A Maui whale watch is usually about two hours, and conditions on the water are sunnier and windier than on the beach. Here is a simple checklist so you are comfortable from start to finish.
Clothing
- A light windbreaker or long-sleeve layer, even on hot days
- A hat that will not blow off, or a cap with a clip
- Shorts or quick-dry pants. If you are boarding from the beach, expect wet legs.
- Sandals or shoes with good grip, not heels
Sun protection
- Reef-safe sunscreen, applied before you board. Hawaiʻi bans sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate.
- Polarized sunglasses, which cut glare and make it easier to see whales below the surface
For spotting whales
- Binoculars, one pair per family is plenty
- A phone or camera with a wrist strap
- A small dry bag for your phone, wallet and keys
Camera tips
Use burst mode, because breaches happen fast. Keep your camera out and ready rather than in a bag, and do not forget to put it down and just watch for a while. Some of the best moments are the ones you see with your own eyes.
Leave at the hotel
- Large bags and anything you would hate to get wet
- Drones, which are not allowed near whales
- An empty stomach. A light breakfast helps prevent seasickness. See our seasickness tips.
