What to Bring on a Maui Whale Watching Tour

Every winter, thousands of humpback whales migrate to Hawaii waters. If you’re visiting Maui between the months of December through April, a whale watching trip is a must. The following list outlines both essential and “optional” items to bring on a Maui whale watching tour. Keep it handy to ensure that you have everything you need for an unforgettable whale watching experience.

The Essentials

Sun Protection

Whale watches often take place during the peak of the day when the Hawaii sun is at its strongest. Sun protection is therefore essential on a whale watching trip. Even on cloudy days, the sun reflecting off the water can still cause sunburn. Some larger boats have covered areas to get out of the sun, whereas smaller vessels have limited shade. No matter which boat you choose, sunscreen, wide-brim hats, sunglasses, and a lightweight long sleeve shirt will help keep your skin protected.

Camera or Phone With a Strap

Capturing good pictures of ocean wildlife takes time, patience, and practice. Professional photographers use high powered cameras with telephoto – or zoom – lenses. But you don’t need a fancy camera to capture the memories of your whale watch. Any camera phone or camera will ensure that you remember your adventure. Be sure cameras or phones are attached to a strap around your wrist or neck. Ocean waves can be unpredictable and boats can rock and pitch unexpectedly. The last thing you want is to lose your camera over the side.

Polarized Sunglasses

For veteran whale watchers, polarized sunglasses are a must. Unlike non-polarized glasses, polarized sunglasses can cut through the glare on the surface of the water. This reduces eye strain, extends your field of vision, and even allows you to see under the first few feet of the water. The underside of humpback whales’ bodies, flukes (tails), and pectoral fins are often lighter in color. Wearing polarized glasses gives your eyes the ability to see these lighter tones under the water, which is why the captain and crew of whale watching boats are often able to more quickly spot and track whales. A pair of polarized sunglasses can be picked up at a nearby Boss Frog’s shop and will make a huge difference during your whale watch.

Sturdy shoes or sandals

On both large and small whale watching boats, visitors are able to move around the deck areas. Even on calm days, though, boats can rock unexpectedly. It’s important to wear sturdy shoes like sneakers, watershoes, or boat-safe sandals with straps.

Small bag or backpack

A small bag, fannypack, or backpack is helpful to keep your personal items together while whale watching. Especially on larger vessels, there are often safe places to keep your belongings while you move about the boat to get the best vantage points. Overall, it is best to pack light and keep what you bring on board to the essentials.

Reusable Water Bottle

Most whale watching boats on Maui are outfitted with basic amenities like bathrooms (or “heads”), snacks, and beverages. It is especially important to stay hydrated before and during your whale watch. A reusable water bottle is easy to pack and can likely be refilled during your tour. Reusable water bottles also cut down on single-use plastic waste and are an important part of protecting the ocean environment.

Optional Items to Bring on a Maui Whale Watching Tour

Sea Sickness Prevention

Even on calm days, boats can sway and rock more than you might expect. If you’re prone to motion or seasickness, or think you may be, it is wise to use seasickness remedies. Wrist bands, over-the-counter medications, and even ginger chews may help stave off nausea. Some over-the-counter medications may need to be taken before you get on the boat. Once you’re feeling nauseous, it may be too late.

Light jacket or windbreaker

Temperatures on Maui are tropical and warm, even during the winter whale watching season. Conditions on the water, however, can change quickly. Early mornings and late afternoons can get chilly on the ocean. Tradewinds and strong breezes also often kick up in the afternoon. A lightweight jacket won’t take up much space, but can keep you more comfortable if you tend to get cold quickly and temperatures dip.

Light snacks

As mentioned, most whale watching tours offer some form of snack and beverages once onboard. Before you go, it is best to check with your tour operator if snacks are included or available for purchase. The majority of whale watching tours on Maui are two hours, so small snacks like granola bars can be good to have on hand, especially if you don’t want to buy snacks on the boat.

Drybag/Waterproof Bag

While it is unlikely that your personal items will get wet, particularly on bigger boats, a water-resistant bag or drybag is optional if you want to ensure your phone, wallet, and camera stay safe from ocean spray or splashes. A drybag, however, is not necessary to buy just for a whale watch. Use it again while snorkeling or visiting some of the best beaches on Maui. You could also opt for a smaller waterproof pouch specifically for your phone or wallet.

Binoculars

Maui whale watching is unique in that you do not need to travel far offshore to see whales. And while federal law prohibits whale watching boats from actively approaching humpbacks closer than 100 yards, whales often come close enough to the boat that you don’t need binoculars to enjoy the experience. If you already own a pair of binoculars, however, bring them along. You will be able to spot groups of whales that are further away and see finer details.

Excitement, Wonder, and Patience

In addition to bringing your essential and optional items on a whale watch, don’t forget your sense of excitement, wonder, and patience. Every whale watch experience is different. Ocean conditions and whale activity can change with a moment’s notice, and it is hard to know what to expect on any given whale watching tour. Yet whether it’s watching a mother humpback teaching her baby how to breach, or being surprised by a lone whale unexpectedly popping up next to the boat, whale watching is one of the most magical experiences you can have while visiting Maui.

What to Bring on a Maui Whale Watching Tour

Item	Why You Need It	Essential or Optional?
Sun Protection	Protect yourself from sunburn and Maui’s strong UV rays	Essential
Camera	Capture incredible memories of the wildlife and your adventure	Essential
Polarized Sun Glasses	Protect your eyes and spot whales underwater more easily – particularly if they are close to the boat	Essential
Sturdy shoes or sandals	Move around the boat safely and keep yourself in the best position to see the whales	Essential
Small bag or backpack	keep your personal items together while whale watching	Essential
Reusable water bottle	Stay hydrated while on the water	Essential
Sea Sickness Prevention	Minimize seasickness and maximize fun on the water	Optional
Light jacket or windbreaker	Stay warm on overcast or windy days	Optional
Light snacks	Avoid hunger and keep your focus on the whales	Optional
Drybag/Waterproof Bag	Protect your belongings from getting wet	Optional
Binoculars	Spot whales from further away	Optional