Maui Wailea: Sea Scooter Snorkeling Tour with Turtles & Remote Reef

Summary

Swim with turtles on a guided sea scooter adventure at Wailea Beach

You’ll dive into Maui’s clear waters at Wailea Beach with a local guide leading your small group by sea scooter. Glide over quiet reefs, spot Hawaiian green sea turtles and colorful fish up close, and enjoy all your gear included—mask, fins, snorkel, lifejacket—plus stories from your guide that make it feel personal. You’ll leave sandy, salty, maybe laughing at yourself—and probably wanting to go again.

What’s the experience like?

I still had salt on my lips when our guide, Kai, handed me the sea scooter — I’d never touched one before. The sand at Wailea Beach was warm underfoot, but the water felt cool and glassy as we waded in, goggles already fogging up from my nerves (they gave me a new pair, no leaks — bless). We could hear birds somewhere in the kiawe trees behind us, and there was this low hum of excitement from everyone, even though it was barely 8 a.m.

Kai did a quick safety rundown — not too serious, just enough to make me feel like I wouldn’t embarrass myself. Then we were off. The sea scooter pulled me along faster than I expected; it was kind of wild feeling that rush under my arms while watching sunlight flicker through the water. First thing I saw was a flash of yellow — butterfly fish darting past. I tried to point them out but mostly got a mouthful of seawater. At one point Kai tapped his fin and pointed: two green sea turtles gliding by like they owned the place. I probably grinned like an idiot inside my snorkel.

The reef here is quieter than other Maui spots — no big crowds or boats revving nearby, just us and the occasional shout muffled by water. Sometimes you’d catch a glimpse of an octopus curled into the rocks or spot rays drifting below if you looked long enough. Kai would gesture and scribble quick notes on his underwater slate (“Honu!” for turtle), which made me laugh because my handwriting would’ve been worse. He snapped some photos too — not included unless you wanted to buy them later, but honestly I was more focused on trying not to crash into coral.

By the time we paddled back in, my arms felt tired but good-tired, like after swimming as a kid all afternoon. There was sand everywhere (still finding it in my bag now) and someone’s laughter echoing down the beach. It wasn’t perfect — I swallowed more seawater than I’d admit and totally failed at using fins gracefully — but floating above those reefs with turtles so close? That sticks with you for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided sea scooter snorkeling tour

• Receive ocean safety briefing
• Get sea scooter and snorkeling gear tutorial
• Explore Makena Bay reef
• Snorkel alongside sea turtles and fish
• Enjoy underwater photos and video documentation

Top questions

Is this snorkeling tour suitable for beginners?

You need to be able to swim lightly with a life vest; strong swimmers are recommended for later tours.

What marine life can I see during this tour?

You may spot Hawaiian green sea turtles, butterfly fish, octopus, rays, eels and other reef fish.

Are underwater photos included in the price?

No, video packages are sold separately and not included in the tour price.

What equipment is provided for the snorkeling tour?

The tour includes an underwater sea scooter, mask, snorkel, fins and lifejacket.

Where does the snorkeling take place?

The tour explores reefs off Wailea Beach in Maui’s Makena Bay area.

Is pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at Wailea Beach for the start of your tour.

How early should I book for calm water conditions?

The 8 a.m. tour usually has the calmest conditions; later tours are more challenging.

Do I need previous experience using a sea scooter?

No experience needed; guides provide a tutorial before entering the water.

What’s included

Your guided day at Wailea Beach includes use of Yamaha underwater sea scooters along with top-quality mask, snorkel set (no leaks or fog), fins and lifejacket—all ready when you arrive so you can focus on exploring Maui’s reef with your local guide instead of worrying about gear.