How would you love the idea of a sunset dinner cruise with a cause?
We mean, playing a significant part in saving the ocean, particularly the whales, while enjoying a world-class dinner on a modern yacht by the sunset. Pacific Whale Foundation, which vows to protect the ocean through science and advocacy, brings you its award-winning Sunset Dinner Cruise. Ocean Quest Adventure, one of its smooth-riding and high-tech catamaran sails you through the pristine waters of West Maui promising beautiful sunset views, along with the stunning sight of the nearby islands of Moloka’i, Lana’i, and Kaho’olawe. You can also have a chance to spot whales, usually from November to May and dolphins all year round.
What’s so special about this cruise? Well, aside from their appetizing 4-course dinner, it guarantees you an outdoor seating, which makes you have 360-degree views of the magnificent scenery around. And if you upgrade to premium seating, you get a private party table. Ultimately, all profits go directly to the organization to finance its mission. So book your tickets now and do the marine lives a favor. And Pacific Whale Foundation rewards it with an evening of fun, amazement, and joy that lasts for a lifetime.
Your Itinerary
Please check-in at least 45 minutes before the departure time at the Pacific Whale Foundation’s Ocean Store located at Front Street, Lahaina. The vessel departs at the Lahaina Harbor at exactly 5:30 pm. Thankfully, there is a free parking area on the corner of Prison and Front Street that saves you a few bucks. Your email confirmation upon booking indicates this information, anyway.
Welcome aboard! Ocean Quest’s small group of crew greets and welcomes you to the double-deck and eco-friendly catamaran, which will be your dwelling for two hours tonight. With a friendly and polite manner, they will guide and escort you on board. You can stay in the shaded cabin with comfortable armchair seats and tables, where you could sit down comfortably while watching the remarkable surroundings. Watch out for dolphins jumping out of the water ahead. We recommend looking around and exploring the boat to appreciate its beauty. Maybe take a lot of pictures in every corner of it. If ever you forgot to bring a good camera, they have cameras and binoculars available for rentals at an affordable price. Head on to the bow or upper deck, where you could sunbathe under the last sun rays before the sun sets down. The rear deck is also a perfect spot to hang around. It even gets you closer to the water. Did you know that the rear deck of a ship is more stable in motion than the bow, especially in winter, due to the water condition? So this might be the right place for you if you get seasickness. Anyhow, Ocean’s Quest was built for Hawaiian waters and is much safer than monohulls.
Throughout your cruise, a soothing island-style music serenades you. Unlimited beverages are also served, such as soda, juice, and filtered water. For premium adult guests, you can have up to 3 drinks of alcoholic beverages, including Maui Brewing Co. beer, wine, and tropical cocktails, available from the galley bar. This is because the organization supports responsible drinking. Also, a Certified Marine Naturalists onboard educates you regarding ocean life, backed up by the other knowledgeable crew narrating fun facts about Hawaii.
Dinner and After Dinner Treat
A few minutes after sailing, a crew announces dinner. As an inclusion for premium guests, you are guaranteed a private table for you and your loved ones outdoor the cabin. You also get the luxury of ordering additional alcoholic drinks from a wide array of selection, including well drinks like tequila, whiskey, and gin and refreshing frozen blended cocktails. On the other hand, If you booked for a standard ticket, don’t worry! There are still available tables for you, but you might share it with other guests. Remember: sharing is caring. Besides, the boat doesn’t sail with its maximum capacity of 150 to avoid crowding.
Foods come to your table after ordering, like dining in an offshore restaurant. All main courses are grilled on board by a professional Chef. Pacific Whale Foundation also ensures that all ingredients are fresh, locally grown and raised. Gladly, the foundation understands everyone’s needs, so if you’re vegan, call them before your scheduled cruise to check on their available selections.
For your meal, you can choose from chimichurri marinated flat-iron steak, lemongrass curry marinated fresh Kauai shrimp, teriyaki glazed chicken with papaya salsa, or a vegetarian option. Indulge on their sides, including coconut whipped Molokai purple potatoes or macadamia nut pesto, and char-grilled vegetables. Finish your meal with a sweet brownies dessert full of chocolates, served with fresh Kula strawberries.
After dinner, enjoy the mood while it lasts. While cruising the waters from Kaanapali to Launiupoko, watch the beauty of West Maui mountains in your background. As the color of the night sky unfolds, it also ends your remarkable cruise adventure. You get home with a satisfied stomach and heart, and a free Marine Wildlife oversize postcard.
DINNER MENU:
- Appetizer: Baked Spinach Dip and Breadsticks
- Salad: Ocean salad from a combination of 10 locally and organically grown greens and vegetables, paired with mango- passion vinaigrette
- Main Course / Entrees (select one from the following):
- Chimichurri Flat Iron Steak with Wild Mushroom Demi Glaze
- Honey-Miso Tofu with Big Island Papaya Salsa (vegetarian)
- Curry with Lemon-Grass and Marinated Fresh Kauai Shrimp with a serving of Lilikoi Butter Sauce
- Teriyaki Boneless Chicken Breast with Big Island Papaya Salsa
*All entrees are served with Coconut-Whipped Molokai Purple Sweet Potatoes & Macadamia Nut Pesto Grilled Vegetables
- Dessert:
- Brownies with triple chocolate, topped with Fresh Kula Strawberries
- Freshly brewed Tea and locally-grown Coffee
- Beverages:
- 3 complimentary drinks
- A wide selection of premium wine, champagne, frozen cocktails, and Maui micro-brewed beer (for purchase)
- Unlimited ice-cold sodas and juices (inclusion)
*Valid ID is needed in order to consume alcohol.
