Look no further than Maui’s coast to find an amazing adventure. Considered one of the most biodiverse locations on Earth, it has some of the best our site whale viewing opportunities available. It is almost wonderful to see these huge, elegant animals up close. Whales, for all their weight, travel over the sea with amazing grace that enthralls everyone who is fortunate enough to see their path. Your relationship grows also the more you know about them—their intelligence, their capacity for long-distance communication, and the parallels they have with humans.

Long Beach, Maui is among the best spots to see these amazing creatures. To give birth and rear their young, humpback whales travel from the chilly northern seas to the warm, tranquil Pacific annually. If you want to see them in action, the ideal viewing season is from July to October, with best views between August and October when mothers and their newborns flood the seas.

Why then not make 2018 the year you personally experience it? Officially starting in June, whale viewing season starts when the first humpbacks pass Maui’s coastal seas. This is the ideal time to visit Southern Maui so you may see these amazing animals on their lengthy trek and make lifelong memories.

The surrounding aquatic life is equally amazing, even if the whales are undoubtedly the stars of the show. Scan the water for everything from sharks and stingrays to hagfish and skates. You might see seabirds like gulls and pigeons flying above the seas overheads. But trust us; once the whales show up, they take front stage every time.

Looking for still another must-see location? Another world-class whale viewing site is Dana Point. Given the increasing whale count this season, you almost certainly will find front-row access to some quite amazing events. Imagine yourself observing a newborn calf nursing just next to its mother or a humpback breach. This kind of experience not only astounds you but also motivates you to join the movement to save these incredible creatures.

And not ignore Long Beach itself. Popular for its pleasant temperature and amazing aquatic life, it’s a refuge for sea enthusiasts. Beyond whales, you will encounter seals, dolphins, many fish species, and birds that make every excursion out on the ocean feel like entering a real-life natural documentary.

A whale watching trip in Maui or Long Beach guarantees an adventure you won’t soon forget, regardless of your interests—that of the whales, the dolphins, or just the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the ocean. Seeing these gentle giants in their natural habitat is just unparalleled, and once you do, you will know why people come back year after year for another look.