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TOP 10 Things to do on Maui Whale, Dolphin & Turtle Watching Adventures three Exploring Maui's diverse and amazing sea life is one of the most popular and exciting things to do on Maui. And the best way to get out on the water and see it all is with an ocean adventure cruise. Our priceless and protected eco-reserves are abundant with huge schools of spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, whales, and hundreds of the most exotic tropical fish in the world - over 20% of which can only be found in Hawaii! Humpback whales migrate to the Hawaiian Islands each year, arriving in November and staying until mid-May, after a 3,000 mile journey from Alaska. Those lucky enough to be visiting Maui during whale watching season are in for an amazing treat - don't miss out on these guided cruises. ACTIVITIES number If you're not here for the whales don't fret, there are plenty of dolphins, turtles and tropical fish in the waters around Maui year-round. Although there are several types of dolphins, the spinner dolphins are most common and are known for the spectacular shows they put on. Their name comes from their habit of leaping into the air and spinning several times on their tails before splashing back into the water. Dolphin tours from a boat are the best way to see the spinners in action! The Maui waters are also a haven for green sea turtles, often seen swimming lazily near the shore. Turtle tours will take you to places like "Turtle Town" or one of the many turtle cleaning stations along the south and west shores of Maui. These stations are often found near coral heads abundant with algae-eating fish,as they provide great opportunities for the fish to feast. The turtles come to get cleaned by the fish, and people come to witness the process. Turtle sightings are common on many snorkeling trips and other boating and kayaking excursions. Although less frequently spotted, manta rays, monk seals, and even docile whale sharks have been seen by visitors on guided Island Aerial & Hot Lava Tours number four aquatic adventures. But why limit yourself to just one ocean experience? Try a few! Many visitors go on a sailing cruise, a kayak trip, a high-speed rafting adventure, and a sunset cocktail catamaran cruise while on island. After flying thousands of miles to get here, now is your chance to take advantage of all Maui has to offer - so go for it! Here are a few of our favorite companies for marine watching adventures: Aqua Adventures, America II, Blue Water Rafting, Captain Steve's Rafting, Captain Woody's, Friendly Charters, Frogman II, Hawaii Ocean Project, Maui Kayaks, Paragon, Pride of Maui, Quicksilver, Redline Rafting, South Pacific Kayaks, and XIAN. Enjoy! One of the most exhilarating and inspiring activities on Maui, and coming in at #4, is our aerial tours. The thing that's so cool about this activity is that you're always sure to explore areas of Maui and beyond that are impossible to see any other way than by air. Waterfalls, rainforests, isolated beaches, volcanic craters, flowing lava and more will leave you breathless. One great way to catch these sights is by helicopter. Trips last at least 30 minutes, with the most popular tour being Hana-Haleakala. Our favorite helicopter companies to fly with are Sunshine (873-8779) and Alexair (871-0792). For a silent perspective of Maui from 3,000 ft. up, try paragliding with Proflyght (874-5433). If you've never experienced it before, now is your chance. Ready to see hot lava spewing from the active volcano on the Big Island? Then call Volcano Air Tours (877-5500). They offer flights daily from West and Central Maui. Aerial tours are an experience that you'll remember for the rest of your life, and best of all, you'll get to bring it home (most companies offer a video of your actual flight). Up, up and away! (continued on page 26) 22 The Driving Magazine of Maui