Maui Clear Kayak & Snorkel Tour: Swim with Turtles Makena

Paddle Over Reefs You Can See Through, Then Slip Into the Water Below

You paddle a clear-bottom kayak over Maui's reefs for three hours starting at 7am, watching sea turtles and tropical fish from above, then snorkel at the best spots if you want to. The tour includes life jackets, snorkeling gear, and a guide who knows where the marine life congregates. You're done by 10am, with the rest of your day free.

Step-by-step itinerary

Clear kayak and snorkel tour in Maui

• Meet guide at Turtle Town, Makena
• Attend safety briefing
• Launch clear bottom kayaks
• Paddle over shallow reefs
• Enjoy views of Haleakala and islands
• Optional snorkel at marine spots
• Swim with turtles and marine life
• Return to shore by 10am

The experience

The water below the clear kayak is so transparent you forget the hull is there. You're floating above 500-year-old lava fingers and shallow reefs where green sea turtles move through the water like they own the place, which they do. The tour launches at 7am from Turtle Town in Makena, when the ocean is still calm and the light hits the reef without the afternoon chop. Three hours, start to finish, which means you're back on shore by 10am and the rest of your Maui day is still yours.

The clear kayak is the whole point. You paddle over healthy reefs without getting wet unless you choose to, watching manta rays, eels, octopus, and tropical fish move beneath you in real time. Your guide (the company is family and Coast Guard Veteran owned) handles the safety briefing and points out what you're looking at, but mostly you just sit there and look down. If the snorkel urge hits, you climb out into the water at the best spots and swim closer. It's included, so there's no extra cost to decide once you're there. Some people stay in the kayak the whole time. Some people spend half the tour in the water. Both work.

Haleakala volcano rises in the distance, and on clear days you see Molokini and the west Maui mountains. If you're there in winter, this is a humpback whale sanctuary, so whales are part of the view. The reefs themselves are the real draw, though: the kind of marine life density you don't get from a snorkel boat where thirty people are churning the water at once. Groups stay small, which is why the company only has a limited number of clear kayaks per tour. You get a life jacket, snorkeling gear, and pre-packaged snacks (vegan and gluten-free options available). Bring your own water bottle if you can. They have single-use bottles but they're trying to cut plastic.

One thing to know upfront: there's a 220-pound individual weight limit for the clear kayaks due to how they're built. If that's a concern for anyone in your group, contact them before booking. They have two regular kayaks available with a 290-pound limit, and they'll weigh everyone at the meeting spot on the day of the tour. It's a safety thing, not negotiable, and it's worth asking about before you commit. Ages 3 and up can go, no experience needed, but if you have any medical conditions or are pregnant, email them ahead so they know what to plan for.

What’s included

Your three-hour tour includes hotel pickup details at the meeting point in Makena, a safety briefing, use of a clear-bottom kayak, life jacket, snorkeling equipment, an experienced guide, pre-packaged snacks with vegan and gluten-free options, and access to snorkeling at the best reef spots. Single-use water is available, though bringing your own reusable bottle is encouraged.

Information

Lasts 3h, runs every day at 07:00, from US$ 132 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

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

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Ohana Ocean Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Maui's marine life without committing to a full-day boat tour or dealing with large groups: the early 7am start and small group size are what keep the water calm and the reef visible.

Traveler reviews

4.91★★★★★★★★★★

632 verified traveler reviews

5 ★601

4 ★18

3 ★4

2 ★6

1 ★3

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

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 time does the tour start and how long is it?

The tour runs from 7am to 10am daily. The early start time keeps the water calm and the visibility clear.

Do I have to snorkel, or can I stay in the kayak the whole time?

Snorkeling is optional and included in the price. You can stay in the clear kayak and watch the reef below, or get out and swim at the best spots, your choice.

What marine life will I see?

Sea turtles, manta rays, eels, octopus, and tropical fish are common. In winter, humpback whales are in the area. The exact wildlife depends on the day and conditions.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. Individual weight limit for clear kayaks is 220 pounds. Regular kayaks with a 290-pound limit are available. Contact the company before booking if this applies to your group.

What's included in the tour price?

Life jacket, snorkeling gear, experienced guide, pre-packaged snacks (vegan and gluten-free options available), and snorkeling time. Single-use water is provided, but you're encouraged to bring a reusable bottle.

Do I need experience to kayak or snorkel?

No. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and ages 3 and up. No prior kayaking or snorkeling experience is necessary.

What if I have a medical condition or am pregnant?

Email the company before booking to let them know. They need to be aware for your safety.

Are photos available?

Photo packages are available for purchase on the day of the tour at an additional cost.