Be aware: Some tour suppliers on this checklist could have restricted or ceased operations as a consequence of COVID-19. Test together with your tour operator about availability earlier than you guide.
Picturesque coastlines with distinctive topography and various ecosystems not solely make snorkeling a prime factor to do in Maui, however in addition they make the island the most effective locations to snorkel and scuba dive within the U.S. There are three well-known snorkeling zones on and across the island, together with the South Shore, Kaanapali and the Higher West. These areas embody a number of of Maui’s hottest snorkeling websites, such because the underwater reef at Molokini Crater and Turtle City, also called Turtle Arches.
Located roughly 2 ½ miles off the southwest shores of Maui, Molokini is a crescent atoll that fashioned from the stays of a volcanic eruption that occurred roughly 230,000 years in the past. The calm waters round this protected space supply glorious visibility of as much as 150 toes, in addition to the flexibility to see roughly 250 species of endemic fish and marine life. Sightings may embody parrotfish, black triggerfish, moray eels, manta rays, dolphins, octopuses and even whitetip reef sharks. And when you’re fortunate, you might even see migrating humpback whales across the crater throughout whale season, which happens from mid-December to late March.
Snorkelers additionally come to the Valley Isle to swim with inexperienced sea turtles at Turtle City on Maui’s southwestern coast. Along with the turtles, all kinds of tropical fish and different marine life populate the reef and lava formations.
Irrespective of the place you wish to snorkel, it is best to guide a tour with a educated and skilled information. The each day climate and ocean circumstances (assume: poor visibility or hazardous surf) differ considerably on the island, which may make discerning the very best days to exit tough – even when you seek the advice of a neighborhood snorkeling report. That is the place skilled native guides could make or break your snorkeling expertise. U.S. Information recognized the next outings as the very best out there consulting each skilled opinion and traveler sentiment.
Maui Magic – Morning Molokini Journey Snorkel
Maui Magic’s early morning tour, which lasts 5 hours, departs at 6:30 a.m. from Maalaea. The tour not solely features a cease at Molokini Crater but additionally one other cease at a specifically chosen location chosen by the captain. Throughout this half-day journey, tour-takers can snorkel alongside colourful reefs populated with tropical fish. Through the tour, snorkelers might also see dolphins, sea turtles and humpback whales (throughout the winter months). Costs begin at $130 for adults and $100 for kids ages 5 to 12. The corporate doesn’t suggest the journey for youths 4 and youthful. Costs embody snorkeling gear, a tropical breakfast, a midmorning snack, a barbecue lunch and nonalcoholic drinks. Complimentary wine, beer and cocktails can be found on the best way again to the dock. Individuals can even select to snuba (a kind of water sport that enables customers to dive under the water’s floor with out the coaching required for scuba diving). Snuba gear prices an extra $62. Know that further fees apply to be used of underwater digital cameras and wetsuits. Most reviewers benefit from the enjoyable vibe on board the boat and point out that the captain and crew are pleasant and educated. Others say that the journey is right for older kids. The corporate additionally affords a seasonal whale watching and snorkeling combo journey.
Maui Snorkel Charters’ four-hour tour visits Molokini Crater and as much as six different places. The extra places differ, because the crew will solely take you to spots with the very best circumstances on the day of your tour. Animal sightings could embody octopuses, tropical fish, sea turtles and humpback whales (between December and April). The corporate’s custom-built, 40-foot boat seats 26 passengers; nevertheless, every constitution takes not more than 18 people. Outings value roughly $115 per participant 13 and older and about $110 for kids 12 and youthful. Costs embody all gear, reef-safe sunscreen, jackets to maintain you heat and a light-weight breakfast. (Be aware: If you wish to tip your information, convey money.) Journeys run each day from 7 to 11 a.m. and go away from the Kihei Boat Ramp, which sits 2 ½ miles north of Wailea Seaside. Patrons rave concerning the tour and the personable and educated crew. Many say that they had extra time within the water as a result of the group was small and that they’ll all the time guide with Maui Snorkel Charters. The corporate additionally affords personal snorkel charters.
