Snorkeling Makena Bay: Kayak, Turtles & Molokini Views

You'll paddle past two volcanoes and snorkel with endangered green sea turtles in the same morning.

A 2.5-hour kayak and snorkel activity in Makena Bay, Hawaii, where you paddle a leisurely route along the south shore, stop to snorkel over colorful reefs and encounter green sea turtles at Turtle Town, and see views of Molokini and Haleakala Volcano from the water. A professional guide leads the group of up to 10 paddlers, provides instruction and safety briefing, and supplies all kayak and snorkel gear. The snorkel portion lasts approximately 45 minutes. You can book either the standard 2.5-hour option or extend to 3.5 to 4 hours for more time in the water.

The experience

The paddle starts in the morning with a leisurely route through Makena Bay along the coastline. Your guide leads a small group, no more than 10 paddlers, so the pace stays relaxed and manageable for ages 5 and up, whether you've snorkeled before or never have. You'll get a safety briefing and paddling instruction before you leave the beach, and the guide stays with you the whole way. The kayaks are late-model ocean touring boats, and you'll wear a life jacket throughout.

The snorkel time runs about 45 minutes, split between two stops. The first is over colorful reefs where you'll see marine life in the shallows. The second is Turtle Town, a unique cove where green sea turtles (endangered and protected in Hawaii) feed and rest. You're in the water with them, not watching from above. Dolphins sometimes appear during the paddle, and during whale season (roughly December through April) humpback whales pass through the area, though sightings are never guaranteed. The whole time you're on the water, you have views of Molokini, a crescent-shaped reef offshore, and Haleakala Volcano rising behind the coast.

The guide provides all snorkel equipment (mask, fins and snorkel), and bottled water is included. If you want more time in the water, the 3.5 to 4-hour option gives you a longer paddle and more snorkel stops. Either way, you're operating the kayak and the snorkel gear yourself. The guide is there to lead the route, point out wildlife and keep the group safe, not to do the activity for you.

What’s included

• Professional guide leading the group.
• all kayak and snorkel equipment (life jacket, mask, fins, snorkel, kayak).
• safety briefing and paddling instruction.
• bottled water.

Options for this experience

2 options

2.75 HoursGuide in English · 07:00 and 10:30South Shore Turtle Adventure, 2.75 hours

3.5 to 4 hoursGuide in English · 07:00Deluxe South Shore Turtle Adventure, 3.5 to 4 hours

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 10:30

Book up to1d before

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

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

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Keliis Kayak Tours

Is this one for you?Pick the 2.5-hour paddle if you want to fit snorkeling and kayaking into a morning without eating up your whole day. Go longer if you prefer unhurried time in the water over multiple reef and turtle spots.

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Top questions

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 snorkel time like at Turtle Town?

Turtle Town is a shallow cove with colorful reefs where endangered green sea turtles feed and rest. You snorkel in the water with them for part of the 45 minutes of total snorkel time on this activity, seeing the turtles in their natural habitat rather than from a distance.

Do I need snorkeling or kayaking experience to book this?

No. The activity is designed for beginners and experienced paddlers alike, and the guide provides a safety briefing and paddling instruction before you leave the beach. It's open to ages 5 and up, and the paddling distance is described as very leisurely.

What will I see from the kayak besides the snorkel stops?

From Makena Bay you have views of Molokini, a crescent reef offshore, and Haleakala Volcano across the water. Dolphins sometimes appear during the paddle, and during whale season (December through April) humpback whales may pass through the area, though sightings aren't guaranteed.

Is hotel pickup included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You'll need to arrange your own transport to the beach where the activity starts.

How long is the actual snorkel time?

Snorkel time is approximately 45 minutes total, split between two stops: one over colorful reefs and one at Turtle Town. The full activity is 2.5 hours, or you can book the 3.5 to 4-hour option for more time in the water.

What gear is provided?

The operator provides life jackets, snorkel equipment (mask, fins and snorkel), and quality late-model ocean touring kayaks. Bottled water is included. You bring your own towel and any personal items you need.