Captain Steve’s Rafting

I’ve been on two whale watches before and although cool, they couldn’t even compare to this one! The whales came so close to the boat it was insane! At multiple points if I were to reach out I could have touched the whale. Truly an amazing experience and will definitely be coming back to Steve’s again!

Captain Steve and Jennifer were great. Both very knowledgeable and friendly. This raft is superior to others because it has a BIMINY! (Canopy) to keep you cool and shaded during your trip. We were on a 2 hour whale watch in February and had a great time. Vessel was clean, comfortable and up to date. I Highly recommend.

We had the pleasure of riding along with Micah and Cara during a whale watching/​snorkeling trip today. Micah was extremely knowledgable about the area and Cara answered every question we had about the animals we were seeing. The snorkeling spots they took us to were amazing and had tons of coral and fish to see. We ended up seeing several whales, dozens of dolphins, and even a sea turtle. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a more intimate experience. Definitely would love to do this again!

Captain Steve’s Whale Watch is the highlight of our family vacation! We have been going on whale watches with Captain Steves Crew for four years now and it is the BEST. The first year was great, we did the group tour and had an incredible time. We loved it so much we booked another tour immediately– this time private, just with our family and it was the best! The crew was so incredible, Johnathan and Scott were great, we saw pods of spinner Dolphins, tons of turtles and lots of whales! Somehow the second and third year the trips continue to get EVEN BETTER– we saw more whales than we could have ever imagined and it was absolutely breathtaking! The set up is extremely well done– lunch on the boat is perfect, lots of options for everyone. The crew is extremely knowledgeable, professional and taught us more about whales, fish, the island, lava, and ANYTHING we asked. Snorkeling is the best because they really know the locations to take you to see the best fish and have the most amazing time. When you go, make sure to bring a camera because it will be the most incredible pictures of your trip!!! ENJOY!!! Book now– I promise you won’t regret it! Thanks Captain Steve!

I’ve gone out w Steve twice now and am about to do a third trip. They have been highlights of my life. Last time, it was rainy, cold and overcast but I saw 2 male whale fighting over a female which was amazing. Next I saw a mama whale teaching her baby to jump up and breach. Both did it 8 times… seeing the baby learning was another remarkable experience.
The first time we went my son was 6. He was petrified to get out of the boat and snorkel so he stayed inside while I snorkeled. Then we went to another place in the ocean and he decided to join me but he held on closely to me. At our 3^rd location (by Lanie) he said «Why don’t you go that way and I’ll go this… he didn’t even want me near him snorkeling.

It was grey rainy and windy day and our Whale Watching tour started about 15 minutes late. Due to a choppy sea, we just kind of moped around the shore and whales while were popping all over the place, except not where we were. They cut the tour short by about 20 minutes at the end too. It seemed like they just went through the motions and wanted to save fuel and be done with us ASAP.
To a manager responding to this. We used your service in February of 2015!

We wanted something different than the usual cattle barge snorkeling trip. Captain Steve offers just that. With only 22, including crew, the trip was intimate and very friendly.
Steve’s boat allowed for tighter maneuvering into rocky coves to view lava tubes, blow holes, and sea turtles. The snorkeling was what it was. Pollution has ruined many of the dive spots, but Steve did his best to find the clearest water with the lease amount of people. When a larger tour arrived, the cove looked like a summer time community pool, Steve packed us up and found an unused location all for just us.
Steve’s first mate, Lynn, provided local stories along the trip enhancing the experience.
Steve’s handling of the return trip was nothing less than kind and caring. The swell rose up in the afternoon, and the trip back around the points was difficult. Steve was able to ride the swells providing the smoothest ride possible. Having grown up in a boating family, I know what its like to get beaten by waves and swells. Steve opted for a bit long ride back, but much smoother for all. This speaks volumes of the kind of Captain Steve is.
Can’t wait to come back in the spring for whale watching.

We took Capt’n Steve’s morning half day snorkel/​dolphin tour to Lanai this AM. Easy fast check-​in, no frills, quick four hour trip to the island of Lanai. We didn’t see any Dolphins or Rays, but we saw a bunch of sea turtles. Once we got to the island we cruised the coast to the north side to snorkel for about an hour. The water was absolutely gorgeous. Bunch of fish, some people saw eels, we didn’t. No food or alcohol on the trip which was kind of a bummer. A beer sounded perfect after getting off the boat. Would have done the whole day if We had more time on the island. Capt’n Steve and Jonathan were super nice and funny. Would recommend for a quick cool snorkel trip without some obnoxious tour guide trying to waste time.

The best word to describe Captain Steve is ADVENTUROUS! We took the Lanai trip and we saw more Dolphins than I’ve seen in my entire life!!! Spinner Dolphins and Bottle nose Dolphins. Crew was awesome. Food was out of this world! Saw turtles and just had a plain awesome time!
THIS IS A MUST IF YOU ARE PLANNING A TRIP TO MAUI!

