Snorkel in Maui

In Hawaii, the island of Maui is one of the best places to snorkel. Would you like to explore the bottom of the sea during your vacation? Don't miss these snorkeling tours in Maui!

Isabel Catalán

Isabel Catalán

5 min read

Snorkel in Maui

Swimming with turtles in Maui | David Baker

Maui's crystal clear waters hold a spectacular natural underwater treasure. No wonder snorkeling is one of the most popular activities to do on Hawaii's second largest island. Discover the best snorkeling tours in Maui.

1. Molokini Crater Snorkeling Adventure by boat to Molokini Crater

Molokini Crater| ©Farid Askerov
Molokini Crater| ©Farid Askerov

Getting up early has never been so exciting. The early morning hours are the perfect time for snorkeling in Maui's waters because there are hardly any people. Fancy joining a Molokini snorkeling boat tour?

What I like most about these excursions is that they are tremendously comprehensive. You don't need to worry about finding a good guide to show you the best snorkeling sites and you don't need to rent snorkeling equipment as all this is usually included as well as breakfast on board, you just need to feel like having a good time!

During this type of activity you will visit sites such as Molokini Island, Turtle Town, Keawakapu Beach or La Perouse Bay. Often the visibility exceeds 55 meters and during the activity you will have the opportunity to see many marine creatures such as tropical fish, manta rays, green sea turtles or dolphins in their natural habitat.

Be attentive and prepare your camera because you will not stop taking pictures!

Compare the best snorkeling tours in Maui

2. Snorkeling Cruises in Maui

Enjoy a snorkeling cruise| ©Trey Ratclif
Enjoy a snorkeling cruise| ©Trey Ratclif

Another cool option is to take a cruise to spend an incredible day snorkeling in Maui.

If you are looking for snorkeling with the comfort of a boat, this is the best option. You will visit Molokini and Turtle Town, two of the best areas for snorkeling, with all the necessary equipment and plenty of food on board, what more could you ask for?

During this activity you will be able to observe tropical fish, sea urchins, manta rays, eels and even sharks. In case you don't want to swim, you can always observe Maui's nature from the deck or from the catamaran's glass-bottomed observation lounge - breathtaking!

Compare the best snorkeling tours in Maui

3. Kayak Snorkeling Excursion

Kayak with Snorkel| ©soates50
Kayak with Snorkel| ©soates50

For those who during their vacations in Hawaii want to enjoy the nature of this corner of Polynesia while practicing sport, nothing better than joining a small kayak excursion to snorkel in the Pacific waters.

This type of excursions are done with a guide in small groups (maximum eight people) which will ensure a super personalized experience as if it were an outing with friends.

It is also a very interesting option to take into account if you are traveling to Maui with your family, since the level required to do the activity is beginner, so children can also participate, they will have a great time watching all kinds of sea creatures such as manta rays, colorful fish, octopus, eels, dolphins and even whales!

Dare to snorkel with a transparent kayak

Have you ever ridden in a transparent kayak? Here's your chance! It will allow you to see from a new perspective the marine life that inhabits Hawaiian waters such as the impressive corals, colorful minnows, dolphins or green sea turtles.

In the winter months, you will also be able to observe the beautiful humpback whales that inhabit this place. It is an absolutely great experience!

Compare the best snorkeling tours

4. Snorkeling Catamaran Sailing

Enjoy the catamaran and practice snorkeling| ©Ewen Roberts
Enjoy the catamaran and practice snorkeling| ©Ewen Roberts

If you have little time to visit Maui but don't want to miss the chance to explore the island's waters, the best option is to take a half-day catamaran snorkeling excursion from Ka'anapali Beach and throughout West Maui.

The ship's captain will take you to Mala Wharf, Oluwalu, Cliff House or Honolua Bay for the best snorkeling.

He will make two stops so you can dive into the sea and see beautiful schools of fish, green sea turtles, dolphins and even humpback whales in winter. Meanwhile, the crew will prepare a delicious breakfast and lunch on board so that when you return to Ka'anapali beach you will be full of energy to continue your vacation.

Compare the best snorkeling tours


How much does a snorkeling tour in Maui cost?

Turtle Town| ©Kirt Edblom
Turtle Town| ©Kirt Edblom

If you would like to snorkel in Maui during your vacation, depending on your budget you can find a variety of options. There are snorkeling tours starting at 60 euros, which are quite complete. In these tours you will have the opportunity to ride a boat and go into the ocean so that a monitor accompanies you to the areas that have a greater number of species.

If, on the other hand, you prefer to do it on your own, you can always put on a snorkel and goggles and snorkel near the shore, but I do not recommend you to miss the deepest areas, because only there you will be able to see countless marine species.

Where to snorkel in Maui: best places to snorkel in Maui

La Perouse Bay| ©Kirt Edblom
La Perouse Bay| ©Kirt Edblom

The best places in Maui for snorkeling are Molokini Island, Turtle Town or La Perouse Bay. As you can see, many of the snorkeling tours take you directly to Molokini, as it is one of the key snorkeling spots on the island, not to be missed!

Snorkeling in Molokini Crater

Snorkeling in Molokini Crater| ©Derek Broderick
Snorkeling in Molokini Crater| ©Derek Broderick

Molokini Island Crater is one of the best snorkeling areas on Maui. Located offshore off the southwest coast of Maui, it is a large volcanic cone that is extinct but teeming with life. In fact, its importance is such that it was named a State Marine and Bird Conservation District.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment in Maui?

Snorkeling equipment| ©Carolina Garcia
Snorkeling equipment| ©Carolina Garcia

Yes, there are several establishments on the island where you can rent your snorkeling equipment, although if you book your place on a tour or cruise that includes snorkeling, you won't really need to rent it as it is usually included in the activity.

As I said, you can always rent equipment (or bring it from home) and explore the coast of the island, but you would be missing the underwater panorama offered by the depths of the island and you can only visit if you get there with an organized tour with a team of experts.

Snorkel to see dolphins, turtles and other marine animals in Maui

Turtle swimming| ©Steve Jurvetson
Turtle swimming| ©Steve Jurvetson

The pristine waters of Maui hold a natural underwater treasure in the form of lava and coral formations inhabited by a multitude of green turtles, tropical fish, sea urchins, dolphin eels, manta rays and humpback whales that will leave you in awe.

Snorkeling cruises

Have fun on a snorkeling cruise| ©grayclee
Have fun on a snorkeling cruise| ©grayclee

This is one of the many possibilities for snorkeling. During the cruise you will navigate by boat to some of the most outstanding sites of the island for snorkeling with all the comforts of this type of boats: bathrooms, showers, slides, lunch buffet, professional lifeguards... everything to make this experience memorable!