Most snorkeling tours are better in the morning hours before the tradewinds fill-in. 
 Snorkeling Tours on Maui |
 Aloha Blue Charters - 40' Catamaran |
| Aqua Adventure Charters - 50' Power Vessel |
Blue Water Rafting - Rigid Hulled Inflatable  |
| Capt. Steve's Rafting - 30' and 38' RAIV |
| Four Winds II - 53' Catamaran |
| Friendly Charters - Lani Kai - 53' Power Catamaran |
| Frogman - 55' Power Catamaran |
| Gemini - 64' Sail Catamaran |
| Hawaii Ocean Rafting - 32' Hard Bottom Inflatable |
| Hula Girl - 65' Multi-Million Dollar Catamaran |
| Kai Kanani - 65 " Sailing Catamaran |
| Kaulana - 65' Power Catamaran |
| Leilani - 50' Uniflight Motor Yacht |
| Mahana Nai'a - 58' Power Catamaran |
| Maui Adventure Cruises - 48' Explorer Class Raft |
| Maui Magic - 54' Power Catamaran |
| Ocean Riders - 27' Hard Bottom Inflatable |
| Pacific Whale Foundation - 52' and 60' Power Catamaran |
| Paragon Sailing Charters - 47' Sailing Catamaran |
| Pride of Maui - 65' Maxi Catamaran |
| Queen's Treasure - 65' Gold Coast Sailing Catamaran |
| Quicksilver Charters - 55' Power Catamaran |
| Redline Rafting - 35' Ocean Raft |
| Safari Boat Excursions - 51' Monohaul |
| Scotch Mist - 50' Santa Cruz Sailing Yacht |
| Sea Fire - 30' Aluminum Hull S.A.F.E Raft |
| Teralani 2 and 3 - 65' Sailing Catamaran |
| Trilogy Excursions - 55' Catamaran to Molokini |
| Wailea Boating Company - 36' Powerboat (Private Charters) |
| Wake Maui - 23' Ski Supreme V232 Boat |
| More
Snorkeling in or near Maui |
| Visit
and Snorkel the Island of Lanai |
| Visit
and Snorkel Molokini Island Crater |
Maui Snorkeling Tours
(From: $32.90 - To: $2,080.00)
Maui snorkeling adventures are the #1 activity on the island in terms of popularity!
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Related Info |
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Maui Harbors |
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Tom Barefoot's Travel Forum - Maui Snorkeling |
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Hawaii Snorkeling - Snorkel Tours on All the Islands |
Never snorkeled in Maui before? Snorkeling in Maui is simple, can be learned in a matter of minutes and mastered on your first outing. Snorkeling is easiest to learn with the assistance of one of the crew members on a Maui snorkel tour, trip or cruise.
There are a number of reasons people love Maui snorkeling.
- Maui snorkeling is fun because the ocean waters surrounding Maui and its neighbor islands of Lanai and Molokini are comfortably warm. The average water temperature during the year generally varies between 74 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The waters surrounding Maui are ideal for snorkeling as many of its most popular Maui snorkeling locations have great visibility. This is particularly true of the protected marine reserves such as Molokini and Honolua Bay which often have visibility in clear crystal waters in excess of 100 feet.
- Maui snorkeling locations are often teeming with beautiful coral formations and colorful tropical fish.
- The close proximity to Maui of the islands of Lanai and Molokini provide some of the very best snorkeling locations and snorkeling conditions to be found in the state.
What will you see on a Maui snorkel cruise?
- On your Maui snorkeling adventure you will see many types of colorful coral the most common of them being cauliflower coral which is usually brown or green but can also be a rose color, lobe coral which blooms in large mounds in protected shallow and deeper waters, and finger coral which is generally found in reefs at 15' in depth.
- The list of reef fish you might find on your Maui snorkel is seemingly endless but probably includes some of these categories of reef fish: Parrotfish, Wrasse, Filefish, Butterfly fish, Angel fish, Damsel fish, Trigger fish, Eels, Unicorn fish, Hog fish, Surgeon fish, Cardinal fish, Soldier fish, Squirrel fish, Sanperch, Scorpion fish, Frog fish, Hawk fish, Lizard fish, Goat fish, Mullet, Puffer and Groupers.
- Some of the larger marine life you may see on or near the surface on your Maui snorkel adventure could be Green Sea Turtles, Bottlenose Dolphin, Spinner Dolphin or the benign White Tip Reef Shark.
