Ocean Expeditions | Journeys
Maui / Celebrate the Aloha that Whale Season Brings
Embark on an exclusive 7 day journey during Maui's whale season, designed for photographers and memory seekers alike. Imagine gliding through crystal-clear waters on a private boat, with only a low, inflatable zodiac between you and the ocean as you track majestic humpback whales. Capture breathtaking moments as these giants breach, witness thrilling competition pods, and watch mothers guide their calves in their first breaths. For a truly stunning perspective, soar above in a doors-off helicopter, allowing for unobstructed shots of these magnificent creatures in the iconic blue waters of Maui.
When you're not exploring the ocean or sky, immerse yourself in the serene offerings of the island. Unwind on pristine beaches, wander through lush tropical landscapes, and enjoy fresh, locally sourced cuisine. Your luxurious accommodations provide the perfect sanctuary, striking a balance between exhilarating adventure and restorative downtime.
This 5-day experience seamlessly combines high-adrenaline whale encounters with Maui’s natural beauty and vibrant culture, making it the perfect getaway for those passionate about wildlife, photography, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
Maximum group size is 6.
Join this exclusive expedition limited to just 6 participants.
Offered Mid-February and Late February, 2026
Pending February 8-14, 2026 and February 21-27, 2026
By registering your interest now, you'll receive priority access to confirmed dates and booking and an early booking discount of $750
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EXPEDITION OVERVIEW
This expedition is a journey to Emily's beloved "backyard" during one of nature's most awe-inspiring seasons. Having called Maui home, Emily brings intimate local knowledge and genuine aloha spirit to this extraordinary whale experience.
Let Emily guide you through the magic of Maui's whale season from both boat and air, sharing her passion and insights for these magnificent creatures and the island she holds close to her heart. Her personal connection to this special place ensures you'll experience it not as a visitor, but as someone welcomed into a cherished world.
Working alongside marine specialists whose passion matches her own, Emily creates opportunities for exceptional whale encounters. Their combined knowledge of humpback behavior, ocean conditions, and island geography ensures both safety and remarkable photographic opportunities.
As we explore from boat and air, you'll have extraordinary opportunities to photograph these marine giants and discover the breathtaking landscapes of Maui that Emily knows so well—volcanic mountains, hidden valleys, and the ever-changing interplay of light across water that creates an ever-shifting canvas.
Throughout the expedition, Emily will provide comprehensive photographic coaching tailored to your skill level and interests. From camera settings for capturing fast-moving whales to composition techniques that showcase these magnificent creatures in their environment, Emily's guidance ensures you'll create extraordinary images. Daily image reviews, post-processing tutorials, and one-on-one sessions will help refine your skills while in the field. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just beginning, Emily's supportive approach will help you document this remarkable experience in ways that exceed your expectations.
This expedition offers more than wildlife encounters—it provides a profound connection with one of Emily's most treasured places, where the elements speak in waves and currents, and nature reveals itself in spectacular abundance. Join Emily in celebrating Maui's whale season for an unforgettable experience that combines her local expertise with your own journey of discovery.
7-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1 Upon arrival to Kahului Airport, you'll be greeted with a private transfer to our 5 star, oceanfront accommodations in west Maui. This area is perfectly positioned for whale encounters, offering fantastic opportunities for both boat and aerial photography. The day includes a welcome reception, dinner, and an expedition briefing where Emily will provide an overview of what to expect in the coming days.
Days 2-6 Five full days dedicated to photographing humpback whales and exploring Maui's marine environments. Each day we'll venture into the rich waters surrounding Maui where thousands of humpbacks migrate annually for breeding and calving. Our activities will include private boat excursions in the Au'au Channel for whale watching, doors-off helicopter experiences for aerial whale photography, and select snorkeling opportunities at Maui's vibrant reef systems (completely separate from whale activities). Our boat captains maintain all required distances from the whales, allowing us to observe natural behaviors without disturbance. During this season, we may witness competitive pods, mother-calf pairs, breaching, and numerous other behaviors from our vessels. Daily image review sessions and photography workshops will help refine your techniques throughout the expedition.
