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Maui Snorkeling

Our most recommended Maui Snorkeling

Lahaina: Turtle Town Snorkel and Whale Watching Cruise

1. Lahaina: Turtle Town Snorkel and Whale Watching Cruise

Spot Hawaii's native marine life in its natural habitat on a snorkel cruise to Turtle Town from Lahaina. Swim past green sea turtles, Moorish idols, and even humpback whales. Enjoy an onboard lunch and drinks. Set sail from Lahaina Harbor towards Turtle Town, aka Mala Wharf (if weather conditions allow). See where, in 1992, a powerful hurricane created an artificial reef and sanctuary where corals and other marine life thrive. Spot Moorish idols, green sea turtles, and saddle wrasse while snorkeling here. If snorkel conditions are not ideal at Turtle Town a.k.a. Mala Wharf, cruise to one of the other premier westside snorkel locations such as Honolua Bay, Airport Beach, or Launiupoko. See Hawaiian green sea turtles, brightly colored tropical fish, and beautiful coral reef formations. During the whale season between December to April, observe humpback whales as they enjoy the warm Hawaiian waters (time permitting). Learn from expert narration about the whales and provide a play-by-play commentary of the whales' behavior as you view them.

From Ma'alaea Harbor: Molokini Snorkeling Adventure

2. From Ma'alaea Harbor: Molokini Snorkeling Adventure

Embark on a half-day snorkeling adventure on a glass-bottomed catamaran, with breakfast, lunch, and a professional crew included. Look out for all types of Pacific marine life, from dolphins to turtles and coral reefs, in 2 snorkeling spots — the Molokini Crater and Turtle Town.  Begin your tour at Maalaea Harbor to board your boat. Join the crew aboard the Calypso, Maui's newest addition to the fleet, where you can even view the ocean from its glass bottom. Calypso is the only 3-deck catamaran in Hawai'i. Benefit from an easy-to-use stairway in and out of the water, lots of shade, and plenty of Jimmy Buffet music.  Start the day off right with a hearty breakfast that includes scrambled eggs, Portuguese sausage and either turkey or chicken and mushroom sausage, mixed muffins, pastries, mixed fruit, coffee, tea, and juice. Next, be dazzled by Molokini Crater, located off the south shore of Kihei. Expect pristine conditions as Molokini is a protected marine preserve and bird sanctuary.  See how the extinct volcanic cone provides a home for native Hawaiian marine life such as manta rays, fish, urchins, and sharks, who all swim around the coral through the clear water year-round. Use the provided snorkeling equipment to explore the underwater world.  Take advantage of the 2 water slides to make it more fun, especially for kids. And fret not— a lifeguard is always in the water watching over the snorkelers to ensure their safety. After leaving Molokini, your second snorkeling spot of the day is Turtle Town, where you will swim with Hawaiian green sea turtles amid the calm water and coral. Then, return to the boat for a relaxing barbecue lunch buffet. Finally, enjoy a fun trivia game for the chance to win a crew T-shirt. Some of the tour’s top amenities include 2 slides, a jumping platform, 2 freshwater showers, use of snorkeling gear, flotation devices, and restrooms on the boat. There are 11 stair points to get into the water for easy and comfortable access. Hire everything you need on the day, with wetsuits, or underwater digital cameras available to rent.

Maui: Eco-Friendly Molokini and Turtle Town Tour with Lunch

3. Maui: Eco-Friendly Molokini and Turtle Town Tour with Lunch

Discover the underwater worlds of Molokini crater and Turtle Arches on this cruise from Maui. Get instruction on how to snorkel before exploring the reef. Learn about this biodiverse environment from professional naturalists. Eat a delicious breakfast before starting your trip. Enjoy a continental breakfast including pastries, fruit, and coffee before sailing out to Molokini. Molokini, Maui’s iconic crescent-shaped islet, is a beautiful reef known for its crystal clear waters, abundant coral, colorful fish, and resting seabirds. A protected marine conservation area, this volcanic crater is only accessible by boat with a certified tour operator and is the #1 snorkeling destination in Maui. Learn about the history and nature of your surroundings and the efforts being made to protect the ocean here.  Following your time at Molokini, head to Turtle Arches and enjoy a bonus snorkel site with its underwater lava formations and frequent turtle sightings. Watch for sea turtles, eels, octopi, and other reef fish. Once you are done snorkeling and have worked up an appetite, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch of grilled chicken, burgers, and salad before heading back to Ma'alaea Harbor.