Maui snorkeling tours are taken on a large variety of vessels carrying groups as small as 6 passengers to as many as 150. Here is a sampling of some of the boats used on Maui snorkeling adventures.
- the fast and maneuverable Rigid-hulled Inflatable rafts are an excellent choice for Maui snorkeling.
- small children love snorkeling on Maui on the large catamarans that also show the reefs below through glass-bottoms.
- sailing catamarans make up a large part of the Maui snorkel fleet because they give you a chance to sail as well as snorkel.
- very large catamarans and mono-hulls provide a very stable ride.
Tom's Tips - Maui Snorkel Tours
- Maui snorkeling conditions are usually best in the morning hours. I know you like to sleep in but the very best conditions are usually early in the day.
- If you have your own mask and snorkel, bring it because it's less likely to leak. You will always be provided with a clean and sanitized mask and snorkel on the boat but the very nature of the rubber masks is that they tend to conform over time to an individual's face.
- Some Maui snorkel boats are more suited to small children than others. Give us a call and we'll go over your specific needs.
Snorkeling Tours and Snorkeling Excursions in Maui - Options Below:
Aloha Blue Charters Molokini is considered one of Maui’s premiere snorkeling destinations. This marine preserve sits in the middle of the channel and can be blessed with what we refer to as blue water visibility, which can be over two hundred feet. Aloha Blue Charters goes to Molokini aboard their forty-foot power catamaran. This jet drive propelled vessel is an extremely fast boat that gets you to your destinations quickly and comfortably. They take smaller groups of no more the thirty passengers…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $79.90 - To: $2,080.00) |
Aqua Adventure Charters The Aqua Adventure is a boat that specializes in SNUBA diving at Molokini, but they do take snorkelers along as well. SNUBA diving is a sort of hybrid between snorkeling and SCUBA diving. With SNUBA diving you breathe through a regulator as you would if you were SCUBA diving. The difference is that the tanks are not resting on your back; the tanks are being floated on the surface on their own small rafts instead. There is a hose that is roughly 10 feet long that has the regulator on one end and…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $83.90 - To: $127.90) |
Blue Water Rafting Are you looking you looking to go snorkeling somewhere new this year? If you think you’ve already got all of Maui’s great snorkeling spots checked off of your too do list, then you might want to check and make sure that the Kanaio Coastline made it on there. Visitors often overlook The Kanaio side of the island is often because of its remote, inaccessible location on the extreme southern shoreline of Maui. Kanaio is home to Maui’s most recent lava flow and the terrain on the land is nothing but…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $32.90 - To: $118.90) |
Capt. Steve's Rafting Captain Steves Rafing is one of the oldest and most respected rafting companies on Maui’s west side. Captain Steve’s takes clients on snorkeling trips from Lahaina to Lanai. The coastline of Lanai is home to the largest unbroken coral reef in the state of Hawaii. The marine life here is abundant. Manta rays, turtles, dolphins, whales (in season), and a variety of reef fish are commonly seen on these excursions. The friendly crew of Captain Steve’s Rafting is expert in their craft. The zodiac style boat…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $80.90 - To: $124.00) |
Four Winds II The “Four Winds II” is a state of the art fifty-five foot sailing/power catamaran. The boat features a large glass bottom viewing room for those who would like to view the reef while staying dry. There is also a waterslide, BBQ grills a shaded main cabin and an upper sundeck. The crew of the “Four Winds II” is known for their patience and special attention that is taken to assist passengers that are not yet fully comfortable with snorkeling. There are plenty of flotation devices even boogie boards…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $33.90 - To: $70.90) |
Friendly Charters - Lani Kai The "Lani Kai" is a very fast boat that departs from Maalaea Harbor on morning and afternoon snorkel trips. She is a large fifty-three foot double deck power catamaran that goes to such snorkeling locations as Molokini, Turtle Town and Coral Gardens. "Lani Kai" is a very stable boat to snorkel from. She has a waterslide, freshwater showers, snorkel steps that go under the surface of the water to make it very easy to get in and out of the water, restrooms, buffet, bar, sundeck and an enclosed cabin…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $39.99 - To: $68.00) |
Frogman Frogman Charters is a company that has been a staple in the Molokini snorkel industry for years. Their tours have always been exceptional in terms of customer service and client approval. Value has always been a key theme of their company. The "Frogman II" is a fifty-five foot power catamaran with a fifty-two-passenger capacity. The catamaran style hull design offers a very stable ride. They offer snorkel trips to such locations as Molokini, Turtle Town and Coral Gardens. You will find the…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $44.90 - To: $68.90) |