Trilogy – Lanai Coastal Snorkel Sail
Trilogy’s 5 ½-hour snorkel sail takes individuals to the pristine waters alongside the Lanai coast, that are solely reachable by boat. Right here, snorkelers will discover species of tropical fish which might be solely present in these waters. They’re going to additionally view Kaunolu Village’s sea cliffs, that are among the highest on this planet. If Kaunolu’s snorkeling circumstances are poor, individuals will go to Membership Lanai as an alternative. The tour consists of use of snorkeling gear and floatation gadgets, an non-compulsory naturalist-guided reef tour, a continental breakfast, a deli lunch, nonalcoholic drinks and two grownup drinks for vacationers 21 and older. Costs begin at $169 for adults and $129 for snorkelers ages 13 to 17. Tickets for kids ages 3 to 12 value round $90, whereas youngsters 2 and youthful journey without cost. Journeys depart a number of instances every week from Lahaina Harbor. Tour-takers remark that the snorkeling is unimaginable and that the meals and drinks are plentiful and scrumptious. Additionally they reward the captain and crew’s attentiveness. Some reviewers say that they noticed a number of whales. Different firm choices embody a Uncover Kaanapali tour and a Captain’s Sundown Dinner Sail.
Kai Kanani – Dawn Deluxe Snorkel
Early morning risers beat the crowds at Molokini with a 6 a.m. check-in for this 3 ½-hour Dawn Deluxe Snorkel. Kai Kanani says its boat is among the first to succeed in the crater, including patrons will get pleasure from 45 minutes of solitude in its pristine waters, which provide as much as 200 toes of visibility. Because the tour’s identify implies, you may see the dawn, in addition to Haleakala and the Large Island. After snorkeling Molokini, you may head to Turtle City or one other prime spot. You may additionally obtain snacks all through your journey and breakfast after snorkeling. Tickets value roughly $205 for adults and about $165 for kids ages 2 to 12. Tour charges are waived for infants. The value covers all meals, snorkeling gear and shuttle service from choose Wailea resorts. Individuals remark that it is definitely worth the early wake-up name to be the one snorkelers at Molokini. Additionally they say the crew and captain are pleasant and informative. Kai Kanani affords a later morning snorkeling tour and a number of other different sorts of outings, together with a sundown sail.
Molokini is among the hottest snorkel spots for Maui vacationers.(Getty Pictures)
Molokini Maui – Molokini Snorkeling Aboard The Malolo!
Set sail on board Malolo, a 55-foot catamaran, for this morning snorkeling tour to Molokini and Turtle City. Tour-takers will spend one hour snorkeling at every web site; the corporate supplies snorkeling gear, float vests and bodyboards. Aboard the boat, snorkelers will discover trampolines to laze on and might get pleasure from a complimentary continental breakfast, a deli lunch and nonalcoholic drinks (grownup drinks can be found for buy). Ticket costs begin at $99.95 for adults and $49.95 for kids ages 3 to 12. Children 2 and youthful sail without cost. Most reviewers have a constructive expertise and benefit from the tour. Nonetheless, a couple of vacationers complain of poor firm communication concerning journey confirmations and departure instances.
For individuals who’d moderately join a shorter tour, there is a Sunday morning tour of solely Molokini Crater that prices about $70 per grownup and roughly $50 per baby. Moreover, the corporate operates a day snorkeling tour to both Molokini or Coral Gardens. Afternoon excursions embody snorkeling gear however not snacks or drinks; lunch is on the market for buy. Tickets for afternoon outings value about $60 for adults and $20 for youths. Wetsuits, underwater cameras and deluxe snorkeling tools value further. All snorkeling excursions depart from Maalaea. The corporate additionally affords snuba and scuba diving excursions.
Redline Rafting – Two-Hour Molokini Snorkel
Redline Rafting’s two-hour small boat tour, which is on the market at 7 or 9:30 a.m., accommodates a most of 10 passengers. This outing is ideal for vacationers who solely wish to snorkel at Molokini. The quick 15-minute journey to the crater will be bumpy and moist, so the corporate recommends that individuals with sure bodily circumstances or limitations chorus from reserving the journey. Children youthful than 8 usually are not permitted, and an grownup should accompany kids between 8 and 15. Guardians should signal waivers for 16- and 17-year-olds. Tickets value roughly $100 per individual and embody snorkeling gear, instruction, reef-safe sunscreen, float belts, life jackets and help from the crew in figuring out tropical fish. Boats depart from the Kihei Boat Ramp. Tour-takers say they recognize the environment friendly small group tour, which they word is ideal for knowledgeable snorkelers. Additionally they reward the experience and thoughtfulness of the crew. The corporate affords a five-hour snorkeling tour, whale watching journeys and personal snorkeling excursions as nicely.
