Our 5 Favourite Dolphin Watching Rafting Trips Worldwide

1.Maui to Lanai Semi-Private Eco Raft Snorkel & Dolphin Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 225 reviews · from $96 a head Our pick

You’ll ride a fast eco-raft from Lahaina toward Lanai with fewer than 18 people, stopping to snorkel at weather-selected sites while guides point out fish, turtles, dolphins, and seasonal whales. Certified lifeguards provide instruction, gear, food, and drinks. The boat ride can be rough, so this suits confident ocean passengers.

“Captain Callen and First Mate Paul were PHENOMENAL! They took us to a great spot and had several anecdotal stories to share along the way! Captain Callen even spotted a Manta Ray and stopped the boat for us to see. Totally recommend this excursion! Thank you!!”

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2.Maui Eco-Raft: 2 Hour Dolphin Watch Sightsee Tour (Semi-Private)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 95 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $96 a head

Board a low-to-water eco-raft in Lahaina for a two-hour search for wild spinner dolphins along West Maui and Lanai. Marine naturalists such as Bree and Nicole share stories about dolphins, whales, turtles, and island life. You stay on the boat, enjoy snacks and drinks, and may add lunch. Sightings are never guaranteed.

“It was a beautiful day to go out on the water and watch so many dolphins swimming right next to the boat.”

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3.Dolphins: Dolphin Watching Tour and Capo Figari by Raft

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 75 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $41 a head Cheapest seat

Set out from Centro Immersioni Figarolo on a 1.5-hour raft trip along Capo Figari and Isola di Figarolo. An Italian- or English-speaking guide looks for wild dolphins, mouflons, and herons before a weather-dependent swim at Cala Moresca or Figarolo beach. Bring a towel and wear sandals you can get wet.

“La météo n’était pas bonne quand nous sommes arrivés. Le manager a préféré decaler de 30min la sortie pour qu’on ne soit pas sous la pluie. la guide a été super, à la recherche des dauphins pendant plus d’un heure trente. On a enfin pu voir deux dauphins sauter à plusieurs reprises. La sortie a duré deux heures. Malgré le soleil absent, c’était vraiment chouette! quand on voit le prix d’autres concurrents, rapport qualité prix imbattable Ma maman a beaucoup de mal pour se déplacer, la montée et la descente du bateau s’est très bien passée.”

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4.Maui: Semi-Private Eco-Raft Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 11 reviews · 4 - 5 hours · from $204 a head

Join Captain Jack, Jill, Mark, or another three-person marine crew on a 37-foot raft from Lahaina to Lanai. You will visit two or three snorkel sites, with beginner instruction, breakfast, wraps, snacks, and drinks included. Dolphin and whale sightings are possible, but never guaranteed.

“The trip was fun, beautiful and exciting. Captain Jack and crew were fantastic and very knowledgeable. We enjoyed the trip over in the Zodiac and the 2 snorkel spots were excellent. If you have some time, be sure to get this in.”

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5.Maui: Eco-Raft Dolphin Watch Tour with Snacks

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 8 reviews · 2 hours · from $96 a head

Join Hawaii Ocean Rafting from Lahaina for two hours of coastal sightseeing aboard a small eco-raft. Marine naturalists explain dolphins, turtles, rays, and island culture while you enjoy fruit, pastries, cookies, chips, and drinks. Captain Jack and first mate Brie have earned praise for their humor and care, but dolphin sightings are never guaranteed.

“Captain Jack and first mate Brie were exceptional. They were professional, knowledgeable, and humorous. We were able to see dolphins, turtles, and rays because of them. They shared their knowledge of the animals and their daily activities, as well as cultural information about the islands, in a casual, humorous, and respectful way.”

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