How To Choose a Snorkeling Tour in Maui
Maui is known for its top tier water and wildlife, so it's no surprise that you can snorkel in its warm waters and protected bays year-round (although spring and early summer are usually the calmest). Beginner snorkeling tours in Maui often include the tranquil waters of Kapalua Bay, but there are plenty of other snorkeling spots near Maui, such as Molokini Crater, a partially-underwater sea cove, and Turtle Town, where you can snorkel with sea turtles.
However, with all these options on offer, it can be tricky to know here to begin. If you’re wondering how to choose from all of the snorkeling tours in Maui, here are some of the top underwater adventures in Hawaii you might want to consider.
1. For early risers
It’s no secret that Maui’s waters are calmest and clearest first thing in the morning, so if you’re an early riser, it's worth it to try to get out into the water as early as possible. This Molokini snorkeling tour sets off in the morning, so that it's one of the first boats to arrive at the crater so you can snorkel without the crowds. It includes breakfast, plus stops at Turtle Town on your return, so you can make a full morning of it.
2. For swimmers
Swimmers will love this Maui snorkeling excursion that trades the crowded boats for a small-group paddle out to sea, led by a guide. You’ll swim or boogie board out (float belts and life jackets will help those not-so-strong swimmers stay safe) to view octopuses, turtles, and other endemic marine species below the surface. You'll also leave this guided tour with plenty of raw video clips and photos of your experience for lifelong vacation memories.
3. For snorkelers who want to party
Many snorkeling boat tours in Maui include non-alcoholic drinks, but this particular Maui reef snorkeling tour features breakfast and lunch, including alcoholic drinks, so you kick back with a cold beer to music after your snorkeling experience. You’ll depart from Kaʻanapali Beach in West Maui on a large sailboat ride with time to snorkel; depending on the time of year, you might spot fish, turtles, and colorful coral reefs as well as dolphin pods and even whales.
4. For avoiding seasickness
Skip those sailboat and inflatable boat tours if you get queasy traversing the sea. This snorkeling tour in Maui goes out on a triple-decker catamaran—the large boat plus a motion sickness pill (you can even purchase the pills on board) should keep your tummy settled so you can enjoy viewing turtles in Turtle Town and tropical fish at Molokini Crater. The catamaran even has a glass-bottom viewing room if you want to spot fish without diving in.
5. For more adventurous snorkelers
One of the best snorkeling tours in Maui if you’re in search of a bit of adventure, this whale-watching excursion goes out to Molokini Crater on the Reef Explorer, a custom-built Zodiac raft that glides along the waves seamlessly and quickly. Head underwater to spot hundreds of fish species; then get back on the boat to cruise over to a quiet cove known for turtles. Large boats can’t access this cove, meaning you may have it all to yourself.
6. For family-friendly fun
For a family-friendly snorkeling tour in Maui, consider this afternoon snorkel and slide adventure to Coral Gardens and Turtle Town. While snorkelers of all ages will love spotting marine life, what makes this tour truly family-friendly is that you have two options for getting into the water to snorkel: You can jump in or slide down the boat’s 25-foot (7.6-meter) waterslide. While the tour includes lunch and non-alcoholic beverages, adults can bring their own alcoholic drinks if they desire.
7. For snorkelers who like kayaking
This small-group eco-tour lets you get your fill of paddling out into the green-blue waters on a kayak. When it gets too hot, dive into the water to spot octopus, sea turtles, schools of fish, and if you’re lucky, even dolphins or whales (most likely during November through April, which is whale-watching season). Another excellent snorkeling excursion for families, this tour allows children ages 5 and up to participate. Plus, environmentally-conscious travelers can rest easy thanks to the gas-free, lower-impact kayak ride to get out on the water.
8. For a more original snorkeling experience
Luckily, Maui’s underwater life is so incredible that you can almost always have a positive snorkeling experience regardless of which tour you book. But if you want something a little more memorable than the usual boat and snorkel tour, take this sea scooter snorkeling tour. With a small group of six, you’ll use sea scooters, allowing you to snorkel faster and deeper without overexerting yourself. It’s ideal for adults, tweens, and teens who want to cover more area in a short amount of time.
9. For getting off the beaten path
The waters of Maui are rife with marine life, but so are the waters of neighboring Hawaiian island Lanai. If you're looking to expand your snorkeling horizons, head out on an eco-raft toward Lanai with a small group (18 people or fewer) for a combination whale- and dolphin-watching and snorkeling tour that cruises by the stunning landscapes of both Maui and Lanai. If you’re lucky, you might even spot pods of dolphins while snorkeling.
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