Maui & Lanai: Small Group Snorkel, Dolphins & Whale Watching

Summary

Snorkel wild reefs off Lanai spot dolphins whales small group vibe

You’ll ride out from Maui with a small crew, snorkel Lanai’s wild reefs, spot dolphins (and maybe whales if it’s winter), snack on fresh fruit and muffins between swims, and share stories with local guides who treat you like family. Expect laughter, saltwater hair, and memories that don’t fade fast.

What’s the experience like?

“If you see a spinner dolphin leap, make a wish,” Captain Kai grinned as we zipped away from Maui’s harbor — I didn’t know if he was joking or not, but I tried it anyway. The salt spray hit my face (it’s not gentle), and someone behind me started laughing because their hat flew off. There was this mix of sunscreen and ocean air that just clings to your skin. We were maybe twelve people, tops, all crammed together but somehow it felt like nobody cared about personal space — in a good way.

I’d done snorkeling before, but not like this. Our first stop was a cove off Lanai — the cliffs looked almost too sharp to touch. Kai handed out gear and checked everyone’s mask straps himself (“No leaks today!”). When I slid into the water it was colder than I expected; my heart jumped a little. The reef below wasn’t postcard-perfect, more rugged with these flashes of yellow tangs darting around. At one point a turtle floated by so close I could see its shell scratched up like old driftwood. Someone squealed through their snorkel when a pod of dolphins showed up — honestly, I nearly choked on seawater from laughing.

On the boat again, there were muffins and fruit (the pineapple tasted sweeter out here for some reason) and green tea if you wanted it. During whale season they say you can hear them underwater — we didn’t get lucky with whales this time but Kai played us some recordings from his phone and it sounded like the ocean humming to itself. He told us about their work rescuing tangled whales; you could tell he meant it when he talked about “ohana” — family isn’t just people here.

I still think about that moment floating above the reef, sun on my back and nothing but blue all around. It’s not fancy or polished out here — sometimes your mask fogs up or you get crumbs on your shirt — but it sticks with you in ways I didn’t expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lanai snorkel and dolphin encounter

• Meet captain and board vessel
• Travel to snorkel spots off Lanai
• Snorkel at first reef location
• Snorkel at second reef location or whale watch
• Observe dolphins, turtles, and marine life
• Enjoy provided snacks and non-alcoholic drinks
• Return to Maui harbor

Top questions

How long is the Maui to Lanai snorkel tour?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours including two snorkel stops or one stop plus whale watching during migration season.

Is snorkeling gear provided on the Lanai dolphin tour?

Yes, snorkel gear and flotation devices are included for all guests.

Can I see dolphins on this Maui snorkel trip?

Dolphin encounters are common off Lanai; sightings are likely but not guaranteed.

Are snacks or drinks included during the tour?

Yes, muffins, fresh fruit, cookies, chips, sodas (Coke products), green tea, and purified water are provided.

Is whale watching part of this trip?

Whale watching is included during migration months from December to April.

What kind of boat is used for the tour?

A USCG-approved rescue-style vessel is used for stability and safety.

Are wetsuit tops available for rent?

Yes, wetsuit tops can be rented if needed.

Does every ticket support marine research?

Yes, each booking helps fund local marine research and whale entanglement response efforts in Maui.

What’s included

Your day includes use of snorkeling equipment and flotation devices (plus wetsuit tops for rent), complimentary reef-safe sunscreen so you won’t burn out there; snacks like muffins, fresh fruit, cookies and chips; sodas (Coke products), green tea and purified water to keep you going between swims—all handled by your local crew before returning to Maui’s shore.