Maui Turtle Town Kayak & Snorkel Tour with Eco Guide

Summary

Sea turtles glide by as you snorkel Maui’s clear waters

You’ll paddle calm waters off Makena toward Turtle Town with an eco guide who knows every turtle by sight. Snorkel above reefs teeming with life (and yes, actual sea turtles), share laughs over snacks in your kayak, and leave feeling like you’ve really been part of Maui’s morning rhythm.

What’s the experience like?

Li handed me a battered paddle and grinned, “You’ll get the hang of it.” I was still fumbling with my life jacket when she pointed out the first green sea turtle — just its head poking above the water like it was checking us out. The sun was barely up over Makena, but already there was that salty tang in the air and the kind of quiet you only get early on the ocean. Our group felt more like a handful of friends than a tour — maybe because there were just eight of us, or maybe because Li had this way of remembering everyone’s name right away.

Paddling out to Turtle Town took longer than I expected (arms: not as strong as I thought), but honestly, I didn’t mind. We drifted past these dark lava fingers reaching into the water, and every so often Li would call out something — “Manta ray!” or “Look at that eel!” Sometimes I’d see it, sometimes not. But when we finally stopped and she tossed me a snorkel mask (which fogged up instantly — classic), it hit me how clear everything looked below. There were turtles everywhere, just moving slow through the reef like they owned it. One swam so close I could see scratches on its shell. For some reason that detail stuck with me.

We floated for ages — time gets weird when you’re bobbing in warm water watching fish dart around your feet. At one point Li pulled a piece of seaweed from her pocket (where do guides keep all this stuff?) and showed us how octopuses use it for camouflage. She laughed when I tried to repeat the Hawaiian word for turtle — honu? — pretty sure I butchered it. There were snacks after, nothing fancy, but eating pineapple with wet hands on a kayak is one of those things that feels better than it should.

I still think about that first turtle looking right at me before slipping away under the reef. It’s funny how quiet everything felt out there compared to busy Lahaina or even just walking along Kihei beach later that day. If you’re thinking about a day trip to Makena Turtle Town from anywhere in South Maui — especially if you want something low-key but real — this is probably the thing you’ll remember most from Maui.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak and snorkel with sea turtles

• Kayak along south Maui’s calm waters
• Arrive at Turtle Town
• Snorkel at two reef sites
• Observe sea turtles and marine life
• Enjoy light snack and water

Top questions

How long does the Makena Turtle Town eco tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours from start to finish.

Is snorkeling equipment included in the Turtle Town tour?

Yes, all kayak and snorkel gear is provided for participants.

What wildlife can you see during this Maui kayak tour?

You may see Hawaiian green sea turtles, manta rays, eagle rays, dolphins, octopuses, eels, and sometimes whales (seasonal).

Is this eco adventure suitable for kids?

Yes, children ages 5 and up can join; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Are snacks or drinks included on the tour?

Bottled water and light snacks are included during the experience.

How big are the groups on this Turtle Town snorkeling trip?

The group size is usually limited to ten people or fewer for a personalized feel.

Where does the Makena Turtle Town tour start?

The meeting point is in Makena; check-in is 15 minutes before your 7am start time.

Do guides have safety training on this Maui eco tour?

Yes, guides are trained in lifeguard skills as well as CPR and first aid.

What’s included

Your morning includes use of all kayak and snorkel equipment plus life jackets for everyone, bottled water to keep you going under the sun, light snacks after snorkeling (pineapple hits different here), and a guide who’s not just certified but actually knows these reefs inside out—so you feel safe even if your mask fogs up halfway through.