Best places to snorkel in maui
Maui is a beautiful island, with so many amazing beaches and waterfalls. But if you’re looking for the best snorkeling spots on Maui, you’ve come to the right place.
In this post you you will find all the information you need on Best places to snorkel in maui , best snorkeling beach in maui for beginners, Best beaches in Maui, snorkeling in maui for non swimmers, snorkeling in maui tours, and turtle town snorkeling maui. We hope you get what you are looking for while going through this article.
Best beaches in Maui
Maui is known for its beaches, but the island is so much more than just sand and sea. With hundreds of miles of coastline and a diverse landscape, there are many different kinds of beaches to explore in Maui.
The best beaches in Maui are all unique and have their own personality and vibe. Here are some of our favorite Maui beach spots:
Ho’okipa Beach Park
Ho’okipa State Beach Park is one of the most infamous water sports beaches in the world! When visiting Ho’okipa, look forward to awe-inspiring Pacific Ocean views and a chance to see many of Maui’s most proficient water sports athletes and professionals in action.
La Perouse Bay
La Perouse Bay is definitely a must-see sight in South Maui! Located at the very end of Makena Alanui Road (Highway 31), all guests will be completely enthralled by this lava rock ridden bay, and the trail that opens into Maui’s historically famous Kings Hawaii.
Honolua Bay
Honolua Bay is located about a 20-minute drive North of the Historic Town of Lahaina. Not only is Honolua Bay a famous Maui surfing and snorkeling beach, but it is also one of the most beautiful, most colorful and vibrant beaches within all the Hawaiian Islands.
Kapalua Bay
Kapalua Bay is one of the most beautiful sheltered beaches in Hawaii. The surrounding area is mostly dominated by the Kapalua Resort and condominium communities, but the bay is still open to the public. Conde Nast publication rated Kapalua Bay as the “Best Beach in the World,” and the Travel Channel declared it was the “Best Beach in America” in 1991.
Charley Young Beach
Charley Young Beach is accessed through a residential neighborhood at the most northern end of Kamaole Beach Park, (Kam 1). It is located at the cross section of Ili Ili Road and Kaiau Place. The best time to go to this beach is in the morning, when the ocean conditions are at it’s calmest, and before any trade winds pick up.
Olowalu
Olowalu Beach is located on the West Side of Maui, approximately 4 miles South of Lahaina when venturing down the Honoapi’ilani Highway. If you’re coming from South Maui and headed West, Olowalu is found before you reach Lahaina.
Ka’anapali Beach
Ka’anapali Beach is one of the best beaches on Maui for many reasons. This area aspires to many different types of beach-goers and visitors because of all of Ka’anapali’s conveniences. To find the most central area of this beach, drive to Whalers Village Shopping Center and park your vehicle there.
Palauea (White Rock)
In the ancient Hawaiian language, Palauea translates to “lazy.” Palauea Beach, also known at White Rock is seldom visited by tourists, and mostly frequented by South Maui locals. Located South of the Kea Lani Beach Hotel in Wailea, White Rock offers a medium sized sandy beach with excellent snorkeling and diving spots.
Oneuli Beach
Located on the North edge of the Maluaka Wetlands in South Maui, Oneuli (aka Naupaka Beach) is a little bit of a ‘secret beach’ on Maui. It is mostly frequented by locals, experienced scuba divers, and naturalists.
Naupaka Beach is actually part of the Makena State Park, but located on the Wailea side of the Pu’u Ola’i Cinder Cone.
Honomanu Bay
Honomanu Bay can be found between mile markers 12 and 13 on the historic Hana Highway. This East Maui beach is definitely more frequented by residents of the area, a common gathering place for local family BBQs, surfing and fishing. It is definitely worth a pull over on the side of the road when headed towards Hana. Views of the bay and jungle surrounding are magical, and it’s definitely picture perfect!
Baldwin Beach Park
Baldwin Beach is definitely one of the most frequented beaches in Maui’s North Shore area. Not just because it’s insanely beautiful, but there’s a huge parking lot, public restrooms, showers and many different areas to throw a towel down and relax.
Hamoa Beach
Hamoa Beach is a gorgeous East Maui crescent shaped beach located about a 1/2 mile past mile marker 51 on Highway 31. Hamoa shares space with the Travaasa Hana Hotel, so some available facilities are only open to hotel guests. This Maui beach is a great place for soaking up the East Maui sunshine and calm aloha vibes.
