Ultimate Whale Watching Kayak & Reef Snorkel Experience

Green Paddling Blue Water represents our core values of Sustainable Tourism and Education. We aim to operate our business in a way that ‘leaves no trace’ on the environment. On our tours, we promote the use of sun-protective clothing and hats to minimize the use of sunscreen which can have a damaging effect on our reefs. Please keep this in mind when preparing for your tour. If you must use sunscreen, please apply it before you arrive to allow sufficient time to soak into your skin.

We can’t guarantee what you’ll see on the day but you might spot some local residents like green sea turtles, eels, octopus, triggerfish, butterflyfish, surgeonfish, urchins, and rays. Keep your eyes peeled for the famous Humuhumunukunukuapua’a fish (we just call it humuhumu for short!). We respect all wild animals; we don’t touch or annoy them during our tours.

Whales are regular visitors to Maui from December through April. Federal law prohibits approaching North Pacific Humpbacks within 100 yards (91.5 m).

If the weather is bad, we will do one of two things. If we know it will be unsafe or in poor conditions the day before the tour, we will try to contact our guests the night before to either relocate the tour or reschedule to another day. If the weather is bad the morning of the tour and we can’t do it, we will contact the guests that morning.

Considering we offer completely weather-dependent tours, we rarely have to cancel our trips. From time to time we have big waves or strong winds that force us to make some decisions. We have an honesty first policy though, so we take the time to call guests before the trip if the weather is bad and talk options with them ranging from simply moving locations to rescheduling days.

The ocean dictates what we see on any given tour. We do NOT GUARANTEE any sightings of marine ecology. We do guarantee that we will try our best to maximize what we see during the tour.

From December 15th through May 15th Maui’s waters become the North Pacific Marine Whale Sanctuary waters. Maui gets thousands of North Pacific Humpbacks to migrate to the Hawaiian waters for mating and birthing purposes. We offer our official Whale Watch tours from Jan 1- April 15th. With that being said we never let an encounter go by without notice.

We provide a light snack on the water. We encourage all guests to arrive the morning of the tour with reusable water bottles. We will have water available if needed.

Of course! We have double kayaks so kids can be paired up with an adult. If you’re unsure about your child’s abilities then please give us a call to discuss. The youngest we allow are 10-year-olds on our Ultimate Whale Watch tour.

We provide life jackets that are required to be worn by the USCG and our insurance company. Some choose to snorkel in their life jackets but it is not mandatory.  If you would like to wear your life jacket while snorkeling, then you are more than welcome to.

If you don’t want it wet, don’t bring it! Our kayaks sit on top boats, and you will be sitting in the water by design. Towels are encouraged for a post-tour rinse-off and will be left in your car. We will provide each party a dry bag for keys, wallets, cell phones, and any other valuables you are not wanting to leave in your car.

Any form of sun protection is encouraged. Hats, sunglasses, sun shirts, and REEF SAFE sunscreens.

Bring WATER!!! Ideally, a reusable water bottle to minimize your impact on our fragile island.

Any form of footwear. Beach is rocky and the local trees produce big thorns. Water shoes are not required.

If you have your own snorkel gear, we encourage you to bring it if you know it works. If not, we will provide high-quality snorkeling gear to all guests who need it.

Gratuities are always appreciated. HIP TO TIP

We use Malibu Two sit on top kayaks made by Ocean Kayak. These are the industry standard and perfect for our needs and uses.

Common sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm coral reefs, as the particles are small enough to be absorbed by corals, causing toxicity and coral bleaching. Reef-friendly sunscreens are formulated without these harmful chemicals. Reef-SAFE sunscreens go a step further by using non-nano particles, which are too large for corals to ingest, helping to preserve marine ecosystems. 

Please avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. Consider wearing sun-protective clothing, like long-sleeve rash guards, as an alternative to sunscreen. If you choose a mineral-based sunscreen, ensure it is labeled ‘non-nano.’

You can snorkel with a beard or mustache but it can prevent a tight seal between the mask and your face, which may cause water to leak in. It is often recommended to shave at least your mustache before diving. If you’d prefer not to shave your mustache, please bring petroleum jelly or chapstick with you. If you coat your mustache in that chapstick or jelly, it may be able to seal and prevent water from getting in.

Glasses cannot be worn while snorkeling, but contacts are perfectly fine and recommended for the best experience. Prescription masks are not available for rent, but you are welcome to bring your own.

Additionally, there is an automatic correction effect that occurs underwater due to light refraction, making things appear clearer, but contacts or a personal prescription mask will provide the best visibility.

TripOutside recommends knowing how to swim before snorkeling, but participation is ultimately up to you and the tour operator's discretion.

• Check ocean conditions and only snorkel at lifeguarded beaches. The chance of rescue is much higher with trained lifeguards present.
• Never snorkel alone. Always bring a buddy. Beginners should consider booking a guided tour.
• Rest after flying. Flying can dehydrate and exhaust you—give your body at least a day to acclimate before snorkeling.
• Test your gear on land or in a pool first. Make sure your mask fits snugly, you can breathe through the snorkel, and you know how to clear water if needed.
• Practice with fins. You should be able to scissor kick while swimming. Avoid doggie paddling—it won’t get you far.
• Don’t wear fins on land. Walk into the water, get past the waves, then put your fins on. Remove them before exiting.
• Take it slow. Breathe calmly, relax, and avoid overexertion to keep your heart rate low.
• Know your limits. If you’re feeling tired, anxious, or unsure about conditions, skip the snorkel session. Panic in the water is dangerous.
• Stay aware of currents and tides. Even experienced swimmers can get pulled out. Know how to identify rip currents and how to escape them (swim parallel to shore).