Lāna'i Coast Snorkel & Performance Sail

Snorkeling along the coast of Lāna‘i is exciting because the island remains one of the most remote and least developed areas in Maui County. Much of Lāna‘i’s coastline is rugged and difficult to access by land, which means the reefs here experience less boat traffic and fewer visitors compared to many snorkeling spots on Maui. This helps preserve the reef environment and often results in healthier coral structures and abundant marine life.

Another reason this location stands out is the geography of the ‘Au‘au Channel, the stretch of ocean between Maui, Lāna‘i, and Moloka‘i. The channel’s unique underwater topography creates ideal conditions for clear water, thriving reefs, and an incredible diversity of marine life. When snorkeling here, you’ll often be exploring coral gardens with dramatic island scenery surrounding you—towering sea cliffs, open ocean views, and the neighboring islands visible in the distance.

The adventure also includes the journey itself. Sailing across the channel adds a sense of exploration before arriving at the snorkeling site, and the return sail often becomes a highlight of the day. With remote reef locations, excellent visibility, and the possibility of encountering large marine animals, snorkeling along the Lāna‘i coast feels like discovering a hidden part of Hawaii’s underwater world.

The reefs along Lāna‘i’s coastline support a wide variety of marine life, making every snorkeling session a little different. Snorkelers frequently see colorful reef fish such as yellow tang, butterflyfish, parrotfish, triggerfish, and wrasses moving among coral heads and rocky reef formations. These fish thrive in the clear, nutrient-rich waters of the ‘Au‘au Channel.

One of the most exciting wildlife encounters in this area is the Hawaiian green sea turtle (Honu). These gentle animals are often seen gliding slowly through the reef or resting along the ocean floor. The reefs near Lāna‘i are also home to creatures like moray eels, octopus, sea urchins, and starfish, which may be tucked into coral crevices or moving along the reef.

Larger marine life is also sometimes spotted in the surrounding waters. Spinner dolphins are known to frequent the channel, and during whale season (generally December through April), North Pacific humpback whales migrate through these waters to breed and care for their calves. While sightings are never guaranteed, the combination of healthy reefs and open-ocean habitat makes the Lāna‘i coast one of Maui’s most exciting areas for marine wildlife encounters.

Yes, guests are welcome to bring a waterproof camera or phone in a waterproof case to capture their snorkeling experience. 

However, it’s important to make sure your camera or phone is fully waterproof and securely attached, ideally with a wrist strap or floating attachment. Since the boat ride and snorkeling involve movement on the water, securing your equipment helps prevent it from being lost.

Please note that personal electronics are the responsibility of each guest. While photos and videos can be incredible keepsakes from your Lāna‘i adventure, it’s best to bring equipment that is designed for use in saltwater conditions.

All Hawaiian sea turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act, which means it is important to observe them responsibly. Snorkelers must maintain a distance of at least 10 feet (3 m) from turtles at all times. It is illegal to touch, chase, ride, feed, or otherwise disturb them.

If a turtle approaches you while snorkeling, the best thing to do is remain calm and gently move yourself about 10 feet (3 m) away, giving the animal space to continue its natural behavior. Turtles are curious and may swim near snorkelers, but it’s important to avoid blocking their path or interfering with them.

The same respectful approach applies to other wildlife such as dolphins, seals, and whales. If these animals come close, calmly create space and enjoy the moment from a distance. Never attempt to chase, touch, feed, or harass marine life. Observing wildlife responsibly helps protect these species and ensures future visitors can enjoy these incredible encounters.

Yes, Sail Maui provides reef-safe sunscreen as a courtesy on both of our boats. We highly recommend using ours or another marine friendly sunscreen, as chemicals in conventional brands wash off your skin while snorkeling and can kill coral and promote bleaching.

Please do. Sail Maui does not provide towels, however we do keep a small inventory on the boat for purchase.

We can provide vegetarian or gluten free options through our catering companies, although people with severe nut allergies or who have celiac disease should be aware that we cannot guarantee there has been no cross contamination.

Spray-on sunscreen has a tendency to go everywhere, including the deck, which can make maneuvering around the boat quite slippery and hazardous. It’s also generally very toxic to the ocean environment, and we are huge advocates of using reef-safe sunscreen to preserve our marine ecosystem.

We sure hope so! We frequently see dolphins, especially on our Lana’i trip, however, dolphins are wild animals and while we will do our best, we can never guarantee that you will see them or any other wild marine life.

Yes. We provide snorkel gear and will fit you for the correct size. We also have a few optical masks on board, so let us know if you require one and we’ll do our best to accommodate you. If you wish to bring your own gear you are more than welcome.

Full face masks are NOT allowed.

Great question! You cannot communicate with our crew. The masks often leak or fog up. And Full face masks have been known to restrict your breathing.

You can snorkel with a beard or mustache but it can prevent a tight seal between the mask and your face, which may cause water to leak in. It is often recommended to shave at least your mustache before diving. If you’d prefer not to shave your mustache, please bring petroleum jelly or chapstick with you. If you coat your mustache in that chapstick or jelly, it may be able to seal and prevent water from getting in.

Glasses cannot be worn while snorkeling, but contacts are perfectly fine and recommended for the best experience. 

Additionally, there is an automatic correction effect that occurs underwater due to light refraction, making things appear clearer, but contacts or a personal prescription mask will provide the best visibility.