Private Beginner Paddleboard Lesson with Snorkel in Turtle Town

Key Points

• Private 2-hour tour ideal for all ages, starting at $179 per person
• Learn to paddleboard and snorkel in a safe, relaxed environment with expert guidance
• Spot Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles and other marine life in the calm waters of Turtle Town
• Family-friendly experience with options for children as young as 3 years old
• All necessary equipment provided, including life vests and bottled water
• Flexible and customizable for any skill level, perfect for beginners to more experienced paddlers

Discover the Waters of Maui’s Turtle Town

This private paddleboard and snorkeling tour takes place along the Wailea coastline in Maui, specifically in the well-known Turtle Town area. The tour costs $179.00 per person and lasts approximately 2 hours. It is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for families with kids, including children as young as 3 years old.

What makes this tour stand out is its personalized nature. A local guide and professional photographer lead the session, ensuring safety, fun, and memorable photos. Since it’s a private tour, only your group participates, which means plenty of attention from guides and a flexible pace. The tour starts at 20 Makena Alanui, Kihei, and includes life vests and bottled water, so you can focus on enjoying the water without worries.

The Benefits of a Private, Beginner-Friendly Paddleboard Lesson

This tour emphasizes beginner instruction, making it perfect if you’re new to paddleboarding. The guide, Tristen, is praised for patience and step-by-step guidance, helping first-timers confidently stand up on the paddleboard. No fins are necessary because the paddleboards are designed to hold on to, offering extra stability for newcomers.

The tour also combines snorkeling with marine wildlife. After the paddleboarding lesson, participants don provided snorkeling gear to explore the reef. The highlight? Getting close to Honua (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles) and other ocean creatures, with plenty of opportunities for photos and marine encounters. The guides are understanding of varying comfort levels, and small children can safely sit on the front of the paddleboard, with a guide providing ocean babysitting.

Meet at the Maui Meeting Point for a Hassle-Free Start

The tour departs from 20 Makena Alanui in Kihei. Since transportation isn’t included, guests should plan to meet at the designated location. Parking is free and easy, which adds to the convenience. The activity ends back at the starting point, making logistics straightforward for families or groups.

The mobile ticket system allows for easy check-in, and confirmation occurs immediately upon booking. This flexibility helps travelers plan their Maui itinerary with confidence. The weather plays a role; if conditions are poor, the tour is cancellable with a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

What Equipment is Included and What to Bring

All necessary gear for paddleboarding and snorkeling—life vests, snorkeling gear, and bottled water—are provided. Participants should wear a bathing suit, and it’s advisable to bring a rashguard and hat for sun protection. Sunglasses are recommended but should be secured with a Croakies or similar holder to prevent loss.

For comfort, water shoes can be helpful due to rocky entry points at the shore. Since children are welcome, the tour’s safety measures include guides who ensure everyone, regardless of age, enjoys the experience securely.

The Experience of Encountering Sea Turtles and Marine Life

A major highlight of this tour is the chance to see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles in their natural habitat. The guides explain the ocean environment and point out the reef and marine creatures during snorkeling. Many reviews emphasize the close proximity to turtles, which are often seen popping their heads out of the water to breathe.

The small group setting and private nature mean that everyone gets ample opportunity to observe and photograph wildlife. The guides are praised for their knowledge and patience, making sure that beginners feel comfortable and confident while exploring the reef.

Family-Friendly Features and Safety Measures

This tour is designed to be safe and stress-free for all ages, from 3 to 83 years old. For small children, the guides provide ocean babysitting, allowing parents to relax and enjoy the paddleboarding and snorkeling. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and life vests are always worn for safety.

Since the tour can be customized for any skill level, even complete beginners can expect a supportive environment. The guides explain paddleboarding techniques clearly, and they are sensitive to individual comfort levels. The tour’s private setting reduces crowds and enhances the sense of security.

The Role of the Guides and Photographers

One of the tour’s standout features is the involvement of professional photographers. They take stunning photos throughout the experience, capturing your marine encounters and paddleboarding moments. Guests often mention how these photos serve as lasting memories.

The local guides are described as knowledgeable and friendly, providing live commentary about the ocean, the islands, and marine life. They make sure everyone understands the safety procedures and enjoys a stress-free experience, especially for first-timers.

Weather and Cancellation Policies

Because outdoor water activities depend heavily on good weather, the tour can be canceled free of charge if conditions are unsuitable. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If canceled within that window, no refund is issued.

This policy offers peace of mind, especially since weather can be unpredictable. It’s recommended to check the forecast and plan for flexibility when booking.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

Unlike many group paddleboarding experiences, this tour offers full privacy, with only your group participating. The private nature ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed pace. The beginners’ focus and the ability to customize the experience make it particularly appealing for families and those new to water sports.

The combination of paddleboarding and snorkeling in Turtle Town, along with expert guides and professional photos, provides a well-rounded, memorable experience. The small group size and family-friendly approach are often praised in reviews, making this a top choice for those seeking a stress-free introduction to Maui’s marine wonders.

The Sum Up: Ideal for Family Adventures and Water Newbies

This private beginner paddleboard lesson combined with snorkeling in Turtle Town offers excellent value for those wanting an intimate, guided experience. The $179 price includes all equipment, expert guidance, and the chance to see sea turtles up close.

Perfectly suited for families with kids, this tour provides ocean babysitting and a safe environment for all skill levels. The personalized attention from guides and photographers ensures a relaxing, fun-filled day on Maui’s waters.

While weather can influence the experience, the flexible cancellation policy and professional guidance make it a dependable choice. If you’re seeking a stress-free, family-oriented introduction to paddleboarding and snorkeling in Maui, this tour stands out as a top-rated option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children as young as 3 years old can participate, with ocean babysitting provided for small children to sit on the paddleboard safely with a guide.

What should I wear?
Bring a bathing suit, and consider wearing a rashguard and hat for sun protection. Water shoes are helpful due to rocky shore entry.

Are snorkeling and paddleboarding beginner-friendly?
Absolutely. The guides are known for their patience and clear instructions, making this an ideal introduction for newbies.

Is equipment included?
Yes, all necessary gear, including life vests, snorkeling equipment, and bottled water, is provided.

Where does the tour meet?
The meeting point is 20 Makena Alanui, Kihei, with easy, free parking.

Can I cancel if the weather is poor?
Yes, the tour is fully refundable if canceled 24 hours in advance due to weather conditions.

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts approximately 2 hours, including instruction, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, only your group participates, ensuring personalized guidance and a relaxed experience.

Are photos included?
Photos are not included but are available for purchase from the professional photographer guide.

What makes this tour different from others?
The private setting, beginners’ focus, and combination of paddleboarding and snorkeling make this a standout choice for families and water novices.