Learning to snorkel should be top of your bucket list if you are visiting any tropical destination. Hawaii’s warm water and unique marine life, make snorkeling a must-do! Snorkeling takes a little skill and a lot of fun! It’s important to get your snorkel questions answered what is the best depth for snorkeling? prior to diving in, so your time … Read More
What Makes Humpback Whales Sing
Ever wonder what makes humpback whales sing? Researchers around the worlds have been asking this same question and looking for answers! Let’s talk about what we do know about humpback whale songs! Whale songs are only sung by bulls (male humpback whales). Although cows (female humpback whales) can make sounds, only the bulls produce the famous songs that we hear. … Read More
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
What is Hawaiian Islands Humpback? Humpback whales travel more than 3000 miles to mate, give birth and rest in the safe waters of the Maui Nui Basin. Because of the whale’s annual migration, Hawaii established an organization called the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, to work to protect these gentle giants during their stay in Maui’s water. The Hawaiian … Read More
Whale Surface Movement and Humpback Whale Behavior
Ever wonder what whales are doing when they pop their heads out of the water or flip their tails? Scientist have spent time studying whale behavior, creating terminology and analyzing these surface behaviors, so we’re going to give you a crash course in their finds! TAIL THROWS When a humpback whale lifts its giant fluke or tail out of the … Read More
Whales and Hawaiian History
Visitors and locals alike wait in anticipation for humpback whale migration every year, traveling hundreds of miles to make Hawaii their home during the winter months. Our fascination with these gentle giants started long before photographs, videos and whale watching tours and has been a part of the Native Hawaiian culture for centuries. In the Native Hawaiian creation chant, whales … Read More
Rare Videos of Newborn Humpback Whale
The humpback whale calf is so new that its dorsal fin and tail flukes appear soft and flimsy, and its mother is still excreting blood, while sometimes supporting the calf on her back. The rare video minutes after birth was captured by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP) in January 2019. MMRP Director Lars Bejder was using a … Read More
Snorkeling With Whales in Maui
Can We Snorkel With Whales? Is a frequent question we get asked here at Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel. Although snorkeling with whales is often seen on social media or portrayed in documentaries on the ocean and marine researchers, it is not permitted here in Lahaina, Maui. Maui was chosen to be a protected place for humpback whales because of … Read More
When are Whales in Hawaii?
When should you plan your island trip to see the last great animal migration? Humpback whales are in Hawaii seasonally, traveling back and forth from colder, food abundant climates like Alaska, to warmer waters like Hawaii for mating and giving birth. If you are hoping to go whale watching in Hawaii, it’s important to plan around the humpback whales’ migration! … Read More
Whale Watching Guide for whale lovers in Maui 101
The complete whale watching guide for whale enthusiasts Whale watching is one of Maui’s greatest adventures. Here is the complete whale watching guide for whale Lovers. When to Whale Watch in Maui? Whale Watching in Maui is seasonal December to April, so plan your tropical vacation during the months of whale migration. Best time to whale watch in Maui is … Read More
Best Time of Day to See Whales in Maui
What’s the Best Time of Day? Whale watching in Maui is one of the most popular activities to do when visiting this amazing tropical island. There are many questions to ask when planning your whale watching tour, including what is the best time of day to see whales in Maui? Good News! The good news is that humpback whales are … Read More