Maui: Lana'i Snorkel & Dolphin Raft from Lahaina

Two Snorkel Sites & Dolphins Off Lana'i, Picked by the Captain

You board a 50-foot raft at Lahaina Harbor and cross to Lana'i, where the captain picks two snorkel sites based on that day's conditions. Snorkel gear, water and sodas are included. Dolphins appear on most trips, along with turtles and tropical fish. The boat limits passengers to 30 for comfort and has shade, padded seating and easy water entry. Plan for a half-day excursion.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkel and dolphin raft adventure

• Depart Lahaina Harbor
• Cross Au’au Channel to Lana’i
• Snorkel at two selected sites
• Observe dolphins and marine life
• Use provided snorkel gear and instructions
• Enjoy shaded seating on Explorer Super Raft
• Use twin swim ladders for water entry
• Access on-board restroom as needed
• Drink complimentary sodas, juices, and water

The experience

"We don't go where the guidebook says. We go where the water's talking to us that day," the captain told us as we pulled away from Lahaina Harbor. That's the thing about a 50-foot raft with a crew that knows the Au'au Channel: they're not locked into a fixed route. The boat holds 30 people max, which means you're not packed in like a ferry, and the twin swim ladders make getting in and out of the water feel easy instead of chaotic. Snorkel gear is already on board (no rental hassle, no extra cost), and the crew walks you through the basics before you hit the first site.

The crossing to Lana'i takes you across open water, and then the captain and crew pick two snorkel spots based on what the conditions look like that morning. One day it might be calm on the north side, the next it's the south. You're looking at tropical fish, green sea turtles, and if you're lucky (and 85% of trips are) dolphins. Manta rays show up sometimes too. The water clarity matters more than the name of the spot, and that's why the flexibility works. Shade is built in: a large bimini top covers most of the deck, and the padded seats aren't an afterthought.

Complimentary sodas, juices and bottled water flow the whole time, so you're not thirsty between snorkel sessions. There's an on-board restroom, which sounds small until you're four hours into a boat trip and grateful it's there. The boat itself is the largest raft-style vessel in Hawaii (50 feet, USCG certified), but the crew keeps the passenger count at 30 instead of maxing out at 40, which is the whole reason the day doesn't feel rushed or crowded. If you're coming from a hotel in West Maui and don't want to arrange your own transport to the harbor, that's something to sort before booking, but the departure point is Lahaina Harbor, which is accessible by public transit.

What’s included

Your day includes use of snorkel equipment with crew instruction, two snorkel sites selected for calm conditions, complimentary sodas, juices and bottled water, shade under a large bimini top, padded seating, twin swim ladders for easy water entry and exit, and an on-board restroom. Dolphins, sea turtles, tropical fish and occasional manta rays are part of the experience, though wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (13 to 95 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Maui Adventure Cruises

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel Lana'i without arranging your own boat or gear: the captain's local knowledge of daily conditions and the 30-person limit are what make the snorkel sites feel uncrowded and the water entry straightforward.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 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.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

No. Snorkel equipment is provided on board, along with instructions and safety tips from the crew.

How often do you see dolphins?

Dolphins are encountered on approximately 85% of trips off the island of Lana'i.

What's the maximum group size?

The boat is certified for 40 passengers but limited to 30 for comfort.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, there is an on-board marine head/restroom available during the trip.

What if the water conditions are rough?

The captain and crew select the two snorkel sites each day based on the calmest and clearest ocean conditions available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Complimentary sodas, juices and bottled water are provided throughout the trip.