Makena Turtle Town: Kayak & Snorkel with Sea Turtles Maui

Paddle Out to Where the Sea Turtles Actually Are

You kayak from Makena out to a protected reef, snorkel alongside Hawaiian green sea turtles and rays for two separate stretches, and paddle back: all in three hours with a guide, full gear, and a snack included. The small-group limit means you're not jostling for position, and the early start catches the calmest water. Bring a towel and plan to be back by mid-morning.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak and snorkel with sea turtles

• Kayak along south Maui’s calm waters
• Arrive at Turtle Town
• Snorkel among Hawaiian green sea turtles
• Observe rays, octopuses, dolphins, and eels
• Enjoy a light snack and water

The experience

The kayaks sit lined up on the sand at Makena, and you're in one within minutes: no long briefing, no fuss. You push off into water so clear you can see the bottom twenty feet down, and the paddling itself is easy, the kind of thing that doesn't tire you out before the real part starts. South Maui's coast slides past, and after maybe thirty minutes you're at Turtle Town, a protected reef where the water changes color and suddenly there's a guide pointing down. There. A Hawaiian green sea turtle, just moving through its day, unbothered by the handful of snorkelers floating above it.

The snorkeling happens at two different spots, and the turtles aren't the only thing down there. You'll see manta rays gliding like underwater blankets, octopuses tucked into the reef, eels poking out, sometimes dolphins if you're lucky. The whole tour runs three hours, which is long enough to feel like you've actually been somewhere but short enough that kids don't start losing it halfway through. Groups stay under ten people, so it never feels crowded, and the guides have lifeguard and CPR training, which matters when you're in the ocean with children. You get the kayak and snorkel gear, a bottle of water, and a light snack. Nothing fancy, but enough to keep you going.

The tour starts at 7am, so you're checking in at 6:45am when it's still quiet on the beach. That early start is actually the thing that works: the water's calmest in the morning, and you're done by mid-morning, which leaves the rest of your day open. The tour's been voted Maui's favorite for twenty years, which you notice when you see the same families coming back, kids who snorkeled here five years ago now old enough to paddle their own kayak.

What’s included

Your tour includes kayak and snorkel equipment, life jackets, bottled water, a light snack, and a professional guide trained in lifeguard, CPR, and first aid. You'll visit two snorkel sites and paddle through calm, protected waters before returning to Makena in the morning.

Information

Lasts 3h, runs every day at 07:00, from US$ 99 per person, with a live guide in English, Spanish and German, in groups of up to 10 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and German

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by maui kayaks

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Hawaiian green sea turtles without arranging your own boat or gear: the small group size and early timing are what make the reef feel uncrowded and the water stay calm.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 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 snorkeling experience to do this tour?

No. It's beginner-level and family-friendly. Kids ages 5 and up can join, and all gear is provided.

How long is the kayaking part?

About 30 minutes each way to and from Turtle Town. The paddling is on calm, flat water.

Will I definitely see sea turtles?

The tour guarantees you'll see Hawaiian green sea turtles. You may also see rays, dolphins, octopuses, and eels depending on conditions.

What time do I need to arrive?

Check-in is at 6:45am for a 7am start. The tour runs three hours total.

What's included in the price?

Kayak and snorkel equipment, life jackets, bottled water, a light snack, and a professional guide. Gratuity is not included.

Is this tour affected by weather?

Yes. If canceled due to poor weather, you can choose an alternative date or get a full refund.

Can I bring my infant?

Yes. Specialized infant seats are available: mention this when booking.

How many people are in a typical group?

Groups are kept to 10 people or fewer for a personalized experience.