Snorkeling from Kaanapali Beach: West Maui with whale watching

Board a catamaran at dawn and spend four hours in the water where humpback whales pass through in winter

West Maui snorkeling departs from Kaanapali Beach on a luxury catamaran with a professional guide, snorkel gear and a full day of food and drinks included. You'll visit two sites chosen by the captain based on that day's water conditions, watching for Hawaiian spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, honu (green sea turtles) and tropical fish. Humpback whales are visible December 15 through April 15. The boat returns to Kaanapali Beach after a leisurely cruise back with a buffet lunch and access to beer, cocktails and other drinks on board.

The experience

The catamaran leaves Kaanapali Beach in the early morning with breakfast already on board (eggs, rice, bacon and sausage), so you eat before the water gets rough. A professional guide leads the snorkel, and the captain picks the two sites based on current conditions that day, which means you're not locked into a fixed route if the wind or swell has shifted overnight. You'll bring your own snorkel gear (provided) or use theirs, and the water along West Maui's coast holds honu, tropical reef and the kind of fish you came to see.

Between December 15 and April 15, humpback whales migrate through Maui waters from Alaska, and you're on the water during the hours they're most active. The captain watches for them as you cruise between snorkel sites. Spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins show up year-round, though sightings are never guaranteed, the ocean decides. After the second snorkel location, you head back to the boat for a hot lunch: huli huli chicken, pasta salad, green salad and rolls, plus soft drinks, juice, water and coffee. The bar opens then too, with beer, hand-crafted cocktails and other drinks included as you make the slow return to Kaanapali Beach.

Four hours of parking validation is included at Kaanapali, so you don't pay to leave your car while you're in the water. Non-swimmers won't be allowed in the water, and the boat loads from the beach, no dock, so mobility issues make this a difficult choice. Children must have an adult with them. If you have dietary needs or are vegetarian, tell the operator at booking and they'll arrange it.

What’s included

• Breakfast and lunch.
• snorkel equipment.
• professional guide in English.
• beer, cocktails and other drinks on the return cruise.
• soft drinks, juice, water and coffee all day.
• four hours of parking validation at Kaanapali Beach.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (21 and older) · Youth (13 to 20 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 49

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Sea Maui

Is this one for you?Book this snorkel if you want to be in the water for a full morning rather than a quick dip: the four-hour window and two sites give you time to settle into the reef and watch for dolphins and turtles without rushing. If you're visiting December through April, the humpback whales make this the window to go. Outside those months, you'll see the same reef and sea life without them. The catamaran's size and the included meals mean you're not managing logistics between snorkels. You eat, drink and rest on board while the captain handles the route.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 20 years); Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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.

When do humpback whales show up in Maui waters?

Humpback whales migrate through Maui from December 15 through April 15, and you're on the water during the hours they're most active. Sightings depend on where they are that day, but the captain watches for them as you cruise between snorkel sites.

What fish and sea life will I see while snorkeling?

West Maui's reef holds honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles), tropical fish and vibrant coral. Hawaiian spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins appear year-round, though sightings aren't guaranteed. The captain chooses the two snorkel sites based on that day's water conditions to give you the best chance.

Is snorkel gear included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkel equipment is provided and included in the price. You'll use the boat's gear unless you prefer to bring your own.

What food and drinks are on board?

Breakfast (eggs, rice, bacon and sausage) is served before you leave Kaanapali Beach. After the second snorkel site, you get a hot lunch with huli huli chicken, pasta salad, green salad and rolls. Soft drinks, juice, water and coffee are available all day, and beer, hand-crafted cocktails and other alcoholic drinks are included on the return cruise.

Can I do this snorkel if I'm not a strong swimmer?

Non-swimmers are not allowed to participate in the in-water activities. You need at least a moderate level of physical fitness, and the boat loads from the beach rather than a dock, so mobility is a factor in deciding if this works for you.

Is parking included at Kaanapali Beach?

Four hours of parking validation is included, so you don't pay to leave your car while you're snorkeling and on the water.