Wailea Beach Outrigger Canoe & Sea Turtle Snorkel

Paddle from Wailea Beach, Then Snorkel Maui’s Turtle Habitat!

Start your Maui morning right from Wailea Beach, where you'll climb aboard a traditional-style six-person outrigger canoe and paddle into the warm waters of South Maui. With Haleakalā rising behind the coastline, your group will learn to paddle together as your guide leads the way toward a local reef area known for Hawaiian green sea turtles and other marine life.

Once you reach the snorkel area, trade your paddle for a mask and fins and slip into the Pacific. Follow your guide over the reef while searching for Hawaiian green sea turtles (Honu) swimming, resting, or grazing in their natural habitat. Look beyond the turtles and you may also discover octopus, sea urchins, tropical reef fish, and other creatures among the coral and lava formations. Your guide stays nearby throughout the snorkel, helping point out marine life that can be surprisingly easy to miss.

The experience isn't only about what's beneath the surface. Paddling an outrigger canoe introduces you to an important part of Hawaii's seafaring heritage, with your guide helping the group find its rhythm while sharing insight into the canoe and surrounding coastline.

At approximately an hour, this is an easy adventure to work into a Maui vacation without giving up half the day. You'll get to paddle from Wailea Beach, experience an outrigger canoe, snorkel a South Maui reef, and search for sea turtles before returning to shore with the rest of your day still ahead.

Because the reef's residents are wild animals, specific wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and all sea turtles should be observed respectfully without touching, chasing, feeding, or blocking their movement.

Duration

1. 1 Hour Total
   

Location / Where to Meet

1. Check In / Departure Address: Wailea Beach, Kihei, HI 96753, United States
   
2. Meet at the Maui Pacific Tours beach stand on Wailea Beach, directly next to the Grand Wailea (A Waldorf Astoria Resort), 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753, United States
   
3. The launch site is steps from the resort's beach access.
   
4. There are two available public parking lots nearby at the Wailea Public Beach lot and a smaller lot near the Wailea Beach path entry. These both often fill by 9:00 am in the mornings so please arrive early to find parking.
   
5. There are restrooms and outdoor showers available for use at the main Wailea Beach access point.
   

Ages & Requirements

1. All ages welcome!
   
2. Guests must be able to sit in the canoe and paddle along with the group for the full tour.
   
3. Guests should be comfortable getting in and out of the water and floating with snorkel gear.
   
4. Tours use six-person outrigger canoes, allowing the group to paddle together under the direction of an experienced guide. Smaller parties may be paired with other guests to fill the canoe.
   

What's Included

1. One-hour outrigger canoe and snorkel tour
   
2. Quality snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
   
3. Guided paddling instruction
   
4. Traditional outrigger canoe and paddles
   
5. Experienced local guide 
   

Not Included

1. Gratuity - Never expected but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10-25% to your guides!
   
2. You have the option to add trip protection at checkout for an additional fee.
   

What to Bring / Wear

1. Swimsuit & Towel
   
2. Reusable Water Bottle
   
3. Reef-Safe Sunscreen
   
4. Extra Layers of Clothing - Sweatshirts and Warm Hats
   
5. Dry Bag
   
6. Snacks & Water
   
7. Required Paperwork - Signed medical form if required, waivers, etc.
   
8. Seasickness Medications - If you are prone to seasickness, it is recommended to take sea sickness medication at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before the scheduled snorkel time.
   
9. Waterproof Camera - The company is not responsible for any damaged or lost items.
   
10. Please remove any jewelry, watches, or anything that can get lost or damaged by the water.
    

Wildlife Guidelines