Sea Maui – West Maui Half Day Snorkel Journey
Sea Maui’s West Maui 4 ½-hour snorkeling tour departs from Kaanapali Seaside a number of days every week at 8:30 a.m. The snorkeling spots differ relying on the ocean circumstances however can embody Mala Wharf, Olowalu, Cliff Home and Honolua Bay. Through the boat journey, hold a watch out for Hawaiian spinner and bottlenose dolphins. In the event you time your go to for winter, you might also see whales. Tour-takers rave concerning the crew and expertise. Some say it was the very best exercise they did whereas in Hawaii. Ticket costs begin at $134 for adults and $114 for individuals ages 13 to twenty. Youngsters ages 3 to 12 tour for $84 every, and children 2 and youthful journey without cost. The value covers snorkeling gear, in addition to complimentary breakfast, lunch and a choice of drinks, together with wine, beer and cocktails for adults 21 and older. The corporate additionally affords a snorkeling tour of Lanai, plus three totally different sundown cruises and whale watching excursions.
Aqua Adventures – Snorkel & Snuba
This each day tour takes a most of 36 passengers to Molokini and Turtle City. The roughly five-hour tour affords patrons as much as three hours of snorkeling and one alternative to snuba. (Be aware: Youngsters should be at the very least 8 years outdated to snuba.) The fee is roughly $170 for tour-takers 13 and older and about $130 for kids ages 8 to 12. Youngsters 3 and youthful journey without cost. Those that don’t want to snuba pays a snorkeling-only value and save about $55 per individual. Ticket costs embody snorkeling and snuba gear, guided dives, a continental breakfast, a deli lunch and an open bar after snorkeling. Reviewers reward the captain and crew’s data and experience, including that the tour was the spotlight of their journey. Others point out that they noticed all kinds of marine life, together with breaching whales, flying fish and dolphins that swam alongside the boat. Aqua Adventures additionally affords personal charters.
Maui Snorkel Excursions hosts individualized shore-based excursions. The snorkeling websites differ relying on the climate and placement of the tour-taker’s lodge or lodging. These small group outings accommodate all ages, swimming skills and snorkeling expertise ranges, in addition to people with bodily disabilities. Journeys additionally characteristic a marine biology briefing concerning the aquatic atmosphere and learn how to establish numerous fish species. Excursions depart Monday via Friday, start between 7:30 and eight a.m., and end at midday. To boost your expertise, you and your group would be the solely individuals throughout every outing. The fee is roughly $150 per individual for 2 snorkelers. In the event you tour with three or extra in your group, you may pay about $110 per individual. The utmost group dimension is 12, and this dimension tour can have two guides. The value consists of all gear, snorkeling classes for rookies and a light-weight snack and bottled water on the finish of the tour. Patrons rave concerning the guides and say they recognize the small group expertise and private consideration, particularly for rookies.
Alii Nui Crusing Charters – Morning Snorkel Sail Deluxe
This six-hour, premium sail options stops at Molokini Crater and Turtle City. The journey departs 4 days every week year-round, however the actual days differ relying on the time of yr. The outing consists of complimentary transportation (based mostly on availability), gear, wetsuits, breakfast, snacks, lunch and beer and wine. Test-in begins at 6:30 a.m. Costs begin at $199 for adults and $149 for kids ages 4 to 12. Children 3 and youthful sail without cost. Huka and scuba diving can be found for an extra charge, and a few restrictions apply. Tour-takers reward the captain and crew’s friendliness and the unimaginable meals and drinks. Additionally they extremely suggest the tour and name it an unforgettable expertise. Alii Nui Crusing Charters’ different choices embody a day snorkeling tour, a whale watching outing, a sundown sail and personal charters.
