Snorkeling from Ka'anapali: Sea Turtles & West Maui Reefs

Swim with sea turtles at two West Maui snorkel sites, with a guide teaching you what lives on the reef.

This 4.5-hour snorkeling activity departs from Ka'anapali Beach and takes you to at least two of West Maui's best reefs, where a guide enters the water with you at each stop. You'll swim with sea turtles on almost every tour, and the crew watches for dolphins year-round and whales from December through April. All snorkel equipment, lunch from Down the Hatch restaurant, drinks, snacks and snorkel instruction are included. Every seat has shade and personal storage, and there's a bathroom on board.

The experience

The boat loads from Ka'anapali Beach and heads to at least two snorkel sites along West Maui's coast. A guide enters the water with you at each stop to point out reef fish, sea turtles, and the structure of the reef itself. The crew teaches snorkel technique before you go in, so even first-timers know what to expect underwater. If dolphins or whales are spotted during the tour, the boat will detour to spend time with them. The possibility is there year-round for dolphins and December through April for whales.

Every seat on the boat has shade, which matters on a Maui morning, and there's personal storage for your belongings and a bathroom on board. Lunch comes from Down the Hatch, a local restaurant, along with coffee, tea, soda, water, snacks and banana bread. You bring your own towel. The crew provides all snorkel gear. The tour runs about 4.5 hours total. A 48-hour cancellation notice is required if you need to back out.

What’s included

• All snorkel equipment and instruction.
• lunch from Down the Hatch restaurant.
• coffee, tea, soda, bottled water and snacks.
• locally baked banana bread.
• shade at every seat.
• personal storage.
• on-board bathroom.
• a guide in the water at each snorkel site.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (11 to 95 years) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20 · max 5 per booking

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 yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by The Magic Merman Snorkel Charters

Is this one for you?The boat loads from the beach and you'll climb three stairs to board, so a moderate level of fitness and comfort getting wet during beach entry are part of the day. The guide enters the water with you at each stop, which is what makes learning the reef possible without a classroom. You're looking at the actual fish and structure as someone explains it.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 10 years). Children under 6 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.

Will I see sea turtles on this snorkel tour from Ka'anapali?

Sea turtles appear on almost every tour. The guide enters the water with you and can point them out when they're present, though sightings are never guaranteed on any given day.

What's included in the snorkeling experience from Ka'anapali?

All snorkel equipment, instruction, lunch from Down the Hatch, coffee, tea, soda, water, snacks and banana bread are included. You bring your own towel. The crew provides everything else.

How long does the West Maui snorkeling tour take?

The tour runs 4.5 hours from departure at Ka'anapali Beach to return. You'll spend time at two snorkel sites with a guide in the water at each one.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on the boat?

Lunch and drinks are provided by the tour. You're welcome to bring your own beverages, but glass containers are not allowed on the boat.

What's the minimum age to snorkel on this West Maui tour?

Children must be at least 6 years old to participate. Guests need to be physically capable of climbing three vertical stairs to board the boat and should have at least a moderate level of fitness.

Do dolphins and whales appear on every snorkel tour from Ka'anapali?

Dolphins are present year-round and the crew watches for them on every tour, though sightings are not guaranteed. Whales appear December through April, and the boat will detour to spend time with them if spotted.