Maui Coral Gardens: Snorkel Tour & 25ft Waterslide Adventure

Summary

Small group snorkeling at Maui’s Coral Gardens plus wild waterslide fun

You’ll float above Maui’s Coral Gardens with a small group, swim alongside sea turtles, and laugh your way down a giant 25-foot waterslide before sharing lunch on deck. With local guides leading the way and whale sightings possible in winter months, it’s an afternoon full of salty air and real moments you’ll remember long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the color — that wild blue off Maui, almost too bright to look at. We’d barely left Maalaea Harbor when our guide (I think her name was Jess?) started cracking jokes about sunscreen and sea turtles. The boat wasn’t crowded, which honestly made all the difference. You could hear the water slapping against the hull and someone’s kid giggling every time we hit a wave. I didn’t realize how much I’d missed that salty smell until it hit me.

We anchored near Coral Gardens and Jess handed out masks and fins. She showed us how to get them snug — no leaks, she promised. The water was cooler than I expected but clear enough to see these yellow fish darting between coral branches. At one point, a turtle floated by so close I could’ve reached out (didn’t). There was this weird peacefulness underwater — muffled sounds, just my own breath and flashes of silver scales everywhere. I got a mouthful of saltwater when I laughed at my friend trying to talk through his snorkel.

After snorkeling, everyone lined up for the big waterslide — 25 feet, apparently the fastest in Maalaea Harbor. It looked ridiculous from below but once you’re up there… well, let’s just say I screamed louder than the kids did. Lunch tasted better than it had any right to — maybe because we’d worked up an appetite or maybe because soda always hits different after swimming. On the way back, Jess pointed out some whales breaching in the distance (January through March is peak season for that), and people scrambled for their phones but mostly just watched in this kind of quiet awe.

I still think about that turtle sometimes — how slow he moved while everything else felt so fast around him. It’s funny what sticks with you after a day like that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel and waterslide adventure

• Travel to Coral Gardens reef
• Snorkel and swim with turtles
• Enjoy 25 foot waterslide
• Whale watch en route (Jan-Mar)

Top questions

Is snorkeling at Coral Gardens suitable for beginners?

Yes, this Maui snorkel tour is suitable for all fitness levels as long as you’re comfortable floating face down in deep water.

Are children allowed on this Maui snorkel & waterslide tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult who will be responsible for them at all times.

Is lunch included on the Coral Gardens snorkel tour?

Yes, lunch is included along with bottled water and soda during your trip.

Do you provide snorkeling equipment on this Maui day trip?

Yes, all necessary snorkeling gear is provided except full-face masks (not allowed).

When can we see whales on this tour?

You might spot humpback whales from January to March while traveling to or from the snorkel site.

How long is the waterslide on this tour?

The boat features a 25-foot (7 meter) waterslide — currently the longest and fastest among Maalaea Harbor boats.

Will we always snorkel at Coral Gardens?

The main location is Coral Gardens but weather may lead to other reefs like Turtle Town or Molokini Crater (no slide at Molokini).

Is sunscreen provided during the trip?

Yes, reef-safe sunscreen is available onboard for guests.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes use of snorkeling equipment (except full-face masks), reef-safe sunscreen, bottled water and sodas throughout the trip, plus lunch served onboard before heading back to Maalaea Harbor with your local guide leading the way.