Maui Molokini Crater & Turtle Arches Snorkeling Trip

Summary

Swim with turtles at Turtle Arches and snorkel Molokini’s clear crater waters

You’ll feel Maui’s ocean air as you cruise from Ma'alaea Harbor to snorkel at Molokini Crater’s clear waters and Turtle Arches’ lava reefs with gentle sea turtles nearby. With all gear provided (even optical masks), plus breakfast pastries and BBQ lunch on deck, you’ll have time to float quietly or laugh with new friends before heading back sun-kissed and salt-haired.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound — that low, hollow slap of waves against the boat as we pulled away from Ma'alaea Harbor. There was this salty tang in the air, sharp but kind of sweet too, and someone behind me kept laughing about how early it was. Our guide, Kaleo, pointed out the curve of Molokini Crater ahead — it looked smaller than I’d pictured, almost shy against the sky. He told us about the 250 fish species living there, which honestly sounded made up until I stuck my face in the water later and saw colors I didn’t even have names for.

I’m not a strong swimmer (my partner teases me about it), so I was a little nervous about snorkeling at Molokini. But they handed out these flotation belts and even optical masks for people who wear glasses — which felt thoughtful. The water was colder than I expected when I slid in off the wide swim steps, but after a minute my skin stopped caring. Everything went quiet under there except for my own breathing and flashes of yellow tang darting past. At one point, Kaleo waved us over to see a parrotfish nibbling on coral — he said their teeth are stronger than human teeth. Not sure if that’s comforting or not.

After Molokini we headed to Turtle Arches. The sun was higher by then; you could feel it warming your shoulders even with wet skin. Someone spotted a green sea turtle almost right away — slow-moving but somehow elegant, just gliding past those lava arches like it owned the place. There was this moment where everyone just floated in silence watching it; nobody wanted to break whatever spell we’d drifted into. Later on deck, Li (one of the crew) handed me a slice of banana bread and joked that if I dropped it overboard the fish would eat better than us today.

Lunch was simple but hit the spot: teriyaki chicken, hot dogs if you wanted them, salads that tasted fresh enough to make you forget you were on a boat miles from shore. Kids lined up for cookies while adults compared GoPro footage. On the way back toward Ma'alaea Harbor, I noticed how sunburned everyone’s noses were getting despite all that reef-safe sunscreen they kept reminding us about — mine included. Still think about that turtle sometimes when things get noisy at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel Molokini and Turtle Arches

• Depart from Maalaea Harbor
• Snorkel at Molokini Crater
• Snorkel at Turtle Arches reef
• Use provided snorkeling gear
• Enjoy swim steps and water slide
• Return to Maalaea Harbor

Top questions

How long does the Molokini & Turtle Arches snorkeling trip take?

The tour typically lasts half a day, including travel time from Ma'alaea Harbor to both snorkeling sites and back.

Is snorkeling gear provided for this Maui tour?

Yes, all professionally-fitted snorkel gear is included on board, including optical masks for eyeglass wearers and flotation devices.

Are meals included during the snorkeling trip?

Yes, continental breakfast (banana bread, pastries, fruit) and BBQ lunch are included along with drinks like sodas and tropical juices.

Can beginners join this Molokini snorkeling tour?

Absolutely—there’s a learn-to-snorkel class plus support from guides for anyone new or nervous about snorkeling.

Will I see sea turtles at Turtle Arches?

Turtle Arches is known for frequent green sea turtle sightings around its underwater lava arches.

Are children allowed on this Maui snorkeling trip?

Yes—children must be accompanied by an adult; one child aged 4 or under goes free per paying adult but must be listed on your booking.

Is reef-safe sunscreen required for this tour?

Yes—only reef-safe sunscreen is allowed onboard; 4oz bottles are available for purchase if needed.

Where does this snorkeling tour depart from?

The trip departs from Ma'alaea Harbor in Maui County, Hawaii.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Ma'alaea Harbor with expert crew guiding you through both Molokini Crater and Turtle Arches reefs; professionally-fitted snorkel gear (including optical masks), flotation devices, learn-to-snorkel class if needed; continental breakfast with banana bread and fruit; BBQ lunch with teriyaki chicken or garden burgers plus salads and cookies; unlimited sodas or tropical juices; all before returning to harbor sun-warmed and sandy-footed.