Gemini The “Gemini” is a sixty-four foot Sea Runner Catamaran that departs from Kaanapali Beach. This large and stable sailing catamaran has a very courteous and experienced crew. Instead of always going to the same spot the crew of the Gemini feels that it is better to make the decision of where to go snorkeling right before the trip departs and the days weather conditions have been assessed. The “Gemini” often goes to such snorkel spots as Oluwalu, Lanai, Cliff-House, and Honolua Bay. The Gemini…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $104.90 - To: $104.90) |
Hawaii Ocean Rafting Do you like to go fast? Hawaiian Ocean Rafting can take you on a trip to Lanai aboard their thirty-foot, hard bottom inflatable zodiac raft. On these trips you will not only get to go snorkeling in the warm tropical waters surrounding the island of Lanai but you will also get to go fast. The crew is very knowledgeable about the local marine environment of the Lanai coastline and will give you a marine orientation before you begin snorkeling. During whale season you will undoubtedly run into some…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $64.90 - To: $97.99) |
Hula Girl Would you like to go sailing aboard a luxury catamaran? The “Hula Girl” is a multi-million dollar sixty-five by thirty-five foot sailing catamaran that has a lavish interior and a twelve-person fly bridge complete with couches and cocktail tables. “Hula Girl” departs from the sands of Kaanapali Beach right in front of Whalers’ Village. They offer snorkel sails during the day and sunset sails during the night. If anyone in your group is a SCUBA diver, or would like to try SCUBA diving there are…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $89.00 - To: $89.00) |
Kai Kanani The “Kai Kanani” is a beautiful sixty-five foot power/sailing catamaran that leaves from the Makena Beach and Golf Resort. This departure location is particularly convenient for guests staying in South Maui, the Wailea and Makena areas. They offer an early morning Molokini express tour, a later departure deluxe Molokini snorkel sail excursion, sunset champagne cruise and whale watches (in season). One great advantage this boat has over many others is that the travel distance to Molokini, Kanaio…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $59.00 - To: $125.00) |
Leilani The “Leilani is a forty-five foot Uniflight Monohull. She is equipped with a hot water shower, protected cabin area, two modern marine heads and water entry ladder w/large swimming platform. The “Leilani is certified by the coast guard to accommodate up to forty-nine passengers. She offers a morning snorkel trip to Molokini that is unique because it snorkels Molokini not once but twice. They start out by attaching to their mooring at one side of the preserve before they untie move to the other…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $64.90 - To: $64.90) |
Mahana Nai'a The "Mahana Nai'a" is a fifty-eight foot power catamaran that is one of the original boats to offer snorkeling excursions to Molokini. Her experienced crew has received countless accolades over the years for their genuine friendliness and attentiveness to their clients needs. The "Mahana Nai'a" will snorkel at two different locations. They will go to Molokini and "Turtle Town". Molokini is a very unique snorkeling location. The snorkeling spot is on the inside of the top of a partially submerged…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $84.90 - To: $84.90) |
Maui Adventure Cruises Maui Adventure Cruises offers many exciting ways of going snorkeling in the waters off of Maui and Lanai. They can take you on an excursion that goes to Lanai looking for dolphins and then takes you snorkeling in the warm clear waters right off shore. They also have trips that allow your group to actually go on the island and do some snorkeling from the shoreline. This is a great option for novice snorkelers that would like to try taking their time making their way into the deep water. Lanai is…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $74.99 - To: $96.89) |
Maui Magic The Maui Magic makes all efforts get to their snorkel spots quickly so everyone can have plenty of time to go snorkeling. The Maui Magic goes snorkeling at two locations. Generally, one of the two spots will be the inside of Molokini Crater and then the second snorkeling spot is usually La Perouse Bay, Kanaio or Turtle Town. The Maui Magic was specifically designed to be able to handle the more challenging waters in the channel found beyond the Makena beaches. The Maui Magic features a waterslide…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $99.90 - To: $99.90) |
Ocean Riders Ocean Riders offers one of the most in depth snorkeling trips of Lanai in the industry. They completely circumnavigate the island of Lanai, stopping to snorkel at many different locations. They use a heavy-duty thirty-foot RAIV style boat. They take eighteen passengers and are powered by twin two hundred and fifty horsepower Mercury Outboard Motors. There is a custom canopy that is designed to provide shade for over fifty percent of the boat…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $125.90 - To: $125.90) |