Kamaole Beaches
Located in South Maui, and more specifically in South Kihei, the term ‘Kamaole Beaches’ refers to Kamaole I, 2 & 3. For those that live in Maui, these beaches are referred to as Kam 1, Kam 2, and Kam 3. They encompass the same coastline, but each has its own unique set of characteristics.
Best places to snorkel in maui
Snorkeling in Maui is a great way to explore the natural beauty of this island. There are plenty of places to snorkel in Maui, but these spots are some of the best:
1 Molokini Crater
Snorkeling Molokini Crater is a popularthing to do due to the high-visibility of the protected inner waters and also for the abundance of ocean life due to it being deemed a Marine Life Conservation District. Having one of the best wall dives, the backside of the crater is also a world famous scuba diving spot. This volcanic atoll is only a few miles from the south coast of Maui, making for a quick and fun trip by boat. A few departure points include:
- Ma’alaea Harbor – Pac Whale has a morning Molokini snorkel trip which can take almost any size group on it’s large double deck catamaran, which is a great option.
2 Black Rock
Black Rock is the large rock hill at the north end of Ka’anapali Beach. This is a great spot because of the easy access and protection that the rocky cliffs often give from northerly swell activity. Kaanapali beach has many high-end resorts along the beach, so walking to Black Rock is easy from here. Otherwise, you can drive along the Honoapi’ilani Highway (30) and turn on Kaanapali Parkway or Kekae Dr towards the ocean. When snorkeling, make sure to stay clear of cliff divers. Also, each night, a Hawaiian torch lighting ceremony occurs where tiki torches are lit along the coastline and all the way up to the top of Black Rock. It ends with the torch lighters jumping into the ocean. A lot of fun to watch.
3 La Perouse
One of the furthest southern spots you can visit on the island of Maui, La Perouse’s volcanic landscape is something from another world. As you drive south on Makena Road, you’ll pass the last houses then drive for miles through a very-rugged lava field. When you get to the end of the road, you’ll find a dirt parking lot with a rocky bay. This bay has some amazing ocean life, and it’s known to be the site where a pod of spinner dolphins likes to spend time. If you see the dolphins, give them space and keep your distance. Do everything you can to not affect their normal swimming route. Also, take care when entering and exiting the ocean here. The rocks are sharp, and during the summer there might be south swells making the water rougher than normal.
4 Honolua Bay
In contrast to La Perouse Bay, Honolua Bay is one of the most northern bays on the island. This large bay is pretty well protected from wind and even when there’s swell, it can be calm on the inside (though it’s recommended to not snorkel when there are waves.) Driving north on the Honoapi’ilani Highway (31), you’ll wrap down and around a very lush area of rainforest, which is the apex of the bay. With adequate permission, you can walk through the forest to the shoreline. Some of the best snorkeling is further up the coastline on the right and left. You’ll often see boats in here with snorkelers, a much easier way to get directly to the best snorkel areas at Honolua Bay. The safest and best way is to go is by Kayak tour to Honolua.
5 Coral Gardens
Coral Gardens is the name given to the area along the cliffs of the Pali. The Pali is the area along the coastline from Ukumehame and Papalaua to Maalaea. There are many great spots to snorkel here, but they’re often impossible to access by car or foot. The cliffs are incredibly steep and unstable, which is great for keeping wind and crowds down but not so good for accessing. This is why you’ll sometimes see snorkel boats here when the wind is up at Molokini Crater. You’ll also find that some snorkel charters refer to these areas as Turtle Town. They may be right. See #8 on what we think of Turtle Town.
The cliffs are incredibly steep and unstable, which is great for keeping wind and crowds down but not so good for accessing. This is why you’ll sometimes see snorkel boats here when the wind is up at Molokini Crater.” One charter that frequents this remote location is Island Star Maui. This 57-foot sailing yacht boasts one of the most luxurious and private snorkeling experiences on the island. And thanks to Coral Garden’s secluded location, this site is the epitome of privacy. Not only do guests of Island Star get an entire yacht to themselves (accompanied by an experienced crew, of course), but they will likely get a private snorkeling nook to themselves as well.
