Maui: Molokini & Turtle Town Luxury Catamaran Snorkel

Molokini's Clearest Water & Green Sea Turtles on One Boat

You spend the day snorkeling Molokini Crater and Turtle Town aboard a luxury catamaran with breakfast, a grilled lunch, and an open bar all included. The boat operates at reduced capacity so the experience stays personalized, and the crew's 40+ years of local knowledge means you're in the water where the turtles actually are. Guests ages 4 and older are welcome. The boat departs from Maui and returns the same day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Luxury yacht snorkel at Molokini

• Board luxury power catamaran ʻElua
• Enjoy breakfast onboard
• Snorkel at Molokini Crater
• Swim with Hawaiian green sea turtles
• Relax on upper deck with mountain views
• Have BBQ lunch cooked onboard
• Enjoy open bar with beers, wine, cocktails
• Use warm freshwater showers and restrooms
• Disembark after 5-hour tour

The experience

The water at Molokini Crater is so clear you can see thirty feet down before you even jump in. That's the first thing that hits you when ʻElua pulls up to the ancient volcanic caldera: the visibility, the stillness of it, the way the coral formations just appear beneath the surface like they're waiting. The boat itself is built for this: ʻElua is Maui's only luxury power catamaran, and it operates at about 60% capacity even though it's certified for 57 passengers, which means the deck doesn't feel crowded and you're not jostling for rail space when the captain points out where the green sea turtles usually hang. The crew has over 40 years combined experience on Hawaiian waters, so they know exactly where to position the boat and when.

Breakfast happens before you leave the dock: baked muffins, croissants with jam, fresh island fruit, and Maui coffee that tastes like it was brewed specifically to wake you up for what's coming. Then you're in the water at Molokini, snorkeling through coral gardens with parrotfish, tangs, and if you're patient and quiet, the turtles drift past like they own the place. The snorkeling gear is professional and sanitized. They don't allow full-face masks, which takes a minute to adjust to but honestly gives you better peripheral vision and a clearer sense of what's around you. After you've had enough of the reef, you climb back aboard and the galley crew has lunch ready: your choice of a juicy burger, teriyaki chicken, or island fish sandwich, with kettle chips and pineapple coleslaw on the side. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you call ahead and let them know.

The upper deck is where you spend the afternoon, watching Mt. Haleakala and the West Maui mountains rise up against the sky while you sip from the open bar. That's Captain Justin's famous Maui Mai Tai, or micro-brewed local beer, white wine, hard seltzer, craft cocktails: whatever you want, it's included. There are warm freshwater showers onboard if the salt water gets to you, and the interior is air-conditioned with soft flooring, plush seating, and modern restrooms, so you're not roughing it between snorkel sessions. The whole experience is built around comfort and not rushing, which is why people consistently say this day ranks as a highlight of their Maui trip.

What’s included

• Your day includes a light breakfast with muffins, croissants, fresh island fruit, Maui coffee and orange juice before departure.
• Snorkel gear and professional instruction are provided.
• At Molokini Crater and Turtle Town, you'll spend time in the water with a crew that knows these reefs.
• Lunch is cooked onboard.
• Choose from a juicy burger, teriyaki chicken, island fish sandwich, or veggie burger, served with kettle chips and pineapple coleslaw.
• An open bar runs throughout the day with micro-brewed local beer, white wine, hard seltzer, craft cocktails, and non-alcoholic options.
• Warm freshwater showers and modern restrooms are available between snorkel sessions.
• The boat returns to Maui the same day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 40

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Pride of Maui

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel Molokini and see green sea turtles without arranging your own boat, gear, or meals: the luxury catamaran and small-group capacity mean you spend the day in the water and on deck, not managing logistics.

Traveler reviews

4.96★★★★★★★★★★

641 verified traveler reviews

5 ★627

4 ★9

3 ★3

2 ★0

1 ★2

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years). Under 4: they 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's included in the price?

Breakfast, lunch, snorkel gear, and an open bar featuring beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks. Alcoholic beverages are served only to guests 21 and older.

What if I don't eat meat?

Vegetarian and vegan sandwich options are available. Contact the company ahead of time to let them know your preference.

Is the water really that clear?

Molokini Crater is known for exceptional visibility, typically 30+ feet. The exact clarity depends on weather and sea conditions on the day you go.

Can I use my own snorkel mask?

Professional sanitized snorkel equipment is provided. Full-face snorkeling masks are not allowed.

How many people are usually on the boat?

ʻElua is certified for 57 passengers but operates at approximately 60% capacity to keep the experience more personalized.

Are there showers onboard?

Yes, warm freshwater showers are available, along with spacious modern restrooms.