Maui Snorkel & Sunset Sail: Sea Turtles & Reef Tour

Swim with Sea Turtles off Maui, Then Watch the Sun Drop into the Ocean

You snorkel in Maui's leeward waters with a marine naturalist guide, spot sea turtles and 500-year-old coral, then sail back as the sun sets while eating lunch onboard. The boat provides snorkel gear and runs a kids' naturalist program; you bring sunscreen and show up at the departure time. No early wake-up, no separate bookings for gear or guide — it's all included and timed so the snorkel and the sunset both happen in one afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Embark on family water adventure
• Snorkel in crystal-clear leeward waters
• Swim alongside sea turtles and fish
• Learn from onboard marine naturalist
• See Maui's oldest reef and coral
• Spot vibrant fish and sea life
• Enjoy family fun day on water

The Experience

What if you could spend an afternoon in the water with creatures that have been around longer than you've been alive, then end the day watching the light turn the sky orange from a boat? That's the pull of this Maui snorkel and sunset sail — it's not just about checking off a list of things to see. You get in the water at one of Maui's oldest reefs, where the coral itself is 500 years old, and a marine naturalist is actually there to explain what you're looking at instead of you just guessing. The boat leaves in the afternoon, so you're not waking up at dawn; you're heading out when the light is already warm and the water has had time to settle.

The snorkel part happens first, in the leeward waters where the visibility is usually clear enough that you can see down to the reef without squinting. Sea turtles show up regularly — not guaranteed, but common enough that the guides know where to look. You'll see tropical fish moving through the coral, and the whole thing feels less like a tourist checklist and more like you've stumbled into someone else's neighborhood and they're letting you stay for a bit. The boat provides snorkel gear (full-face masks aren't allowed for safety reasons, but the standard equipment they have is solid), so you don't need to bring your own or worry about fit. A marine naturalist is onboard the whole time, pointing things out and answering questions — not in a lecture way, just in the way someone who knows the ocean talks about it.

After the snorkel, you head back toward shallower water and the boat shifts into sunset mode. Lunch is already laid out — kiawe-smoked pork, chicken, vegan burgers, potato mac salad, edamame slaw, crudités with green goddess dressing, and cookies with strawberries for dessert. Unlimited soda, juice, and filtered water keep everyone hydrated. If you're traveling with kids, there's an onboard Jr. Naturalist Program running alongside the main experience, so they're learning and doing something, not just sitting still. The sail itself is the kind of thing that sounds corny until you're actually on the water and the sun is dropping and the whole sky is changing color every few minutes. You're not rushing anywhere; the boat just drifts and you watch it happen.

The whole thing runs an afternoon into evening, so it's a solid chunk of time on the water without eating up your entire day. Pickup and transportation logistics depend on where you're staying, but the boat operates out of a fixed location and the timing is set, so you know exactly when to be ready. Bring sunscreen — the reflection off the water is real — and a light layer for when the sun goes down and the breeze picks up.

What’s included

• Marine naturalist guide and wildlife interpretation throughout.
• snorkel equipment for all guests.
• entry to the snorkel site.
• lunch with kiawe-smoked pork, chicken, vegan burgers, hot dogs, potato mac salad, Asian edamame slaw, crudités with green goddess dressing, and dessert of cookies and strawberries.
• unlimited soda, juice, and filtered water.
• onboard Jr. Naturalist Program for children.
• all fees and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Pacific Whale Foundation

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want to snorkel Maui's reef and see the sunset without arranging gear, transport, or a separate dinner — the boat handles all three and the afternoon timing means you're not sacrificing your whole day.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Do I need my own snorkel gear?

No. High-quality snorkel equipment is provided onboard. Full-face masks aren't permitted for safety reasons, but standard snorkel gear is supplied for all guests.

Will we definitely see sea turtles?

Sea turtles are common in these waters and the guides know where to look, but sightings aren't guaranteed. You will see tropical fish and coral reefs regardless.

Is there food included?

Yes. Lunch includes kiawe-smoked pork, chicken, vegan burgers, hot dogs, sides like potato mac salad and edamame slaw, plus dessert. Unlimited soda, juice, and filtered water are included.

What time does the boat leave?

The tour runs in the afternoon and into evening to catch the sunset. Exact departure time depends on the specific date and operator schedule.

Is this suitable for young children?

Yes. There's an onboard Jr. Naturalist Program for kids, and the boat is designed for families. Infants and small children can be brought in a stroller or pram.

How long is the whole experience?

The tour spans an afternoon and evening, combining snorkel time, lunch, and the sunset sail into one outing.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, a light layer for the evening, and a towel. Everything else — snorkel gear, food, water — is provided.