Maui: Turtle Town Clear Kayak & Snorkel Tour with Free Photos

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Free cancellationTravelers' pickLikely to sell out

1/16

Duration3h

GroupUp to 10

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

See turtles from a clear kayak then snorkel maui’s reef with a local

You’ll paddle Maui’s coastline in a clear kayak at Turtle Town with a local guide who times your trip for quieter waters. Spot sea turtles beneath you, snorkel over vibrant reefs with premium gear, and get pro-quality photos so you can stay present in the moment. The small group vibe feels personal—plus you’ll leave with real tips for food and beaches only locals mention.

Step-by-step itinerary

Clear kayak and snorkel at Turtle Town

Meet local owner-operator guide
Use clear kayaks to paddle coastline
Spot turtles and snorkel reef
Guide takes professional photos
Receive digital photos same day
Get personal local recommendations

The Experience

I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical about the “clear kayak” thing—like, how clear could it really be? But the first time we slid out from Makena’s shore, I looked down and saw these shifting blues and flashes of fish right under my knees. Our guide, Mike (he grew up here), laughed when I tried to guess which fish was which—turns out I’m hopeless at Hawaiian names. The air smelled salty and sharp, and there was this soft slap of water against the hull that made everything feel calm but alive.

We paddled along the coast while Mike pointed out where the reef drops off. He seemed to know exactly when to turn so we’d miss the bigger tour boats—honestly, it felt like we had Turtle Town to ourselves for a bit. When we spotted our first green sea turtle gliding below us, I forgot about my phone completely (which was good because Mike had the camera anyway). He called himself our “ocean paparazzi,” snapping photos while we just floated there grinning like idiots.

Snorkeling off the kayak was easier than I expected—the gear was clean, fit right, and Mike gave me tips on clearing my mask (I still got water up my nose once, but whatever). There were these moments underwater where everything went quiet except for my own breathing bubbles. Afterward, back on shore, Mike handed us cold water and started rattling off his favorite poke spots around Maui. I wrote them down but still forgot half of them. The sun was already getting high by then and honestly, I didn’t want to leave yet.

What’s included

Your morning includes expert safety instruction before launching from Makena in state-of-the-art clear kayaks.
All premium snorkeling equipment is provided—masks, fins, snorkels—plus secure dry boxes for your valuables.
Your local guide takes high-resolution photos throughout (delivered digitally that same day) so you don’t have to worry about your phone.
Cold bottled water keeps you hydrated on the water’s surface.
After paddling Turtle Town and snorkeling among tropical fish and turtles (if they’re feeling social), you’ll also get personal recommendations for Maui food spots, beaches, hikes, and more before heading back ashore.

Good to know

Moderate physical level

Operated by Tropical Guides & Outfitters