Snorkeling for Non-Swimmers in Maui: Guided Wailea Beach Lesson

Stand in the shallows and learn to breathe underwater before the turtles arrive

A guided snorkeling lesson for non-swimmers at Wailea Beach on Maui, starting in shallow water on shore and moving to a 15-foot paddle board once you're comfortable with the gear. You spend 10–30 minutes learning mask, fins and breathing technique in water you can stand in, with a hand-hold if needed, then paddle out to spot Hawaiian green sea turtles and reef fish. Snorkel, mask, fins, life jacket and wetsuit top are provided. Prescription masks available.

The experience

The lesson starts on the beach where you meet Triston, your guide and instructor. You wade into shallow water wearing a life jacket and spend the first 10–30 minutes learning how to breathe through a snorkel, how to float on the surface, and how to use your mask and fins. He holds your hand if necessary and teaches one-on-one while you stand in water you can touch the bottom of. The point is comfort: once you can breathe steadily and float without panic, you're ready to move.

When you're settled, you board the 15-foot inflatable paddle board (it holds 4–6 people and up to 1000 pounds), and paddle out to the coral gardens at Wailea Point. From the board, you can snorkel in deeper water or simply float and watch your family and friends explore below. The guide gives you a full briefing on ocean safety and snorkeling gear before you leave the beach. The goggles are top-of-the-line, so you won't fight fog or leaks while you're trying to spot turtles.

The whole outing runs about an hour and a half. You get free photos and videos from the session, a prescription mask if you need one, and an upper wetsuit top to stay warm. Kids are welcome, and the activity is wheelchair accessible from the beach.

What’s included

• Snorkel, mask, fins and life jacket.
• upper wetsuit top.
• prescription mask if needed.
• free photos and videos from the session.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 08:00, 10:00 and 12:00Last departure this season: 31 Dec

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (5 to 75 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

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 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 today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by My Splash - Sea Scooter Snorkeling Maui

Is this one for you?The first 10–30 minutes happen in shallow water where you stand and learn, so there's no sink-or-swim moment. If you've never snorkeled and the thought of going under makes you hesitate, this is the setup that builds confidence before you leave the beach.

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Top questions

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 know how to swim to snorkel at Wailea Beach?

No. The lesson is built for non-swimmers and first-time snorkelers. You start in shallow water where you can stand, learn to breathe and float with the guide holding your hand if needed, and only move to the paddle board once you're comfortable in the water.

What happens if I'm not ready to go in the water?

You can stay on the paddle board and watch while your family and friends snorkel. The guide will take you out to the reef either way, so you see the turtles and marine life from the board.

What marine life will I see at Wailea Point?

Wailea Point is home to Hawaiian green sea turtles and hundreds of other reef fish in the coral gardens. What you spot depends on the day and the season, but turtles are common at this site.

What gear is included and what do I bring?

The snorkel, mask, fins, life jacket and upper wetsuit top are all provided. Prescription masks are available if you need one. Bring a towel, sunscreen and a change of clothes. Public transportation options are nearby if you need to park elsewhere.

How long does the whole experience take?

The lesson runs about an hour and a half from start to finish, including the 10–30 minutes of instruction in shallow water and the paddle-board portion at the reef.