Day 7 Final morning in Maui includes a farewell brunch before airport transfers and departures.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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6 nights luxury, 5 star, oceanfront accommodation
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Ground transportation including airport transfers
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Multiple private boat excursions for whale watching
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Doors-off helicopter whale photography experience
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Select reef snorkeling opportunities (weather permitting)
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Photography instruction and image review sessions
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Includes all meals from arrival to departure
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Expert local marine guides/ pilot plus Emily with maximum 6 guests
NOT INCLUDED
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Round-trip airfare to Maui
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Recommended travel insurance
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Items of a personal nature
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Additional expenses in the event of flight delays
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Hotel nights before and after the tour
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Non premium spirts, wines, alchol
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Tips for drivers, crew, leader
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This expedition requires an easy fitness level. Participants should be comfortable with:
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Boarding and disembarking boats in potentially choppy conditions
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Potentially long periods on boats while watching for whale activity
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Basic snorkeling skills for reef explorations (optional activity)
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Early morning departures and full day excursions
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Helicopter flights with doors removed (secured by safety harness)
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No serious health conditions that could be compromised in a remote setting
TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCE
Beyond photography, this expedition offers a rare opportunity to witness one of nature's most magnificent migrations. The experience challenges us to embrace a different rhythm of life, where marine giants dictate the pace and the raw beauty of this environment reveals itself in breathtaking ways. It is one of the most humbling experiences to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat and feel the profound connection that comes from spending time in their presence.
EXPEDITION INVESTMENT & TERMS
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Dates: February 8-14, 2026: $10,995 per person
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Dates: February 21-27, 2026: $11,995 per person
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Group Size: Limited to 6 participants
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Single Supplement: Please speak with Emily directly to determine availability and cost
Offer time-limited early bird incentives:
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Book by July 31, 2025 and save $750 per person
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Book by October 31, 2025 and save $500 per person
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
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Initial Deposit: $1,000 per person to secure your place
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Interim Payment: 40% of total expedition cost due 120 days prior to departure
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Final Payment: Remaining balance due 90 days prior to departure
RESERVATION POLICY
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Your place on the expedition is confirmed only upon receipt of deposit
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Payments accepted via credit card, bank transfer, check, or ACH
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No processing fee for payments made by check or ACH
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A detailed expedition preparation guide will be provided upon registration
CANCELLATION POLICY
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Deposit is non-refundable
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180-91 days prior to departure: 50% of total expedition cost
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90 days or less prior to departure: 100% of total expedition cost
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We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation coverage
EXPEDITION PROTECTION
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Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended
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We can provide recommendations for insurance providers
ELEMENTAL EXPERIENCE
Emily McCulliss invites you into her cherished island home during its most magical season – a time when ancient migration patterns bring thousands of magnificent humpback whales to Maui's warm, protected waters.
Having lived with one foot in the ocean and one on the land of Maui, Emily offers something beyond a typical whale watching experience. This is a homecoming – both for the whales who return year after year to breed and calve, and for Emily who shares her intimate knowledge of these waters and their gentle giants.
"There's something profoundly humbling about witnessing a 40-ton animal breach with such grace it seems to momentarily suspend the laws of physics. In the presence of whales, time shifts. Your breath synchronizes with theirs. Your perception expands.
The whale's exhale – visible from miles away as a misty spout – reminds us of our shared connection to air, to breath, to life itself. Their songs, complex and ever-evolving, echo through water with meaning we can sense but not fully comprehend.
These encounters leave an imprint that remains long after you've returned home – a widened perspective, a deeper rhythm to your days, a reminder of our place within nature's grand design."
This journey weaves together the technical aspects of wildlife photography with moments of pure wonder. From the stability of our specialized vessels to the freedom of doors-off helicopter flights, Emily guides you in capturing images that convey not just what these magnificent creatures look like, but what it feels like to be in their presence.
This is not just about witnessing a spectacle – it's about becoming attuned to the ocean's rhythms, developing patience that rewards with breakthrough moments, and experiencing firsthand why these peaceful giants have inspired such profound cultural reverence across centuries and civilizations.
Emily's guidance helps translate these ephemeral moments into images and memories that continue to reveal their depths long after you've returned home.