Molokini Crater 2 Tank Scuba or Snorkel Tour

Molokini is a crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater located about 3 miles off the southwest coast of Maui. It formed around 230,000 years ago and is now designated as both a Marine Life Conservation District and a Seabird Sanctuary. The crater’s unique shape protects its inner reef from waves and currents, creating ideal conditions for snorkeling and scuba diving.

What makes Molokini truly special is its world-class visibility—often reaching up to 150 feet—and its diverse, healthy coral reef system. The protected status of the area means marine life thrives here, and because fishing is prohibited, it’s one of the few places in Hawaii where you can experience an undisturbed, flourishing underwater ecosystem. It's also home to a number of species found only in Hawaiian waters, making it a dream dive site for underwater photographers, marine biologists, and adventure seekers alike.

Diving at Molokini offers the chance to see an incredible array of marine life. You can expect to encounter:

• Schools of yellow tangs, butterflyfish, parrotfish, and surgeonfish
• Larger species like moray eels, white-tip reef sharks, and jacks
• Occasional pelagics such as manta rays, spotted eagle rays, and during certain seasons, humpback whales can be heard singing in the distance
• Endemic Hawaiian species like the Hawaiian cleaner wrasse, longnose butterflyfish, and bandit angelfish
• Healthy coral formations including finger coral, lobe coral, and cauliflower coral

For snorkeling, no prior experience is necessary—this tour is beginner-friendly, and a dedicated snorkel guide is available to help you feel comfortable in the water. Floatation devices, instruction, and personal attention ensure even first-time snorkelers can enjoy Molokini’s calm, clear waters safely.

For scuba diving, participants must be certified Open Water divers at a minimum. The inner crater is relatively calm and well-suited for newer divers, but good buoyancy control is recommended to protect the reef and ensure a more enjoyable dive. If it’s been a while since your last dive, a refresher dive before the trip is encouraged. For those with more experience, the second dive off South Maui’s coastline may include lava tubes, ledges, or drift diving conditions, depending on weather and site selection.

Flying directly after scuba diving is incredibly dangerous and could result in a life-threatening illness called the Bends/Decompression Sickness. The Divers Alert Network (DAN) guidelines for flying after diving include:

• A single no-decompression dive, a minimum preflight surface or any driving to above 1000 ft (305 m) interval of 12 hours suggested.
• Multiple dives per day or multiple days of diving, a minimum preflight surface or any driving to above 1000ft (305m) interval of 18 hours is suggested.
• Dives requiring decompression stops are recommended to have longer than 18 hours.

Please discuss with your dive guide ahead of time what is suggested!

Any activity that brings you above 1000 ft (305 m) can trigger the Bends/Decompression Sickness. Please check your hike elevation to ensure that at no time you will be going up in elevation. If the hike does go to elevation, you must treat it like a preflight interval as listed above in the flying FAQ.

Common sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm coral reefs, as the particles are small enough to be absorbed by corals, causing toxicity and coral bleaching. Reef-friendly sunscreens are formulated without these harmful chemicals. Reef-SAFE sunscreens go a step further by using non-nano particles, which are too large for corals to ingest, helping to preserve marine ecosystems. 

Please avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. Consider wearing sun-protective clothing, like long-sleeve rash guards, as an alternative to sunscreen. If you choose a mineral-based sunscreen, ensure it is labeled ‘non-nano.’

You can dive 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 diving, but contacts are perfectly fine and recommended for the best experience. Prescription masks are not available for rent, but you are welcome to bring your own.

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.