6 Ahihi Bay
Just past the last entrances of Big Beach (Makena Beach) is a little cove called Ahihi Bay. It’s the last little Bay before the last houses (Sugarman’s Estate) when driving south. If you keep driving, you’ll see lava fields and you’ll know you’ve gone too far. There’s just a few spots for parking, and it often has at least a few people there. When you enter the water, make sure you do so only at the northern end where there’s a little bit of sand. You’ll feel a concrete slab under the water at the very entrance. Any other area of access is forbidden and dangerous for you and the reef. Ahihi Bay is part of the protected Ahihi Hinau Natural Area Reserve, which protects the ocean life from fishing. This being said, there’s a lot of fish and vibrant coral reef here.
7. Kapalua & Napili Bays
Kapalua Bay has a public parking lot off of the Lower Honoapi’ilani Highway. It’s often crowded, but the snorkeling in the bay is great. Just south of Kapalua Bay is the Napili area, which has all kinds of nooks and crannies to explore. Parking isn’t all that easy to find, but there is a little bit of parking near Napili Bay. Both sides of the bay have great snorkeling and lots of turtles. Occasionally, you’ll see a monk seal on the beach (keep your distance.) If you’re adventurous, you can snorkel south to Honokeana Bay, which has similar snorkeling. It’s a fun spot to snorkel, but access is very dangerous due to the rocky/cliff entry. It’s also problematic when there’s any swell since this is where the surf spot “Hole in the Head” is. Yes, that’s the name of the spot. And yes, we can attest to the accuracy of the name from experience. Not fun. Napili Bay and Kapalua Bay offer far better protection from surf.
8 “Turtle Town”
The infamous and controversial Turtle Town’s location is widely contested. After having heard dozens of captains claiming 20-30 different spots as the official Turtle Town, we can only come to the conclusion that Turtle Town is where ever a lot of turtles have been seen recently. It’s very difficult to know where Turtle Town is right now, unless you are a captain that’s been searching for them in the last few days. The most widely agreed upon spot is in front of the Makena Beach & Golf Resort. We agree that you can find turtles there, but to be honest, we see turtles almost every time we get in the water anywhere around Maui. The 2nd reef at Ulua/Mokapu has a Hawaiian sea turtle cleaning station, so that’s a viable spot to see them as well.
9 Ulua/Mokapu
Often used as the training ground for new scuba divers by the scuba schools, we find this area is great for seeing ocean life along the reefs with an easy beach entry. The next beaches north of Wailea beach and south of Keawakapu beach are 2 connected beaches: Ulua Beach and Mokapu Beach. A rocky reef formation separates the 2 beaches. Along this reef can be found all kinds of coral and ocean life. If you’re adventurous and have the ability to snorkel at depths, about 30 feet down you’ll find a turtle cleaning station along the second reef. When water clarity is high, you can see it from the surface.
10 Lana’i Island
There are numerous great, uncrowded spots to snorkel along the coast of Lana’i Island. You need to either take a ferry to Lanai, or take a snorkel boat to the island. It’s best known for scuba diving, but there snorkeling is unique for many reasons. Reports seeing hundreds of dolphins while snorkeling on a very regular basis are common. There’s a large community of spinner dolphins that inhabit the shores of Lana’i.
Best snorkeling beach in Maui for beginners
Below, you’ll find a quick breakdown of some of the best snorkeling spots for beginners in Maui:
Molokini Crater
Molokini Crater is another popular snorkeling spot, especially for tourists. This snorkeling location is home to a volcanic crater and has incredible snorkeling views thanks to its clear waters.
Spend a day here, and you’ll be sure to see a variety of tropical fish, a few turtles, and maybe even a shark or two! If you do fancy checking out this snorkeling spot, then keep in mind that you will need to book a guided tour.
Turtle Town
Love sea turtles? If you answered yes to that question, then you should be sure to stop at Turtle Town!
Turtle Town is a small town in the middle of the swamp. It’s also a town full of turtles.
In Turtle Town, there are no cars and no roads—just turtles riding around on their shells, going about their daily lives. Everyone knows each other, but they’re not always happy to see each other: they can get pretty judgmental!
But that’s just how it goes in Turtle Town—you might be judged, but you’ll never run out of friends.
Honolua Bay + Mokuleia Bay
Honolua Bay and Mokuleia Bay are the only snorkeling spots on Maui that are part of a marine life conservation district and accessible on your own. This means that you can visit them without a guide or boat, which is great for beginners who want to try snorkeling but aren’t sure about the logistics.
