Snorkeling Maui: Molokini Crater & Turtle Town with Sailing

Two snorkel stops and open-ocean sailing in one five-hour morning and early afternoon

A half-day snorkeling excursion on Maui departs early to Molokini Crater, a marine preserve with over 400 tropical fish species and coral reefs, then moves to a second site (Turtle Town in summer or whale-watching grounds in winter) chosen daily for conditions. The boat is a 65-foot catamaran with a professional guide in English, chef-prepared breakfast on the way out, full island lunch buffet on the return, open bar, and two snorkel stops with gear and instruction included. Access requires walking a pier and stepping across a gap onto the deck, with crew assistance available. Restrooms are reached by steps and ladder into the cabin.

The experience

You board early to beat the crowds at Molokini Crater, a world-renowned marine preserve where over 400 species of tropical fish and coral reefs fill the water. The boat is a 65-foot luxury catamaran, one of Hawaii's widest, and the morning begins with a chef-prepared breakfast as you cruise out. A professional guide in English leads the snorkel instruction and is in the water with you, and a photographer onboard captures the moments you're too busy to photograph yourself.

The second stop shifts with the season and the day's conditions. In summer, that often means Turtle Town, where Hawaiian green sea turtles rest and swim in shallow water. In winter, the boat may track Maui's migrating humpback whales instead. Between stops, you have access to bow hammocks and a shaded cabin, freshwater showers, and two full-size restrooms. The open bar runs the whole time: Hawaiian mimosas, Aperol Spritz, Maui Brewing Co. craft beers, and a zero-proof program with non-alcoholic wine and beer if you prefer. A full island-style buffet lunch is served onboard on the ride home.

The day closes with the sails raised and the trade winds catching them: an open-ocean sailing experience before you return to the harbor. Premium snorkel gear, flotation devices, and reef-safe essentials are all included. Full-face masks are not permitted. The whole excursion runs about five hours. Access to the vessel requires walking down a pier and stepping across a gap onto the deck, and the crew will assist if you need it. Molokini access is weather permitting, and itineraries and destinations shift with seasonal and weather-dependent availability.

What’s included

• Two snorkel stops at Molokini Crater and a second site chosen for the day's conditions.
• professional guide in English and in-water photographer.
• chef-prepared breakfast and full island-style buffet lunch.
• open bar with Maui Brewing Co. craft beers, Hawaiian mimosas, Aperol Spritz and zero-proof options.
• premium snorkel gear, flotation devices and reef-safe essentials.
• access to bow hammocks, shaded cabin, freshwater showers and two full-size restrooms.
• open-ocean sailing aboard a 65-foot catamaran.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 65

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

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Alii Nui Sailing Charters

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the commentary and instruction comfortably whether you've snorkeled before or this is your first time. The early departure and five-hour window fit a free morning or early afternoon without eating your whole day, and the boat returns by early afternoon so you have the rest of the day ahead.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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 difference between Molokini Crater and the second snorkel stop?

Molokini Crater is the main destination (a marine preserve with over 400 tropical fish species and coral reefs), and you snorkel there first. The second stop changes daily based on conditions and season: in summer it's typically Turtle Town, where Hawaiian green sea turtles rest and swim. In winter the boat may shift to whale-watching grounds instead to track migrating humpback whales.

Is the snorkel gear included, and do I need experience?

Premium snorkel gear, flotation devices, and reef-safe essentials are all included. A professional guide in English provides snorkel instruction onboard, so you don't need prior experience. Just a moderate level of physical fitness and the ability to step across a gap onto the boat deck with crew assistance available.

What food and drinks are on the boat?

Chef-prepared breakfast is served on the way out to Molokini, and a full island-style buffet lunch is served onboard on the return. An open bar runs throughout the excursion, featuring Maui Brewing Co. craft beers, Hawaiian mimosas, Aperol Spritz, and a zero-proof program with non-alcoholic wine and beer.

How long is the whole excursion?

The snorkeling and sailing excursion runs about five hours from departure to return to the harbor.

What happens if the weather is bad or the ocean is rough?

Molokini access is weather permitting, and itineraries, destinations, and inclusions are subject to seasonal and weather-dependent availability. The crew will communicate any changes based on conditions on the day of your excursion.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You'll arrange your own transportation to the harbor. Public transportation options are available nearby.