Teralani Charters offer breathtaking whale watching, snorkeling, and sunset cruises on a 65′ luxury catamaran. Their office is in Lahaina, but check-in is out front of the Wakcoco Restaurant of the Westin Maui Hotel.
Let’s explore the fleet before we look into the various cruises. Their three vessels—Teralani 3, 4, and 5—are designed with your comfort in mind. These catamarans have identical features:
- 65′ x 35′
- Two spacious restrooms
- Freshwater showers
- Seating inside and outside
- Covered salon and bar
Age is the only difference between vessels. Teralani 3 was built in 2005, Teralani 4 in 2019, and Teralani 5 in 2020.
Getting aboard is effortless, too. Your catamaran will beach bow-first, and you’ll ascend a walkway between the two pontoons. When out in deeper water, you’ll use one of the two stairs on the stern. Both stairs pierce the water’s surface, making getting back aboard relatively simple.
Now let’s look at the tours in more detail. Here are your options:
- Event Trips
- Snorkel Trips
- Sunset Sails
- Whale Watching
- Private Charters
Whale Watching
Every December-April, the North Pacific Humpback Whale migrates to the warmer waters of Maui to breed, give birth, and raise their calves. These gentle giants of the deep can be up to 60′ long and weigh anywhere from 25-40 tons.
Experts on whales agree that February is the peak season for whale watching, and the best time of day to go is in the morning, when sunlight is ideal for pictures.
Federal Law dictates that boats and individuals must stay at least 100 yards away from whales. While all whale tours boast of giving you an “up-close experience,” your captain may opt to stay further away from whales not to violate the law. And the online photos showing a whale breaching a few yards from a tour guest are either faked or were done illegally.
Teralani Charters offers four tours. The first three include snacks or light meals, have a full-service bar, and cost the same amount. The Sunset Dinner cruise is more expensive due to the buffet meal.
- Early Bird Whale Watch 7:30-9:30 AM
- A.M. Whale Watch 10:00-Noon
- Mid-day Whale Watch 12:30-2:30 PM
- Sunset Dinner Whale Watch Times Vary; 2.5-hour trip
Snorkeling
Teralani Charters offers the Lanai Snorkel Adventure and the Maui Premier Snorkel Adventure. Here are both in more detail:
Lanai Snorkel Adventure
This tour is their most expensive and is only available Tuesday-Friday. Your 6-hour cruise starts at Kaanapali Beach at 8:30 AM. While sailing ten miles to the Island of Lanai, you’ll enjoy a breakfast of homemade cinnamon rolls and egg and cheese croissants. Once at Lanai, you’ll snorkel (all gear is included) at secluded spots like Sweetheart Rock and Club Lanai. After snorkeling, your crew serves a healthy lunch of Mediterranean salad, grilled teriyaki chicken, dessert, and seasonal fruit. Vegetarian options are available, and the open bar serves adult beverages, juices, and soft drinks.
Maui Premier Snorkel Adventure
This package is offered year-round and is from 9:30-2:30. From Kaanapali Beach, you’ll sail to a West Maui snorkeling location and anchor. While you watch colorful tropical fish swim around coral reefs, your crew is preparing your lunch. The menu is identical to that of the Lanai Snorkel Adventure. Once onboard, you’ll dine, sip drinks from the open bar, and head back to Kaanapali.
We believe you’ll have a fantastic adventure with any one of the tours offered by Teralani Charters.
Insider Tip:
Parking can be a challenge, but is doable if you know these points in advance:
- Do not park at the Westin Hotel; this is for guests only.
- For a fee, park at Wheelers Village Shopping Center. Merchants can validate parking with a small purchase.
- Once parked, walk through the mall toward the ocean to check-in. Find the beach path, turn left, and walk past Leilani’s restaurant. Check-in is near Walcoco Restaurant of the Westin hotel.