Practical and well-organized dolphin watching tours operate daily from Maui’s shores. Three standout options have earned solid reputations for reliability and value.
The Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Watch from Maalaea delivers consistently good dolphin sightings with expert naturalist guides. For families, the Half-Day Snorkel & Dolphin Tour works perfectly – it’s shorter and includes quality gear plus meals.
My favorite remains the South Maui: Lanai tour, which limits groups to 70 people, creating a more intimate experience with these magnificent creatures. During winter months (December-April), you might spot humpback whales as a bonus.
Let’s examine the best dolphin watching options Maui has to offer.
Good To Know
Maui Half-Day Snorkel & Dolphin Tour (Whale-Watching Seasonal) offers the primary focus of searching for dolphins, with the added bonus of potential whale sightings.
South Maui: Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch From Maalaea provides a guided reef tour, snorkel instruction, and the opportunity to see spinner dolphins.
From Ma’alaea Harbor: Lana’i Snorkel and Dolphin Adventure offers a 5.5-hour excursion to explore the marine life and spinner dolphins around Lanai.
Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Watch From Maalaea features certified marine naturalists, premium snorkel gear, and the chance to see dolphins during the journey.
From Maalaea: Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Encounter on Quicksilver includes a “Jump for Joy” jumping platform, a dolphin search, and whale watching during the season.
From Maalaea: Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Encounter on Quicksilver
The “From Maalaea: Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Encounter on Quicksilver” tour departs from Boss Frogs Snorkel, Bike & Beach Rentals in Maalaea. Passengers must park at the nearby Maui Harbor Shops / Maui Ocean Center and check-in 30 minutes before departure.
The tour includes water slides, professional crew, high-quality snorkel gear, and a continental breakfast and lunch. Guests can enjoy soda, juice, coffee, or tea, and have access to restrooms and a freshwater shower.
The tour also features a “Jump for Joy” jumping platform, a dolphin search, and whale watching during the season. Customers can purchase additional items like alcoholic beverages, underwater cameras, wetsuits, Dramamine, and t-shirts.
The 1.5-hour ride to the snorkel location is narrated with informative and historical details. While wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, the tour operates in most weather conditions and requires basic swimming ability. The maximum capacity is 100 travelers, and special dietary needs should be requested at booking.
Read our full review: From Maalaea: Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Encounter on Quicksilver Review
Book now: Check availability
Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Watch From Maalaea
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Watch From Maalaea tour. This excursion boasts a Badge of Excellence from the Pacific Whale Foundation, ensuring a top-notch experience. Certified marine naturalists guide you through the journey, providing snorkel instruction and a fish identification class.
Premium snorkel gear, including optical masks, and flotation devices are included, ensuring a comfortable and safe underwater exploration.
Refuel with a continental breakfast and a delectable lunch, complete with chicken, burgers, hot dogs, and vegetarian options. Quench your thirst with unlimited soda, juice, and filtered water, and enjoy a complimentary alcoholic beverage for those 21 and over. The tour also includes gratuities, hotel pickup and drop-off, and reef-safe sunscreen available for purchase.
With a maximum of 70 travelers, this 4-5 hour tour promises an intimate and personalized experience. Witness the breathtaking scenery of Maalaea and Lanai, while keeping an eye out for the magnificent dolphins that call these waters home.
Read our full review: Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Watch From Maalaea Review
Book now: Check availability
Maui Half-Day Snorkel & Dolphin Tour (Whale-Watching Seasonal)
For those seeking a memorable half-day adventure, the Maui Half-Day Snorkel & Dolphin Tour (Whale-Watching Seasonal) offers an unparalleled experience. This tour departs from Whalers Village in Kaanapali Beach, with a 30-minute check-in before the 7:15 AM departure. Participants will be outfitted with snorkeling equipment and flotation devices, and can enjoy a continental breakfast and drinks on board.
The tour’s primary focus is to search for dolphins, with the added bonus of potential whale sightings during the seasonal whale-watching period. The journey takes guests across the channel to the island of Lanai, where they’ll have the opportunity to snorkel and explore the vibrant underwater world. Towels, sunscreen, and waterproof cameras are recommended to make the most of this experience.
With a minimum age of 5 years and a requirement of at least 10 passengers, this tour isn’t suitable for those with injuries or pregnant women. Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour.
Read our full review: Maui Half-Day Snorkel & Dolphin Tour (Whale-Watching Seasonal) Review
Book now: Check availability
South Maui: Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch From Maalaea
Visitors seeking a captivating South Maui adventure can enjoy the Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch from Maalaea. This eco-friendly 5-hour wildlife excursion departs from Maalaea Harbor aboard a 65-foot double-deck powered catamaran. Guests can snorkel a dazzling reef off Lanai and spot spinner, bottlenose, and spotted dolphins.
Certified Marine Naturalists provide a free guided reef tour, and the onboard Junior Naturalist Program engages kids. A continental breakfast and grilled BBQ lunch are included, along with unlimited soda, juice, and one complimentary alcoholic drink for adults. Premium snorkel gear, flotation devices, and snorkel instruction are provided, and reef-safe sunscreen is available for purchase. Rentals like wetsuit shirts, underwater cameras, and binoculars are also offered.
At $180.92 per person, this adventure offers an unforgettable eco-friendly wildlife experience in South Maui.
Read our full review: South Maui: Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch From Maalaea Review
Book now: Check availability
From Ma’alaea Harbor: Lana’i Snorkel and Dolphin Adventure
Departing from the Maalaea Harbor, the Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Adventure offers a captivating 5.5-hour excursion to explore the stunning marine life and playful spinner dolphins around Lanai. Priced at $139.95 per person, the tour includes a continental breakfast, deli sandwich lunch, and all necessary snorkel gear.
Guests can marvel at the vibrant underwater coral gardens and diverse array of marine creatures, as well as the acrobatic displays of spinner dolphins. Though not suitable for those with mobility issues or non-swimmers, the tour provides a lifeguard, jump platform, and slide for added safety and fun.
Wetsuits and underwater cameras are available for rent, and guests are encouraged to bring cash for tips and additional purchases. With free cancellation up to 2 days in advance, the Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Adventure offers a memorable opportunity to explore the natural wonders of Maui’s waters.
Read our full review: From Ma’alaea Harbor: Lana’i Snorkel and Dolphin Adventure Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Maui offers several excellent dolphin watching tours, including options from Maalaea Harbor. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling and encountering dolphins on these half-day excursions to Lanai. While whale watching is seasonal, these tours provide the opportunity to see dolphins year-round. With a range of departure locations and activities, there’s a Maui dolphin tour to suit most travelers’ interests and budgets.