*** On August 8, 2023 wildfires on Maui devastated the West Maui town of Lahaina and the surrounding area. Our deepest condolences go out to all of the people, families, and businesses affected by this terrible event. Unfortunately, Lahaina Harbor was also lost in the fire and it will be some time before we see any ocean tours leaving or visiting this area.
For Maui ocean activities, see Maalaea Harbor or Kihei Boat Ramp.
One of the most family-friendly snorkeling tours on Maui, PacWhale Eco Tours offers an abundance of onboard entertainment and activities, perfect for those looking for a fun, laid-back, budget snorkeling experience to some of the island’s best spots. Departing from Maʻalaea Harbor, hop aboard one of PacWhale’s double-decker catamarans for a Molokini snorkel boat tour of Molokini Crater and Maui’s Turtle Arches. Guests will be treated to plenty of excellent snorkeling, as well as food, drinks, waterslides, glass-bottom viewing windows, and sightseeing along the south Maui coastline. BOOK ONLINE AND SAVE 20%.
For travelers looking to explore the ocean during their time on Maui, we highly recommend an exciting snorkeling trip with Redline Rafting. Maxing out at 24 guests, this intimate experience takes place aboard one of their customized rafts! While not recommended for anyone with back or neck problems due to its faster speeds (and therefore bumpier ride), it’s an absolute blast for guests eager to see the beauty of Maui from above and below the ocean’s surface. Tours include snorkeling at 3 to 4 of South Maui’s best spots, as well as information about Hawaii’s history, geology, and marine life, and breakfast and lunch.
Want a shorter trip?
*** On August 8, 2023 wildfires on Maui devastated the West Maui town of Lahaina and the surrounding area. Our deepest condolences go out to all of the people, families, and businesses affected by this terrible event. Unfortunately, Lahaina Harbor was also lost in the fire and it will be some time before we see any ocean tours leaving or visiting this area.
As a replacement option check out this West Maui Snorkeling Adventure.
For Maui ocean activities, see Maalaea Harbor or Kihei Boat Ramp.
For a truly luxurious experience on the Pacific, Maui’s PacWhale sailing catamaran offers an assortment of can’t-miss tour opportunities on Maui. Departing from Lahaina Harbor, all tours include a unique snorkeling experience aboard their luxury sailing catamaran. With smaller group tours, tons of onboard amenities, and excellent customer service, Lahaina sailing trips are hard to beat when it comes to romantic and relaxing days on the ocean. Enjoy a guided snorkel of Honolua Bay (depending on conditions, alternative locations may be used) as well as plentiful food options, and treat yourself to a day well spent in paradise.
*** On August 8, 2023 wildfires on Maui devastated the West Maui town of Lahaina and the surrounding area. Our deepest condolences go out to all of the people, families, and businesses affected by this terrible event. Unfortunately, Lahaina Harbor was also lost in the fire and it will be some time before we see any ocean tours leaving or visiting this area.
For Maui ocean activities, see Maalaea Harbor or Kihei Boat Ramp.
Whether you’re an experienced PADI-certified diver, looking to get certified, or just want to experience scuba diving for the day, we have many options available for you in Lahaina and Kaanapali. If it’s still a question because you’re experienced, don’t dive without a solid guide. You don’t know Maui waters like these dive masters.
Due to the Maui wildfires, this tour is not operating at this time. For other great snorkeling adventures check out the Molokini Snorkel Tour or the Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch.
Explore the iconic snorkeling destination of Molokini Crater with the Pacific Whale Foundation’s Molokini Wild Side tour. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast and fresh lunch grilled onboard, as well as unparalleled views of Maui’s coast from the single-deck catamaran. Carrying a maximum of only 38 passengers, this small-group tour will take you around Molokini’s rugged back wall, as well as explore other unique sites larger vessels can’t reach.
Snorkel at Molokini before anyone else! This roomy catamaran departs from Makena’s Maluaka Beach for a luxurious boat trip to Molokini Crater’s incredible snorkeling visibility as well as the world-famous Turtle Town. This is one of our personal favorite trips on Maui due to the small group, delicious courses of food, and having Molokini to ourselves for almost an hour.
Molokini Crater is one of Maui’s top-rated attractions, drawing thousands of visitors to its waters every year. Situated two and a half miles offshore, this crescent-shaped crater is famed for its calm waters and thriving marine life. Aboard Paragon II, you’ll set out early for a relaxing sail through Ma’alaea Bay en-route to a full day of snorkeling at Molokini. Snorkel gear, flotation, and reef-safe sunscreen are all provided, as well as a continental breakfast and buffet lunch.
Located approximately 2.5 miles off of Maui’s south shore, Molokini Crater is one of the top snorkeling destinations in all of Hawaii. For visitors interested in seeing Maui’s most unique marine life, as well as enjoying amazing underwater clarity, there is no better spot to enjoy the wonders of the Pacific.
Formed by a volcanic eruption approximately 230,000 years ago, Molokini Crater also plays an important part in Hawaiian legend. A female moʻo, or guardian lizard, once fell in love with a Maui Chief, Lohiau. Unfortunately for her, Pele, the much-feared Goddess of Fire & Volcanoes, was also in love with him and cut the female in two. The head became Puʻu Olai, the cinder cone found on the north end of Makena State Park, while the tail became Molokini Crater.
Once a prominent fishing ground for ancient Hawaiians, Molokini was more recently used for bombing practice by the U.S. military during WWII. Evidence of this can still be seen today, with shell casings found on both land and underwater. After receiving subsequent negative attention from black coral divers, Molokini Crater was named a Marine Life Conservation District and Bird Sanctuary in 1977.
Today, its protected status, abundant marine life, high visibility, and calm conditions within the crater walls allow for excellent snorkeling conditions, attracting more than 400,000 visitors per year.
