Molokini Crater & Turtle Town: Snorkel, Waterslide, Small Group

Summary

Snorkeling Molokini Crater plus Maui’s wildest boat slide

You’ll start your day early from Maalaea Harbor with fresh breakfast before heading out to snorkel Molokini Crater’s reefs and spot turtles at Turtle Town. Enjoy Maui’s longest boat waterslide between swims and relax over lunch as you cruise back with new friends—sun-kissed and probably still grinning.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember stepping onto the boat at Maalaea Harbor—there was this salty smell in the air and everyone looked half-awake but already grinning. Our guide, Kaleo, handed out coffee (good coffee, not just watery stuff) and pointed to Molokini Crater on the horizon. I’d seen photos but it’s different when you’re actually heading there, with the sun bouncing off the water and someone next to you already slathering on reef-safe sunscreen like they’re frosting a cake.

The ride out was louder than I expected—kids squealing about whales (we actually spotted a tail in the distance), people chatting about where they were from. When we finally anchored at Molokini Crater for snorkeling, I hesitated for a second before plunging in. The water felt cool but not cold, almost silky. Fish everywhere—yellow ones darting around my mask—and then quiet for a moment except for my own breathing. Kaleo floated nearby and pointed out a parrotfish munching coral; he told us its Hawaiian name but honestly I forgot right away (I blame being distracted by all the colors).

Turtle Town was next. It’s not really a “town”—just this stretch where turtles like to hang out. We saw two gliding past us; one surfaced so close I could see algae on its shell. Lunch tasted better than it should have after swimming—fresh fruit, pasta salad, deli sandwiches—and then came the waterslide. Twenty-five feet sounds short until you’re up there looking down at that blue water. My first go was pure chaos—I landed laughing and came up with saltwater up my nose, which I guess is part of the deal.

On the way back to Maalaea Harbor, everyone was sun-warmed and tired in that good way. Someone passed around soda while another kid tried to convince his dad to go down the slide again “just one more time.” I kept thinking about that silent moment under water—how everything else faded out except fish shadows and sunlight flickering through waves.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel and waterslide adventure

• Board small boat in Maalaea Harbor
• Enjoy fresh continental breakfast
• Snorkel at Molokini Crater
• Swim with turtles in Turtle Town
• Ride 25 foot waterslide
• Watch whales during season
• Enjoy deli lunch and pasta salad
• Return to Maalaea Harbor

Top questions

Is snorkeling equipment included on this Molokini Crater tour?

Yes, all snorkeling gear is provided for guests during the tour.

Does this Molokini & Turtle Town trip include meals?

Yes, both breakfast (pastries, fruit, coffee) and lunch (deli sandwiches, pasta salad) are included.

How many people are on each boat for this tour?

The small group experience is capped at 65 passengers per trip.

Can children join this snorkel adventure?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult who is responsible for them at all times.

Are there whale sightings during this tour?

You may see whales during humpback whale season while traveling to or from the snorkel sites.

Is sunscreen provided on board?

Sunscreen is included as part of your day trip amenities.

What is Turtle Town on Maui?

Turtle Town refers to a popular snorkeling area known for frequent turtle sightings near Maui's coast.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at Maalaea Harbor for departure.

What’s included

Your day includes use of snorkeling equipment (just no full-face masks), reef-friendly sunscreen, breakfast pastries with tropical fruit and coffee to start things off right, deli lunch with pasta salad after swimming Turtle Town’s reefs, plus soda or tea on board—all alongside a friendly local crew who keep things relaxed from first splash to last laugh back at harbor.