snorkel trip maui to lanai

LANA’I SNORKELING TOUR

Sail with us to the exclusive island of lanai, trip details.

Our Lana’i trip just got a serious upgrade with the addition of our new 65’ Gold Coast sailing catamaran. Formerly known as the Queen’s Treasure, the  ‘Alihilani  offers more amenities and accommodates even more guests. A larger and very capable sailing yacht, our capacity will now be at 49, with plenty of room to spread out and relax. A faster vessel under power means more flexibility around snorkeling sites, and additional time on the beach. Guests will now enjoy two full hours at Hulopo’e, the same great picnic with more freedom to explore!

Sail Maui is proud to offer a destination snorkel sail to the exclusive island of Lana’i. Join us on our newest vessel  ‘Alihilani  to discover why the island has been named one of the TOP 10 snorkel destinations in the world. Once known as the pineapple island, Lana’i is now famous for remote tropical beaches and tide pools, pristine reefs, and of course the spinner dolphins that frequent Manele Bay. On your honeymoon? Ask the crew about the breathtaking hike to check out Sweetheart Rock, and see why Travel + Leisure named Lana’i the No. 12 Most Romantic Island on the globe.

The adventure begins in Lahaina Harbor where we set out across the Au’ au’ channel to Lana’i. A light continental breakfast featuring some of Hawaii’s tastiest tropical fruit is served as you enjoy the panoramic view of the islands of Maui, Moloka’i, Kaho’olawe, and Lana’i. Our go to stop is the marine preserve of Manele Bay, but depending on conditions, we’ll seek out the most ideal snorkeling for the day! Once on Lana’i, Hulopo’e beach is just a 10 minute stroll away, one of the most stunning beaches in Hawaii. Enjoy your lunch at one of the many picnic tables, under a palm tree, or stretched out on the golden sand. Feel free to take our snorkel gear with you, or bring your own, as the reef here is incredibly beautiful! On the return trip, we’ll invite you to sit back and relax as we set our sails to head back to Maui.

•  Adults $200.00 
•  Children $100.00

Departure from Lahaina Harbor

• 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (7 Hours)
• Currently not active

Check In Times:

• 9:45 a.m. at Lahaina Harbor

Trip Includes:

• Snorkel gear & flotation
• Light Continental breakfast
• Picnic lunch of your choice
• Beverages including champagne, mai tais, & locally brewed beer
• Sail Maui provides complimentary reef safe sunscreen
• Wear your swimsuit and bring a towel!
• Light jacket recommended during winter months
• Limited to 40 Passengers
• 24-hour cancellation policy on all tours
• More questions? Check out our FAQ or get in touch !

**Sail Maui is temporarily waiving our 24-hour cancellation policy in light of COVID-19. Guests may reschedule or cancel up until the time of departure with a full refund should anyone in their party have symptoms or recent exposure.

11 Incredible Lana’i Snorkeling Tours from Maui

Alert for Visitors: Maui has experienced significant wildfires in August 2023, causing major disruption for both locals and tourists. For your safety and up-to-date information, please visit the Maui County website before planning any activities or travels. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated. Stay safe!

Are you planning a trip to Maui and want to find a cool Maui day trip? Scroll to find out the best Lana’i snorkeling tours from Maui worth checking out.

This list of the best shave lana’i snorkeling tours from maui was written by marcie cheung (a hawaii travel expert) and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

Snorkeling on Lana’i is one of the many fun activities you can do when you travel to Maui. Lana’i is a smaller island close to Maui with fewer amenities.

Even though there are some nice resorts and things to do in Lana’i, Maui is a popular island where most choose to stay. 

However, there are many ways you can make a Maui to Lana’i day trip, and you should go at least once, especially for an incredible Lana’i snorkeling tour! 

Wondering why my advice matters? I’ve been to Hawaii over 40 times and have unparalleled firsthand knowledge of the islands.

During your excursion to Lana’i from Maui, go on any of these Lana’i snorkeling tours from Maui! You can easily enjoy some of the best snorkeling all around the island, all the while heading back to your resort on Maui. 

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Maui itinerary complete with daily schedules, fun activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

Best Lana’i Snorkeling Tours from Maui

Here are some of the best Lana’i snorkeling tours from Maui. Some are less crowded charters, while others range from just a few hours to an entire day of snorkeling on Lana’i. Choose whichever best fits your schedule, and have fun! 

Maui to Lanai Day Trip

If you want to snorkel in Lana’i and see what else this island has to offer, this is the tour for you. You’ll begin your day sailing out on a first-class catamaran yacht to Lana’i with a delicious breakfast.

During this Lana’i snorkeling trip , you will get to spend 3 hours swimming in the ocean with tropical fish and having a blast snorkeling.

You will then take a short hike to Sweetheart Rock, and before heading back, enjoy a nice  BBQ Lunch at Manele Bay. During your lunch, you’ll have a fun hula show to watch too!

With this tour, you will get to snorkel and spend time at the Hulopoe Bay Marine Sanctuary, which most tours do not get to experience!  Check the latest rates and availability .

Lanai Snorkeling Tour with PacWhale Eco Adventures

The PacWhale Eco Adventures offer the best Lana’i snorkel tour from Maui. This is another snorkeling tour that offers both breakfast and lunch and is about 5 hours long.

You will set sail on a 65-foot double-deck catamaran and have the opportunity to see some dolphins and whales while you make your way to Lana’i. 

When you arrive, your captain will take you to the locations that offer you the best snorkeling conditions, which vary each day. You’ll get to spend hours observing the vibrant coral reef and the stunning marine life living there! 

What sets this Lana’i snorkel trip from Maui apart is that you will have a certified marine naturalist aboard to share with you all about the dolphins, sea turtles, and coral reefs you will see along the way.

They will also give you a special guided reef tour when you arrive!  Check the latest rates and availability .

Maui Adventure Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Tour

Enjoy this half-day Lana’i snorkel tour and dolphin watch that leaves Lahaina harbor. You’ll sail out on a 50-foot Explorer Super Raft.

During your sail, more than likely, you will see dolphins and sea turtles. During the winter months, you might even see some whales too! 

When you arrive in Lana’i, you will snorkel at two of the clearest and calmest snorkeling locations. Also included on this tour is a nice breakfast when you head out and a lunch when you return.  Check the latest rates and availability .

Lanai Deluxe Snorkel Sail from Lahaina

On this deluxe Lana’i snorkel cruise , you will get to experience a variety of snorkeling locations all over the island!

During this full-day tour , experience Kaunolu, Kahalepalaoa, Fish Rock, and a few other great snorkeling locations depending on the weather and ocean conditions. 

Enjoy the incredible views as you sail out to the island, all the while eating your free breakfast. Then after you are finished snorkeling, enjoy two free cocktails along with a delicious BBQ lunch at a private gazebo on Lana’i before heading back to Maui.  Check the latest rates and availability .

Lanai Morning Snorkeling Cruise & Dolphin Encounter

For a family-friendly Lana’i snorkeling cruise , hop aboard the Quicksilver! During this cruise, you will get breakfast and lunch and have the option to have some happy-hour drinks as well.

When you are ready to go snorkel, have fun entering the water with their waterslide or their jumping platform! 

This cruise takes about 5.5 hours and is so much fun to sail out on the double-decker catamaran. Along the way, you will see some playful dolphins jumping out of the water.

When you arrive, you will head to either Manele Bay or Kaunolu Bay to snorkel.  Check the latest rates and availability .

Maui to Lanai Snorkel Cruise

This is the best Lana’i snorkeling tour that departs from Kaanapali Beach. You will be on a 46-foot-long tour vessel and will get to experience snorkeling locations you won’t get to on other tours.

