Maui: Ka’anapali Beach Xpress Snorkel & Turtles at Mala Wharf

Summary

Snorkel Maui’s sunken pier with turtles and tropical fish

You’ll jump straight from Ka’anapali Beach onto a boat bound for Mala Wharf, guided by locals who know every current. Snorkel among sea turtles and colorful fish beneath a sunken pier, then relax with drinks on deck before returning sandy and happy—still thinking about those slow-moving turtles under the beams.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped right onto the sand at Ka’anapali Beach, toes already gritty, and I could smell sunscreen and salt in the air. The boat crew—local guys who seemed to know everyone on the beach—helped us clamber aboard. I was still fiddling with my mask when our guide, Keahi, grinned and said we’d be at Mala Wharf in just a few minutes. He pointed out Lana’i across the water, but honestly I was too busy watching the color of the ocean shift from blue to that weird greenish turquoise as we sped along.

The main reason I booked this Xpress snorkel from Ka’anapali Beach was the promise of turtles. And yeah, they were there—just hanging out under these old concrete beams from a sunken pier. One looked right at me (or maybe through me?) while tiny fish zipped around its shell. The coral here isn’t perfect; it’s kind of battered but wild-looking, with starfish wedged into cracks and eels poking their heads out. I tried to remember which fish were which—Keahi had rattled off names earlier—but mostly I just floated and listened to my own breathing through the snorkel. There’s something about that sound that makes you feel both huge and tiny at once.

After an hour or so in the water (it felt shorter), we climbed back up for cold juice and swapped stories about what we saw. Someone claimed they spotted an octopus—I’m still not sure if I believe them. The crew passed around sodas and even opened up the bar for those who wanted it (I stuck with guava juice). My hair was crunchy with salt and my skin felt warm in that way that only happens after swimming in Hawaii. We lingered on deck longer than necessary before heading back toward Ka’anapali, sand sticking everywhere again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel from Ka’anapali Beach

• Depart Ka’anapali Beach
• Arrive at Mala Wharf or snorkel site
• Set up snorkeling gear
• Snorkel for about one hour
• See turtles, coral, and marine life

Top questions

How long is the Xpress snorkel tour from Ka’anapali Beach?

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours total.

Where do you snorkel on this tour?

You’ll usually snorkel at Mala Wharf or another West Maui spot depending on conditions.

Are snorkeling equipment and drinks included?

Yes, all snorkeling gear plus soft drinks, juices, water, and open bar are included.

Is hotel pickup provided for this Maui snorkel tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you board directly from Ka’anapali Beach.

Can non-swimmers join this tour?

No, non-swimmers are not allowed to participate for safety reasons.

Is there parking available near Ka’anapali Beach?

Yes, your booking includes a 4-hour parking validation nearby.

Are children allowed on board?

Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; check age restrictions for drinking alcohol (21+).

What’s included

Your day includes all snorkeling equipment, local guides leading you from Ka’anapali Beach to Mala Wharf or another West Maui site depending on conditions, soft drinks, juices, water, an open bar for adults over 21, plus four-hour parking validation so you don’t have to worry about your car while you’re out spotting turtles.