Private “Turtle Town” SUP & Snorkel Excursion

The Wailea–Makena coastline is one of Maui’s most active marine environments, making it an exciting place to explore by stand-up paddleboard. As you paddle across the clear water above the reefs, you may spot Hawaiian green sea turtles (Honu) swimming beneath your board or surfacing for air nearby. These turtles are a common sight in this area and are one of the main reasons visitors come to snorkel and paddle along this stretch of coastline.

The coral reef systems below support a wide variety of tropical marine life. While snorkeling or paddling over the reef, you may see colorful fish such as yellow tang, butterflyfish, parrotfish, and triggerfish moving through the coral formations. Other creatures that sometimes appear in the reef include octopus, rays, sea stars, and sea urchins tucked into rocky crevices.

The open water along the coast also attracts larger marine animals from time to time. Spinner dolphins are occasionally seen traveling along Maui’s south shore, and during whale season (generally December through April), North Pacific humpback whales migrate through these waters to breed and raise their calves. While wildlife sightings can vary, the Wailea–Makena coastline consistently offers opportunities to observe a wide range of marine life both above and below the surface.

“Turtle Town” refers to a section of Maui’s south shoreline near Makena, where the reef habitat naturally attracts and supports large numbers of Hawaiian green sea turtles. The area contains coral gardens, lava rock formations, and reef structures that provide ideal feeding and resting environments for turtles, which is why they are often seen swimming slowly through the reef or resting along the ocean floor.

The reef structure also creates excellent snorkeling conditions. The water in this area is often calm and clear, allowing snorkelers to easily observe marine life among the coral formations. Because the reef is relatively shallow in many areas, it’s possible to see fish, coral, and turtles clearly while floating comfortably at the surface.

Another reason Turtle Town is so well known is its location along the beautiful Wailea–Makena coastline, where dramatic volcanic landscapes meet the ocean. The combination of scenic coastal views, healthy coral reef ecosystems, and the frequent presence of sea turtles has made Turtle Town one of Maui’s most sought-after snorkeling locations for visitors and locals alike.

Yes, you are welcome to bring a waterproof camera or a phone in a fully waterproof case to capture the experience. Paddleboarding along the Wailea–Makena coastline offers incredible opportunities for photos, from coral reefs visible beneath the board to whales surfacing in the distance.

Because you’ll be standing or kneeling on a paddleboard, it’s best to make sure your camera is securely attached with a wrist strap or floating attachment. Ocean conditions can vary, and having your equipment secured helps prevent it from being dropped or lost in the water.

Many guests enjoy bringing small action cameras or waterproof phones to capture the moment when a whale surfaces nearby or when turtles swim beneath the board. Just remember that all personal equipment is the responsibility of each guest, so it’s best to bring gear that is designed for ocean use and fully waterproof before heading out on the water.

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.

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.

We generally do not wear life vests when we are stand up paddle boarding, because we are attached to our floatation device by a leash that is around our ankle. If you feel like you would like a life vest, please let us know and we will happily provide one for you. If you are on a kayak tour, you are required to wear a life vest. If you are on a snorkel/kayak tour, we take them off if you are comfortable when we get in to snorkel.

We will take Ages 3 & Up Welcome... We love kids!! They must wear a life vest and they will be sitting on the front of a guide’s board. ; ) The whole family can join in and have fun with us!

Of course! We don’t discriminate against the awesome lone traveler! We’re actually just jealous… Many companies charge more if you are alone on a tour and we DO NOT believe you should be punished for traveling alone and being awesome. The tour price is the same and we cannot wait to meet you, celebrate your awesomeness, and hear about your travels!

Yes. However, remember that your paddle floats and your glasses don’t! Your hat might float at least until you can grab it. So, if you want to bring/wear your glasses, go grab a croaky before your tour. They have croakies with “floaters” on them that I have seen around town that work well.

Yes, but please let us know so that we can take care of you quickly if a situation arises on the ocean.

Here is what I recommend: Go to the ABC/General Store or pharmacy and get a box of Bonine for motion sickness. It doesn’t make you tired like dramamine. Take one the night before your tour and one the morning of your tour before you come to meet us. This is an over the counter drug (and I am not a doctor), but it works for the people that I know who do it. You can also get a seasick arm band (also sold at the pharmacy). Ginger drops help too. But it’s best to head it off at the pass… Mo Betta for you!

Yes. I will ALWAYS tell you the truth, and the truth is: This is an ocean and this is where they live. On that note, I have been doing guided tours in this amazing stretch of Wailea’s oceanfront in the heart of Turtle Town for seventeen years now, sometimes on the water for 7 hours a day, and in that amount of time I have personally seen three sharks. I would not take you on a tour if I thought you were not safe. We would not GO on a tour if I didn’t think we were safe either! We will be with you every paddle of the way. You are safe.

We offer three tour times: Sunrise (which varies throughout the year), 7:15 a.m. and 8:15am. We only do our tours in the early morning because the trade winds come in usually around noon in the Wailea-Makena area. Usually, the earlier the tour the better conditions… Usually. Our favorite Tour time is Sunrise as you can watch the sunrise over Haleakala Crater from the ocean and during whale season it is the easiest time to spot whales!

Remember: The early bird gets the “glass”… glassy ocean conditions that is. AND the early bird gets the WHALE!

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.’