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Wailea Outrigger Canoe & Sea Turtle Snorkel Tour
Pricing
Description
Paddle the Wailea Coast, Then Slip Beneath the Surface in Search of Sea Turtles!
Start your morning with two quintessential Maui ocean experiences rolled into one: paddling an outrigger canoe and snorkeling in search of Hawaiian green sea turtles. Launching from Mōkapu Beach near the Andaz Maui, you'll paddle along the beautiful Wailea coastline before trading your paddle for a mask and snorkel to discover what’s happening beneath the surface.
The adventure begins aboard a traditional-style six-person outrigger canoe, where your group works together under the direction of an experienced guide. As Haleakalā rises behind the South Maui coastline, you'll learn the rhythm of outrigger paddling while your guide points out landmarks and shares stories about Maui and Hawaii's long connection to ocean voyaging.
Once you reach the snorkel area, it's time to slip into the warm Pacific and search for Hawaiian green sea turtles (Honu) in their natural habitat. Follow your guide over the reef while watching for turtles swimming below, tropical reef fish moving among the coral and lava formations, and perhaps an octopus cleverly camouflaged against the bottom. Wildlife is always wild, so individual sightings can never be guaranteed.
Your canoe remains nearby as your home base throughout the adventure, making it easy to transition between paddling and snorkeling. With time both above and below the water, this experience offers a fun introduction to South Maui's coastline while connecting an iconic Hawaiian paddling tradition with the marine life that makes these waters so special.
At just about an hour, it's an easy adventure to add to your Maui morning—leaving plenty of the day ahead after you've paddled the coast and explored the reef.
Duration
- 1 Hour Total
Location / Where to Meet
- Check In / Departure Address: Mōkapu Beach, Wailea-Makena, HI 96753, United States
- Meet at the Maui Pacific Tours beach stand on Mokapu Beach, directly behind the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, 3550 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753
- The launch site is steps from the resort's beach access.
- There is public parking nearby at Ulua Beach Parking but it fills up very quickly, so be sure to be there early! There are restrooms and showers available at this lot.
Ages & Requirements
- All ages welcome!
- Guests must be able to sit in the canoe and paddle along with the group for the full tour.
- Guests should be comfortable getting in and out of the water and floating with snorkel gear.
- 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
- One-hour outrigger canoe and snorkel tour
- Quality snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
- Guided paddling instruction
- Traditional outrigger canoe and paddles
- Experienced local guide
Not Included
- Gratuity - Never expected but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10-25% to your guides!
- You have the option to add trip protection at checkout for an additional fee.
What to Bring / Wear
- Swimsuit & Towel
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen
- Extra Layers of Clothing - Sweatshirts and Warm Hats
- Dry Bag
- Snacks & Water
- Required Paperwork - Signed medical form if required, waivers, etc.
- 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.
- Waterproof Camera - The company is not responsible for any damaged or lost items.
- Please remove any jewelry, watches, or anything that can get lost or damaged by the water.
Wildlife Guidelines
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Maui Pacific Tours
FAQs
Am I guaranteed to see sea turtles?
Sightings can't be 100% guaranteed since these are wild animals, but green sea turtles are commonly spotted in the waters along this stretch of South Maui, and guides know the areas turtles frequent.
Do I need previous outrigger canoe or snorkeling experience?
No previous outrigger paddling experience is necessary. Your guide will show you how to paddle and coordinate with the rest of the canoe before heading out. Guests should, however, be comfortable swimming and snorkeling in the ocean, since part of the experience takes place in open water.
Do we actually get in the water to snorkel with the turtles?
Yes. Unlike a wildlife-viewing tour where you remain aboard the vessel, this experience includes guided snorkeling in sea turtle habitat. You may find yourself swimming in the same area as Hawaiian green sea turtles, but guests must maintain a respectful distance and never chase, touch, feed, block, or otherwise disturb them.
What other marine life might we see while snorkeling?
In addition to Hawaiian green sea turtles, keep watch for tropical reef fish, moray eels, octopus, sea urchins, and other creatures living around South Maui’s coral and lava formations. What you see varies from day to day, which is part of the fun of exploring a natural reef.
What is an outrigger canoe, and how many people does it hold?
An outrigger canoe is a traditional Polynesian-style canoe featuring a smaller side float, called an ama, connected to the main hull to provide additional stability on the ocean. This tour uses six-person outrigger canoes, giving you the opportunity to paddle together as a group before stopping to explore the reef by snorkel.
Cancellation Policy
Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 48 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No-shows will be charged the full price.
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
Wailea Alanui Dr
Makena, HI, 96753
US
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