Whale Watch & Reef Snorkel — South Maui Makena

Humpback whales migrate to Maui's warm waters from December through April each year. This is the best time to see them breaching, singing, tail-slapping, and caring for their calves. Outside of this season, tours still run as kayak and snorkel eco-adventures featuring Makena's abundant marine life.

Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed as these are wild animals. However, during peak season (January–March), whales are extremely common in Makena Bay. Your guide has intimate local knowledge of the area and will always work hard to find the best sightings.

Maui's waters are extraordinarily biodiverse. Guests regularly encounter Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), which are a highlight of nearly every tour. Depending on season and conditions, you may also see humpback whales (December–April), spinner dolphins, manta and eagle rays, octopuses, eels, Hawaiian monk seals, and a huge variety of colorful tropical fish.

Advance purchase is required, and tours do sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day you prefer, please book well in advance!

About half of our guests are beginners and our typical snorkel and/or kayak tour guest ranges between 10 to 70 years old. We do not allow children under 5 as they will have difficulty with the snorkeling portion of the trip. The tour is designed to be comfortable for the novice and effortless for those that are experienced. Your tour guides will be there to help you, allowing you to focus and enjoy your Hawaiian experience. We move at a relaxed pace, focusing on the scenery and marine mammals that may come our way. The physical output is low - similar to walking/hiking - so you don't have to be an athlete to participate, but should be of moderate fitness with no major mobility constraints.

A tandem kayak can accommodate 500 lbs (226 kgs) between two passengers. The combined weight of both passengers cannot exceed 500 lbs (225 kgs). We do have special single kayaks that can accommodate an individual of up to 225 lbs (102 kgs) - if you are interested in securing such a kayak, please contact us.

Our gear is of the utmost quality. Our New Ocean Kayak tandem kayaks are Malibu Two XL's and we have single person Scrambler XT's available on request or for odd number groups. You will also be wearing state of the art Aqua Lung silicon masks, dry snorkels, and adjustable U.S. Divers fins.

Depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy this may or may not be appropriate for you. We suggest consulting with your doctor before attending the trip.

Yes of course. All of our guides are lifeguard trained and we require you to wear a coastguard certified life vest at all times while on the water. These jackets make it easy to float and our guides will help you feel comfortable in the water.

For individuals without kayaking experience our expert guides will give paddling instruction and a safety briefing on the beach. Launching from much of Maui's shoreline can be demanding, even hazardous. We lend our expertise with the launch, accompany you for the duration providing knowledge of local culture, geography, and marine life.

For safety reasons we require that life jackets be worn at all times during the kayak paddle. Although you are not required to wear them while snorkeling, we generally recommend wearing them.

People have gotten seasick before, but the great majority make it through the experience without getting sick. If you are prone to motion sickness, you may want to consider taking preventative measures beforehand.

We love pets, but unfortunately pets are not allowed on our trips. We are unable to accommodate the unique needs of pets at this time.

Yes. All guides are Red Cross-certified lifeguards with CPR and First Aid training. Guides are also experienced paddlers and snorkelers who operate island-wide year-round and are well-versed in Maui's culture, history, marine life, and weather patterns.

Please use reef-safe, non-nano mineral sunscreen only. Common sunscreens with oxybenzone, octinoxate, or parabens can harm coral reefs and are strongly discouraged. Consider wearing a long-sleeve rash guard as a sun-protective alternative. If you choose a mineral-based sunscreen, ensure it is labeled "non-nano."