Pacific Whale Foundation The Pacific Whale Foundation is perhaps best known for their whale watches and whale conservation efforts on the island of Maui. However, they offer far more than just whale watches. They also offer snorkeling trips, sunset sails, sightseeing sails and dinner cruises. The snorkeling trips are very popular. They go to Molokini and Lanai onboard the Pacific Whale Foundations fleet of large power boats. These large catamarans are designed to maximize the amount of deck space as well as offer a smooth…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $49.96 - To: $109.90) |
Paragon Sailing Charters The “Paragon” and “Paragon II” are some of the fastest wind powered boats on Maui and have been routinely clocked at speeds of over thirty knots. Paragon Charters offer snorkeling excursions to such snorkel locations as Molokini, Lanai and Coral Gardens. Perhaps one of the most amazing things about these boats is how they are able to be so luxurious and comfortable while still maintaining such a high level of performance. Comfort is a priority for Paragon Charters and they have made a practice of…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $49.50 - To: $143.90) |
Pride of Maui The “Pride of Maui” is one of the larger boats to offer snorkel trips on Maui. She is a sixty-five foot “Maxi-Catamaran” that is powered by large turbo diesel motors. She is equipped with as assortment of amenities such as a top high dive deck, a waterslide, a glass bottom viewing port, fresh water shower and stereo sound system. The “Pride of Maui” is certified by the coast guard to take up to one hundred and forty nine passengers but crew limits the amount that they allow onboard to one hundred…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $38.90 - To: $89.95) |
Queen's Treasure Kaanapali Tours announces the arrival of The Queen's Treasure (The QT)! She arrived on Maui in July, sailing from from St. Croix, Virgin Islands,where she was the 100th boat built by Gold Coast Yachts, the gold standard maker of day sailing catamarans. There will be whale watching, sunset cruising, and snorkeling with good food and drink as well as being available for private charters. The Queen's Treasure is ready for sailing from Kaanapali Beach. …(more info) | Price Range: (From: $102.90 - To: $102.90) |
Quicksilver Charters The “Quicksilver” offers snorkeling trips to Molokini and Turtle Town aboard their spacious double decked, fifty five foot power catamaran. Maui is home to some of the best snorkeling on the planet. Unique locations such as Molokini offer Maui’s visitors some of the most crystal clear water that can be found anywhere in the world. The large variety of marine life that is found here makes it one of the must-do locations for any visiting snorkel enthusiast. In addition to going to Molokini the “Quicksilver"…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $84.90 - To: $84.90) |
Redline Rafting Redline Rafting offers Molokini Snorkel Tours and Private Charters out of the Kihei Boat Ramp in South Maui. Redline is owner operated and has over 20 years experience running charters with an emphasis on customer service. Travel a shorter distance with smaller groups on a 35' Ocean Raft. …(more info) | Price Range: (From: $124.95 - To: $124.95) |
Safari Boat Excursions Safari Boat Excursions is an adventure of a snorkeling trip. They depart from Lahaina, Maui for the island of Lanai on their fifty-one foot monohulled speedboat “Lanakila”. Lanai is known for its resident dolphins that are there year round as well as the whales that come during the winter. The crew of Safari Boat Excursions is lively and adventurous. They will do all they can to make sure that their riders are having fun the whole time, from making sure that they have the right soundtrack for…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $124.90 - To: $124.90) |
Scotch Mist If you are a fan of classic sailboats you might want to go snorkeling with the “Scotch Mist”. This fifty foot Santa Cruz Sailing Yacht initially made it’s way to Maui in the 1984 Victoria to Maui Yacht Race. The “Scotch Mist” one the race and has been offering various charters to the visitors of Maui ever since. This classic monohulled boat has a much different ride then the larger sailing catamarans and will dramatically lean over under high winds, which can be quite exciting. The snorkeling…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $93.90 - To: $93.90) |
Sea Fire An option for snorkeling that won’t take up a huge part of your day is the “Seafire”. The “Seafire” is a thirty foot aluminum hulled S.A.F.E. (Secured Around Flotation Equipment) Raft. This design is similar to a zodiac raft in appearance as well as ride. The “Seafire” is fast, normally reaching Molokini in about fifteen minutes. In addition to Molokini the “Seafire” also offers trips to “Turtle Town” as well as various other south side snorkel spots. A word of caution, these boats are very fast…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $37.90 - To: $51.90) |
