Pacific Whale Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 1980 to protect a declining humpback whale population from global threats, including commercial whaling. Early pioneers in noninvasive whale research, PWF scientists began offering educational whalewatches on the weekends, after studying whales and their ocean environment during the week. The trips were a means to share findings, educate the public about whales, and raise needed funds for research and conservation work.

That same tradition continues today. PacWhale Eco-Adventures cruise operations are 100% owned by the non-profit Pacific Whale Foundation, as are the retail Ocean Stores. All of the profits go to supporting Pacific Whale Foundation’s work to protect the oceans through science and advocacy and inspire environmental stewardship.

Each trip is led by Certified Marine Naturalists, all of whom hold graduate or undergraduate degrees in marine biology or related sciences and undergo continual professional training on wildlife behaviors and biology, Hawaii’s marine environment, and local geography and culture. All crew members are certified in First Aid, oxygen administration, and CPR for adults, children and infants and are certified lifeguards.

Equipment, instruction and any needed encouragement are provided to help guests feel 100% comfortable on the ocean, including a “Snorkel 101” class for those who want an introduction or a refresher. PacWhale is a proud member of the Hawaii Ecotourism Association and is a Certified Sustainable Tour Operator. From following strict wildlife viewing guidelines to using reusable or compostable plates, cups and utensils — they work to ensure that all operations are as environmentally friendly as possible.

PacWhale offers snorkeling tours, sunset dinner cruises, private charters, and more. Each ocean adventure offers fun, education and memories to last a lifetime, but the best part may be that your ticket to adventure on a PacWhale cruise directly funds Research, Education and Conservation programs on behalf of marine wildlife and their ocean home. Call (808) 419-3673 or visit PacWhale.com/mcb

Aqua Adventures Boating Tours
Looking for some adventure on your Maui vacation?
If you’d like to go snorkeling, or would like to experience the freedom of Maui SNUBA diving, then look no further. With Aqua

Adventure, their #1 goal is to ensure that you have fun. Aqua Adventures Maui snuba & snorkel trip leaves from south Maui’s Maalaea Harbor at 7:15am. This is later than many of the other boats, but that doesn’t matter. Aqua Adventure is fast. In fact, she is so fast, she’ll be one of the first ones to Molokini Crater – a crescent-shaped island formed by a volcanic cinder cone, located off the south Maui coast. This gives your captain the opportunity to select the best location for your Snorkel/SNUBA adventure.

Of course, that could change when you spend a little time, during the season, for a close encounter of the “whale kind” along the way. Whale watching is included on all trips during whale season (December – April).

On route to Molokini Crater you’ll enjoy a delicious continental breakfast of fresh island fruit, pastries, bagels with cream cheese and jelly, coffee and juice. Keep your eyes open for Maui’s acrobatic spinner and bottlenose dolphins along the way. They love to “bow ride” on the boats wake and pressure wave as we cruise along at a brisk 20 knots. Once at Molokini, your instructor will show you how to use your equipment, and go over some essential safety points, then it’s into the water.

After Molokini, it’s on to “Turtle Arches”, located off the Makena Coast. Many of these green sea turtles are used to snorkelers and divers and will approach quite close. However you are not permitted to touch or “ride” the turtles as they’re one of Hawaii’s protected marine species. After you’re done snorkeling and diving with the turtles, a great deli-style lunch with a wide assortment of sandwich fixings will be waiting on board.

On the ride back home, enjoy a cold beer, Maui Tai or Rum & Coke. You’ll return to Maalaea Harbor at 12:00 noon. If you want to avoid the crowds and get true personalized service, then join Aqua Adventure for the Maui snorkeling and snuba experience of a lifetime.

On Aqua Adventures, your family becomes part of theirs. Aqua Adventures specializes in small, private group charters, wedding parties, and family get-togethers. Just call: 1-(866) 472- AQUA (2782) Atlantis Submarines, www.atlantisadventures.com”