Snorkeling off Ka'anapali Beach: Sail, lunch & open bar

Snorkel in warm waters, then sail back under canvas with lunch and drinks

A four-hour snorkel sail departing from Ka'anapali Beach on Maui's west coast, where you enter the water from a beach-loading catamaran to see tropical fish and endangered Hawaiian Green Sea turtles. Snorkel gear and flotation devices are provided. Lunch and a full bar open after you're done in the water. Check-in runs 10:30 am (September–May) or 11 am (June–August), and the boat returns under sail to Ka'anapali Beach. During winter whale season (December 15–April 15), whale watching is included.

The experience

The boat leaves from Ka'anapali Beach itself, so there's no separate transport to arrange. You wade in from the sand. The catamaran is designed for beach loading, which means you might get wet to the knees boarding on rougher days, but the captain won't launch if conditions aren't safe. Once aboard, the crew hands out snorkel gear (prescription masks available if you need one), a flotation device, and points you toward the snorkeling site. The water stays warm year-round, and the reef holds a steady mix of tropical fish. If a Hawaiian Green Sea turtle surfaces nearby, that's the moment most people remember.

After you're done in the water, the crew serves a hot buffet lunch: smoked chicken with lilikoi mustard BBQ, kalua pork, fried rice, a vegetable plate, chips, rolls and cookies. The complimentary bar opens then too, stocked with local Maui beers and hard seltzers, Ketel One vodka, Bacardi rum, Prosecco, Rosé and Pinot Grigio. The return sail to Ka'anapali Beach takes the afternoon, and you'll see the Maui coastline from the water as the crew hoists the sails. During winter months (mid-December through mid-April), whale watching is part of the route.

Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a beach towel. Everything else (snorkel equipment, flotation gear, lunch and drinks) is included. The whole outing runs four hours from check-in to return. Collapsible strollers can be stored onboard if you're traveling with infants or small children, and infants ride on an adult's lap.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear with prescription masks available.
• flotation devices.
• hot buffet lunch with smoked chicken, kalua pork, fried rice, vegetables, chips, rolls and cookies.
• complimentary bar with local Maui beers and hard seltzers, vodka, rum, Prosecco, Rosé and Pinot Grigio.
• whale watching during winter season (December 15–April 15).
• English-speaking guide throughout.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:00Last departure this season: 14 Dec

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 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 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 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Gemini Sailing Charters

Is this one for you?The beach loading means you wade in from the sand: on calm days it's ankle-deep, but rougher conditions can wet you to the knees, so wear clothes you don't mind getting damp or plan to change after boarding. The four-hour window is tight enough that you get the full sail-and-snorkel experience without losing the afternoon, which suits travelers who want the reef without committing a full day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 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.

What kind of sea life will I see while snorkeling off Ka'anapali?

Tropical fish are the main draw, and the reef here is home to them year-round. Hawaiian Green Sea turtles, called Honu, appear in the area, though sightings aren't guaranteed. During winter whale season (December 15–April 15), humpback whales migrate through Maui's waters and are often visible from the boat.

Do I need my own snorkel gear, or is it provided?

Snorkel gear is included: mask, snorkel and fins. Prescription masks are available if you need vision correction. Flotation devices are also provided, so you can stay comfortable in the water for as long as you want to be there.

What time does the boat leave Ka'anapali Beach?

Check-in starts at 10:30 am from September through May, and at 11 am during June, July and August. The four-hour adventure includes the sail out, snorkeling time, lunch and the return under canvas.

Is lunch included, and what if I have dietary restrictions?

Yes, a hot buffet lunch is served after snorkeling. The menu includes smoked chicken with lilikoi mustard BBQ, kalua pork and cabbage, fried rice, a vegetable crudité plate with hummus, chips, rolls and cookies. Contact the operator before your departure if you have specific dietary needs.

What should I bring, and what happens if the sea is rough on the day I book?

Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a beach towel. Everything else is provided. Beach loading means you wade in from the sand, and on rougher days you might get wet to your knees. The captain monitors conditions and will cancel the departure only if it's unsafe, safety comes first.