Tremendous time in the water today. Captain Steve knows the best spots. Along with his top of the line snorkel gear, this trip was the best! The captain took us to see the Dolphins, snorkel in the mystical waters of Lanai and play with turtles. Along the way Steve shared history and mythology of Hawaii. Highly recommended and I will be a repeat customer.

We booked an all day snorkeling/​dolphin tour with Captain Steve’s and I can’t recommend it enough. Helping out Captain Steve was Lynn, who was very helpful and fun to talk to.
We saw so many dolphins at the beginning of the trip — they even went under the boat!
Our snorkeling experience was just amazing though (first time snorkelers here). We went to the island of Lanai and stopped in two spots. I’d never snorkeled before and Lynn walked me through it so by the time I hit the water, I was totally prepared. And when I got seasick from the snorkeling (ugh) Lynn offered me ginger ale and advice on how to deal with the queasiness.
It was a totally amazing adventure, and easily the most popular one with my kids (15, 18).
I would recommend this tour to anyone who finds themselves on Maui.

Just came back from a day of snorkeling with captain Steve and I had a blast! We were able to snorkel at two locations off the coast of the island of Lanai and got a little tour of a few noteworthy sights along the way.
Steve is very nice and planned the tour very well with plenty of time to watch beautiful reefs and their wildlife. We also got two meals with the tour which is very convenient since we didn’t have to worry about packing food.
My only complaint is that I don’t live in Hawaii so I can’t enjoy the perks such as this tour every week. Overall, I can’t recommend this enough which is an amazing experience at an amazing value!

My husband and I went on Captain Steve’s snorkeling trip during our honeymoon and had a wonderful time. So overall here are my opinions about the experience:
1. The snorkeling– they are very helpful to those both experienced and novice. We had never legitimately snorkeled before but the staff was super helpful in giving us tips on how best to situate ourselves in our gear. The locations for the snorkeling were wonderful and they made sure to point out the best places to check out and what to expect.
2. The boat ride/​Dolphins– I was not expecting to actually see Dolphins so when they were right up next to the boat everyone was overjoyed. They make sure to actually get you in there and up close to the Dolphins and get a good amount of time to see them. Furthermore anytime we saw something of interest (sea turtles, Rays, etc.) they stopped and gave everyone a good chance to check things out and take as many pictures as you wanted.
3. Extras– the food provided was great. You don’t go on a snorkeling trip for the food but it was an added bonus with fresh fruit and cold juices for breakfast and a fantastic sandwich making spread for lunch.
4. The staff– they allow you to soak it all in and don’t make you feel like an idiot for being a novice and not knowing everything. They are nice to talk to and make you feel right at home!
Overall: ⁵⁄₅ stars because I hope to come back one day and get todo this again. It was. One of a kind day!

Although Captain Steves is a small snorkeling business, we had a lot of fun and it felt as if we were part of the family. ¹⁰⁄₁₀ would come again!

I recently took a tour out with John and Lynn… Wow is all I can say. This was an amazing tour… Started with snorkeling off the coast of Lanai and saw whales a plenty on out way there. Both crew members on board were great at pointing out different land marks and gave great information about Maui. The second part of our day was spent off the coast of Lahaina for more snorkeling. Along the way John was able to spot a bottle nose dolphin swimming along side whales and also a pod of spinner Dolphins. Lunch served on the boat was delicious and fresh; all local ingredients were used. This is for sure an amazing tour that should not be missed. 6 hours out on the beautiful waters of Maui can’t be beat.

Whale watching with Captain Steve was amazing! We loved the staff, the boat, and THE WHALES! We saw the most unbelievable display – a mother whale breaching over and over again for 2 minutes straight with her calf following close behind her. Beautiful! One of the coolest experiences of my life. Next time we’ll try the snorkeling trip! Mahalo!

Captain Steve’s rafting is one of the most professional companies anywhere in the US, let alone Maui. While I don’t recommend the raft for the youngest of children, it is a very solid and safe ride even when at full capacity. The crew goes to great lengths to make sure you have the best possible time. They are incredibly respectful of the whales as well, which is essential when I am choosing a trip.

Great experiences with my wife on Captain Steve’s Raft. Saw both whales and dolphins multiple times during the trip to snorkeling spots.
Snorkeling is another exciting experience and a lot of fishes and turtles in the pot.
Strongly recommended for Maui travelers!

Originally trying to decide which Whale watching boat to take I kept running into reviews about Captain Steve. He was even recommended by others I. The condo complex as well as the local snorkel shop.
The knowledge that Captain Steve and his crew bring will get you close and personal with Whales and Dolphins.
I HIGHLY (10 stars) recommend Captain Steve. Fantastic time. You will not be disappointed.

Went on the whale watching ride. A little disappointed. We saw a lot of whales, but they were very far away. Sometimes up to ¼ mile away. Too many people on the boat so it was hard to see. It was not recommended to bring children under 4 and of course someone did. It was very boring for children because we didn’t see any whales close up. I would try a different company next time. Saw other boats getting much closer.