You’ll find Honolua Bay just off the highway between Paia and Haiku. The waters here are calm and shallow, making it great for kids (or anyone who isn’t comfortable in deep water). The coral reef here is home to an abundance of tropical fish, so if you’re looking for a chance to see sea turtles or dolphins, this is the place!
Mokuleia Bay is located at the end of Mokuleia Beach Road near Waihe’e Valley State Park. There are several beaches along this road where you can park your car and walk down toward the water—just ask around at any beach bar or restaurant to find out which one might be best for snorkeling.
The waters here are also shallow enough for children as well as adults—and they’re protected by lava rock walls that make them ideal spots for snorkeling
Hulopoe Bay
Hulopoe Bay on the neighbor island of Lanai is a beautiful place to spend the day sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. It’s a good idea to book your trip in advance, since it can be hard to get a spot on the ferry that goes from West Maui.
Once you reach Hulopoe Beach, you’ll see why so many people go there: the snorkeling is some of the best in Hawaii! This beach is also known for its stunning views of the neighboring islands and gorgeous sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.
Snorkeling in maui tours
Snorkeling is one of the best ways to get up close with Maui’s ocean life and see the wonderful underwater world that surrounds you.
We offer snorkel tours in Maui’s most beautiful spots, including Molokini Crater, where you can spot turtles and fish!
These are the 10 best snorkel tours in Maui.
Maui is one of the most sought after vacation destinations in the world. There’s something about the air, the water, and the people here that have folks coming back time after time. You may already know that Maui has several different climate zones – from the sometime snow capped peak of Haleakala volcano to verdant green rain forests, but by far the thing that attracts us the most is the turquoise Pacific, which of course hosts these awesome snorkel tours.
When you visit Maui for a relaxing beach vacation, keep in mind that adventure awaits you, too! You can explore the jungle on hiking tours, see the Road to Hana on comfy coach tours, or enjoy the land from a new perspective while riding a helicopter or horse. If you came to this island to see the sea, however, what you need are some snorkel tours. Our dynamic world ocean is not only beautiful, it is home to countless life forms – an estimated 91% of which have not even been named yet!
One of the best ways to experience Maui is by snorkeling the reefs – especially Molokini Crater! Over hundreds of years, coral polyps have found Molokini Crater to be a perfect spot to settle and grow. All the beautiful fish living among the corals couldn’t agree more, especially since their crater was named a Marine Life Conservation District! (No fishing is allowed, although the seabirds there never follow that rule.) You and your family will have an incredible time when you snorkel Molokini, which sits just three miles off the Maui coast. Several different and exciting vessels can take you to Molokini as well as the wonderful snorkeling sites off the island of Lanai!
If you’re considering snorkeling (which you probably are, you’re reading this, after all), I must don my mother hen hat. Make some chicken noises for me, will you please? Thank you. (Wow, you’re really good at that!) All right, here’s the deal:
Snorkeling looks easy, but it is actually quite an athletic activity that takes a lot of energy and coordination. You use unfamiliar equipment, and you exercise muscles that may not have been swimming in a long time. If you don’t know how to swim, don’t try snorkeling. If you do know how to swim, and you’re ready to go, snorkel tours are awesome!
Always snorkel with a buddy, and listen to the safety tips provided by your boat crew. If you snorkel off the coast (as in, getting into the water straight from the beach), stay close to the shore as you explore, and be aware of your surroundings. Wind and waves can change at any moment, and I want you to stay safe. Speaking of safety, please don’t touch anything unless you’re in trouble – especially the reefs. They are delicate organisms who do not like to be touched. And if you touch a turtle, it’s not only disrespectful, but you can be fined for it. They’re a protected species.
All right my friends, that being said, read on to see which of the Top 10 Maui snorkel tours floats your boat! We shall begin with the Malolo. . .
1. Malolo
$79.95 Regularly $99.95. Save $20 per couple.
The Malolo motorized catamaran is 55 feet long and outfitted with everything you could want for a Molokini snorkeling tour. You and your family have a great crew at your service, a continental breakfast and savory lunch served up throughout the day, and all the gear and instruction you’ll need for a great time on the water! This boat comes complete with a water slide for splashing right in. There are also kick boards with portholes for those who want to keep their face above water for their snorkel tours. The visibility in this volcanic crescent can be an incredible 150 feet! Snorkeling in the crater, you are sure to find Moorish idols, red slate pencil urchins, parrotfish, bluefin trevally, and more. If you are lucky, a spotted eagle ray may glide by as you float on the surface. And after exploring Molokini, the Malolo brings you to a second magnificent site called Turtle Town. This place is a underwater paradise for sea turtles, and it will feel like paradise for you, too. If you prefer to sleep in, the Malolo also offers afternoon snorkel excursions to Molokini or Coral Gardens. Molokini is always the first choice, but the weather dictates the best site. The Malolo is ready and waiting!