With this half-day tour , you can also choose to ride on sea scooters too! This will make your snorkeling tour more enjoyable as you will get to go places you wouldn’t without the scooter. 

You can also rent a GoPro with this Lana’i snorkel trip from Maui, so you can capture all the excitement and fascinating tropical fish from your adventure.  Check the latest rates and availability .

Lana’i Coast Maui Sail and Snorkel Trip

Another one of the Lana’i snorkel tours setting sail from Lahaina is this 4.5-hour tour from Sail Maui. Enjoy both a breakfast and a deli lunch as you go to and from Lana’i on their new catamaran.

Along your journey , you might see some spinner dolphins playing around in the water. 

When you arrive, your captain will take you to a few uncrowded snorkeling locations around the island, where you can see the incredible Lana’i sea cliffs, along with some awesome sea life and the beautiful coral reef.  Check the latest rates and availability .

Eco-Raft Snorkel and Dolphin Tour to Lanai

With this Eco-Raft Maui to Lana’i snorkel trip , you will climb aboard a 27-foot hard-bottom pontoon boat.

You will spend a few hours snorkeling all around Lana’i and take in the beauty that surrounds you. They will provide a simple breakfast and plenty of yummy snacks for the entire family to enjoy during your sail.  Check the latest rates and availability .

6-Hour Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Tour from Lahaina

If you want a Maui to Lana’i snorkeling experience that isn’t overly crowded, this is a small group tour that you will love that only has 18 people per tour.

With this tour, you might see some sea turtles, dolphins, manta rays, and during the winter, humpback whales! 

You’ll get to experience two different snorkeling sights around the island, all with fewer people, so you can enjoy yourself at your own pace.

Aside from the snorkeling, this is one of the few Lana’i snorkeling tours from Maui where you can also enjoy seeing some offshore pinnacles, blow holes, and sea cliffs too!

This tour also features snacks, drinks, and a nice lunch.  Check the latest rates and availability .

Sea Scooter Half-Day Morning Lanai Tour

This is one of the only Maui boat tours to Lana’i that offers sea scooters as part of your experience; at no extra charge! You’ll get to experience two different snorkeling locations and be able to explore the ocean and vibrant coral reef, unlike any other tour. 

With this four-hour tour , you will depart from Kaanapali and sail out to Lana’i early in the morning.

Enjoy some fresh Hawaiian fruits and pastries throughout your trip, along with some juice and soda. You can also rent a GoPro to capture your fun adventure too!  Check the latest rates and availability .

Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Watch from Lahaina

On this Lana’i snorkel trip , experience the breathtaking views of Maui and Lana’i while you head out to some of the best snorkeling spots along the island.

All rental gear is included, along with breakfast, lunch, snacks, and one alcoholic beverage to enjoy during this five-hour-long tour . 

A Certified Marine Naturalist will be aboard helping you find the best snorkeling spots and help you learn about all the incredible creatures you will see in the ocean during your trip. They even have a fun Jr. Naturalist Program for your little kids aboard as well!  Check the latest rates and availability .

Lana’i Snorkeling Tours FAQs

The ferry typically costs $30 and takes roughly 50 minutes to get from Maui to Lana’i.

Lana’i offers some of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii! There are many places around the island where you can swim with many tropical fish and turtles.

If you are vacationing in Maui, it is absolutely worth going on a Lana’i excursion from Maui. There are many tours from Maui to Lana’i that make it even more fun, especially if you don’t want to figure out what to do when you arrive.

There are plenty of great snorkeling spots on Lana’i. The Maui snorkel tours to Lana’i will take you to some of the best snorkeling areas, including Hulopoe Bay, Manele Bay, Kaunolu, and a few others.

Snorkeling on Lana’i Wrap Up

Lana’i snorkeling from Maui is so much fun and is definitely worth it during your trip to Maui. Be sure to take one of these Lana’i snorkeling tours from Maui during your next trip to the islands and enjoy all this beautiful island has to offer.

Looking for more Maui day trip ideas? Check out the best stops on the Road to Hana , the coolest Molokini Crater snorkeling tours , awesome Maui kayaking tours , and our guide to Haleakala Crater !

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From Ma’alaea Harbor: Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Encounter Aboard the Quicksilver

Quick details.

• Calendar Availability: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8:30AM
• Clock Duration: 5.5 Hours
• Users Ages: All ages
• User Small Child: Ages 6 and under free - 1 free child per paying adult
• Map Marker Meet At: Boss Frog's Ma'alaea Harbor, 300 Ma'alaea Road, Building 2, Shop# 2N, Wailuku, HI 96793
• Car Paid Parking: ALL QUICKSILVER PASSENGERS ARE REQUIRED TO PARK AT MAUI HARBOR SHOPS / MAUI OCEAN CENTER LOCATED AT: 300 Ma'alaea Road, Wailuku, HI 96793.
• Anchor Waiver: Please sign the Liability Waiver before you go
• Phone Tour Not Available?: If your dates aren’t available online, please contact us at 808-856-4260

Small Children Free - 1 Small Child Per Paying Adult

* rates may vary during peak seasons & holidays., an incredible dolphin & snorkeling adventure in lanai.

Ready for an epic Lanai snorkeling tour? Awesome! Let’s go! We’re delighted to host you and your family aboard the Quicksilver and guide your exploration of Lanai’s remote underwater world.

Begin the day by checking-in 30-minutes prior to departure at the Boss Frog’s store in Ma’alaea Harbor. There will be a Quicksilver crew member waiting outside the store to help you get checked in. We like to get off to an early start when the seas and breeze are usually calm. Sit on either of our two decks in comfort. If you squint and look across the Maui Nui Basin, you can almost see Manele Bay on the south shore of Lanai.

Shark Fin Rock, on the other hand, is not at all visible- until your double-decked vessel rounds the west coast of the island, and brings you past even more amazing landforms. Some, like Sweetheart Rock, are steeped in Hawaiian legend. Quicksilver’s engaging captain and crew – always full of aloha – will bring these ancient tales to life as they narrate your time at sea.

The nearshore waters of Lanai are home to sheer cliffs, craggy rocks, and coral reefs full of colorful marine life. A large pod of spinner dolphins lives offshore and spends a lot of time in the channel. It’s common to see these incredible marine mammals diving, leaping, and swimming alongside the boat!

Because the island is not as developed as Maui, Oahu, or Kauai, and the human population is small, the corals and other reef life have more space and time to thrive. You’ll love exploring the snorkel sites here! Whether you get the chance to see the wide-ranging coral reef of Manele Bay, or the unique reef life surrounding Shark Fin Rock, this Lanai snorkeling tour will leave you with lasting memories.

About the Location

Travel & experience an entirely new island of hawaii- lanai.

One of the most unique places you can snorkel on Maui is actually off Maui, on Lanai! Just 8.8 miles across the channel is the Pineapple Isle – Maui’s closest neighbor island. Now home to two opulent resorts with their own golf courses, Lana’i used to be agricultural land for the world’s largest pineapple plantation. Long before that, it was one of the banishment sites for Maui’s lawbreakers.

Today, the Quicksilver catamaran’s Lanai snorkeling tour gives you the chance to visit this amazing place! Lanai offers incredible snorkeling destinations and marine life. While aboard Quicksilver, passengers often encounter spinner dolphins, who jump and twirl in the air! Lanai is home to a huge pod of over one hundred of these social marine mammals.

Lanai snorkeling sites are located beneath towering cliffs more than three hundred feet high! As you can imagine, the photo ops are just unbeatable. Few people in the world ever snorkel these remote areas like Manele Bay and Shark Fin Rock, each with visibility of up to one hundred feet.

