal. A local recommended it because this company truly supports whale research and offers smaller group tours. We'd done whale watches in the past a number of times, always on a larger catamaran with a lot of other people. This tour offered very small group tours (5 people in our case, just me, my husband, and another family of 3). The staff is very knowledge about whale behavior and the boats are small, fast, and agile so they can really find great whale acitivity. This tour is just whales from really great folks - no mediocre food and watered down open bar with blaring music. It was very much worth it and we would probably never use any other company again.

Wow what can I say the best trip ever you need to book this trip . We went to Mala just down the road from where we were staying in Kaanapali the lovely lady (sorry I didn’t get your name) checked us in and gave us lots of information we then went to our boat we had booked the VIP trip so only 7 on our boat , Our captains Jill and Casey amazing gave us so much info on the whales as soon as we left we saw spinner dolphins. I was hoping to see a couple of whales up close but wow we saw loads a female with males behind her and on the way back a baby whale! This as really made our trip 100 percent book this also Mala is up and running was shut down for a bit due to fire damage but is now back to normal. Whatever you do whilst in Maui book this it truly was an amazing experience.

The views were amazing, so close! The girls were a hoot. I know they do this trip slot but they squealed , oohed and awed right along with the rest of us like it was their first time! Great videos.! Needs to be on your short list.

We took the VIP whale watch tour. The captains were amazing and so knowledgeable of all things whales. We were a little worried at first because my husband gets motion sickness pretty easily, but a little medication helped! We loved the small boat and only having 12 people on the tour. At one point we had 7 whales around us! The small boat meant we always had a front row seat! Highly recommend this company and this tour!

Excellent trip!!! Loved the hosts, the small group and the maneuverability/ease with which the boat could get closer than the bigger boats! The whales were quite active with one young calf repetitively breaching … was like he had the Zoomies! Then a large group (7-8) of active males who the naturalist described as competing with one another. At one point they dove with tail up one after another with a group of 3 having tails up all at the same time. It was spectacular to be able to see!

This was an incredible experience that brought us up close and personal with humpback whales in a way we never expected. The boat does not sit high off of the water so every single guest had a direct view of the whales. We visited in February and got to see baby humpback whales, whale tails emerging as they dove deep, pectoral fin slaps whales use to communicate, and endless spouts. We were even lucky enough to see a full breach! It was beautiful to see these massive animals all around us while surrounded by the gorgeous Maui skyline. At one point, we could hear a whale song through the boat and the captain pulled out a hydrophone to magnify it for us. This was an experience that we'll never forget and already plan on returning to do again!

Absolutely spectacular! Saw so many whales and got close to them. Wow! Wow! Wow! Kass and Kaleigh were great. Highly recommend this tour. Also a great sunset.

This whale watching trip was by far my favorite thing to do‼️👍🏼‼️Everyone was so professional,knowledgeable and just FUN. Kailey and Kass were our guides and they were just perfect…you could tell they enjoyed what they did and treated us like we were they favorite. I also liked that there were only 12 passengers not too crowded

We had a fantastic time zooming around the waters between Maui and the adjacent islands and finding whales to stop and observe. We weren’t sure how our nine-year-old and 12-year-old would take to the water, but they loved being on board this type of boat. It was fast and you felt so close to the ocean. It was a small group, so we didn’t feel like one of a huge crowd. Captain Jill and naturalist Casey were a great team. Our group did not leave with any questions unanswered. And we were able to observe several different types of traveling groups, and many different behaviors, even including a baby! It was an unforgettable experience, and being able to leave from the beach right by our hotel was an added bonus, (especially since we were scrambling at the last minute in the morning!). We highly recommend this tour. We took zero photos and have no doubt we will have no problem remembering this fantastic part of our trip!

A plus was that the boat held 12 passengers with no obstructions to viewing. As far as whales went, the trip started slow with few sightings but as the trip progressed, our awesome guides, Kass & Kalie, found a pod of whales, actually up to 8 males in pursuit of a female. Photos were fantastic. Hard to keep up with them & so close. A Valentine’s Day treat. Even though we were close to the waters edge, we didn’t get wet & the ride was smooth Would highly recommend because the boat can get you to the whale activity quickly & close. The tour supports whale rescue, freeing whales from line entanglements. A big Shaka & Mahalo to the crew

They’re the most amazing experience! The whales were so majestic… The crew were a great deal of information and super friendly

This was the best whale watch trip we have ever done (and we have done 12-15 of them)! Lots of whales, breaching and slapping, pretty close (about 120 yards). The small boat allowed us to quickly move towards the whales when sighted at a distance. Kaylie and Kath made the trip memorable!

