The boat to yourselves
Wahene carries twenty. On a private charter those twenty are all yours: your people, your departure time, and a captain pacing the trip to you rather than to a schedule.
What a private charter costs
| Trip | Whole boat | Works out to |
|---|---|---|
| 2-hour private whale watch | $1,300 | $65 a head with 20 aboard |
| 1.5-hour private whale watch | $1,000 | $50 a head with 20 aboard |
Fill the boat and it costs less a head than a public trip. Bring twelve and you are paying for the privacy and the flexibility, which is usually the point.
Included
- Wahene and her crew, to yourselves, for the full trip
- Marine naturalist aboard, hydrophone in the water
- Choice of any departure time in the season, subject to availability
- Filtered water, cups and rain ponchos
- Whale sighting guarantee, as on every trip
Who charters the boat
Extended family
Three generations on one rail, nobody split across two boats, and a captain who can pace the trip to the youngest and the oldest aboard.
Photographers
Ask for the sunrise or golden-hour slot, pick your side of the boat, and we will hold position for the shot rather than the schedule.
A proposal, an anniversary, a scattering
Some of the most important things people do on the water need privacy. Tell us what it is and we will handle it quietly.
Groups and incentives
Twenty is exactly the size where a group still feels like a group. Bring your own food and drink — no glass.
What a private charter looks like
- Call or emailTell us the date, how many of you there are and what the day is for. We hold the slot while you confirm.
- Pick the departureAny time between first light and sunset, subject to the day’s schedule. Sunset charters book first.
- Meet at the shop1223 Front Street, thirty minutes before departure. Safety briefing, the naturalist introduces the day, and we walk to the raft.
- Out to the whalesTen to twenty minutes to the channel. Then engines off, hydrophone over the side, and the whales set the pace.
- Your trip, your timeStay with a mother and calf, follow a competition pod, or hold position for the photograph. The captain works to you, not to the next departure.
Charter questions
How far ahead should we book a private charter?
For February and March, two to four weeks; those dates go first. For December, January and April a few days is usually enough. Call and we will tell you honestly what is open.
Can we choose the departure time?
Yes, within daylight hours and subject to the day’s public schedule. Sunrise and golden-hour charters are the most asked for, so book those early.
Can we bring food and drink?
Yes: bring your own, no glass. We carry filtered water and cups. There is no galley aboard, so think picnic rather than dinner.
Is 1.5 hours long enough?
For most groups, yes. Photographers and anyone who wants to stay with a pod once it settles beside the raft should take the two-hour option.
How many people can come?
Up to twenty. Wahene is certified for 25, but twenty is the number where everybody still has a rail. Children from age 3; no expectant mothers, as the raft is a lively ride.
Can we scatter ashes at sea?
Yes. We have done this for several families and handle it quietly and properly. Tell us when you book so we can plan the spot and the time.
What does it work out to per person?
With a full raft, $50 a head on the 1.5-hour charter and $65 on the 2-hour, which is less than a public ticket. With twelve aboard you are paying for the privacy and the flexibility.
What if the weather is bad?
If we cancel for sea conditions you choose another date or a full refund. Rain alone does not stop us; some of our best encounters have been under grey skies.
How to book it
Private charters are booked by phone or email so we can talk through the date, the departure time and anything you want arranged aboard. Call (808) 207-2210 or write to aloha@gowhalewatchingmaui.com with your dates and how many you are.
Season runs December 15 to April 12. February and March book out first.
Not sure a charter is the right size?
Twenty seats on a public trip may be all you need. We are happy to say so on the phone.