• Chevron down Mandatory Check-In

30-minutes prior to departure

• Chevron down Duration
• Chevron down Meet At
• MEET AT:  Boss Frog’s, Ma’alaea Harbor, 300 Ma’alaea Road, Building 2, Shop# 2N, Wailuku, HI 96793
• There will be a Quicksilver crew member waiting at a table outside the store to help you get checked-in
• Chevron down Paid Parking
• PASSENGERS ARE REQUIRED TO PARK AT MAUI HARBOR SHOPS 300 MA’ALAEA ROAD, WAILUKU, HI 96793
• Give yourself extra time to account for traffic, weather, road construction, parking , and the walk from the parking lot to the boat slip (10-15 minutes) in order to arrive at check-in 30-minutes prior to departure
• Chevron down What's Included
• Mixed Fruit, muffins, and pastries
• Juice (passion, orange, guava) , soft drinks, hot coffee, tea, and water
• Flatbread turkey sandwiches
• Pulled pork sandwich with BBQ sauce
• Veggie burgers (vegetarian option must be ordered at the time of booking)
• Potato chips
• Three bean and potato salad
• Fruit and veggie platters
• Chocolate chip cookies

Also Included

• Use of top-quality snorkel gear and flotation devices
• Dolphin search
• Whale watching (When in season, December – April)
• “Jump for Joy” jumping platform
• Water slide
• Two restrooms
• Two freshwater showers
• Professional captain and crew
• Informative and historical narration
• Chevron down What's Available
• Adult beverages available for purchase $3.00 each
• Wetsuits available for rent $10.00 each
• Underwater digital camera rentals $85.00 each
• Dramamine 2 tablets $5.00
• T-shirts available for purchase $20.00 each
• Chevron down What's Excluded
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Parking fees
• Chevron down What to Bring
• Valid ID required for passengers 21+ who will be drinking alcoholic beverages
• Cash if you plan to tip the crew
• Light jacket or sweater
• Reef safe sunscreen
• Chevron down What You Should Know

Snorkel Locations and Wildlife

• Snorkel locations are not guaranteed they are determined daily by our captains based on weather conditions, swell height and direction, and many years of experience in Maui waters
• The ride to the snorkel location is approximately 90 minutes. If prone to seasickness, please prepare accordingly
• Wildlife sightings, while likely, are not guaranteed

Dietary Needs

• If you have a dietary restriction (vegetarian, gluten free, etc.) this must be noted and specific dietary restricted lunch requested at time of booking
• With safety in mind alcoholic beverages are served only after the snorkel portion of the tour is completed.
• Minimum drinking age is 21
• Must have valid photo ID
• Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis
• Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• A 24-hour notice is required for cancellation or reschedule
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Chevron down Accessibility
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Near public transportation
• Chevron down Boat Tour & Amenities

Click HERE to learn more about our boat’s amenities.

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From ma’alaea harbor: turtle town afternoon snorkel aboard the quicksilver.

Join us for an afternoon snorkeling charter to the magnificent snorkel spot—Lahaina Turtle Town—home to turtles and a variety of beautiful Hawaiian fish! Lunch, drinks, and snorkel gear are included. Cheap adult drinks for purchase. Tours in Dec – April will also include Humpback Whale Watching if time allows!!  Sometimes we just can’t stop snorkeling.

• Sells Out Fast!

From Ma’alaea Harbor: Sunset Dinner Cruise Aboard the Quicksilver

Enjoy prime rib or Mahi-Mahi while experiencing the best of West Maui.  A Maui dinner cruise is a must-due while on Island.   This tour offers a delicious dinner, drinks, island-style music, and incredible sunset views as the vessel gently cruises along the coast of the Valley Isle. A Perfect opportunity to relax with family and friends.

From Ma'alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tours Aboard the Quicksilver

Ever seen a real live humpback whale? Well now’s your chance! We offer an awesome, fully narrated whale watching tour in Maui during whale season (Dec – April). Join us for this once in a lifetime experience that you don’t want to miss!

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Lanai, Maui

SNORKEL TOURS

Dolphin watching.

Locally owned and operated since 1982, we’ve been sharing Maui’s snorkeling tours experiences with guests for more than 30 years! Our Lanai snorkeling tours are small groups at uncrowded snorkel spots on Maui and Lanai where we see tropical fish, turtles and dolphin watch! Come share the a snorkel adventure of a lifetime with us!

$175 Total-NO Hidden Fees $107   Kids 4-12

DOLPHIN ADVENTURE & LANAI SNORKEL

4 hour tour: 9am-1pm, explore lanai's south coast, includes snacks, 2 snorkel stops, snorkel gear provided.

24HR Cancellation Policy No Children Under 4 Years Old

$200 Total-NO Hidden Fees $155   Kids 4-12

DELUXE DOLPHIN ADVENTURE & LANAI SNORKEL

6 hour tour: 8am-2pm, explore lanai's south coast to more remote locations with exclusive sight seeing includes lunch 3 snorkel stops snorkel gear provided, luxe snorkel, 4 hour luxury tour, snorkel tour.

Only 6 Guests Guaranteed Sightings Marine Naturalist Guides & Hydrophone Onboard! 24HR Cancellation Policy. No children under 4 years

Dolphins are seen 9/10 trips. Marine life sighting vary. Whale watching is included in the snorkel tours during migration season (Dec-April).

Small Group Snorkel Tours

Snorkel Maui & Lanai on a small group snorkel tour! Every seat is a front row seat!

Dolphins & Sea Turtles

Maui dolphin watching, snorkel with turtles, tropical fish and see sea cliff, rays, octopus & more!

Snacks & Drinks! Food

Beginner friendly.

Beginner friendly Maui snorkel instruction, snorkel gear, flotation devices and marine naturalist guides!

Maui Snorkeling

Tour details.

We provide reef safe sunscreen, mask, snorkel, fins, and flotation devices for your Maui, lanai snorkel trip!

Bring a towel, swimsuit, hat sunglasses and camera! We provide all your Lanai snorkeling gear and flotation devices! BYOB adult beverages!

Our marine naturalist guide will be onboard and in the water for your private charter giving you a guided whale watching tour of Maui and Lanai's underwater world.

This Maui snorkeling trip does not allow for guests with back injuries, neck injuries, or pregnant ladies. Must be 4yrs+ and able to swim.

Our Maui Snorkeling Tours and Dolphin Watch depart from Mala Boat Ramp, 1229 Front Street Lahaina, Hawaii 96761 in Maui! Meet us there half hour before your snorkel tour!

Top Maui Snorkel Tours

Marine animals, green sea turtles.

 TURTLE FACTS  

Maui's Dolphins

 DOLPHIN FACTS  

Tropical Fish

 SNORKEL TIPS  

Humpback Whales (Seasonal)

 WHALE FACTS  

Beginner-Friendly Snorkel Tours

Book a beginner-friendly snorkel tour with us!

  SEE TOURS  

Maui Lanai Snorkeling Tips

Get the right snorkel gear., snorkel buddies, when in doubt, don't go out, snorkel with the locals.

Join us for a snorkel tour and we will guide you on an ocean adventure you will never forget!

Learn How to Snorkel 101

Best places to snorkel on Maui

West Maui offers beginner friendly snorkeling, turtle sightings and unique reefs! Traveling to Lanai from West Maui we often see dolphins and other unique marine life like whale sharks and rays! Some of Maui’s best snorkel locations are along the West Coast including Oluwalu, Mala Wharf and Honolua Bay. Here we snorkel with turtles and enjoy the calm waters protected by the leeward slopes of the West Maui mountains.

