Private Maui Reef & Sea Turtle Snorkel Boat Charter

Maui's reefs are home to a dazzling variety of tropical fish, including butterflyfish, angelfish, and the distinctive Moorish idol. Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) are often spotted in shallow water near the coral, and spinner dolphins are seen on occasion. From December through April, you may spot humpback whales from the boat.

Maui offers great snorkeling year-round thanks to its warm water. We depart at 7 a.m. because ocean conditions are usually calmest in the morning.

Your captain customizes the route based on the day's conditions and your group's interests. Snorkeling by boat opens up reef sites that are often inaccessible from shore, and your crew will choose the best spots for the day.

Yes. Whether it's your first time snorkeling or you're an experienced snorkeler, your private charter is tailored to your group's comfort level and pace.

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 snorkeling. 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.

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, as rental gear typically doesn't include them. Fun fact: everything appears about 25% larger and closer underwater, which helps visibility a bit even without correction, but for the sharpest view, contacts or a custom mask will give you the best results.

TripOutside recommends knowing how to swim before snorkeling, but participation is ultimately up to you and the tour operator's discretion.

• Never snorkel alone. Always bring a buddy. Beginners should consider booking a guided tour.
• Rest after flying. Flying can dehydrate and exhaust you—give your body at least a day to acclimate before snorkeling.
• Test your gear first. Make sure your mask fits snugly, you can breathe through the snorkel, and you know how to clear water if needed.
• Practice with fins. You should be able to scissor kick while swimming. Avoid doggie paddling—it won't get you far.
• Take it slow. Breathe calmly, relax, and avoid overexertion to keep your heart rate low.
• Know your limits. If you're feeling tired, anxious, or unsure about conditions, skip the snorkel session. Panic in the water is dangerous.
• Stay aware of currents and tides. Even experienced swimmers can get pulled out. Know how to identify rip currents and how to escape them (swim parallel to shore).

Please check in 30 minutes before departure. Our standard departure time for dive and snorkel charters is 7 a.m., because ocean conditions are usually best in the morning. Since every trip is a private charter, we can adjust the departure time to fit your plans.

We meet at Slip 14 in Ma'alaea Harbor, Maui's centrally located small boat harbor. Head to the ocean side of the harbor, past the boat ramp and around the corner. We're on the wing of the harbor that looks out at the bay. Look for our 40 ft (12 m) orange rigid-hulled inflatable boat.

Yes. Paid hourly parking is available near our slip, and dockside spots are usually open before 7 a.m.

No. Please use the harbor restroom before departure.

Our boat is a 40 ft (12 m) rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB), custom designed and built by our captain. The engine sits mid-ship rather than hanging off the back, so the weight is balanced and the boat glides over waves for a much smoother ride than a typical RHIB. Open seating gives everyone unobstructed views, and the boat is quick enough to reach Lana'i in about an hour.

We take a maximum of six passengers per trip. Private charters are a flat rate, so the price is the same whether you bring two people or six, and the entire boat is reserved for your group.

Your group will have a captain, a guide, and an additional crew member. On dive charters, the scuba guide leads your group underwater while the extra crew member can serve as a snorkel guide or as a "bubble watcher" on drift dives. You may request an additional scuba guide for your group.

Yes. Because the boat is yours for the day, we can personalize the trip for mixed groups and combine snorkelers and divers on the same charter.

Our charters include all the gear you need, taxes, fees, and food and drinks. Nitrox is not included, but it is available upon request for an extra fee.

On our longer charters, catering includes deli sandwiches (turkey, ham, roast beef, or veggie), fresh fruit, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, locally made granola bars, hot cocoa, soft drinks, juices, and water. Please let us know in advance about any allergies or dietary preferences.

Occasional sea spray is possible on the ride, so bring a windbreaker or light jacket. We provide drybags for your personal items. Please leave larger items ashore.

We partner with Maui conservation nonprofits, including Pacific Whale Foundation and Maui Nui Marine Resource Council. Through reef cleanup dives with our partners, more than 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) of lead, fishing line, and other marine debris have been removed from Maui's reefs. We also provide boat support for reef surveys, coral outplanting, and water quality monitoring, and our captain melts down recovered lead to make our dive weights.

Yes. Our captain also speaks Spanish.

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.'