Maui is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in the world with its lush tropical forests and awe-inspiring mountains dominating the landscape. But the waters around Maui are teeming with life from tiny reef fish to mighty mammals breaching the surface.

Boat tours in Maui aim to bring visitors close to the fantastic creatures in Hawaii’s ocean respectfully and sustainably, educating as well as entertaining guests.

You will find below all the information about boat tours, one of the most beautiful and unforgettable outdoor activities in Maui.

What are the most popular boat tours in Maui?

Whale Watching Cruise

No tour will bring you as close to the power and beauty of nature as a whale-watching cruise in Maui. Head out to see to meet the gentle giants that visit Maui each year to give birth and mate in an incredible display.

A high-speed catamaran takes you right to the center of the action to see pods of humpback whales play in the warm water around Maui. Whales can be seen spy hopping, breaching, and splashing their fins as they show off hoping to find a mate.

You will have great views from every seat onboard and you can use underwater hydrophones to listen to the whales communicate with each other.

Snorkeling Boat Tour in Maui

Adventure seekers come to Maui to explore the vibrant underwater world of Hawaii. Hop onboard a boat and head out to the most abundant reefs on the Lana'i Coast and swim with turtles and colorful reef fish.

The boat will take you to multiple diving spots based on weather conditions and offer you expert guidance on how to enjoy the reefs while snorkeling. After hours of underwater adventure, you will get back on board and enjoy a hearty lunch while trying to spot dolphins on the way back.

Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Explore the underwater world like never before with a glass-bottom boat tour in Maui. This unique vessel will take you to Maui’s large barrier reef, giving you a look below the surface of the waves.

Professional divers will jump in once you reach the reef, looking for interesting critters to show you through the windows of the viewing cabin. After taking a good look at the captivating life on the reef you will head above deck to enjoy unbeatable views of the West Maui Mountains on the way back to the harbor.

Maui Sunset Cruise

There is no better way to end a day in Hawaii than with a sunset boat cruise in Maui. A glamorous catamaran will sweep you away to the perfect spot to see the sky light up in brilliant colors as the sun sets over the horizon.

Onboard you will be treated to delicious hand-crafted cocktails or champagne and some snacks to compliment the exquisite views. You will see Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe islands from the water and you might even be lucky enough to see some dolphins playing around the boat.

There is also the option of enjoying a dinner cruise, an undoubtedly romantic way to spend an evening in Hawaii. With Lanai serving as your backdrop, you will be served scrumptious dishes like Mahi-Mahi and Hawaiian prime ribs while sipping on Mai Thais and listening to enchanting traditional music.

Private Catamaran Charter in Maui

Live in the lap of luxury with a private boat cruise in Maui. You and five friends can board an exclusive vessel and cruise at sunset or enjoy lavish breakfast and lunch on the magical waters of Hawaii.

The privacy of your own boat is the best way to experience the beauty of Maui at your own pace and without disruptions. You can enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise or take on a half-day experience with snorkeling and feasting involved.

How much do boat tours in Maui cost?

Group boat tours in Maui can cost anywhere between US$40 to US$170 per person, depending on the time spent on the boat and extras such as food, drinks and equipment.

You can expect to pay around US$40 per person for a whale-watching cruise. Snorkeling boat tours in Maui start from around US$90 per person but cruises of around US$170 per person last longer and include meals.

Sunset cruises that include alcoholic drinks range around US$90 per person while cruises in Maui that include dinner as well are around US$130 per person.

A glass bottom boat tour costs around US$50 per adult, US$25 for children under 12 and US$7 for infants.

A private charter for six people at sunset costs US$1800 for the group but a cruise that includes snorkeling, breakfast and lunch costs up to US$3000.

Which places are seen on a boat tour in Maui?

Coral Reef

If you take a snorkeling tour or a glass bottom boat tour in Maui you will visit the stunning reefs around the island.

These reefs are unlike the ones you might come to expect from warmer regions like Thailand or the Caribbean but they are fascinating in their own way. They are teeming with life and you will see beautiful creatures like sea turtles, triggerfish and possibly even black tip reef sharks.

Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe

These three islands – Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe – are the closest islands to Maui and sit on the western side of the island. These three islands form the backdrop for any boat trip in Maui and decorate the horizon as the sky turns bright orange during sunset.

Mauna Kahālāwai

When you head out to sea you will have panoramic ocean views to the one side but unbeatable views of the Western Maui Mountains to the other. These mountains are also known as Mauna Kahālāwai and form a breathtaking green wall that shoots up from the ocean as you approach Maui.

How long does a boat trip last?

Most whale-watching tours, dinner cruises and sunset trips last around 2 hours while glass bottom boat tours only last an hour.

If you take a cruise in Maui to snorkel on the impressive reefs it will last between 3 and 5 hours, depending on if your tour includes food.

Private chargers also last around 5 hours and what you do with that time is more flexible than other group tours.

Where do boat tours leave from?

Most boat tours in Maui leave from Lahaina Harbor on the western side of the island. Your tour operator will give you clear instructions on which dock to go to or if they will meet you at a central point close to the harbor.

When is the best time for a boat trip in Maui?

Sunset boat tours in Maui offer a spectacular and unforgettable setting and you might want to leave this for the end of your trip, to leave you with lasting memories to end off the perfect visit.

If you want to explore the underwater marvels of Maui with a snorkeling trip, you might want to book this earlier in your trip in case you are so taken with the experience that you want to do it again.

Which other water activities can be done in Maui?

Travel tips

Wear your swimsuit if you are doing a snorkeling boat trip or intend on going for a swim.
Bring something warm for sunset cruises as there might be a cool breeze at night.
Remember to fully charge your camera for whale-watching boat trips to capture every explosive moment.
Wear reef-safe sunscreen and bring a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Some cruises might require you to walk in shallow water so wear appropriate clothing if that is the case.

Boat Tours in Maui