SNORKEL TOUR MAP

Marine Life on Lanai

Because Lanai’s reef is thriving , we see a variety of marine life! There are multiple types of coral reef we snorkel including cumulative, pinnacle and aggregate reef structures. Every reef is home to different sea creatures including Hawaiian green sea turtles, octopus, manta rays, dolphins, sharks, whale sharks and even seals. Many of the tropical fish that make their home on Lanai can’t be found anywhere else in the world!

Lanai was once a pineapple plantation and known as the Pineapple island

Best places to snorkel in Lanai

Lanai is our top destination for snorkeling tours . Known for it’s living reefs and breathtaking sea-cliffs, this island is home to many tropical fish species that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. There are more than a dozen remote snorkeling spots along the Lanai coast! Club Lanai, Manele Bay, Sweetheart Rock, and Shark Fin are a few of our favorite snorkel stops. Because Lanai has very little near shore development, the reef is much healthier and sustains more marine life. Some of these snorkel spots are along the sea cliff and showcase unique rock formations, swim throughs and even ancient burial grounds.

Maui LanaiDolphin Watching

Crossing the channel between Maui and Lanai we often see some of our favorite marine mammals, dolphins. Although Maui is home to 13 species of dolphins , we most commonly see spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and spotted dolphins. Maui is a protected sanctuary for humpback whales but also has protections in place for turtles and dolphins! Although dolphins are protected and we are not permitted to offer snorkeling with dolphins, the wild dolphins are very playful and curious and often swim along side our rafting vessels! Some dolphins travel in pods of hundreds of animals, making for an amazing viewing experience as they jump, spin, surf the wake and gracefully move through the water along side our boats!

SEE DOLPHIN TOURS

Dolphin watching on lanai

Snorkeling with Turtles

The Hawaiian green sea turtle is a popular resident on our Maui beaches and waters. A symbol of good luck and wisdom, the HONU , (Hawaiian word for green sea turtle), is Hawai i’s only indigenous turtle and an aumkua, or family god, in Hawaiian mythology. One of our favorite ocean activities is snorkeling with turtles on Maui. Maui is home to 3 species of native sea turtles including the Leatherback, Hawksbill and the most common Green Sea Turtle. Because al l sea turtles are either endangered or protected, we encourage respectful encounters which include never touching a sea turtle (this is actually against the law!) and giving turtles their space so they can interact naturally in their marine environment.

SEE TURTLE TOURS

Best Spots to Snorkel with Turtles in Maui

There are our top snorkeling spots we see Green sea turtles. Some of these snorkel locations you can swim to from shore, others are best reached from a boat during a turtle snorkel tour on Maui or Lanai!

A more remote location to snorkel with turtles would be the island of Lanai, about half hour boat ride from Lahaina, Maui. Leaving Maui by boat, we travel about 8 miles to the coast of Lanai, where there are more than a dozen remote snorkel spot to choose from. One favorite is Club Lanai, named for the reefs location set right outside the beach where Club Lanai was once a popular day club for tourist. Now the club is vacant but the reef is very much alive with marine life! Here we see our favorite green sea turtles, many tropical fish and often spot shy reef sharks cruising through the sandy reef channels.

Mala Wharf, Lahaina

Another popular Maui snorkel spot to see turtles is Mala Boat Ramp in Lahaina Maui. This snorkel spot may not look like much from the surface, but the underwater view is spectacular. Mala Boat Ramp was once used to load pineapples from the cannery onto boats, but with the end of pineapple farming, the ramp collapsed and was left to create an artificial reef. This spot can be reached by shore or by boat, and you’ll be stoked to see dozens of tropical fish, octopus, Hawaiian green sea turtles swimming, and even shy reef sharks sleeping near the reef structure.

Oluwalu reef located in Lahaina, Maui, is a popular snorkel destination and you can often spot green sea turtles swimming through the beautiful coral or hanging out in cleaning stations allowing fish to clean the algae from their shells. Oluwalu is also a great snorkel spot for snorkeling to turtles, it is shallow and is very protected from the wind, creating a calm place to explore the ocean. Some of Oluwalu can be snorkeled from shore, but to reach the outer reef it’s best to chartering a boat. This spot isn’t just home to Hawaiian green sea turtles, you can also see manta rays and tropical fish!

Join our Lanai Snorkel Tour! SEE TOURS

Best Weather for Snorkeling

Is it ok to snorkel in the rain?

Because Maui is a tropical island, light rains are very typical but when Maui receives significant rainfall, the water run-off creates low visibility and murky water that you do not want to snorkel in. The weather throughout the island of Maui can be very different, sometimes there is rain in one area and often the other side of the island is experiencing no rain at all. It’s also important to know that many snorkel tours, including Ultimate’s Lanai snorkeling tours, leave Maui and snorkel the Lanai coast. Not only does decreased visibility make it difficult to see marine life, murky water has bacteria we don’t want to be swimming in, Not just for the experience, but also for safety, we do not recommend snorkeling when when the water looks brown or murky after heavy rainfall.

What about snorkeling in waves and wind?

Waves are caused by many factors including incoming swells from distant tropical storms, wind chop and other vessels. Snorkeling in mild waves is doable, but the main concern is it causing seasickness for snorkelers. If waves are more than mild, not only does it make entering from the shore, or driving from a boat difficult, it also can affect the water clarity as it is stirring up sand and soot. Most wave swells come in directions, North, South, East, West. Because Maui and Lanai are islands there is typically a location at all times that has calm waters. Our boat captains find the calmest water for snorkeling! Wind can be a tricky element as it not only affects your snorkel tour, but also the means to get to your snorkel location. If you are on a boat charter, heavy winds can make the boat ride bumpy and wet, blowing the ocean spray onto the deck of the vessel.

What is the best weather for snorkeling?

Being a tropical island, Maui has shifts in weather that can affect snorkeling. Some weather variables that can affect snorkeling conditions include rain, wind, current and cloud cover! One of the benefits of snorkel tours from Lahaina Harbor, is that the west side of Maui is located on the lee-ward side of the West Maui Mountains, blocking most weather from even reaching Lahaina, Maui. This makes Lahaina Maui snorkeling one of the calmest and driest locations on the island! Our captains use special weather reports, experience and our live weather camera so determine the best weather and locations for snorkeling!

Snorkel Tours to Lana'i

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Snorkel to the Island of Lana’i for the day

The Island of Lana’i has 1,000 ft. Sea Cliffs, Blow Holes, Lava Caves, Arches and some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii. 85% chance of encountering Dolphins! Choose from 2 Sailing Catamarans or Ocean Rafts. Ocean Rafting holds 18-35 passengers and are fast and adventurous. All include Snorkel Gear and Lunch. Catamarans will Dock and let you go ashore; includes Cocktails on the Sail home.

Day Tour to Lana’i with Trilogy Excursions

Lana’i Snorkel and Dolphin Watch

Private Snorkel Tour to Lanai

Snorkel Tour to Lanai

We Tested: The 9 Best Snorkeling Tours on Maui (+ discount!)

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Maui is home to the best snorkeling in Hawaii, which makes it a huge draw for visitors. While we enjoy snorkeling from the beach, we love treating ourselves to a good snorkeling tour. Snorkeling tours offer trips to difficult-to-access spots, a better chance at spotting a wide variety of marine life, and guides that can help you navigate the process.

But with an abundance of tours offered, it can be difficult to figure out which are the best snorkeling tours on Maui.

After going on many snorkeling tours, we have a list of our favorite snorkeling tours on Maui and we’ve included something for everyone. 

