Snorkeling Maui: Molokini & Turtle Town with waterslide

Five hours snorkeling two of Maui's best reefs, plus a 25-foot waterslide between stops

Snorkel Molokini Crater and Turtle Town on Maui aboard a 25-foot boat with a small group (max 65 passengers), breakfast and lunch included, and access to the boat's waterslide at certain stops. The crew keeps the vibe relaxed and the service attentive. Snorkel locations and waterslide availability depend on weather and cannot be guaranteed in advance. Sea turtle and whale sightings are never guaranteed, though whales are common during humpback season.

The experience

Five hours on the water means you're in the water for most of it. The boat leaves Maalaea Harbor and heads to Molokini Crater first: a crescent reef about three miles offshore where the snorkeling is consistent and the visibility usually runs deep. You'll use provided snorkel gear and float face-down over the reef. The crew briefs you on what you might see (turtles, reef fish, the occasional octopus) and reminds you that sightings are never guaranteed. Breakfast comes before you leave the dock (pastries, tropical fruit, coffee), so you're fed and ready.

After Molokini, the boat moves to Turtle Town, where the reef is shallower and the turtles are more reliably there. This is where the 25-foot waterslide gets used on most days. It's the longest and fastest among the boats in the harbor, and it's the thing people talk about after. The slide is not available at the crater, only at certain stops, and weather can shut it down. Between snorkel sessions you're riding the boat, watching the coastline and the water, and on humpback season (roughly December through April) you might see whales from the deck. Lunch (deli sandwiches and pasta salad) comes in the afternoon.

The small group cap at 65 passengers is what keeps the crew able to manage the day without rushing anyone. You stay barefoot on deck for safety, and the crew collects your shoes when you board and returns them when you leave. Sunscreen is provided, as are sodas. Full-face snorkel masks are not allowed. You'll use a traditional mask and snorkel. The whole thing runs five hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• Breakfast with pastries, tropical fruit and coffee.
• lunch with deli sandwiches and pasta salad.
• snorkel equipment and use of the waterslide at designated stops.
• sunscreen and sodas throughout the day.

Information

Lasts 5h, runs every day at 06:30, from US$ 196.88 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30Last departure this season: 20 DecAnother time? ›

GroupUp to 65

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

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

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4)

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 effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Maui Snorkeling Lani Kai

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and leads the experience at a relaxed pace, so you follow the briefing and move with the group without rushing. The small group size (capped at 65) means the crew can manage everyone's comfort and safety without the chaos of a larger boat.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4).

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.

What's the water like at Molokini Crater when I snorkel there?

Molokini Crater is a crescent reef about three miles offshore where the water is typically clear and deep, with good visibility for seeing reef fish and other marine life. The snorkel site itself depends on weather conditions and cannot be guaranteed in advance.

Will I definitely see sea turtles at Turtle Town?

Turtle Town is where turtles are most reliably spotted on this snorkel, but sightings are never guaranteed. The reef is shallower there than at Molokini, which is why the turtles tend to congregate in that area.

Can I use the waterslide at both snorkel stops?

The waterslide is available at some stops but not at Molokini Crater. Weather can also affect whether it's in use on any given day, so availability is not guaranteed in advance.

What food and drinks are included?

Breakfast (pastries, tropical fruit, and coffee) is served before departure, and lunch (deli sandwiches and pasta salad) is provided in the afternoon. Sodas are included throughout the day. Alcohol is not provided but you can bring your own and consume it after in-water activities are finished.

What should I know about the boat and safety on deck?

The boat holds a maximum of 65 passengers, which keeps the crew able to provide attentive service. For safety, guests remain barefoot while onboard. The crew collects your shoes when you board and returns them when you leave. You'll need to be comfortable going up and down stairs and ladders to board and exit the boat.

Is there a guide, and what language does the commentary happen in?

A live guide in English leads the snorkel experience, providing briefings on what to expect at each location and what marine life you might encounter.