2. Quicksilver
$109.95 Regularly $129. Save $40 per couple.
The Quicksilver is a high-speed, double-decker catamaran and one of the best boats you can take to Lanai. This boat has a water slide for folks who are ready to dive right in. There are kick boards with built-in viewing portholes for anyone who doesn’t want to put their face in the water. And for those who prefer to stay completely dry, there is a totally awesome glass-bottomed viewing room below deck! With Quicksilver, everyone in the family can enjoy the incredible beauty of the coral reefs off Lanai! And did I mention there’s a pod of spinner dolphins that spends time between Maui and Lanai? You may have a chance to see them!
You’ll need sustenance for this fun sport, so the day starts off with a delicious hearty breakfast. The crew gives you all the snorkel equipment you will need, as well as a detailed explanation of how to use it. The gear includes prescription masks and comfortable flotation aids. Quicksilver’s crew will make sure you feel comfortable before you begin snorkeling. Once you’re in the water, they focus on your safety while you focus on hanging out with the fish! Once you’ve had your fill of marine discovery, you’ll climb back aboard the boat to find a delicious hot lunch prepared for you!
After you rest a bit, you’ll see that your day on the Quicksilver is still going strong. Heading back to Lahaina Harbor, you’ll look for spinner dolphins again. And if it is whale season, there is always the possibility for a sudden humpback whale watch as you return. Awesome!
3. Calypso
$109.95 Regularly $129. Save $40 per couple.
High-tech, stable, and tons of fun, Calypso makes it easy to enjoy a half-day excursion to Molokini Crater and Turtle Town. This brand new 69-foot catamaran is the only triple-decker snorkeling vessel on the Valley Isle! Wide staircases lower directly into the water, two water slides and a jump-off point offer an express route, and glass panels built into one hull give you the option to stay dry altogether. There is comfortable seating in the shade or sun – your choice! Calypso’s captain and crew are delightful, dynamic, and safety-focused. They will be thrilled to teach you how to use the snorkel equipment provided, answer any questions that may come up, and keep a close watch while you and your family explore the crater and later – Turtle Town! With all that activity, you’re sure to work up an appetite. A nourishing breakfast, hearty BBQ lunch, and plenty of drinks are served throughout the day, and three restrooms are located on board for your convenience. Calypso’s entertaining tropical playlist will only add to your enjoyment of the ocean, the sunlight, the wildlife, and the snorkeling on this incredible boat. Sea you soon!
4. Blue Water Rafting
$48 Regularly $55. Save $14 per couple.
If you’re up for some real adventure, Blue Water Rafting’s Molokini tour is the one you’re looking for. Not only do you get to visit the crater, but this fun craft will take you to snorkel Turtle Town and see the Kanaio Coast and La Perouse Bay! That means two snorkel tours and two sightseeing tours wrapped into one excursion. The raft accommodates just 24 passengers, and 60% of the vessel is shaded. Hang on tight while enjoying your continental breakfast and searching for dolphins in the early morning. The fabulous crew will explain how snorkeling works, hand out your gear, and get you in the water for some amazing underwater vistas. The brilliant fish living at Molokini and the sea turtles resting at Turtle Town are sure to make a lasting impression on you. A delicious deli style lunch is served between snorkel spots. As part of your amazing day with Blue Water Rafting, you’ll zoom over to Maui’s south coast. The Kanaio Coast and La Perouse Bay are full of fascinating jagged lava formations to see and photograph. If the water is calm enough, you may be able to get in the water here, too!
5. Four Winds
$94.95 Regularly $105. Save $20.10 per couple.