Maui: Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkel with Deli Lunch

4. Maui: Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkel with Deli Lunch

See Maui from a new perspective as you swim and snorkel alongside its marine life at Molokini and Turtle Town. Cruise to these famous snorkeling destinations by catamaran, and enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard. Meet your captain and crew near Maalaea Harbor for your check-in. Board the comfortable catamaran and enjoy a continental breakfast of pastries, muffins, fresh fruits, coffee, tea, juice, soda, and water as you head towards Molokini. Arrive at Molokini and admire the scenery of the extinct volcanic cone, home to around 250 different local species. Jump into the water and snorkel with native wildlife such as black triggerfish, yellow tang, and parrotfish. Continue onto Turtle Town, where you’ll swim with protected Hawaiian green sea turtles among the underwater lava formations. Rest assured a lifeguard will be in the water at all times as you snorkel around the beautiful coral gardens. Enjoy a deli lunch with your choice of roast beef, chicken, or ham croissant sandwiches, or pulled pork and BBQ sauce on a bun, with chips, soft drinks, juice, and water. Choose to purchase beers or a Mai Tai, and relax in the shade of the cabin. Or top up your tan on the bow of the boat as you return to Maalaea Harbor, where your unforgettable activity will come to an end.

From Ma'alaea Afternoon Snorkel to Molokini or Coral Gardens

5. From Ma'alaea Afternoon Snorkel to Molokini or Coral Gardens

Explore one of Maui’s most impressive sites on this relaxing afternoon catamaran cruise to Molokini Crater or Coral Gardens. Dive into the rich marine biodiversity of the reefs in this partially submerged volcanic crater. Head to the meeting point at Maalaea Harbor for your check-in before boarding the Malalo catamaran. Set sail and admire the beautiful Pacific coastal views as you cruise towards your snorkel site. Stop at the ideal snorkeling location for that day. Have the option to purchase food and drink aboard. Jump into the pleasant water and look for colorful fish like parrot fish, yellow tang, and cornet fish. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive spotted eagle ray. Feel free to rent wetsuits, digital underwater cameras, and prescription masks on the day of your activity to enhance your aquatic experience. After your unforgettable swim, relax with a drink (available to purchase) on deck as you return to your boarding point.

Maui: Snorkeling and Whale Watching Cruise with Buffet Lunch

6. Maui: Snorkeling and Whale Watching Cruise with Buffet Lunch

Sail to Maui’s Honolua Bay Marine Reserve, renowned for its snorkeling opportunities, on a cruise from Lahaina. Swim alongside colorful fish and savor a buffet lunch with drinks onboard. Expect to hear the sounds of whales singing underwater while you snorkel with the gear provided. Board the catamaran from Kaanapali Beach with the assistance of the captain and crew. Head to the sheltered waters of Honolua Bay, or depending on conditions, take an alternate route toward Cliff-house, Lanai, or Turtle Town in Olowalu. As you snorkel along Maui’s west coastline, experience warm waters abundant with sea life. Observe a variety of tropical fish including Hawaii’s state fish, the Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (reef triggerfish), and if you’re lucky, the endangered Hawaiian green sea turtle. After snorkeling, it's time to get back on board and treat yourself to a hot buffet lunch. Along with the mouthwatering flavors of local dishes, enjoy a complimentary open bar with Mai Tais, Chardonnay, and beers by Maui Brewing Co. Keep an eye out for whales from the snorkeling destination of the day as your experienced captain and crew seek out the humpback whales that frequent the islands on winter days. During the summer, sail into the trade winds on the lookout for spinner dolphins.

Maui: Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour

7. Maui: Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour

Explore the ocean and see marine wildlife on this family-friendly kayaking tour, great for children 5 and up. Go snorkeling and feast on complimentary snacks and beverages as you go. Take a group kayaking tour where you will kayak roughly 2.5 miles through Makena Bay. Turtle Town is known as one of Maui's best kayaking and snorkeling destinations. Spot ocean wildlife as you battle through the blue Hawaiian surf. This location is famous for the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle population and exceptional paddling conditions on Maui's calm blue waters. It is also very common to see manta rays and dolphins as well as the Hawaiian monk seal. During whale season (October through April) you will have the opportunity to see Humpback whales during their annual migration to the Islands to mate and give birth. Take advantage of the opportunity to snorkel in this unique environment. Enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages as part of your tour.

