Snorkeling in Turtle Town, Maui: Private Paddleboard & Turtles

You paddleboard out to the reef and snorkel without fins, holding the board for security while turtles swim past.

Snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) from a paddleboard in Turtle Town off Maui's Wailea Coastline. You paddle out from Makena Landing, stop for a fresh fruit picnic on the water, then snorkel around the reef while staying anchored to your board, no fins needed. A private guide leads the whole experience and a professional photographer captures it, making this a beginner-friendly way to see ocean life safely.

The experience

If you have a free afternoon on Maui and want to get in the water without the usual snorkeling setup, this combines two skills at once: you learn to stand on a paddleboard while snorkeling in the same outing. The paddleboard itself becomes your flotation and your anchor, so you stay secure while watching the reef. You paddle over the Wailea Coastline from Makena Landing into Turtle Town, the spot where honu gather, and the guide points out what's moving below and around you. Beginners are the specialty here. The operator notes it works for nervous swimmers and families with kids as young as 3.

The day runs about two hours total. After paddling out and getting comfortable on the board, you'll stop for a fresh fruit picnic right on the ocean, then move into the snorkeling section. The guide stays with you the whole time, offering live commentary about the turtles, the reef and the islands. A professional photographer is part of the group, so you get images of the experience without having to manage a camera yourself. Small children sit safely on the front of a paddleboard with a guide, so families don't have to split up.

Wear a bathing suit and bring water shoes if you have them. The entry at Makena Landing is rocky. Sunglasses need a holder (the ocean doesn't give them back), and a rashguard or hat helps if you burn easily. The guide is there to customize the pace to your skill level, whether you've paddleboarded before or never stood on one.

What’s included

• A private guide leading the whole experience.
• live commentary by your ocean expert.
• a professional photographer capturing images throughout the day.
• a fresh fruit picnic served on the water.

Information

Lasts 2h, runs every day at 07:15 and 08:15, from US$ 179 per person, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:15 and 08:15Another time? ›

GroupPrivate11 group tours ›

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

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

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 90 years) · Child (3 to 17 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Paddle On! Maui Private Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to try paddleboarding and snorkeling together in one outing without the usual learning curve of each separately. The paddleboard does double duty (it's your lesson platform and your snorkel flotation), so you stay secure the whole time, which is why it works so well for first-timers and families with young kids.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 17 years). Children under 3 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.

What are the Hawaiian green sea turtles like when you see them while snorkeling?

Honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) are common in Turtle Town and often swim near the reef where you'll be snorkeling. The guide will help you spot them and explain their behavior. They're used to respectful observers and move through the water slowly enough that you can watch them from your paddleboard.

Do I need to know how to paddleboard before I book this?

No. The activity is designed for all skill levels and beginners are the focus. You'll learn to stand and balance on the board as part of the experience, and the guide customizes the pace to where you're starting from.

Can I bring my 4-year-old on this snorkeling activity?

Yes. Children from age 3 and up are welcome. Young children sit on the front of a paddleboard with a guide while you paddle, so the whole family stays together and your child stays safe in the water.

What's included in the price for this private snorkeling experience?

The private guide, live commentary about the ocean and islands, the professional photographer, and the fresh fruit picnic on the water are all included. You provide your own bathing suit and water shoes if you have them.

How does snorkeling from a paddleboard work if I've never snorkeled before?

You hold onto the paddleboard while you look down at the reef and turtles below: no fins needed because the board keeps you afloat and stable. The guide is right there to show you how to breathe through the snorkel and what to look for, making it an excellent way to learn snorkeling safely.