Excellent tour, we saw breaching whales, even a calf learning to breach and tail slap. I reccomend this tour with this company...It was worth every penny

Ultimate whale watching was an amazing time. We saw so many whales! Mark & Lilly were great at getting us as close as possible to them and all the informationthey gave along the trip. They were right next to our raft and put on quite a show. I've been on many whale watching trips,but this one was the best. I would say Maui is the best place for whale watching just for the shear number you see. The 2 hours went by very fast.

Jill and Kacey helped to make this an amazing trip. We saw dozens of whales up close and personal. They had us surrounded by active whales. We even became involved in a rescue mission with a crew coming out in an attempt to free a female entangled with some type of netting. An added bonus.

Our whale watch tour completely exceeded our expectations! I'll admit to having some initial reservations when I saw the big catamarans of some other tours vs the smaller zodiac-style boat we were going on -- but it turned out to be SO much better! It's a very speedy, nimble craft, and also completely stable. The catamarans were much slower and less responsive, whereas we could zip over immediately to where the whales were. You're also much closer to the water, so when the whales do come up to the surface, it really seems so near! The group size is capped at 12, and on our tour there were only 7 passengers. The two tour leaders were super knowledgeable and fun, and had so much experience and knowledge. I love that this company is smaller and family-owned, and also involved in whale research. Just the previous day, our captain Kayleigh (sp?) had helped in a whale 'disentanglement' to free a whale who had traveled all the way from Alaska with fishing line wrapped around its tale, fins, even mouth. I am so happy we chose this tour company -- you should too! Some logistical details: we launched from Kaanapali Beach, and you take a small boat to get to the main boat. You'll have to wade in a bit so wear sandals, and have a backpack to carry your stuff. There's a box on board where you can store your bag, but you really don't need anything during the tour, so less is good. They accept cash and Venmo for tips -- and given the post-fire status of the island, tipping the folks who work there is so important.

Amy and Lilly were awesome tour guides! Friendy, personable and knowledgeable. Excellent tour and would go again if visiting Maui in the future. Highly recommend!

My husband and our two kids (13 and 11) went on the 6:30am tour and wow did we see so many whales. Hannah and Zach were fantastic and shared so much information about the whales and what we were witnessing in terms of their behaviour in the water etc. We saw so many whales, including a baby whale behaving like a dolphin! A must do experience on your trip to Maui during their whale season and go with Ultimate Whale Watching. The boats are small, comfortable and fun!

We went on the 2:15pm "vip" tour from Kaanapali beach with captain Lacey and Sara and had a great time. We boarded on the raft by first using a zodiac to get from the beach to the boat - it was pretty fun! After a few minutes of cruising, we saw a competition group with one female and multiple males, and later on found a lone singer which we heard loud and clear on the hydrophone, and finished with a juvenile serial breacher before smoothly returning to port. Highly recommend this company and crew!

So many humpback whales we literally could not count !! Dozens!! Boat captain Jeremiah and first mate Hannah were THE BEST CREW EVER! If you want to get a lot a close viewing ( they always follow the safety rules ) I recommend the smaller group experience especially if you want to take pictures. We lucked out big time because we were just idling watching some whales and momma brought her baby right to our boat ( and under the boat!) You cannot go wrong with this company. If there are whales they will get you to them. I’m going back next year to do it again! For some reason I am not able to post the GoPro footage that Hannah shared with us :(

They shuttled us out to the craft which was nimble and fast we headed South due to windy weather. We saw a breach but I was too slow.

EXCELLENT whale watching! We have previously whale watched through Pacific Whale Foundation, with a great experience. However, Ultimate Whale Watch offered a more personal, up-close, adventure. We saw SO many whales up close and were given expert education on whales and their behaviors. Very comfortable seats with a covered awning for protection from the hot sun. We were required to take a raft out to the boat, which made me nervous for my aging in-laws (with knee replacements)... the crew was so helpful and it was actually quite easy for them to get in and out of the boat. What a great experience. We will definitely book with this team again. Mahalo!

Tough water/wind conditions but the captain/owner & biologist made the best of it, and got us out safely. Had fun

Beside the glorious fact that we saw dozens of whales in the bay (!), we had the near-spiritual experience of being adopted by a mama and baby (plus escort) who stayed close to the boat for almost an hour. What an honor!

We had an amazing time! We were able to see a baby whale with its mama and they were being followed by several males. Our captions Lacy and Lilly were great! They had great information about what the whales were doing. I would definitely recommend this company!! Job well done!

