Maui Whale Watching - America II Maui sailing on the America II? How could average people like us be invited to sail on a ten million dollar America's Cup contender during our Maui vacation? That's what happened to us on the America II Maui sailing yacht. Okay, maybe everyone is invited, and maybe anyone that pays can go. But we were still thrilled to sit on the same deck and sail in the same racing hull that had participated in the America's Cup in Freemantle Australia in 1987.
America II Cost and ScheduleWhen the humpback whales are in Maui, December to May, the America II schedules a whale watching trip (usually a 2 hour morning trip).To read more about the America II whale watching trip, or get the exact cost and schedule, or to make reservations, visit my America II Whale Watching: Tickets page. Or phone Barefoot Tours toll free at 877-489-3054 to talk to a Maui whale watching tour expert right now on Maui. Tell them Randy Willis recommended you ask about their low price guarantee.
Whale Watching from the America IIWe were on the two hour Morning Whale Watch, so we slowed down from sailing to watch humpbacks. Because the yacht is relatively small and low to the water (compared to some of the large whale watching boats), we had a unique, close up perspective of the whales.
We had this happen on another trip, also when we were in a smaller boat which calls their cruise the Ultimate Whale Watch. Our picture doesn't do justice to the thrill and excitement we had watching a whale the size of a school bus glide just a few feet under us. This was definitely 'up close and personal' compared to larger and noisier boats. At one point an active group (pod) of whales swam by us. In the picture below, one whale is breaching (rising out of the water), while another whale is exhaling air through the blowhole on the top of its head, while another whale is about to dive.
America II Maui Whale Watching VideosYou can view a video of our America II morning whale watch by clicking on the PLAY button in the image below. The captain would just stop sailing and we would sit silently in the ocean observing the whales as they swam by us.
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And they may have had the same unique perspective of us. A humpback whale approached our boat, then dove and swam under it as we watched.
Another whale swam right by us with its pectoral fin high out of the water - the tip of the fin was higher than our heads as we sat on the boat deck.
My Maui Whale Watching Pages
Maui Whale Watching Overview
FREE Maui Whale Watching from Beaches and Observation Areas
• Operating several large motorized boats, Pacific Whale Foundation is the largest operator on Maui.
• Small operators such as the Ultimate Whale Watch provide you with high speed and close encounters.
Combo tours combine activities such as snorkeling, sailing, and dolphins with whale watching.
• Watch whales while sailing on the racing yachts America II or Scotch Mist.
• Watch whales before and after snorkeling on the Gemini or Kapalua Kai catamarans.
My Maui Whale Watching Videos offer a quick way for you to hear and see the differences between watching whales from beaches and boats.
If you want to investigate purchasing tickets, I have a Maui Whale Watching tour tickets page where you can view exact pricing and order tickets from a trusted name for Maui Vacationers.
Some of my pages on specific Maui Whale Watch Tours and Cruises:
America II Racing Yacht
Or phone them at 877-489-3054 to talk to a Maui whales watching tour expert right now on Maui. Tell them Randy Willis said you want their low price guarantee.
While most websites restrict your choices to a couple activities that they provide, they represent just about every Maui whale watching boat excursion for your review and decision.
Even if you are on Maui or Hawaii now, they can get your tickets to you by email, fax, mail, or sometimes even delivered to the Maui whale watching tour for last minute ticket reservations.
Tell them Randy Willis sent you and recommended that you ask about their low price guarantee.