Teralani 2 and 3 Mike Kelly started Teralani Charters in the early eighties and he has seen it grow to be one of the most respected charter operations on Maui. His beautiful boats all launch from Kaanapali Beach and his offerings include snorkel trips, whale watching tours, and both dinner and cocktail cruises. The snorkel spots are often such locations as Lanai, Honolua Bay and Oluwalu. All snorkel equipment and snorkel instruction is included and access to the water is easy with the snorkel ladder on the front…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $90.90 - To: $113.90) |
Trilogy Excursions One of the original snorkeling companies on Maui was Trilogy Excursions. Founded by the Coon brothers over thirty years ago and then passed on to their many sons and daughters Trilogy Excursions has gained a strong reputation for excellent customer service over the years because of their strong attention to detail. From the wording of their briefings to the secret family recipes the crew will stop at nothing to ensure that their clients are completely taken care of throughout the whole trip…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $119.00 - To: $189.00) |
Wailea Boating Company If you are wanting to go snorkeling while your on vacation on Maui but would prefer to not have to deal with anyone else and would like to do a private charter then it would be a good idea to look into the Wailea Boating Company. Their boat the “Xian” is a thirty six foot luxury speed boat that cranks out over four hundred horsepower to get you to your destination quickly. What you do and where you go on this trip is completely up to you. If you would like to go snorkeling then try your hand at…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $239.90 - To: $287.90) |
Wake Maui Wake Maui typically operates wakeboarding tours of the coast of Lahaina but they are also available for private charters. On a private charter you can use the boat to do what ever you’d like. You can go snorkeling off the coast of Lanai or Maui, go for a scenic booze cruise, wakeboard all the way to your snorkel spot then snorkel, the options are endless. With Wake Maui you will have the opportunity to play the role of the captain and have fun however you wish…(more info) | Price Range: (From: $95.00 - To: $739.00) |
Visit and Snorkel Lanai from Maui In the 1800's Lanai was purchased by the Dole family and became the major producer for the Dole Pineapple Company. This role has diminished in recent years and Lanai has now taken a front seat in the tourist industry.
The smallest of the major Hawaiian Islands, and the least populated, Lanai has a mystique that continues to attract visitors. And why not? Its pristine white sand beaches, its two famous luxury resorts (Manele Bay Hotel and the Lodge at Koele), its world-class golf courses, its abundant reefs and striking coastline, its tremendous diving locations, and its sizable dolphin population have proved to be powerful draws for visitors from around the world. There is something for everyone on this lovely little island called "Lanai". | Price Range: (From: $28.85 - To: $265.00) |
Visit Molokai from Maui Of the three islands that make up Maui County, Molokai stands out as having the closest link to old Hawaii. In many ways, landing on Molokai today is similar to arriving on Maui 25 or 30 years ago. The sleepy town of Kaunakakai, the uncrowded roadways, the country homes, the fishermen casting their nets, the pidgin English, the roadside churches of an era past, the community baseball games and canoe races, the small-town feeling where everyone knows everyone else - all contribute to a heartwarming, if not nostalgic, experience. For many years the "Molokai Ferry" has been our connection to the "Friendly Isle" of Molokai. | Price Range: (From: $94.90 - To: $376.90) |
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Hearing Impaired - Read the full transcript for this page's audio narrative.
Snorkeling Tours and Snorkel Trips in Maui - Snorkeling is a huge activity here on Maui and we have many types of vessels to take you to the great places that you couldn’t just visit along the shoreline. The most popular snorkel spots we have are the island of Molokini, the island of Lanai, Oluwalu, the reefs surrounding the Makena area, La Peruse Bay, Thousand Peaks and Honolua Bay. The boat you choose to take may vary depending upon your needs or desires. We have really large boats for folks that want a really stable ride. Power boats and power catamarans are among the fastest of the boats available. In all actuality the zodiac type boats are probably the very fastest though they are much smaller than vessels most people equate with snorkel boats. These are among my most favorite however since they just skim the surface of the ocean and when you get to a special spot you can grab your gear and jump overboard in a moments notice. Sail boats are also popular among snorkel vessels and allow for the extra dimension of sailing while going to and from snorkel locations. Another favorite particularly among children are the snorkel boats with goodies like waterslides and glassbottoms on board.
