Wailea Sea Turtle Snorkeling Tour & Beach Picnic in Maui

Wailea's south shore reefs are home to green sea turtles, octopus, sea urchins, rays, and a wide variety of reef fish. Marine life is wild, so sightings are never guaranteed, but your guide knows where to look.

No. This tour is designed to be beginner friendly and is tailored to your comfort level, whether it's your first time or you're a seasoned snorkeler. Before getting in the water, your guide leads a breathwork session to help you relax and breathe comfortably through your snorkel.

No. This is a shore snorkel. You'll enter the water directly from a Wailea beach with your guide, so there's no boat ride and no need to worry about seasickness.

Yes. A mask, snorkel, and fins are all included. You're welcome to bring your own equipment if you prefer.

Yes. Your guide captures underwater photos and video during your snorkel, so you can relive the experience long after your trip.

Your beach setup includes beach chairs, fresh fruit, muffins, snacks, Hawaiian juices, and water.

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—rental shops typically don't carry 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).

Hawaiian green sea turtles (Honu) are protected wildlife, and visitors should stay at least 10 feet (3 m) away whenever possible, as recommended by NOAA. Never touch, chase, feed, surround, or block a turtle's path, especially when it is swimming to the surface to breathe. If a turtle approaches you, remain calm and give it plenty of space to swim away naturally. Your guide will help you observe these incredible animals respectfully while protecting their natural habitat.

Groups of four or more are automatically private, so only your group and your guide will be on the adventure. Smaller groups join a shared tour with up to 6 guests total, or can make the tour private by adding a privacy fee at checkout.

Yes. Our tours are priced per person with a two-person minimum per booking.

Private groups (four or more guests, or two or more guests with the privacy fee added) can request a custom start time. Shared tours run at the scheduled start times listed for each adventure.

Every adventure comes stocked with water, snacks, eco-friendly mosquito repellent, and locally made, all-natural reef-safe sunscreen. Your guide also captures photos and video of your day on a GoPro. Our full-day adventures include lunch as well.

As soon as your adventure ends. Your guide hands you the memory card and an adaptor so you can save, print, or post your photos right away. An edited adventure video with music and highlights can also be added at checkout for an extra fee.

Yes. Our guides are CPR-certified and carry first-aid kits on every tour. Your safety is our number one priority, and your guide tailors each outing to the interests and ability levels of your group.

Please leave valuables at your hotel. Vehicles on Maui are occasionally broken into, and backpacks, purses, and handbags are common targets. We're not responsible for any lost or stolen personal items you choose to bring.

Popular add-ons include a picnic, a professional photographer, an edited adventure video with music and highlights, and a privacy fee for smaller groups who want a private tour. Each can be added at checkout for an extra fee.

Our mission is to share Hawaiian history and culture with every guest, along with our aloha and respect for the ʻāina (land). We provide locally made reef-safe sunscreen and eco-friendly bug spray on every tour to help protect Maui's oceans and streams.