In a hurry and just want the quick details on the best snorkeling tours on Maui? We’ve got you covered: 1. The best Molokini snorkeling tour 2. We love this Lanai Coast snorkel sail 3. Enjoy a whale watch/snorkeling combo 4. Get out to Molokini’s back wall on this power raft tour 5. Kayak and snorkel from Olowalu 6. Beach load right from Ka’anapali on this great and convenient tour 7. Enjoy a private snorkeling experience (5% off with code HVG5) 8. This is an awesome Molokini snorkel tour for families 9. Go out from shore with a guide on a private or small group tour

Best Snorkeling Tours on Maui

As I’ve said, we love snorkeling tours. And getting to live on Maui, we’ve been so lucky to experience many different tours. While we have generally liked most of our snorkeling tour experiences, these are the ones that really stand out in terms of the quality of the boat, the crew, and the snorkel locations. 

Add these to your shortlist of snorkeling tours to experience on Maui .

1. Kai Kanani Maui Adventure Sunrise Snorkel to Molokini Crater

This is hands-down our favorite Molokini snorkel experience because it is a trip that everyone can enjoy. The biggest pro is that Kai Kanani does a beach loading directly from Wailea/Makena, while most other boats depart from Ma’alaea Harbor, which is much further away. That means two things: 

• You’re not spending half of your trip getting to and from the crater. You get more snorkel time!
• You are the first boat to arrive at Molokini Crater.

Being the first snorkeling group in the water is a huge perk. Since it is very popular, Molokini can get crowded. It is a real treat to see it empty! By the time the bigger boats show up, you’re on your way to the second snorkeling location , which is usually turtle town.

Book the sunrise Molokini snorkeling tour with Kai Kanani. If sunrise is a bit too early for you, they also offer a later, deluxe Molokini snorkeling tour. The capacity on their catamaran is 80 people, but they keep their total less (40-60 people) to make sure everyone has a bit more room. 

And want to experience it before you go? Here’s a video of our sunrise tour experience:

If you’re looking for the BEST trip to Molokini crater, be sure to check out our list of the best Molokini snorkeling tours.

2. Trilogy Discover Lana’i Snorkel

A day trip to Lana’i is a real treat and Trilogy makes this day out even more special. Depart from either Ma’alaea Harbor or Ka’anapali Beach and enjoy breakfast on your way to Lana’i. Depart the boat and head to Hulopo’e Bay, a protected marine reserve, for some snorkeling, hiking, and a bbq lunch.

Honestly, we love snorkeling in Hulopo’e Bay and it is such a beautiful place with plenty of tropical fish and a vibrant coral reef. An absolute treat to be able to experience the beach and water out there.

On the return home enjoy a snack and beverages from the premium bar.

3. Ultimate Lana’i Coast Snorkel

Head out on a snorkeling adventure on a high speed raft. This 3.5 hour tour takes you to the Lana’i coast (conditions dependent) on a small group tour. On our tour (video below) we were lucky enough to see both Hawaiian green sea turtles and spinner dolphins.

If you are visiting Maui during whale season and you can’t decide if you should go whale watching or snorkeling, you don’t have to choose. Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel runs a combo trip so you can do both at the same time.

A quick note: while you can sometimes spot humpback whales on snorkeling trips during the whale watching months on Maui, snorkeling tours are not going out of their way to find whales.

4. Redline Rafting to Molokini Crater Back Wall

This tour isn’t the classic Molokini Crater snorkeling trip and it isn’t for everyone. But for the right (adventurous person), this is an amazing tour option. Nearly every boat company offers tours of Molokini Crater. But Redline Rafting will not only take you to the crater but to the back wall of the crater on their 5-hour snorkel tour.

This tour is perfect for those visitors who are staying in South Maui. The tour leaves from Kihei Boat Ramp which is between Kihei and Wailea, super convenient.

The back wall is deep  — 300+ feet — but your visibility of it will be less, so it looks like it’s falling off into the ocean. It’s also more thrilling than the partially enclosed crater as you’re open to the ocean.

We went out on Redline’s 2-hour snorkel tour to Molokini Crater. We loved how fast of a trip it was to the crater, 15 minutes, and that we got 1 hour 45 minutes to snorkel. The captain had time for us to do the back wall which is usually reserved for the 5-hour tour. See our experience below!

You’ll then continue your snorkel to La Perouse Bay, a spot where you can often find spinner dolphins.

The power raft tour leaves from the Kihei small boat ramp, which is another perk. You don’t need to drive to Maalaea Harbor to start your journey. 

5. Kayak Snorkeling with Maui Adventure Tours

Looking for something a little different? Skip the big boat experience (and crowds) and head out with a guide on a kayak. Maui Adventure Tours leaves from Olowalu Beach in West Maui (10-minutes south of Lahaina) to take you out snorkeling the pristine reef and clear water of Olowalu reef. No kayaking experience is required.

While you won’t be paddling to Molokini Crater or Lana’i, you’ll stop at different snorkeling locations and look for turtles, octopus, fish, and more. During whale season, you might even get to see some whales up close. 

If you’re planning a trip to Maui, we have a full guide dedicated to planning the best vacation. From where to stay, what to do, and where to eat, we have you covered. Check out our Maui Guide for everything you need to know for a great vacation . 

6. Beach Loading Snorkeling Tours with Sea Maui

If you’re staying in Ka’anapali, there’s nothing more convenient than a beach loading snorkeling tour. No driving or parking needed, just head out to Ka’anapali Beach for a great beach loading experience.

Sea Maui offers different snorkeling tours , ranging from 2.5 to 4.5 hours. They stick to snorkeling locations on West Maui, picking the best location that day based on ocean conditions and visibility. All ages are welcome on the tour and kids under 2 get to join for free.

We have a ton of great resources for planning the rest of your trip: Find an amazing place to stay on Maui . Plan your trip during the best time to visit Maui . Visit the best beaches the island has to offer. Chow down on affordable and delicious grindz at Maui food trucks .

7. Maui Custom Charters to Coral Gardens and Olowalu Reef

Are you looking to ditch the crowds on your snorkel trip? Try a private charter with Maui Custom Charters. Up to 6 passengers can enjoy sailing to the famous and pristine Olowalu reef or under the Lahaina cliffs in Coral Gardens, two snorkel spots that are only accessible by boat.

Whether you want to snorkel, watch the sunset, enjoy some cocktails, learn to sail, celebrate a special occasion, or just lay back and relax then a private charter is your best option. They can customize the perfect trip as the boat and crew are at your service! Their most popular chartered tours are the morning or afternoon 4 -hour snorkel and sail.

Save 5% on all their charter tours with promo code HVG5!

Best Maui Snorkeling Tour for Families

Finding a good snorkeling tour can be tricky when you’re traveling with kids. Some boats don’t allow very young children and babies on board. And if they do, coaxing your child into the ocean so you can all snorkel together can sometimes be a challenge. 

While we’ve taken our preschooler on both Kai Kanani and Sail Maui tours, there are two other tours that we think are exceptional for kids.

Traveling with kids? Here are our favorite kid-friendly beaches on Maui . 

8. Four Winds II Molokini Snorkel

Family fun is the focus on the Four Winds Molokini Crater tour . It’s a larger boat tour than you’ll find in our previous recommendations, but they have some specific amenities that can make going with a larger group totally worth it. Note: their boat capacity is 149 people but they advertise that they keep their tours smaller than that to ensure comfortability.  

On their Molokini snorkeling tour, you’ll get to snorkel Molokini Crater but kids are front and center on the tour. There is a waterslide (that even adults enjoy), a glass-bottom viewing, cookies, temporary tattoos, and more. In the glass bottom room, a few kids or adults can take a peek at what’s underwater, without actually having to get into the water. 

Maui Wayfinder Itinerary

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The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. You’ll get six carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t miss stops no matter how limited your time is.

Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Maui.

