Snorkeling Maui: Coral Gardens with 25-foot Waterslide

Reef, turtles, and a 25-foot waterslide in one afternoon

Snorkel the Coral Gardens, a shallow reef off Maui's coast, in a small group of no more than a dozen people. Swim among sea turtles, then climb aboard the longest and fastest waterslide in Maalaea Harbor: a 25-foot drop that sets this boat apart from others in the fleet. The 3-hour activity includes snorkel gear, lunch, bottled water and sunscreen. Whale watching is free when humpback whales migrate through January to March. Weather may shift the snorkel site to Turtle Town or Molokini Crater, though the waterslide stays aboard.

The experience

The boat departs Maalaea Harbor carrying a small group, which is what keeps the snorkel site from feeling crowded. You'll enter the water at Coral Gardens, a large shallow reef where sea turtles graze and the reef life is dense enough that you don't have to search for it. Snorkel gear is provided. Full-face masks are not permitted for safety reasons. The crew handles the logistics (sunscreen, water, lunch), so you can focus on what's in front of you underwater.

Between snorkel sessions, the waterslide becomes the centerpiece. At 25 feet, it's the longest and fastest slide among the boats working out of Maalaea Harbor. You climb the ladder barefoot (footwear stays secured on deck), slide down into the water, and repeat. It's the kind of detail that separates this boat from a standard snorkel run. If weather pushes the group to Turtle Town or Molokini Crater instead, the reef changes but the slide doesn't. It stays aboard and ready. From January through March, humpback whales sometimes appear on the route to and from the snorkel site at no extra cost.

The whole outing runs three hours. Lunch is included, as is all snorkel equipment. You'll need to be comfortable floating face-down in deep water and moving up and down the boat's stairs and ladders. Children must stay with an adult at all times. The crew is known for keeping the vibe relaxed, which matters when you're in a small group for an afternoon.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear and use of the 25-foot waterslide.
• lunch and bottled water.
• sunscreen.
• small group experience with a live English-speaking guide.

Information

Lasts 3h, runs every day except Wednesday at 12:30, from US$ 131.29 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day except WednesdayDeparts at 12:30Last departure this season: 31 DecAnother time? ›

GroupUp to 65

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4)

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Maui Snorkeling Lani Kai

Is this one for you?Small groups work best here: the boat stays under a dozen people, which is why the Coral Gardens doesn't feel crowded and why the crew can keep the afternoon relaxed. Pick this if you want to snorkel and play on a waterslide without the logistics of renting gear or packing a meal.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the Coral Gardens reef actually like when I get there?

Coral Gardens is a large, shallow reef off Maui's coast with abundant sea life, including sea turtles. The shallow depth and reef density mean you don't have to search far to see what's there.

Can I bring my own snorkel gear or do I have to use theirs?

Snorkel equipment is provided and included in the price. Full-face snorkel masks are not allowed for safety reasons.

How does the waterslide work? Do I have to be a strong swimmer?

The 25-foot waterslide is part of the afternoon activity. You climb a ladder barefoot and slide into the water. You don't need to be an advanced swimmer, but you do need to be comfortable in deep water and moving on the boat's stairs and ladders.

What if the weather is bad? Do we still go?

Weather conditions may lead the crew to snorkel at a different coral reef in the area, such as Turtle Town or Molokini Crater. The waterslide stays aboard either way. The crew will decide based on conditions on the day.

Are there whales to see?

Humpback whales migrate through Maui waters from January to March. Whale watching is free while the boat travels to and from the snorkel site if whales are present during those months.

What's included in the price?

Snorkel equipment, lunch, bottled water and sunscreen are all included. Towels and wetsuits are not. Alcohol is bring-your-own and consumed after in-water activities end.