We have been looking forward to this Whale Watching cruise since we decided to come back to Maui. Pacific Whale Foundation is one of our favorite groups – they do such great work researching and protecting the whales and the environment, we love supporting them. Plus, during the Pandemic shut downs, they held virtual cruises with music and dolphin sightings and research and education. It was absolutely wonderful to be able to share the beauty of the island and the ocean with them from thousands of miles away. Which makes coming back and being on a sunset cruise in person all the more special.

Per Stevens usual, we arrive very early for the 3:45 pm check in, spending the extra time in the PWF store where I find a cool sleeveless shirt on sale. Then check in, grab our “members” VIP seating pass and hit the bar at Tante’s Filipino restaurant for a quick beverage since we have 30 minutes more to wait until we board the boat.

Boarding time finally arrives, we dutifully get our photo taken and climb aboard the double decker boat, grabbing the first seats upstairs by the “bridge” if you will – in other words, where the captain is helming the boat! Prime whale watching seats!

We sail off right on time – and because of COVID restrictions are served everything by the sweet naturalists who are now our waiters and waitresses. Mai Tais, mixed drinks, beer wine, you name it, they’ll bring it. Everyone is so nice and accommodating! They also serve the food, which comes out in small courses along the way – much easier than the buffet that used to be served on these cruises in before-times.

First we have a cheese and fruit plate, then a cup of chips and salsa, then the main meal – delicious Kalua pork quesadillas, vegetable spring rolls and 2 delectable ahi tuna crostini. I figured we were done then, but up comes shrimp with a great cocktail sauce and finally for dessert, a chocolate chip cookie or strawberries. Great food and service! On a perfectly wonderful night out on the water.

In between courses, we spend our time staring out at the gorgeous West Maui coastline – including the windmills which just fascinate me. If it weren’t’ for the whales, we could just sail around looking at the rugged coastline views all afternoon long…..

….but whales are our main reason for being here, find them we do, by the dozens! It is a perfect afternoon for sailing – a lovely stiff breeze that mitigates the sun, dozens of whales, including a mom and her baby right off the bow of the boat, a full breach (which of course I miss because I am downstairs getting more wine) and tons and tons of tail slaps and deep dives. Some of which are captured below, most of which are captured only in our memories!

Finally as it becomes time to turn back, the captain asks if anyone minds if we are a little late coming back to the marina. If not, we’ll stay out here for the sunset and arrive 20 minutes later than scheduled. No one objects, fortunately and we are treated to a stunning sunset to beautifully end our day.

And that is a perfect way to end another perfect day on Maui.