9. Maui Snorkel Tours

This is a unique guided snorkeling tour. They offer shore-based tours , meaning no boats are involved at all. You’ll head out in a very small group with a guide (or a private tour) after a briefing on land about marine biology and how to snorkel. 

Why is this great for the family? On a tour boat, there’s no one available to teach you how to properly snorkel. With a guide, they are taking you step by step through how to snorkel, where to snorkel, and equipping you with the knowledge that you can use on future shore snorkeling trips. Whether it’s kids or adults learning, everyone in your family can have a great time underwater and walk away with knowledge about snorkeling and the ocean. 

If you want to look for even more tours, head to our Tours & Activities page for Maui for a full list of our recommended snorkeling, whale watching , ziplining, and more tours. 

Maui Snorkeling Tour FAQs:

If you’re heading out on your first snorkeling trip or trying to decide if paying for a trip is worth it, we have you covered with some FAQs. 

Are snorkeling tours on Maui worth it?

I used to find myself squarely on one side of this debate: snorkeling tours were not worth the money. However, as I’ve done more of them (and gone on great tours), I’ve come to really appreciate that a good snorkeling tour is definitely worth the time money for a number of reasons: 

• You can snorkel in hard-to-access areas: Some tours will take you to spots that are easily accessible from the shore. But others treat you to spots that would be challenging (or impossible) to reach without a boat, like Molokini, spots off the coast of Lana’i, Coral Garden, and Namalu Bay.  
• Access to a naturalist: You’re there to snorkel and have fun, but there’s also something to be said about actually learning more about Hawaii, the ocean, and sea file while you’re on your tour. The best boats come with fantastic naturalists who can educate you on what you’re seeing and answer any questions that you have.
• A crew dedicated to keeping you safe: Snorkeling is a fun activity but there are times when it isn’t so safe. When you head out on a quality boat tour, you have a crew that is dedicated to making sure their passengers stay safe. That means providing you with good gear, having people in the water to help anyone in distress, and making sure to take you to places that are safe. 
• Excellent gear: We own our own snorkeling gear but we almost always leave that at home and use what our tour provides. Why? The quality of the equipment is great, they take away any hassle of cleaning it, and we get to try out new brands. 

• Easy and all-inclusive: Beach days require some planning — bringing the gear, finding a spot, packing enough food and water. A snorkeling tour requires a lot less planning. They take care of the food and drink for you. Just bring your towel and your favorite reef-friendly sunscreen!
• Better reef and environmental protection: Protecting the reef and the sea life in Hawaii is very important. When you travel on a guided snorkeling tour, there is little chance that you’ll find yourself stepping on and damaging coral or violating any of the animal protection laws that are in place. 

While there are a lot of benefits of snorkeling with a tour, that’s not to say that you should skip snorkeling from the shore. If you are an experienced snorkeler and want to visit some of Maui’s best snorkeling spots , you will have a great time. 

But we think that doing one good, quality snorkeling tour on Maui is worth it for just about everyone. 

Is snorkeling at Molokini Crater worth it?

Molokini Crater is one of the most popular snorkeling destinations in Hawaii. It’s a crescent shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater located just a few miles off Maui’s south shore. It’s also a marine life sanctuary and a Hawaii state seabird sanctuary. 

Molokini is a very popular spot, but is it worth it? We think that with the right tour, a trip to Molokini is absolutely worth it. The water is incredibly clear, you’ll see a wider variety of fish than you would snorkeling on the beach, and most tours include additional snorkeling stops, which means you’re not just snorkeling the crater. 

That said, not every Molokini Crater snorkeling tour is equally as good. We’ve listed our favorites (and why we picked them) to help you find the right tour for you. 

Is a snorkeling trip to Lana’i worth it?

I have to be honest: we love snorkeling on Lana’i. So we are firmly in the camp that thinks a snorkeling trip to Lana’i is worth it . And there are a few reasons why. 

First, it’s another island which is just a fun adventure in itself. Second, there are fewer people who make the trip out there compared to other snorkeling spots. Third, you will often see spinner dolphins along the coast and finding your boat in a pod of dolphins is a memorable experience. 

Check out our video of our trip to Lana’i with Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel. It was an adventure on a small power raft and one that we can’t wait to go on again soon. 

What can you expect on a snorkeling tour?

While all snorkeling tours are a little bit different, there are some things that you can generally expect to find on your tour

• A naturalist or experienced guide: These guides can educate you on what you’re seeing as well as how best to keep you and the marine life safe. They are extremely knowledgeable, so when they talk be sure to listen!
• Snorkeling gear: If you don’t have snorkeling gear (maks, snorkel, fins) your trip will usually provide you with a high-quality set. And they’ll make sure it fits you well so you can have the best experience possible. 
• Food and drinks : It can be a long day out on the water and the tour will usually provide everything you need to stay happy and hydrated. There’s a range as to what you’ll find on board — some tour operators focus on food and drinks as a selling feature while others provide good food, but the meal and bar isn’t their focus. 

Prefer to get out on the water without snorkeling? Check out our list of the best sunset cruises on Maui . We have a range of options, including a lively luau cruise, a champagne toast sail, or a full dinner cruise.

Before you head to Maui, read our Maui Guide. It’ll make your trip planning so much easier. From where to stay, what to do, and where to eat, we have you covered. Check out our Maui Guide for everything you need to know for a great vacation . 

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I'm the co-founder, with my husband Jordan, of The Hawaii Vacation Guide. We have lived on Maui and Oahu and continue to travel, experience, and learn about the Hawaiian Islands. We travel with our kids, Henry and Edith. I am a planner! I love to plan trips from the mainland and island-hopping adventures, excursion days, and everything in-between. I spend a lot of my time in Hawai'i on a SUP and my favorite time of year in Hawai'i is whale season!

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While we are devastated to share that our two boats burned in the Lahaina fires, we are pleased to announce that we are in the process of acquiring new vessels.

Check back soon for information on the 2024 – 2025 whale season., come join us as we offer our world-renowned maui adventure cruises whale watching tours once again, operating from maalaea harbor for the upcoming 2023 – 2024 season., maalaea harbor, slip #41, snorkeling & dolphin adventures and whale watch adventures.

Lanai Dolphin and Snorkel Adventure

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Adult (13yrs +): $164.00 plus taxes & fee Child (5-12yrs): $129.00 plus taxes & fee

This Lanai snorkeling trip takes you across the Au‘au Channel to the Island of Lana‘i. Dolphins are often encountered off the island with lots of tropical fish, green sea turtles, and occasional manta rays at the snorkel sites chosen by your captain.

Coastline Snorkel Adventure

Adult (13yrs +) : $119.00 plus taxes & fee child (5-12yrs): $99.00 plus taxes & fee.

Cruise the West Maui Coastline to a fabulous snorkel site where you swim & snorkel for over one hour with tropical fish over a colorful coral reef and maybe even see green sea turtles, spotted eagle rays and moray eels.

Whale Watch Adventure

Adult (13yrs +) : $79.00 plus taxes child (5-12yrs): $54.00 plus taxes.

Come experience the best Maui whale-watching experience on the island! We get to the whales fast – more time to whale watch and less time traveling! Every seat is a front-row seat. We offer Whale Season Passes for those of you who love to whale watch!

Note – Trip and destination are weather, seas, and wind conditions permitting; any snorkel site is the Captain’s choice for visibility and safety.

Guest Responsibility – Guests are solely responsible for their possessions, including clothing, hats, cameras, cell phones, and other electronics. Dry storage bags are not available; however, small disposable trash bags are available upon request. Please remember, we are a sea vessel on the water and in the elements; dress appropriately. Layered clothing and a long-sleeved shirt and /or light jacket are recommended for sun and wind protection.

