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Makena Landing Turtle Town Snorkel Adventure - Photos & Video Included
Pricing
Ages 5-75
Description
Swim with Honu: Turtle Town Guided Snorkel in Mākena!
Snorkel one of Maui’s most famous turtle habitats on this small-group guided shore snorkel at Turtle Town in Mākena. Known for its clear water, lava rock formations, coral reef, and frequent Hawaiian green sea turtle sightings, this South Maui snorkel spot offers an incredible way to experience Maui’s underwater world without getting on a boat. You’ll enter directly from shore at Mākena Landing and explore the reef with a local guide who knows where to look for turtles, fish, and hidden marine life.
Your guide begins with a detailed ocean safety briefing and a tutorial on how to use your snorkeling gear, making the experience approachable for beginner and intermediate snorkelers. Groups are kept small, allowing the guide to adjust the pace, point out wildlife, and help everyone feel comfortable in the water. As you swim along the reef, you’ll explore coral heads, lava formations, rocky ledges, and clear-water channels where sea turtles often rest, graze, or glide through the water.
In addition to Hawaiian green sea turtles (Honu), you may see reef fish such as butterflyfish, parrotfish, goatfish, nenue, black surgeonfish, and other tropical species. Keep an eye out for moray eels, octopus, spotted eagle rays, frogfish, and other creatures tucked into the reef. Each tour route can vary depending on ocean conditions, group comfort, and how far around the point the group wants to explore, making every Turtle Town snorkel a little different.
Duration of Adventure
- 2 Hours Total (Beach Instruction, Gear Fitting, & In-Water Time)
- Approximately 90 minutes in the water!
Location / Where to Meet
- Check In/Departure Address: Makena Landing Park, 5083 Makena Rd, Kihei, HI 96753, United States
- There is free public parking available on-site.
- Public restrooms are available on-site.
Ages & Requirements
- Minimum age: 7 years old
- Maximum age listed: 75 (though there are guests with mobility limitations who have been able to participate — guides can adapt on a case-by-case basis)
- Suitable for beginner and intermediate swimmers — guides provide support and instruction
- Float belts and life jackets are available for guests who want additional support
- No prior snorkeling experience required!
What's Included
- CPR-Certified Local Guide
- Full Snorkel Gear — Mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit top! Our snorkeling goggles are top-of-the-line, no foggy or leaky goggles!
- Life jacket / Float belt available upon request
- Underwater photos and video — delivered within 24–48 hours at no extra charge
- Small-group experience, limited to 6 guests
- Shore snorkel at Turtle Town, Mākena (no boat involved)
- You will be given a detailed briefing on all ocean safety, a complete tutorial on our snorkeling gears.
Not Included
- Gratuity — never expected, but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10–25% to your guide!
What to Bring / Wear
- Swimsuit & Towel
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen
- Extra layers of clothing - sweatshirts and warm hats
- Dry bag
- Snacks & Water
- Required paperwork - Signed medical form if required, waivers, etc.
- Waterproof Camera (Optional)- The company is not responsible for any damaged or lost items.
- Please remove any jewelry, watches, or anything that can get damaged by water or you don’t want to lose.
Wildlife Guidelines
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY My Splash LLC
FAQs
What marine life can I see when snorkeling at Turtle Town and Mākena reefs?
Maui's south shore reefs are home to Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), spotted eagle rays, moray eels, octopus, starfish, and a wide variety of colorful reef fish including butterfly fish, triggerfish, and parrotfish. Dolphin sightings, while not guaranteed, have also been reported by guests.
Are your guides certified?
Yes — all guides are CPR-certified and experienced locals with deep knowledge of Maui's reefs, marine life, and Hawaiian culture. They are trained to support guests of all ability levels and comfort levels in the water.
When is the best time to snorkel in Maui?
Snorkeling conditions are generally good year-round in Maui. Morning tours tend to have the calmest water and best visibility. Summer months (May–September) typically offer the flattest conditions, while winter swells (November–March) can occasionally affect certain spots. Guides monitor conditions daily and will move locations or reschedule if needed.
Can I snorkel with a mustache or beard?
You can snorkel with a beard or mustache, but facial hair 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 going out. If you'd prefer not to shave, bring petroleum jelly or chapstick — coating your mustache can help create a better seal and prevent water from getting in.
Can I wear glasses or contacts while snorkeling?
You can't wear glasses with a snorkel mask, but contacts are totally fine and often the best option for seeing clearly underwater. If you have a prescription mask, feel free to bring it — rental shops typically don't carry them. Fun fact: everything appears about 25% larger and closer underwater, which helps visibility a bit even without correction.
What sunscreen can I use and why does it matter?
Common sunscreens contain chemicals — including oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens — that can harm coral reefs, as the particles are small enough to be absorbed by corals, causing toxicity and bleaching. Please use reef-safe sunscreen. Reef-SAFE sunscreens go a step further by using non-nano particles, which are too large for corals to ingest. Consider wearing a long-sleeve rash guard as an alternative to sunscreen. If you choose a mineral-based sunscreen, ensure it is labeled 'non-nano.'
Do I have to be a strong swimmer to join this tour?
No — this tour is suitable for beginner and intermediate swimmers. Float belts and life jackets are available for guests who want extra support in the water. Guides stay with the group throughout and adapt to everyone's comfort level.
How does the free photo and video package work?
Your guide captures professional underwater photos and video of your experience throughout the tour. The images and footage are sent to you within 24–48 hours via email or text link. This is included in the tour price at no extra charge.
Will I see sea turtles?
Yes — Turtle Town (Mākena) is one of the most reliably turtle-active snorkeling areas on Maui, and turtles are seen on the vast majority of tours here. That said, these are wild animals, so encounters can never be 100% guaranteed.
Do you share information about Hawaiian culture during the tour?
Yes — guides share local ocean knowledge and mōʻōlelo (stories) about the reef, marine life, and Hawaiian cultural connections to the ocean throughout the tour.
Cancellation Policy
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
3894 Wailea Alanui Dr.
Kihei, HI, 96753
US
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