Maui Catamaran Cruises: Our Top 4

1.Ma’alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tour Aboard Power Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 979 reviews · 2 hours · from $49Our pick

Cruise Ma'alaea Bay aboard Quicksilver’s roomy double-deck power catamaran from December through April. Your captain and crew explain humpback behavior, track blows and breaches, and use an underwater hydrophone so you can hear whale songs. Soda, juice, water, restrooms, and paid drinks are onboard.

“Captain Kiwi was very entertaining. We saw whales in several different locations leaving on the first boat departing in the morning. The service and crew were great. This was a nice value when you consider the costs of other whale watching options. We had good time!”

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2.From Ma’alaea: ‘Alihilani Sunset Sail Catamaran Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 348 reviews · from $114

Sail the Auʻau Channel aboard Sail Maui’s 49-passenger catamaran, ‘Alihilani, for sunset views, drinks, cold hors d’oeuvres, and a chance to spot dolphins or humpback whales from December through March. Meet crew members such as James, Kevin, Jess, or Captain Nicholas, depending on the sailing.

“10/10 would do again! Great crew - great time! Worth it! Spent half day in Lanai then came and did this, THEN went to Lahaina pizza company. Full day and was awesome!”

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3.Whale Watching Tour on a Charming Hawaiian Catamaran From Maalaea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 194 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85Top rated

From Maalaea, spend about 2.5 hours aboard Winona, Maui’s only Hawaiian-built catamaran, searching for humpback whales from December through March. The crew, sometimes led by Captains Sam or Spencer, shares whale facts, plays island music, serves snacks and drinks, and lowers a hydrophone to hear whale songs.

“Excellent fun adventure reasonably priced compared to others. We were right up near the Whales. The captian turned off the engines and we drifted then the whales came to us so close. Great crew very knowable and attentive.”

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4.Turtles & Tacos Luxury Catamaran Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 103 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $199

Sail from Maalaea Harbor on a spacious Alii Nui catamaran for about three hours. Snorkel with green sea turtles, use provided gear and reef-safe sunscreen, then enjoy island-style tacos, margaritas, and local beer. Captains including Josh, Bre, and Tim have earned strong praise for their attentive service.

“This excursion was phenomenal. The crew was fantastic, meeting every need you can imagine. The food was great, the swimming with the turtles was awesome and on the way back, we were able to sail for a bit due to the wind. Would absolutely do it again.”

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