Restrictions –

• 48-hour cancellation policy. Click here for terms.
• All activities are at your own risk; these tours are best suited for the physically fit outdoor adventurer.
• No children under the age of 5, pregnant persons, or persons having recent back/neck surgeries or major injuries/issues. Any passenger doing in-water activity must be a competent swimmer .
• Private Charters: do NOT have age restrictions; however, they are recommended.
• Private charters are your boat for your time.
• Be aware there is No Smoking permitted on board the boat or at the dock per State law.

Here’s Why Lanai Snorkel Tours Are a Must When on Maui

Tempted to book  Lanai snorkel tours ?

Maui County is home to some of the greatest whale watching and snorkel tours. One of the hidden snorkel destinations is on the island of Lanai.

We're here to give you the scoop on snorkeling and booking your next snorkel tour to Lanai is an experience you won't soon forget. Here's why.

Why Snorkel in Lanai

The small island a ways off the coast of Maui is home to some amazing snorkeling and sea life. Not only is it departed from the bustling shores of Lahaina, Kihei, and Makena where the waters are crowded therefore sea life is few and far between, but it is an entirely unique ocean experience.

If you are looking for an all inclusive and out-of-the-box sea tour you cannot forget about Lanai. It lends itself perfectly to small group tours and those looking for an all day adventure as the journey to the island is an experience in and of itself.

Lanai offers a paramount experience when compared to its neighbor Molokini. Not only is it less crowded (Molokini can have up to 1,000 snorkelers at once in the crater) but you have the chance to see spinner dolphins and sea turtles versus sea life that is less common in more visitor populated destinations.

Preparing for your Lanai Snorkel Tour

There are a few things you need to keep in mind when preparing for your snorkeling trip on Lanai. The biggest thing and of most importance to us is reef safe sunscreen.

Because you will be going to areas where it is less populated with humans and more populated with the beautiful and majestic sea life that exists here amongst the Hawaiian Islands, it is important that we do everything in our power to preserve it. This includes on the most basic level wearing reef safe sunscreen to protect the coral reef.

Luckily, many local stores and supermarkets sell reef safe sunscreen– all you need to do is look for the label or ask someone that works there! Make sure to check the ingredients because some brands label themselves as reef friendly sunscreen but they have just swapped one chemical for another. Select a reef safe sunscreen with Zinc or minerals only. If you can't pronounce the ingredients it don't buy it. We offer complimentary reef safe sunscreen made locally on Maui for our guests in case you forget to bring your own!

The temperature of the water off the coast of Lanai ranges anywhere from 70 to 80 degrees– although like most oceans it gets colder the further off the coast and in the channel you get. Make sure that you dress appropriately and bring a rash guard or top should you feel you need it. Bringing a rash guard also helps and protects against UV rays and therefore sunburns that may occur during your snorkel excursion. Our snorkel tours also rent wetsuit tops which are very beneficial for added warmth and sun protection when snorkeling.

Wearing reef safe sunscreen is a great way to respect the 'aina.  Respecting the 'aina, in essence, means respecting the land (and those that inhabit it). Other ways to be pono (show respect) are to make sure that on your Lanai Snorkel Tour you don’t don't approach closer than federal regulations or touch any of the sea life (including turtles and dolphins) and that you are not disrupting the natural habitats of those sea creatures you are viewing. Also do not step or walk on coral. Our coral reef is the source of life in the ocean and life on land. Always listen to your snorkel guide for best tips while snorkeling around turtles and the coral.

Everything else is provided for you on our snorkel tours. Snorkel gear, flotation devices, food and snorkel instruction. Just bring a towel!

Snorkel in Lanai

Snorkeling in Lanai is an amazing and unrivaled experience. If you are looking for an unmatched adventure that would lead to stories for years and the envy of all your friends make sure that you book this!

Just make sure that you are keeping yours and the life around you’s safety in mind so that generations after you can also experience all that this excursion has to offer.

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Though Maui does offer some amazing snorkeling opportunites, you don't want to miss the incredible experience of snorkeling off the coast of Lanai. Lanai is a secluded island off the coast of Maui and offers unbelievably blue waters to snorkel in filled with unique sea-life!

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• Snorkeling Tours from Lahaina (5)
• Snorkeling Tours from Kaanapali (7)
• Snorkeling Tour from Maalaea Harbor (25)
• Honolua Bay Snorkeling (3)
• Private Snorkel Cruises (6)
• Dolphin Tours (4)
• Olowalu & Coral Gardens Snorkeling (6)

What to expect

Traveler's photos, activity provider, payment / cancellation policy, maui to lanai snorkel cruise with optional underwater sea scooter upgrade.

A Fun Snorkeling Experience for Everyone

It was an experience, available tue, thu, sat, pick-up not available, not accessible, half day morning snorkel (7:15 am departure).

Price per Adult/Child :

Half Day Morning Snorkel Cruise with Snorkel Sea Scooter (7:15 am Departure)

Price per Adult :

Check-in at Whaler’s Village

This trip includes stops at two great snorkeling destinations.

Transportation add-ons

Pick-up/check-in time & location.

Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location

• At Whaler's Village between Leilani's Restaurant and the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort

Important activity information

Restrictions.

• Guests with exhaustion are not permitted to participate in this activity.
• Guests with heart and cardiovascular issues are not permitted to participate in this activity.
• Guests who are pregnant are not permitted to participate in this activity.
• Guests with neck, back or joint problems are not permitted to participate in this activity.
• This activity is not wheelchair accessible.
• If less than 10 participants are booked, the activity may not operate.
• Children of all ages can participate in this activity.

Other requirements

• Participants are required to sign a liability waiver at the time of check-in.
• Minors are required to have a parent or guardian sign their liability waiver.

Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)

• You can book a maximum of 30.

Required items to bring & attire

Additional notes.

• The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
• The activity provider does not assume any responsibility for your valuables and/or personal belongings.
• Gratuity is not included in the price.
• Some free beach parking may be available in the area. Additionally, you may be able to receive validated parking at Whaler's Village by making a purchase at one of the shops or restaurants.

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Overall rating

The snorkeling experience was very good. They were informative and patient, helping everyone get equipped. They had 2 spots, I would have preferred just staying at the first stop, as there was less to see at the second, ... and the swim back to the boat was tiring at the second stop. I recommend using a flotation belt instead of a noodle. I also recommend taking Dramamine for the ride there and back. Overall a fun time and we saw a lot of beautiful sea life!

It was our first time snorkeling. Willow was very helpful and we felt comfortable getting into the water right away. My only disappointment was that we did not circle around Shipwreck Bay to see the tankers. Apparently i ... ts no longer part of the excursion. Overall I would recommend.

Amazing experience!

Great experience. The crew was great, full of information about marine life. They took us to amazing shallow reefs off of Lanai and there were no other boats around at all. Saw sea turtles and octopus. They also made sur ... e to get us to see whales and since it's late March, they were everywhere. We followed some pods and got to see them go under the boat. Incredibly professional as well, helpful for getting gear on for those we have never snorkeled before. Wetsuits available for rental which was great to use in the water since it gets cold after a while. Breakfast, nonalcoholic drinks, snacks available, BYOB and you can store stuff in their huge cooler.

Activity Provider Kaanapali Ocean Adventures

• Credit card payment

• Any cancellations made after 15:00 local time, 3 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
• Any changes made after 15:00 local time, 3 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. This includes, but not limited to, change of the activity date/ time, package, the number of participants, etc.

Payment Methods

Cancellation Policy

Change policy, will a crew member help us with snorkeling if it is our first time.

Yes, a briefing is provided before you enter the water and your friendly crew will assist you with your snorkel gear and provide further instructions.