We thoroughly enjoyed our excursion on this in April of 2014. We saw several whales, including a couple of females and their calves, and several males. The first group had 6 whales in it, so it was pretty active, with several of the males challenging the primary male. The second group was smaller, but pretty exciting, too, especially when the female and baby decided to pass under our boat! One of the group was tasked with putting on a mask and snorkel and, with someone holding onto his legs, he put his head under water to look at them. When you go, dress to get a little wet.

Captain Lacey and Abbey were great! Was a perfect day to be on the water, the whales were active. We were able to listen to them sing and also see a young calf whale! Captain and co-captain were very friendly, enthusiastic, and genuinely loved the whales and doing tours. Thanks for a great experience!

Captain Chad was very good! What a fun time. Whales were very active and saw multiple breaches. A must do in the area of Lahaina. 5 stars!

I really appreciate all safety, fun,professional, service for all the team, special Two girls sorry i can't remember the names they make all us beautiful experience, 100 % recommended 🐳🌊🐋🏝⛰️🏞🌋🌎🙌🏻

Emma and Pat were very informative and made the trip so much fun! Both very professional and interactive. Thank you!

The best thing was the absolute delight on my grandson's face! We saw many whales, mamas and their babies. The escort were fighting for their place with the females. It was quite spectacular! The captain and his first mate were well informed and seemed passionate about the whales.

First time whale watching snd what an experience. Got lot of close encounters to a group of 5-6 whales.

Sunrise Whale watching was amazing . Sarah and Emma were great very knowledgeable and made this a great trip seen lots of whales . 8 year old Granddaughter had a blast . Thank you ultimate whale watching. Would highly recommend this trip/ company. Jeff

Great sunrise trip with Capt Chris and Pat. Perfect day to be on the water with lots of activity. Thank you whales and fab crew.

Great sunrise whale watch. Very knowledgeable crew, and lots of fun. The inflatable was a great way to see whales being up close to the action. We saw a ton of whales and Emma, made it fun and interesting sharing her knowledge with us. Great time and we will definitely book again!

Everyone from dock counter staff, to the naturalist on board, to the Captain, are all pleasant, professional; and knowledgeable, always trying to make your trip special and memorable, each trip is different and amazing. Never fail to see whales....

This outing was 90 minutes of great information, personable/engaging guides, and AMAZING whale sitings! The size of the boat and the tour group was just perfect for a truly memorable experience.

We were on the Whales the entire trip. They were everywhere! The first group we encountered was a mom and baby just playing around, possibly an escort nearby waving a dorsel fin, at the sametime whales were breaching on the horizon. We turned around to find a competition pod with at least 7 whales, they circled our group of boats for over an hour. We then pulled up to the same yellow boat/raft and there was a small group of whales that played around out boat the rest of the tour. Capt and Hannah provided a ton of awesome info, allowed to get great photos and video. They were so respectful of the ocean and the whales, it was a sacred time. We truly enjoyed the time with the whales. It was a small group, the water was calm, the sunrise gorgeous. We can't wait to go back! Thank you Ultimate Whale watch for such a remarkable time

We were there 1-week before peek season and saw more whales that we knew what to do with. I've got 4 different breaches in pictures and there were a bunch more that I didn't capture. The boat is small, which means you don't have to fight to get around people to see the whales and that there is always a clear line of visability. They ask passengers on the side closest to the whales to sit so that those on the other side can stand and see over them. This means we had clear views the whole time. They also stuck a mic in the water so we could listen to the whales sing for a while. Top notch tour!! We are so glad we didn't go on one of the big boat tours.

We loved this tour was early and only 1.5 hours and with a small group on a smaller vessel. The water was calm, and we saw the sunrise BUT best part we saw many whales and captain and crew were informative. This was a wonderful way to see whales without being with a crowd. We were fortunate to see a mother with her calf who showed off their whale tail tricks. I highly recommend the trip with this team. It was worth every penny. Get there on time or you will miss the boat! Literally. Aloha. 🌺

Great way to start the day. Small group was great and seeing whales was awesome! This was our 4th trip with this company and they always deliver.

My husband and I decided on Ultimate Whale Watch for our water adventure this trip, and we could not have been more pleased. Parking was easy since we were a little early. Headed to the dock and found the slip number for our tour. There were about a dozen of us on the boat and there was not a bad seat to be had. We headed out to open water and were immediately experiencing humpbacks. While we did not get a breach closeby, we had spy hops, peck fin slapping and tons of fluke action. It was utterly amazing. I feel so bad that I cannot remember our crew's names, as those ladies were incredible!!!!!! Super knowledgeable, patient, helpful and funny as all get out. Do not hesitate to book with Ultimate. As a pro-photographer and former divemaster, this was a top notch experience and we are already planning a charter when we return in 2023! P.S. - if someone could let me know the crew's name (pictures attached) I would be so greatful.