Maui Snorkeling Molokini Crater and Turtle Town

Snorkeling at Molokini Crater and Turtle Town offers an exciting and scenic adventure on Maui, with a focus on comfort, marine life, and excellent service. This 5-hour tour departs from Maalaea Harbor aboard the Pride of Maui, the largest and most stable Maxi Power Catamaran on the island. Priced at $208 per person, it provides a comprehensive experience including meals, snacks, drinks (including alcohol), and top-notch snorkeling equipment. With a 4.5-star rating based on over 930 reviews, this tour remains a popular choice, especially considering it’s booked on average 36 days in advance.

This trip suits all levels of snorkelers, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts, thanks to guides who offer safety instructions and support at both snorkeling locations. The calm waters and vivid marine life, particularly sea turtles, make Turtle Town a memorable stop. While the tour boasts a large boat with more space per passenger than smaller vessels, it can feel crowded at times—especially if more than 70 guests are onboard.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Experience: Includes breakfast, lunch, soda, and alcohol, with optional SNUBA for an extra fee.
• Two Prime Snorkeling Sites: Explore Molokini Crater, a sunken volcanic caldera with exceptional visibility, and Turtle Town, famous for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles.
• Comfort and Stability: The Pride of Maui is the largest and most stable Maxi Power Catamaran on Maui, operating at only 60% capacity for spaciousness.
• Highly Praised Staff: Crew members are friendly, helpful, and safety-focused, with many staff having decades of experience.
• Family Friendly: Features like a super water slide make it fun for kids of all ages.
• Popular Booking: The trip is in high demand, so booking 36 days in advance is typical.

The Pride of Maui: The Largest and Most Stable Catamaran

The Pride of Maui is a large Maxi Power Catamaran that provides a smooth and stable ride, even in choppier waters. It offers more space per guest than smaller boats, with a capacity for up to 149 passengers, though the tour operates at only 60% capacity for added comfort. This vessel features multiple boarding points, large seating areas, and a water slide, making it an enjoyable and relaxed environment for families and groups.

The boat’s modern amenities include shower facilities for rinsing after snorkeling and a large hardwood bar offering ice-cold beers, wines, and mai-tais. The crew’s decades of experience and focus on safety help ensure a carefree day at sea, with an emphasis on guest well-being and satisfaction.

Snorkeling at Molokini Crater: An Underwater Volcano

Molokini Crater is a famous volcanic caldera and one of only three sunken volcanic craters worldwide. The tour takes you to this unique marine reserve, known for amazing visibility often reaching almost 100 feet, and a vibrant ecosystem teeming with colorful tropical fish and other marine creatures.

The water clarity and calm conditions make Molokini ideal for snorkelers of all skill levels, with guides providing security and instruction for beginners. The site’s protected status ensures pristine conditions, allowing snorkelers to enjoy close encounters with marine life in a safe environment.

Turtle Town: A Sanctuary for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles

Following Molokini, the tour visits Turtle Town, a series of underwater lava formations where Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles gather. This popular snorkeling stop is renowned for its friendly turtles that often come close to snorkelers, offering a rare chance to observe these graceful animals in their natural habitat.

The area features vivid coral formations and abundant fish species, making it a visual feast. It’s a favorite for those seeking close-up turtle encounters, with many guests noting the prolific marine life and photo opportunities.

Optional SNUBA Experience and Marine Life Encounters

For those wanting to extend their underwater adventure, SNUBA is available for an additional fee. Guided by experienced instructors, SNUBA allows snorkelers to breathe underwater up to 15 feet beneath the surface without needing full SCUBA certification.

Throughout the tour, the crew stays in the water to assist snorkelers, ensuring safety and engagement. Marine life sightings are common, including sea turtles, schools of tropical fish, and eels, providing countless memorable moments beneath the waves.

Inclusions and Practical Details

The tour includes snorkeling equipment—although full-face masks are not allowed for safety reasons—breakfast and lunch, and refreshing beverages. Guests also enjoy soda and alcoholic drinks, with ice-cold beers, wines, and mai-tais available after snorkeling.

The meeting point is at 130 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku, with check-in starting at 7:30 am. The tour begins promptly, and travelers are advised to arrive early. Parking at the harbor costs $2, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Crew and Guest Experience

The crew on Pride of Maui receives high praise for being helpful, friendly, and safety-conscious. Many reviews mention the guides’ expertise and attention to detail, which helps create a relaxed atmosphere. The large vessel allows more seating and space for guests, reducing congestion and enhancing comfort.

Guests consistently comment on the delicious onboard meals, with hot breakfast and lunch served from the onboard grill. The water slide is a highlight for families, adding a fun element to the day. Safety measures are emphasized, with guides checking on everyone and assisting during snorkeling.

Considerations for Booking and Crowd Levels

While most reviews are highly positive, some mention the large group size—up to 70 guests—which can feel crowded at certain times, especially during snorkeling. The boat’s capacity and number of guests are factors to consider if seeking a more intimate experience.

The booking process is straightforward, but travelers should carefully read the confirmation emails with parking and check-in instructions. The boat’s two boarding points mean arriving at the correct location is important to avoid a long walk or confusion.

Safety and Weather Policies

The tour operates in good weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, guests are offered rescheduling or a full refund. The minimum number of participants is required for the tour to run; if not met, cancellations are possible, but full refunds or alternative dates are offered.

Guests should be aware that full-face snorkeling masks are not allowed, primarily for safety reasons. The tour’s family-friendly design and experienced crew prioritize guest safety and comfort at all times.

Maui Snorkeling Molokini Crater and Turtle Town: A Practical Choice

This 5-hour all-inclusive tour offers a balanced mix of comfort, adventure, and marine encounters. The large, stable vessel, combined with expert guides and crew, makes it a reliable option for first-time snorkelers and seasoned ocean lovers alike.

The highlight features—including Molokini’s visibility and turtle sightings—set this tour apart from typical snorkeling excursions. Plus, the meals and drinks onboard enhance the experience, making it a value-rich option for travelers seeking a full day on the ocean.

While the crowd size may be a consideration for some, the spacious boat design and high-quality service help mitigate this issue. Overall, this tour provides a comprehensive and memorable Maui snorkeling adventure for $208 per person.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes snorkeling equipment, breakfast, lunch, soda, and alcoholic beverages. SNUBA is available for an additional fee.

Where does the tour depart from?
The tour departs from 130 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku, with check-in at 7:30 am. It ends back at the same location.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is ideal for all skill levels, with guides offering security and instruction at both snorkeling sites.

How far in advance should I book?
Most reservations are made about 36 days ahead, so early booking is recommended to secure a spot.

Are full-face masks allowed?
No, full-face snorkeling masks are not permitted for safety reasons.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour operates only in good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, a full refund or rescheduling is provided.

Can I do SNUBA?
Yes, SNUBA is available for an extra charge, allowing underwater breathing up to 15 feet beneath the surface.

Is parking available at the harbor?
Yes, parking costs $2, located across from Carls Jr., but travelers should follow the detailed instructions provided in the confirmation emails to find the correct parking and check-in spots.