Maui Snorkeling Tours

Maui Snorkeling Tours - What to Know

Guided snorkeling tours are the best way to explore Maui’s stunning coastline and unique offshore reefs. With a guided tour, you’ll have access to some of Maui’s most iconic and difficult-to-access spots, such as the renowned Molokini Crater. The busiest seasons to visit are summer and winter, but regardless of the month you visit, the best time to snorkel in Maui is early morning. This is when the winds are the calmest and the seas are flatter, allowing for better visibility underwater. From November to March, you can also enjoy whale-watching from the boats!

Why Choose Maui for Snorkeling?

Guided tours offer expert knowledge, ensuring you visit the best spots while learning about the diverse ecosystems you're exploring. Maui’s waters are prized for their clarity and abundance of tropical fish, corals, sea turtles, sea sponges, rays, dolphins, and even whales. The island’s south side offers some of the most renowned snorkeling conditions, with sheltered shorelines, protected from the wind, calm waters, and stellar visibility. Additionally, safety is prioritized during the tours, with professional guides providing necessary equipment and instruction. Whether you're an experienced snorkeler or a beginner, a snorkeling tour in Maui offers a unique way to experience the island's natural beauty, making your Hawaiian adventure even more memorable.

Where to Go Snorkeling in Maui

Molokini Crater

Molokini is an ancient volcanic crater home to diverse marine life of over 250 fish species, including colorful parrotfish, elusive moray eels, and graceful manta rays! The protected marine sanctuary has a depth of 10 to 70 feet (3 to 21 meters) catering to both beginners and experienced snorkelers!

Makena Landing

Just a short drive from Kihei and Wailea, Makena Landing is a sheltered cove ideal for snorkelers and divers. The reef walls and caves provide a plethora of marine life, including opportunities for snorkeling with turtles. Your local guide will provide all of the snorkel gear, help you get in the water, and point out all of the underwater flora and fauna. Pair snorkeling with kayaking for the ultimate Makena adventure!

Turtle Town

A short drive from Makena Landing, you will find Turtle Town (aka Maluaka Beach). This gem’s nickname says it all. At Turtle Town Maui, snorkeling with sea turtles is practically guaranteed, but your local guide will point out a variety of other marine life, including octopus, trumpet fish, triggerfish, eels, rays, and more. Here you’ll be able to witness the symbiotic relationship of algae-eating fish and sea turtles at the famous “turtle cleaning stations.”

Ahihi-Kinau Nature Reserve

Ahihi-Kinau Nature Reserve has been a protected area since 1973. Visitors are allowed to witness only a portion of it, but it is worth it. Snorkel in protected coves framed by volcanic rocks and reefs. Ahihi Bay is the best Maui snorkeling spot for beginners, as it is a beach entry with a sheltered bay.

Olowalu Marine Sanctuary

Located between Kihei and Lahaina, Olowalu Marine Sanctuary is a favorite spot for snorkeling, kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding because of its gentle waters and the probability of marine life sightings. The Olowalu Reef (aka Turtle Cleaning Station) is a sanctuary for green sea turtles, tropical fish, and reef sharks. Some of the best Maui snorkeling tours start from here to see not only turtles, but monk seals, rays, reef sharks, and in season humpback whales.

Honolua Bay Marine Life Conservation District

If you are looking for snorkeling in Lahaina Maui, Honolua Bay is the closest and best west side snorkeling. Many of the best Maui snorkeling tours come to the bay by catamaran to moor in the protected bay. Honolua Bay has great reef snorkeling with turtles, parrot fish, triggerfish, and an occasional reef or tiger shark.

Mala Wharf

Once a fully functioning pier serving as a shipping facility for the island’s pineapple and agriculture is now a healthy artificial reef. In 1992, the end of the pier was destroyed by Hurricane Iniki that brought surf up to 30 feet high. Currently, the pilings from the old dock lie scattered on the ocean floor, creating habitats for a vast array of marine life! You can see everything from Hawaiian green sea turtles, frogfish, parrotfish, goatfish, octopus, to white tip reef sharks and so much more!

Top Tips for Snorkeling in Maui

• Best Time to Snorkel: You can snorkel year round, but from April to May and September through November there will be fewer crowds with ideal weather. The best time of day to dive is early in the morning before the wind picks up and when the seas are flatter with better visibility. During the winter, you have the chance to hear Humpback whales singing and witness them breaching from the boat.
• Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Please use reef-safe sunscreen to avoid polluting the clear waterways! With so many visitors a year, it is essential to keep the waters as clean as possible for the wildlife!
• Respect Marine Life: Observe wildlife from a distance without chasing or harassing them. Never feed or touch animals, even if they approach you out of curiosity. Please stay off the reef at all times. Green sea turtles, seals, dolphins, and many more species are protected, resulting in a fine or jail time if you’re found harassing them.
• Stay Hydrated: Swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the boat in the hot Hawaiian sun can be intense. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Follow Leave No Trace Principles: Keep all trash with you and secured down while on the boat or shore and dispose of it properly when you’re near a trash can or back at your hotel.
• Use Defog: Every boat or snorkel tour almost always has a bottle of defog! Please use it! It is safe for your eyes and it keeps your mask crystal clear so you can see all of the marine life! If you have issues with a foggy mask, return to the boat and let your guide know so they can fix it!
• Follow Safety Guidelines: Your guides are there to keep you safe and provide the best experience for you! Please listen to all safety briefings and always stay aware of your surroundings and the members in your group!

Other Maui Adventures

Check out other Maui Activities at Maui, HI Outdoor Adventures! These include scuba diving, freediving, kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, and electric biking!