The Four Winds 55 foot motorized catamaran brings extra fun to your Molokini snorkeling trip. They provide some awesome amenities. There is a water slide, a below deck viewing room with a glass bottom, and excellent tunes on the stereo sound system. During your time on the water, enjoy a continental breakfast and barbeque lunch. Relax as all of your snorkel gear is brought right to you, including special prescription masks if needed. Haven’t snorkeled in a while, or ever? No problem! The experienced Four Winds crew will give you the rundown. They’ll not only make sure you’re comfortable in the water, they’ll be in the water with you, watching you have fun. An underwater photographer is also on hand to document your family’s adventure! The photos are shown in a slide show on board during lunch, and you can buy them if you wish. If you have any questions about the magnificent sea life at Molokini, a marine naturalist is on board for you to ask. If you’re not an early bird, you can hop aboard the Four Winds in the afternoon to explore Molokini or Coral Gardens (another gorgeous site)! No matter when or where you go, a Maui snorkeling tour with Four Winds is a great time—guaranteed!
6. Friendly Charters
$89.95 Regularly $98. Save $16.10 per couple.
Every Maui morning, the excellent crew at Friendly Charters is ready to take you out to Molokini! They bring you aboard the Lani Kai – their large motor catamaran – with aloha. You’ll have a great continental breakfast while you enjoy the trip to the crater. All your snorkel gear is provided, and you can even upgrade your activity to a snuba dive! The Lani Kai crew will teach you how to watch the fish in safety and comfort. No matter which fun you choose, no experience is necessary, other than knowing how to swim. After enjoying the beautiful reef tour of Molokini, you will motor over to see Turtle Town, too! This place is a popular sea turtle rest stop, so you are sure to see some of these awesome animals. Lunch is served after you get out of the water, beaming, at this second site. After some rest of your own, you and your family will return to the shores of Maui, full of excitement about your incredible sunny snorkel tours with Friendly Charters. Just an FYI sidenote here: let’s say you want to sleep in on your vacation, which I totally understand. Well, the Lani Kai also takes explorers out in the afternoon to see Molokini or Coral Gardens! So you’re all set!
7. Paragon
$105 Regularly $120. Save $30 per couple.
Paragon will sail you out to Molokini on a 47 foot catamaran. The beautiful boat leaves the harbor with a maximum of 38 passengers, so you and your loved ones have plenty of room to explore. The amazing crew serves a tasty breakfast on the way. A deli style lunch buffet is ready for you once you’ve finished snorkeling. Paragon really cares about the coral reef you’ll be exploring, and they demonstrate this on all of their snorkel tours. They offer reef-safe sunscreen for you to use all day long! Once you arrive at Molokini, you’re sure to enjoy yourself with Paragon. The crew provides all the snorkel instruction and equipment you could desire. This includes fabulous flotation aids and outstanding optical masks! While you’re looking at the incredible reef fish, be sure to keep an eye out for the strong and graceful spotted eagle rays as well as interesting eels. When the humpback whales are in Maui, put your ears beneath the surface at Molokini and listen closely for their song. By the way, in case you’re not a morning person and/or family, Paragon goes out to Coral Gardens for an afternoon adventure, too.
8. Redline Rafting
$135 Per Adult.
If you are looking for an ocean thrill ride on the way to Molokini, you’ll want to take Redline Rafting! Their fun, 35 foot, rigid hulled rafts will bring you to Molokini very quickly. You will arrive before most of the other snorkel tours do, which places you at the front of the line to see the fish. This is actually the only company that guarantees you’ll go to Molokini. Sometimes the water is a bit too rough for good visibility inside the crater. When that is the case, these guys take you to the open ocean side of Molokini for snorkeling! Both the inner crescent and this back side of Molokini are gorgeous coral reef habitats. You will love getting in the water there. Redline boasts a great crew, a delicious breakfast and lunch, a restroom on the raft, and all the snorkel equipment you’ll need! In addition to snorkeling Molokini with Redline Rafting, you’ll get a chance to sightsee the “Forbidden” south coast of Maui. This wild area includes La Perouse Bay, where there is a good chance you will see spinner dolphins.
9. Trilogy
$138.19 Per Adult.
Trilogy’s outstanding crew will take you to Molokini in style! Their fantastic fleet of sailing catamarans is the oldest family-owned excursion company on Maui. How do Mom’s homemade cinnamon rolls sound for breakfast? And what about a barbeque teriyaki chicken lunch (with vegetarian option, of course) after snorkeling? Trilogy gives you all that on your voyage, as well as personalized service and any snorkel gear you could ask for. When you are really interested in watching the fish (and you will be at Molokini), you tend to stay still and float. The wetsuit tops that Trilogy offers will keep you warm, so you’ll be able to spend more time in the water. Also, if it is your first time snorkeling, the friendly crew will teach you how everything works. If you want to try something a bit different, they offer a snuba option, too. Whether you snorkel or snuba, you’ll be checking out the butterflyfish, yellow tang, surgeonfish, and humu-humu-nuku-nuku-a-pua’a before you know it! Trilogy also takes you to Turtle Town. This second site is as exciting as its name suggests – there are sea turtles all over the place! You will love snorkel tours with Trilogy!
