Maui: Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkel Tour with Meals

Summary

Molokini crater clarity, sea turtles gliding by, uncrowded catamaran deck

You’ll snorkel clear waters at Molokini Crater, drift alongside sea turtles at Turtle Town, and enjoy breakfast plus lunch cooked right on deck. A local guide shares stories while you relax on Maui’s most spacious catamaran—open bar included after swimming. It’s less about rushing around and more about soaking in those quiet moments between dives.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that line of blue? That’s where the water drops off — 200 feet straight down,” our captain said, pointing past the rail as we pulled up to Molokini. I was still clutching my coffee (breakfast is actually good on board, by the way), trying to take in how clear the water looked even from the boat. The sun was just starting to burn off that early haze and you could already spot flashes of yellow fish below us. Someone next to me joked about needing sunglasses for underwater — it wasn’t far off.

I’d never snorkeled in a volcanic caldera before. Our guide, Keola, handed out gear and checked everyone’s mask straps like he’d done it a thousand times (he probably has). He told us not to chase the fish — “let them come to you.” I tried to remember that when a parrotfish zipped past my nose. The water felt cool but not cold; you get used to it quick. The silence down there is different — muffled but alive, if that makes sense. There’s a moment when you just float and watch light flicker over coral and it feels like time slows down for a bit.

After Molokini, we drifted toward Turtle Town. The crew grilled burgers and veggie stuff right on deck — nothing fancy but it hit the spot after swimming. At Turtle Town, Keola pointed out how the turtles glide between lava formations. I got lucky and saw one pop up for air right next to me; its shell was rougher than I expected, almost ancient-looking. Someone tried SNUBA (extra cost) but I stuck with snorkeling — maybe next time. Kids were taking turns on this big water slide off the side of the boat; their laughter carried over the waves.

By noon, people were swapping stories over mai tais from the open bar (after swimming only). Sunburns starting to show up here and there — bring more sunscreen than you think you’ll need. On the ride back, Keola told us about growing up on Maui and what Molokini means for locals. That stuck with me more than I expected. Sometimes these tours feel rushed or crowded but this one didn’t — plenty of space to just lean back against warm metal rails and let your hair dry out in the wind.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel at Molokini and Turtle Town

• Board Pride of Maui catamaran
• Snorkel at Molokini Crater
• Snorkel at Turtle Town lava formations
• Enjoy breakfast onboard
• Have lunch cooked onboard
• Relax at open bar after snorkeling
• Kids play on super water slide

Top questions

How long does the Molokini & Turtle Town snorkel tour last?

The tour starts with check-in at 7:30am; expect several hours on board including two snorkeling stops plus meals.

Is breakfast included on this Maui snorkel trip?

Yes, breakfast is served onboard before snorkeling begins.

Can kids join this Molokini snorkel adventure?

Yes, children are welcome and there’s even a water slide they can use during the trip.

Is SNUBA available during this tour?

SNUBA is offered for an extra charge with expert instructors onboard.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

An open bar with beer, wine, and mai tais is available after snorkeling finishes.

What should I bring for snorkeling at Molokini?

Sunscreen (reef safe), swimsuit, towel, and maybe a change of clothes for after swimming.

How crowded is this Maui catamaran tour?

The boat operates at only 60% capacity so there’s lots of space per guest compared to most tours.

Where does this Maui snorkel trip depart from?

The departure point is specified at booking—double-check which side of Maalaea Harbor as there are two boats in different locations.

What’s included

Your day includes check-in at Maalaea Harbor with breakfast served onboard before heading out to snorkel both Molokini Crater and Turtle Town. All snorkeling equipment is provided (no full-face masks allowed), plus lunch cooked fresh on deck as well as soda or pop throughout—and once everyone’s done swimming, an open bar with beer, wine from Napa Valley, and mai tais rounds things off before returning in early afternoon.