The Best 12 pm 1.5 Hour Whale Watching Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Maui during whale season, a whale watching tour is almost a must-do. We’ve looked into one popular option—the Best 12 pm 1.5 Hour Whale Watching Tour offered by Blue Water Rafting—and it looks like a solid way to add some excitement to your trip. Now, while we haven’t personally been on this exact tour, reviews, descriptions, and details give us a pretty clear picture of what to expect.

What we love about this experience is the small group setting, which means you’ll get more personalized attention, and the chance to hear live whale songs via hydrophone—a real treat for nature lovers. Also, departing from Kihei, this tour tends to operate in calm morning conditions, making for a smoother ride than some larger vessels might offer.

One potential consideration is that the tour is 1.5 hours long, which is great for a quick glimpse, but if you’re eager for more extensive whale encounters, you might want to look at longer options. Still, for those wanting a convenient, intimate, and informative experience, this tour seems to tick a lot of boxes. It’s especially suitable for travelers who appreciate knowledgeable guides and close-up whale sightings without the crowds.

If you’re someone who values expert-guided tours that combine education with adventure—and you’re okay with a shorter, more focused trip—this tour might just be perfect for you.

Key Points

• Small group size caps at 22 people, fostering a more personal experience.
• Live whale songs through a hydrophone create an immersive, almost magical vibe.
• Morning departures tend to offer calmer waters and more whale activity.
• Ample parking at the Kihei Boat Ramp makes logistics straightforward.
• Pricing at around $89.49 per person offers good value for the chance to see whales up close.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers but has some restrictions on children under 4 and pregnant women.

What to Expect on the Tour

This 1.5-hour whale watching trip is designed to be a quick, memorable encounter with Maui’s marine giants. Starting from the Kihei Boat Ramp, you’ll board a raft that seats no more than 22 travelers—meaning you’ll be in a more intimate setting compared to larger boats. This smaller size allows for a more flexible and close-up experience, which many reviews say enhances the overall fun and viewing opportunities.

The Departure and Journey

Set to depart at 12:00 pm, the tour benefits from the typically calm conditions of Maui’s south shore, especially in the morning hours. The location at Kihei is convenient, with ample free parking nearby, so you won’t have to worry about complicated logistics or expensive parking fees.

Once onboard, the crew—led by experienced guides—begins the search for whales. Pods are usually spotted quickly, allowing for ample time to watch and listen. The focus here is on seeing whales within 100 yards, which is as close as federal regulations allow, adding an element of anticipation and excitement.

The Whale Encounters

During the tour, you’ll likely witness breaching, tail slaps, and nursing mother whales, depending on the season and luck. One of the standout features is the hydrophone system, which lets you listen to whale songs live—something many guests find captivating. As one reviewer put it, “Most customers enjoy the hydrophone we put into the water to hear the whales sing the most,” and this feature definitely adds a layer of awe.

Guides and Education

The guides are not just there to point out whales—they’re also eager to share facts and answer questions throughout the trip. Many reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, with some mentioning guides like Captain Charlie, Scott, Angela, and Brandon who go above and beyond to share their expertise.

Duration and Pacing

Since this is a guaranteed whale watch, the tour sometimes stretches slightly beyond 1.5 hours if whales are slow to appear or if federal safety guidelines require maintaining a respectful distance from the whales. However, most guests report that they feel this short tour is perfect for a quick, impactful experience.

The Real Value in This Experience

At $89.49 per person, this tour offers solid value, especially considering the small group size, expert guides, and the unique chance to listen to whales singing. Many reviews reflect high satisfaction, with guests raving about the number of whales seen, including calves and mothers, and the quality of the guides. One reviewer enthusiastically said, “We saw lots of whales and even had a few breaches,” which captures what makes this experience special.

While some reviews mention fast driving or choppy waters, most find the ride thrilling rather than uncomfortable, thanks to the smaller vessel’s agility and the calm morning conditions. The experience is about close encounters and learning, making it especially appealing for those who want an up-close, hands-on adventure.

The Pros

• Intimate group environment, which feels less crowded and more engaging.
• Live whale songs provide a magical auditory experience.
• Calm morning conditions mean smoother rides and better whale sightings.
• Expert guides that are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share facts.
• Convenient location with easy parking at Kihei.

The Cons

• The duration is relatively short—if you’re looking for a longer tour, you may prefer options that extend over several hours.
• Certain restrictions apply for children under 4 and pregnant travelers, so check ahead if you’re traveling with young kids or expecting.
• The focus is primarily on whale watching in season; off-season or poor weather days might impact the experience. However, the tour policy offers full refunds or rescheduling if canceled due to weather.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is an excellent pick for travelers seeking a quick, engaging, and intimate whale watching experience. It’s perfect for those who value expert guidance, the chance to hear whales sing, and small-group adventures. If you’re staying near Kihei and want a hassle-free way to spot Maui’s whales, this tour offers convenience and quality.

It’s particularly suitable for travelers who want a shorter tour that still provides plenty of whale action without committing to longer excursions. Families with kids over 4, couples, or solo travelers looking for a fun, educational excursion would find this experience well worth the price.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a quick yet fulfilling experience.

What time does the tour depart?
It departs at 12:00 pm daily, with the meeting point at Kihei’s boat ramp.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 4 are not allowed unless specifically approved through reservations, so check with the provider if traveling with very young kids.

What does the price include?
The price covers the boat ride, guided commentary, whale sightings, and the hydrophone experience. Bottled water is also provided.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the departure, with a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours prior are not refunded.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and camera. Light jacket or layers are recommended as it can be breezy on the water.

Final Thoughts

This Best 12 pm 1.5 Hour Whale Watching Tour by Blue Water Rafting delivers a focused, engaging encounter with Maui’s whales, all from a comfortable small boat. The combination of expert guides, live whale songs, and close-up sightings makes it a memorable activity for travelers wanting a quick but meaningful experience.

While it’s not the longest or most extensive tour out there, it’s clearly appreciated by many and offers excellent value for those looking to enjoy Maui’s whale season without a hefty time commitment. Its intimate size and knowledgeable guides will make you feel like you’re sharing the ocean with friends—an experience you’ll remember long after you leave Maui.

If you’re after a personalized, educational, and fun whale watching trip that’s easy to fit into a day, this tour is definitely worth considering.

Feel free to ask any questions about the tour, and happy whale watching in Maui!