Is this activity suitable for children?

Children ages five and older should be able to participate in all parts of this activity. Children younger than five are welcome on the boat at the child's price, but may not be allowed to participate in all parts of the activity. This is subject to the discretion of the captain. Please inquire in advance if you plan on bringing children younger than five years old with you.

What kind of boat will be used?

The "Sanity" is an all aluminum, 46ft long and 12ft wide vessel with a Twin Cummins turbo-charged diesel 710 horsepower electronic V-drive engines. The state-of-the-art hull has been designed to provide stability even in the roughest water. To maximize the experience of the tour, the number of seats has been reduced from 40 to 32 to provide all passengers with improved viewing space and ensuring a more comfortable ride.

Will we land on Lanai?

No, this cruise will not land on Lanai, but you will have the opportunity to snorkel around the coast of the island.

Will we see whales?

Every year Humpback Whales migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii, and although not guaranteed, they are often seen between the months of December and April.

Can food and beverages be brought aboard the boat?

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and beverages, including your own alcoholic drinks. However, please refrain from bringing any glass bottles. You are welcome to use any of the coolers on the boat to store your items.

Please visit VELTRA Support page to send an inquiry about this activity.

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Lanai snorkeling tours from maui other tours and activities, discover lanai day trip from maui, hulopoe bay snorkeling & sweetheart rock, lanai snorkeling cruise & dolphin encounter with meals - quicksilver catamaran, lanai snorkel tour & dolphin watch cruise with lunch - pacwhale eco adventures, maui adventure lanai snorkel & dolphin watch ocean raft tour with lunch, lanai snorkel tour & dolphin watching adventure with meal - hawaii ocean rafting, 日本語ガイド＆オムレツ昼食付き, eur 152.00~.

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Frequent Spinner Dolphin Sightings Along Lanai!

Lanai Snorkeling

• Maui Snorkeling and Scuba

Nine miles across the Au'au channel from West Maui lies the privately-owned island of Lanai. It was once the largest pineapple plantation in the world; now very little pineapple is grown there. The island's economy is centered around the two resort hotels - the Manele Bay Hotel and the Lodge at Ko'ele. Most visitors to the island come over for the day from the island of Maui. The island is very dry and doesn't have the lush beauty found in Maui's rainforests, but Lanai has the longest stretch of coral reef in Hawaii and the beaches on this island are down right deserted. The area around the Manele Bay hotel is particularly beautiful, with uncrowded beaches, fascinating tidepools, great snorkeling, red seacliffs, and lots of sun. But the biggest attraction of Lanai is the large pod of Spinner Dolphins frequently encountered on Lanai's southern coast ... watching these marine mammals in their natural environment will surely be one of your most memorable vacation highlights!

QUICKSILVER LANAI SNORKEL

Quicksilver is a large, comfortable powered catamaran that offers a full-featured 5 hour trip to snorkel Lanai's coastline and encounter the pods of spinner dolphins.

LANAI EXPLORER RAFTING

Lanai Explorer Rafting offers a 4.5 hour two-location snorkel trip along the South Lanai coast. Large comfortable raft with onboard marine rest room.

PARAGON LANAI SNORKEL SAIL

Join Paragon's crew for exhilarating adventure to the beautiful snorkeling reefs of the island! Paragon specializes in performance sailing, offer a two-location snorkel trip including lunch.

OCEAN RIDERS RAFTING

Ocean Riders is the ultimate Lanai adventure, and on their full-day excursion they are the only tour operator to completely circumnavigate the island in a zodiac raft (a 60+ mile trip!). You will see shipwrecks, sea caves, lava rock pinnacles, and snorkel at fantastic spots miles from another boat.

ULTIMATE RAFTING (seasonal)

From April through November Ultimate Rafting runs 4 hour and 6 hour snorkel trips to Lanai on one of their fast, fun, adventurous rigid hull inflatable vessels.

MAKAI ADVENTURES (seasonal)

From April through November the fast speedboat Kaiao runs a 4 hour snorkel tour to Lanai and is a great trip for beating the crowds on larger boats.

A Lanai Snorkeling is a must-do on my list of Maui activities. If you have time for two snorkel boat tours, go to Molokini and Lanai. If you only have time for one, go to Lanai!!! The reef there is just as good as Molokini (better in places) with lots of fish and turtles … and there are a lot less people.

Lanai trips are definitely a good way to go for people staying in the West Maui area (Kapalua, Kahana, Honokowai, Kaanapali, and Lahaina). Lanai trips leave from Lahaina, so much less driving is involved than most of the Molokini boats.

While none of the Lanai trips GUARANTEE dolphin sightings, it is unusual to not encounter dolphins along the south coast of Lanai. Your chances of seeing dolphins is in the 75-80% range on any given day.

Lots of people ask if they can swim with the dolphins. The honest answer is "no" Snorkel tours ar enot permitted to drop people in the water where dolphins are swimming … they are protected marine mammals. You will likely see plenty of activity just watching them from the boat … the large pod of spinner dolphins at Lanai is very active. You will likely witness acrobatic behavior and dolphins swim swim on both sides of the bow of the boat just a few feet away from you.

Snorkel trips to Lanai stopped operating immediately after the Lahaina Fire in August of 2023. The downtown Lahaina Harbor was completely destroyed, as were most of the vessels docked there. Makai Adventures has replaced their lost vessel with a brand new boat, and they are now operating a Lanai snorkel trip on Tuesdays and Thursdays out of the Mala Wharf, which was not damaged in the fire. Ultimate Rafting did not lose their vessels, but they were displaced from Lahaina Harbor and are now operating out of Mala Wharf as well. Quicksilver is too large of a vessel to operate from Mala Wharf. They have relocated to Maalaea Harbor and are operating their Lanai snorkel trip from this Central Maui location on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

So now you know you want to go to Lanai. Which boat should you do?

The Lanai Explorer is our most popular tour …. it offers the adventure of rafting … but more comfort than most rafts as there are real seats on board the vessel (you don't have to sit on the innertube sides of the raft unless you want to). The Lanai Explorer also offers quite a bit of shade and has a marine head on board when nature calls. We absolutely LOVE the Lanai Explorer with Landing tour. Grab your camera and hit the trails that go out to the point beyond Hulopo'e Beach … see the colorful tidepools and sea arch, scrample down a wooden ladder to the hidden beach that looks out to Sweetheart Rock (the Hawaiian placename is Pu'u Pehe), and hike up to the overlook. You can even walk up to the Manele Bay Hotel … the place Bill Gates rented out entirely when he got married here on Lanai. This tour is doable for the majority of our clients … but not all. Keep in mind that there is a walk of about 5-7 minutes each way to and from the beach.

The Landing version of this tour is offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday they do a non-landing version of the Lanai Explorer which is a great choice for people who have been on-shore at Lanai before … and want to spend more time out on the ocean around the island.

Paragon Sailing offers a tour that is structured very similarly to the Lanai Explorer with Landing, only the vessel used is a beautiful sailing catamaran. It's got more creature comforts and the trip is a little "higher end" than the raft. Sailing is really relaxing ... it's a great feeling to have the boat powered only by the wind.

Finally … the trip for the die-hard adventurer. Ocean Riders is an awesome tour … if you are up to the challenge. When you leave the harbor at 7:00am be aware that it will be 7 or 8 hours before you will see another white porcelein seat with chrome handle on the side of it. This tour can be rough at times … but in terms of the amount and variety of snorkeling, the overall distance the tour covers, and the value you get for your dollar … this is the best itinerary in Hawaii for those of you die hards out there! Tell your captain you want to snorkel at Shark Fin! It's one of the few places you can see Pyramid Buterfly Fish.