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One of the most important things to understand is that not all sailing tours are created equally. If you truly want to make sure you’re finding the right one that will give you what you’re after, there are several important factors to keep in mind.

Selecting the Perfect Sailing Tour: An Overview

First and foremost, you’ll always want to pick a guided sailing tour that is being offered by a reputable provider in a particular area. Anybody with a boat can essentially say that they’re experts on the high seas, charging you money for a “guided tour” along the way.

What you want to look for is a company that has been doing this for years – one that can prove that their vessel is sound and that they’ve taken all the appropriate precautions necessary to keep you and your loved ones safe. You want a company that can show you a precise itinerary regarding where you’ll be headed, how long it will take to get there, and what you will potentially see along the way.

You’ll also want to choose a sailing tour that meets your expectations of what a fun afternoon on the water looks like, especially if the same company offers multiple tours. At Kai Kanani, for example, we offer sunrise deluxe snorkel tours, whale-watching tours, and more – all of which offer unique experiences. Because of that, you’ll want to be mindful when booking to make sure that the tour you select offers what you’re looking for from such an experience.

To find out more information about all the different things you should be considering when it comes to finding an ideal sailing tour, or to get answers to any other specific questions that you may have, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at Kai Kanani today.

If you’re like most people, you already know that whale-watching in Maui is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You may also be aware that peak whale-watching time on Maui’s Molokini Crater runs from December through April, providing another great reason to slip away from the seasonal doldrums and get your fill of natural beauty in an island environment. If you’ve heard that whales face a variety of environmental challenges that pose a threat to their existence, you’re probably also wondering whether whale watching may have detrimental effects on whale habitat. Here’s what you need to know:

Major Threats to Whales in the 21st Century

The natural habitats of whales and other marine mammals contain numerous threats, many of which are caused by human activities. Some major threats to whales today include the following:

Entanglement

Whales can accidentally become entangled in fishing gear, such as nets, lines, and traps while pursuing their prey. Otherwise known as bycatch, this unintentional capture can result in serious injuries or death for the whales, as they may be unable to reach the surface to breathe or swim properly.

Underwater Noise Pollution

Most people don’t associate the ocean environment with noise pollution — especially under the surface of the water. However, underwater noise pollution from shipping, oil and gas exploration, military sonar, and other human activities can interfere with whales’ ability to communicate, navigate, and locate food sources.

Habitat Degradation

Activities such as coastal development, resource extraction, and pollution can lead to the degradation of whales’ habitats. This can result in the loss of important feeding, breeding, and nursery grounds, making it more difficult for whales to survive and reproduce.

Marine Pollution

The effects of marine pollution include exposure to harmful chemicals like persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals and the ingestion of plastic debris. These pollutants can accumulate in whales’ bodies, causing health problems and potentially affecting their reproductive success.

Vessel Encounters

As human activity continues to increase in the ocean, the risk of whales being struck by large vessels also rises. Ship strikes, which can cause severe injuries or fatalities to whales, are a significant threat, particularly for slow-moving or endangered species.

Commercial Whaling

Even though commercial whaling is prohibited under an international treaty, some countries continue to engage in this practice, with some claiming that it’s for cultural or scientific reasons. Hunting whales for their meat, blubber, and other products can lead to a decline in their populations.

Climate Change

Rising ocean temperatures, ocean acidification, and changes in sea ice patterns due to climate change can significantly impact whales’ food sources, migration patterns, and breeding grounds.
However, not all threats are equal, and not all whale populations are as adversely affected as others. For example, consider humpback whales, which comprise around 99% of the whales seen on whale-watching tours in Maui’s Molokini Crater. Although humpback whales are listed as an endangered species, concentrated conservation initiatives have resulted in a steady increase in their populations. Sightings of humpback whales are so common on our tours that if you fail to see one, your next whale-watching trip is on the house.

Maui’s Humpback Whales

As a vital part of Maui’s marine ecosystem and a significant contributor to the local economy through ecotourism, the humpback whales are cherished by residents and visitors alike, and their conservation remains a top priority to ensure their continued survival and prosperity in the world’s oceans. During their time in Maui, these gentle giants display a wide range of fascinating behaviors, including breaching, spy hopping, and tail slapping, while captivating the hearts of onlookers. Molokini Crater is also the birthing ground of these magnificent marine mammals. It provides a safe and sheltered environment for humpback whale mothers to nurture their newborn calves before embarking on their long journey back to the nutrient-rich waters of Alaska.

What You’ll Experience on a Kai Kanani Whale-Watching Tour

With a focus on small groups and personalized service, our Kai Kanani Whale Watching Tour is an unparalleled opportunity to create lasting memories while connecting with the wonders of the ocean. The skilled, experienced crew will provide a comfortable and safe experience, while expert guides, who are passionate about marine life and conservation, will share their knowledge and insights. Book your whale-watching tour today to immerse yourself in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.