Unlock the Magic of Maui Whale Watching with These Essential Tips

Embarking on a whale-watching adventure in Maui promises awe-inspiring moments, and we're here to ensure you make the most of every thrilling encounter. Dive into our expert tips to enhance your experience and capture the essence of these majestic creatures.

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1. STAY ALERT AND READY

Be patient and be READY! We have a joke we always tell on our boat, “You know how long a whale can stay underwater? Five seconds longer than the human attention span!” It always gets a laugh, but it is SO true. The minute you look away (like down at your cell phone… put that thing away!), you’ll hear the cheers from all around and whip your head up just in time to see the splash that follows the awesome whale breach that just happened. So, stay patient, ready, and limber!

2. HECK YEAH, BRING YOUR CAMERA

Bring along your trusty camera for a chance to immortalize the magic. When aiming for that perfect shot, think ahead of the whale's movements. Don't get fixated on the footprint left behind; instead, follow the direction the humpback seems to be heading. Pay attention to the crew's cues—they're seasoned experts with a knack for predicting whale behavior. Make your memories last a lifetime with well-timed snapshots of these incredible marine giants.

3. GET SMARTER

Learn a little something before or during your trip. When you know what’s going on out there and why, it makes the experience even more enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the captain or crew. It’s safe to say that these folks who get to see whales daily will have an abundance of knowledge they’re just dying to share with you. This one’s a twofer; you’ll make the crew feel smart, and you get to learn a little something too! Here’s a question for you: do you know where the humpback whales we see in Maui are from? No, not Alaska, silly! They are from Maui (or Hawaii). They are created here and born here. They go to Alaska to eat (it’s cheaper there).

4. DRESS SMART FOR OCEAN ADVENTURES

Stay warm and dry to fully enjoy your oceanic excursion. The wind can pick up unexpectedly, and ocean spray may add a chill to the air. Bring a windbreaker and wear clothes that can handle a bit of moisture. Whether you're feeling the brisk sea breeze or catching a refreshing whale exhale, being prepared for the elements ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

5. MASTER THE ART OF WHALE SCOUTING

Become a whale scout using the boat as your clock. Call out sightings using directions like "whale at 3:00" and share the excitement of spouts, tail slaps, and breaches with your fellow whale enthusiasts. Embrace the aloha spirit by actively participating in the collective joy of Maui whale watching.   

6. CREATE LASTING MEMORIES

Take a moment to let it all sink in and appreciate what you’ve just seen, heard, and felt. Whether you get to witness a mother whale teaching her newborn to breach, a spy hop from a curious escort whale, or the vigorous pushing and shoving that happens among members of a competition pod, getting to see these creatures up close and personal is an amazing experience, and one that most people on earth will never get the opportunity to enjoy. But YOU just did!

7. TUNE IN TO NATURE'S MELODIES

Don't miss out on the whales' enchanting serenade. We bring a hydrophone on all our trips, allowing you to listen to the melodic tunes of these marine maestros. From "squeaky door" to "the wookie" and "screaming monkey," immerse yourself in the symphony of the seas. Listening to the whales sing adds an extra layer of enchantment to your Maui whale watch.

8. EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC AT SUNSET

For a truly magical encounter, join us for a sunset whale watch. From January through March, when the cooler winter months grace Maui, our daily sunset whale watches start at 4:00. Our intimate boat, the Maui Diamond, will never be crowded. Though we're coast guard rated for 49 passengers, we prefer to max our trips at just 20 guests, offering ample space to move around, capture incredible shots, and relish the wonder of whales against the backdrop of a Hawaiian sunset.

Ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? Book your whale watch with us today by clicking here or calling directly at 808-879-9119. Your Maui whale-watching experience awaits, and you'll be glad you made it happen!

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Additional Notes:  Amazing whale, underwater, and landscape photography can be purchased from Jenna Szerlag Photography.

And limited edition whale watch tees will be available for purchase at the time of booking or during your trip.