Why is Maui Whale Watching The Best In The Islands?
Although whales do congregate in the waters surrounding all of the Hawaiian Islands, Maui whale watching has the highest concentration in all the islands. Why is that? The waters between Maui and the neighboring islands are shallower and the whales that come to Maui to mate and give birth to their young prefer that.
The whales choose the waters of Hawaii not only for the warm water temperature, but also for the lack of predators. This combination gives them a chance to birth and raise their calves for a while in a safer environment before returning to their normal feeding grounds.
They cannot live in the warm Hawaiian waters all year because there is not enough food here to sustain them full time. Whales can eat up to a ton a day, and the same waters that provide a place of refuge for giving birth would soon make them starve.
What kinds of whales are they?
More than 3500 humpback whales come to Maui each year. Humpbacks are not the only whales to visit, but they are the most prevalent. With so many whales coming to the area, you can see why tour operators are able to provide you with a guarantee to see whales.
Why go on a Maui whale watching tour?
You can see whales from the south and west shores of Maui, so why pay for a tour? Going out in a boat gives you an opportunity to get closer to the whales. But don't bother booking a tour that advertises "We'll get you closer" because the law states that you cannot approach any closer than 100 feet.
The fines are heavy for invading a their space, but the whales can come to you! If they do approach, the boats must shut down engines. They are fairly curious creatures and have been known to swim beneath boats or surface nearby. But for the most part though, your viewing will be in the 100 foot range.
When is whale watching season?
Peak whale watching season on Maui is from January to April, but the boards are up in October waiting for someone to post the first whale sighting of the season. They can also hang around into May.
To catch a whale watching tour, you can go from Ma'alea Harbor or from Lahaina Harbor. This experience is going to be one of the best bets for your money while in the islands.
You can combine your whale watching cruise with other activities for a price break. Whale watching in the afternoon and then a luau sounds like a great way to spend the day.
Who offers the best tours?
In my opinion, the very best whale watching tour (or wild dolphin tour) is going to be with Pacific Whale Foundation. These people are the experts, and the passion they have for humpback whales shows. They are super knowledgeable about whales and their habits and will be able to answer your questions.
They are a non-profit and the proceeds from their tours goes back into learning about and protecting the whales and dolphins. They are also the most eco friendly of the tour operators. One thing I love about Pacific Whale Foundation is that they provide reef friendly sunscreen. A two hour cruise will run around $30 per person.
Whoever you book with, look for a boat that has some shade, and a bathroom. Ideally they will offer some snacks and drinks for sale on the boat. You can take your choice of a morning, midday or late afternoon tour.
Pick the advantage that suits you best. A morning tour will most likely have calmer seas, the midday tour can be a good time to get off the beaches, and a late afternoon tour may get you a glorious sunset on the ocean.
No matter which tour you choose, Maui whale watching is an activity that should not be missed if you are there during the season.
