Maui Snorkeling: Molokini Crater & Turtle Town Catamaran

Underwater sights at Molokini compared to those at Turtle Town

You board a triple-decker catamaran at Ma'alaea Harbor before dawn, eat breakfast while heading to Molokini Crater, snorkel two sites with provided gear and a professional crew, eat lunch between dives, and return with snacks and drinks included throughout. The captain picks the snorkel order based on daily conditions, so you adapt to the water rather than the other way around. Bring cash for tips and any rentals or extras you want.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling tour to Molokini and Turtle Town

• Board Calypso catamaran at Ma'alaea Harbor
• Enjoy continental breakfast on board
• Snorkel at Molokini Crater
• Observe marine life and native birds
• Travel to Turtle Town snorkeling spot
• Snorkel with sea turtles and reef fish
• Use water slides or glass bottom room if desired
• Enjoy lunch, snacks, and drinks on board

The experience

The crew at Ma'alaea Harbor knows the question before you ask it. "Molokini first or Turtle Town?" one of them said to a group standing near the dock, and half the people looked uncertain. That's the thing about this snorkel trip. You're not choosing between two sites, you're getting both, and the captain decides the order based on what the water's doing that morning. The Calypso, a triple-decker catamaran, leaves at 7:30am sharp after a 6:45am check-in, and once everyone's settled with coffee and a continental breakfast, you're headed 3 miles offshore to Molokini Crater, an extinct volcanic cone that sits between Maui and Kaho'olawe. The crater is a marine preserve, which means the reef and the fish are protected. Nothing gets disturbed, nothing gets taken. You'll see parrotfish, surgeonfish, and if you're patient, maybe a manta ray or a reef shark. The water there is usually clearer, the visibility deeper.

Turtle Town, on the south side of Maui, is where the sea turtles actually live. You slip into the water a second time and the reef is busier, more crowded with movement: the turtles graze on the bottom, and the smaller fish dart around them like they're used to sharing the space. The whole thing moves fast because the catamaran does the work for you. You're not paddling out, not fighting current, not worrying about the boat drifting. All the snorkel gear is provided, and if you get cold or just want a break, there's a glass-bottom viewing room where you can watch the reef without getting wet. Two water slides are built into the boat, and there's a "leap of faith" platform if you want to jump in just for the rush of it. Some people skip the snorkeling entirely and do that instead.

Breakfast is waiting when you board (mixed pastries, muffins, fruit), and lunch comes after the first snorkel site: flatbread turkey sandwiches or veggie burgers (you have to order the vegetarian option when you book), plus chips, potato salad, fruit and veggie platters, and chocolate chip cookies. Coffee, tea, sodas, and juice flow the whole time. The crew is professional and narrates as you go, pointing out the birds on the crater, the history of the islands, the reason the water looks the way it does. Wetsuits are available to rent for $10 if the ocean feels cold, and an underwater photographer is onboard if you want custom photos. Bring cash to tip the crew, and know that alcohol is only served after the snorkeling is done, $3 per drink if you're 21 with a valid ID.

The boat operates in most weather, so dress for wind and spray. Basic swimming ability is recommended, and the captain chooses the snorkel sites each day based on swell and conditions, so wildlife sightings, while likely, aren't guaranteed. Seating is first come, first serve, so arriving early means you get your pick of the deck. Mandatory check-in is 6:45am, and the boat leaves at 7:30am whether the sun is fully up or not.

What’s included

• Your day includes hotel pickup (if booked separately), boarding the triple-decker Calypso catamaran at Ma'alaea Harbor, continental breakfast upon arrival, snorkel gear and flotation devices, two snorkel sites (Molokini Crater and Turtle Town), lunch with flatbread sandwiches or veggie burgers, chips, potato salad, fruit and veggie platters, chocolate chip cookies, hot coffee, tea, ice-cold sodas and juice throughout the day, access to two water slides and a glass-bottom viewing room, a "leap of faith" jumping platform, professional captain and crew narration, and fuel surcharge.
• Wetsuits ($10), underwater photography packages, Dramamine ($5), t-shirts ($20), and alcoholic beverages ($3 each, 21+ only) are available for purchase.
• Bring cash for tips and extras.

Information

Lasts 5h 30m, runs every day at 07:30, from US$ 189 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 149

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

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

Book up to14h before

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

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Calypso Charters

Is this one for you?Right for swimmers with at least moderate fitness who want two snorkel sites in one morning without arranging their own boat or timing: the catamaran's speed and fixed schedule fit both spots into a single departure. Plan for a 6:45am check-in and an early start. That's what gets you to the clearest water before the afternoon swell picks up.

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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 time does the boat leave Ma'alaea Harbor?

Mandatory check-in is 6:45am, with prompt departure at 7:30am.

Is snorkel gear included?

Yes, top-quality snorkel gear and flotation devices are provided. Wetsuits can be rented for $10.

What food is included?

Continental breakfast, lunch (flatbread sandwiches or veggie burgers), snacks, chips, fruit and veggie platters, cookies, plus coffee, tea, sodas, and juice throughout the day.

Can I skip snorkeling and do something else?

Yes. Two water slides, a glass-bottom viewing room, and a "leap of faith" jumping platform are available if you don't want to snorkel or want a break between sites.

Are sea turtles guaranteed at Turtle Town?

Wildlife sightings are likely but not guaranteed. The captain chooses snorkel sites daily based on weather, swell, and water conditions.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchairs?

Manual wheelchairs up to 28 inches wide are allowed. Motorized wheelchairs and electric scooters cannot be accommodated. Personal weight restriction is approximately 280 pounds due to ramp configuration.

Can I order a vegetarian meal?

Yes, but you must call at the time of booking to request vegetarian, gluten-free, or other special dietary meals.

Is alcohol served on the boat?

Alcohol is only served after snorkeling is complete. Drinks cost $3 each, and you must be 21+ with a valid photo ID.

What should I bring?

Cash for tips, rentals (wetsuits, Dramamine, t-shirts), photos, and drinks. Print or download your ticket after checkout. It contains important information about the tour.

What if I get seasick?

Dramamine is available for purchase on the boat: 2 tablets for $5. The Calypso is a stable, high-speed catamaran, and the captain chooses calmer snorkel sites when conditions allow.