Make your own way to the Kihei dock to board your whale-watching vessel.
Your captain welcomes you aboard the rigid-hulled raft, which is designed to cruise with ease through ocean waters. This allows your captain to locate whales quickly so that you have more time to observe the mighty mammals. You’ll be heading into the most heavily populated waters for whale activity in the Hawaiian Islands, giving you optimum chances for sightings.
Hear informative commentary by your onboard marine naturalist, who explains the humpbacks’ behavior, biology and territory. Learn why populations have rebounded from a low of just 1,400 whales in 1966 to approximately 21,000 whales in 2014. The adults can weigh anywhere from 25-40 tons (22-37 metric tons), while newborns start out weighing around one ton (900 kilograms).
You might also see spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins or spotted dolphins dancing around the raft during your cruise. The playful creatures sometimes leap out of the water near the boat or ride in its wake.
Keep cool under the sunshade, and be prepared for a misting of ocean spray from time to time during your 90-minute cruise. Nonalcoholic drinks are provided.
At the end of your tour, your captain returns you to the dock in Kihei.