Maui: Whale Watching & Turtle Snorkel Tour with BBQ Lunch

Whale watching on Maui plus snorkeling with turtles and onboard BBQ

You’ll spot humpback whales up close off Maui’s coast, then snorkel among turtles above bright coral reefs. Enjoy a relaxed BBQ lunch on deck with local flavors and fresh air before unwinding at the open bar as you cruise back under the sun. These are moments that stick with you long after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching and snorkeling tour

• Board the spacious Maxi Power Catamaran
• Enjoy panoramic whale watching views
• Snorkel at a beautiful coral reef
• Have BBQ lunch cooked onboard
• Relax at the open bar after snorkeling
• Kids enjoy the super water slide

The experience

We were already leaning over the rail when someone shouted, not sure who started it, but suddenly everyone was pointing at the water. Our guide, Kaleo, grinned and said “Humpbacks!” like it was an old friend showing up unannounced. The ocean was that deep blue you only see in Hawaii, and honestly, I didn’t expect to be so close to these whales. You could actually hear them breathe. This huge whoosh that made me laugh out loud. It’s weird how quiet everyone got after that, just listening.

The boat itself (Pride of Maui) felt more like a floating patio than anything else: tons of space to wander or just flop down in the sun. There were kids racing for the water slide (I almost joined them), and the crew kept bringing out trays of pineapple while we waited for our turn to snorkel. When we finally jumped in, I fumbled with my mask at first: Li laughed when I tried to say “honu” (turtle) in Hawaiian. Probably butchered it. But then there they were: green sea turtles gliding past coral, totally unfazed by us flapping around above them.

Lunch was burgers and teriyaki chicken cooked right there on deck. Nothing fancy but after swimming it tasted perfect. The smell of barbecue mixed with salt air is something I still think about sometimes. After snorkeling they opened the bar. I sipped a mai tai while drying off in the sun, legs dangling over the side, trying to memorize that feeling before heading back toward shore. The whole thing felt both laid-back and kind of electric at once.

What’s included

Your day includes all snorkel gear and flotation devices ready for you onboard, a freshly grilled BBQ lunch with burgers, teriyaki chicken or hot dogs served right on deck, unlimited soft drinks throughout the cruise plus an open bar featuring local beer, wine and mai tais after snorkeling, and plenty of space to relax or play as you watch for whales and swim with turtles before returning to shore.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 4 Jan 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 75

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Pride of Maui

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the Maui whale watching & turtle snorkel tour?

The tour lasts about 3.5 hours from start to finish.

Is snorkeling gear included on this whale watch tour?

Yes, all snorkel equipment and flotation devices are provided onboard.

Are meals or drinks included during the cruise?

A BBQ lunch is served onboard along with an open bar after snorkeling.

What kind of boat is used for this Maui whale watch trip?

The Pride of Maui is a large Maxi Power Catamaran known for its stability and spacious decks.

Are whale sightings guaranteed on this tour?

Yes, if you don’t see whales, you can join again free of charge.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned. Public transportation options are nearby.