10. Ocean Riders
$129 Regularly $139. Save $20 per couple.
And last but not least, Ocean Riders can take you on a really remarkable rafting adventure to Lanai. The raft leaves Mala Wharf – on the west side of Maui – early in the morning. This raft is so much fun to ride! It’s 30 feet long, and the bottom is extra heavy, which makes the ride extra smooth. This is actually the same type of raft used by the U.S. Coast Guard for search and rescue operations! You’ll find shade and padded benches on about 50% of the raft, and only 18 passengers are on each of their snorkel tours, so there’s lots of room! The best part about taking this raft is that it goes all the way around Lanai. Because the vessel has such a shallow draft, you can go very close to all kinds of sites. You’ll actually get off the raft to explore secluded beaches. You’ll also see sea caves and get to experience some of the most amazing snorkel sites on Lanai, simply because the bigger boats can’t go there. You’ll get to motor around a huge shipwreck on the back side of the island, and you’ll even pass sacred burial caves, tidepools, and blowholes. Off Lanai with Ocean Riders, there is always a good chance to encounter pods of the acrobatic spinner dolphins. Spinners are one of the three mammals native to the Hawaiian Islands. Two of them are marine mammals, and the third can actually take flight! I gave you the spinner dolphin a few sentences ago, but do you know what the other two mammals are? I’ll let you think about it for a bit . . .
Snorkeling in maui for non swimmers
One of the best ways to enjoy Maui’s beautiful beaches is to snorkel.
If you’re a non-swimmer, don’t worry! You don’t have to know how to swim in order to snorkel.
The most important thing is to find a tour that will provide you with the equipment you need (mask, fins, and snorkel) as well as some instruction on how to use it all properly.
You’ll be able to see an amazing variety of fish and other sea creatures without ever getting your feet wet.
Seems that a lot of people that come to the islands, have little or no experience swimming or snorkeling or been near an ocean.
We have observed them on several occasions ( 12 napali trips on kauai ). They appear to have a great time however, with PFD’s, and those noodles. Along with their snorkels, masks and fins. And under a watchful eye of the boat crew.
They appear very comfortable, and at ease.
If you take a snorkeling tour, the guides will help you, and let them know your concerns.
Just FYI:
Yesterday, I watched a young man, from Brooklyn, NY….just trying to swim in our pool here.
Great guy, big smile, and determined to do his best. Pool was marginal to his safety, but he really did not belong in the ocean, without personal floatation devices, or even in the deep end of the pool.
He had never learned how to swim.
I walked over and said hello to he and his wife, and wee one. Entered the pool , and gave him some tips. Mostly he stayed in the shallow water, but had a hard time even trying to float. After about four swimming strokes, he would stand up and breathe….then back into is quest.
Later , I joined Erica and he got out and walked down to the deep end, and in he went. Arms flailing, splashing, he was good for about the same four strokes.
Another local fellow as along side of him, and towed him over so that he could grab on to the edge of the pool. If he would have been alone, in may have turned out very bad.
He worked his way holding on to the pool, and returned to the shallow end, still smiling and having a valient time….but clearly he need a flotation device, of some type.
So, please be alert as to the situation and ocean conditions, and currents.
Might be a good plan, to have your loved one, take some swimming lessons prior to heading over and doing any ocean activities.
Others can probably assist you on this, but there may be keiki lagoon that is protected, and where you can snorkel, and yet stand up when needed.
Being familar with the water, and able to swim is really important to staying safe. Especially in the ocean.
If you’re planning on snorkeling in Maui, but you can’t swim, don’t worry! You can still have an amazing time in the ocean.
Maui has safe and easy-to-navigate beaches that are perfect for beginners and non-swimmers.
Just remember: always check with lifeguards before entering the water, and never go out alone.
We hope we’ve given you the tools you need to plan your trip and make the most of your time in Maui!
We wish you a safe and fun trip—and a lot of luck with those fish!