From Lahaina: Lana'i Snorkel and Dolphin Adventure Cruise

8. From Lahaina: Lana'i Snorkel and Dolphin Adventure Cruise

Explore an entirely new island in Hawaii on a catamaran cruise from Maui to Lanai. Jump into the cool and clear waters to snorkel and swim with vibrant marine life and look up to towering cliffs above you. Enjoy a continental breakfast and deli sandwich lunch while you sail under the warm Hawaiian sun. Keep an eye out for spinner dolphins, who are known to frequent the area. Listen to music and your captain share his knowledge about this island paradise and the abundant sea life that makes this area their home. Arrive on the Lanai coast and explore the underwater world accompanied by a crew member throughout. Take advantage of the waterslide for extra fun. Marvel at the marine life as you snorkel beneath towering cliffs reaching up to 300 feet. Be among the few to snorkel at remote locations with great visibility, such as Shark Fin Rock and Manele Bay. See a spectacular view of the West Maui Mountains while enjoying a beverage and Quicksilver Crew Trivia on the trip back to Lahaina.

From Ma'alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Cruise

9. From Ma'alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Cruise

After boarding your whale-watching cruise, your onboard naturalist, captain, and crew will be just as excited as you are to see humpbacks. These 45-foot cetaceans inspire awe, delight, and excitement with their very existence.  As soon as the boat leaves Ma'alaea Harbor, keep your eyes peeled for any significant movement on the surface. Especially huge clouds of misty spray in the distance (that's how a whale exhales). The whale watch naturalist will give you an exciting play-by-play on the whale's "swimming commentary." Some of the more popular moves whales engage in are the tail slap, the pec slap, the peduncle throw, the spy hop, and the ever hoped-for "launch-of-an-entire-whale-from-the-water" full breach.  Go down to the underwater viewing room whenever the boat is stopped. If the whales swim beneath the vessel, you can see them through the glass panels at the bottom of the hull. It is rare for a whale-watching vessel to have a glass-bottomed seating area, so enjoy it on this triple-decker catamaran. From December to April, you can climb aboard the boat and make your way to the top. This is Maui’s only catamaran with three decks, so you cannot go higher on this island. The 360-degree ocean views are fantastic, even when you go inside for a bit to take a break from the sun.  The first and second decks have spacious cabins with tinted windows, making for excellent viewing through the water’s surface, regardless of the sun’s glare. Comfortable seating throughout this stable vessel ensures a relaxing time on the water while you look for these incredible marine mammals.  Take advantage of the bar and snack area while you check out the boat. The crew will be happy to mix up whatever you feel like.

Maui: Molokini Snorkel & Performance Sail with Lunch

10. Maui: Molokini Snorkel & Performance Sail with Lunch

Discover Molokini aboard a fast-sailing catamaran, where your trip includes a continental breakfast on the leisurely sail across Ma’alaea Bay. Take in the stunning landscape that makes Maui special, and during whale season (December – May), spot the humpback whales as they swim nearby. While at Molokini, swim, snorkel, and rinse off with a freshwater shower. After snorkeling, indulge in a full lunch buffet and refresh with a variety of beverages, including wine and local beer. Maui’s afternoon trade winds can really get the boat going, so join the friendly crew at the helm and try your hand at sailing the high seas! 

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What people are saying about Maui

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 447 reviews

We booked before we arrived in Hawii and on the day of our excursion all we had to do was check in and when it was time to board they called our name and on board we went. The staff was very friendly and answered all of our questions. One person in our party got sick and while we were in the water they kept an eye on her. We would definitely recommend this excursion. We even got to see a momma whale and her baby.

The crew took great care of us from the moment we boarded until we deboarded. Seats and equipment (including graded goggles for us wearing eyeglasses) are more than adequate making everyone enjoy. The captain knows where to position the boat to get great possibility of successfully seeing whales. The whales put on a show, even breaching from the water. Highly recommended!

Super experience on board with a fantastic crew and the snorkelling was also amazing! The guide came in the water with us and explained a lot of different things plus showed us many fishes! Highly recommended!

Jeremiah was great. Our trip was fantastic. Miah had a lot on his hands with our group. Some inexperienced kayakers made his work extra hard but he was very good accommodating everyone.

Snorkeling was okay)))) But !!But!!!on a way back home we saw so many Whales and they was just next to our boat!!!Crew are super fun and nice!!!Recommend