5 Best Molokini Snorkel Tours Worth Every Penny
Molokini is one of the most popular snorkeling spots on the Hawaiian islands and for good reason.
With a lot of underwater flora, Molokini offers a unique experience when compared to any other spot in Maui.
Home to over 250 different species of tropical fish, you’ll be surrounded by large schools while snorkeling in the crystal clear water.
To make the most out of your trip, we’ve put together a guide to the best Molokini snorkel tours that’s worth every penny.
1. Snorkel Tour at Molokini & Turtle Town with Lunch
A snorkel tour at Molokini and turtle town is the perfect day trip for anyone looking to avoid the crowds on Maui’s beaches.
After meeting your tour guide at Ma’alaea Harbor, you’ll travel by boat to Molokini Crater as you munch on a hearty breakfast on board.
Once there, you will have time to explore and snorkel around the beautiful crater before heading to your next snorkel destination to swim with Hawaiian Green Turtles in their natural habitat.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert snorkeler, this tour is full of fun and guaranteed you’ll have a memorable day!
About This Tour:
- Duration: 5-6 hours (depending on package)
- Departure Time: 6:30 am / 7:30 am
- Price Per Person: $119.95
- Meeting Point: Ma’alaea Harbor
- Includes: transportation to Molokini and Turtle Town, breakfast, lunch with soft drinks, snorkeling gear and flotation devices
2. Molokini Snorkel & Sail Tour with Lunch
One of the best ways to experience Molokini is on a guided catamaran excursion.
This Molokini tour begins bright and early at 7:30am – fuel up with a continental breakfast while taking in some stunning landscape as you sail across Ma’alaea Bay.
If you’re lucky and visit during whale season (usually runs between December to May), you might even spot the majestic humpbacks!
The relaxing boat ride ends with an opportunity to swim or snorkel at Molokini Crater before indulging in a delicious lunch buffet accompanied with beverages such as wine and local beer.
About This Tour:
- Duration: 5 hours
- Departure Time: 7:30am
- Price Per Person: $172.04
- Meeting Point: Ma’alaea Harbor Slip #72
- Includes: snorkel gear, continental breakfast, buffet lunch including beer and wine, reef-safe sunscreen
3. Afternoon Molokini Snorkel Tour
Enjoy the calm waters of Maui’s south shore as you sail to Molokini on a 55-foot catamaran to see the famous crater and its surrounding formations.
Then strap on your premium snorkel gear and swim around the crater for an up-close encounter with colorful fish and other marine life.
With an afternoon departure, it’s perfect for those that like to sleep in a little later.
Important! Depending on the weather and wind currents for the day, it may be unsafe to sail to Molokini and your tour guide may bring the group to snorkel at Coral Gardens instead.
Please check with the tour operator first if this is important to you.
About This Tour:
- Duration: 3 hours
- Departure Time: 1pm
- Price Per Person: $89.95
- Meeting Point: Maalaea Harbor
- Includes: cruise on a catamaran, snorkel gear and flotation devices
4. Yacht Snorkeling Tour at Molokini & Turtle Town
Take to the shores of Maui with this 5-hour snorkeling excursion to Molokini Crater and Turtle Town.
This tour is perfect for those who have never been snorkeling before, or even if you’re a seasoned pro!
You’ll be able to explore two of the most popular snorkel spots in Maui as your guide takes care of all the necessary gear so that you can focus on having fun.
About This Tour:
- Duration: 5 hours
- Departure Time: 7 am
- Price Per Person: $152.78
- Meeting Point: Ma’alaea Harbor Slip #76
- Includes: spacious yacht ride with a 20-foot water slide, snorkeling or SNUBA gear, lunch with soft drinks, water toys
5. Eco-Friendly Snorkeling at Molokini & Turtle Town
Led by certified Marine Naturalists, this eco-certified Molokini tour is the perfect way to experience snorkeling in Maui.
The tour includes a delicious continental breakfast before heading out for a morning snorkel excursion.
After spending some time exploring the breathtaking beauty of Molokini Crater, you’ll head over to Turtle Town where you can swim with Hawaiian Green Turtles.
After snorkeling, enjoy a savory lunch of grilled chicken and burgers before heading back to the harbor.
If you haven’t snorkeled before, a professional will teach you everything you need to know about snorkeling and how to safely use your equipment.
Make sure you bring reef-safe sunscreen (also available onboard for $13 a tube).
About This Tour:
- Duration: 5 hours
- Departure Time: 7 am / 8 am
- Price Per Person: $181.24
- Meeting Point: Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store
- Includes: premium snorkeling gear (including optical masks), marine wildlife photo card, continental breakfast, grilled lunch & refreshments
Tips for Snorkeling in Maui
Can You Snorkel at Molokini Without a Tour?
Molokai is a fully protected area so you can only snorkel here by joining a tour or hiring a boating company that can take you to the crater.
How Much Is Snorkeling in Maui?
The cost to snorkel in Maui varies depending on the number of people in your group, the location and duration of the tour.
The price per person will sometimes vary depending on the season, but expect to pay around $150 for a full day trip (5 hours) including lunch.
What to Wear Snorkeling in Maui
The water temperature in Maui is typically between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit (21-27 degrees Celsius).
Because of this, you don’t have to worry about getting too cold while snorkeling.
A swimsuit, water shoes and reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful rays is typically all you need for a comfortable trip.
The tour operator generally provides the snorkel gear, but you can bring your own mask if you want to (full-faced masks are not permitted).
What Time of Year Is Best for Snorkeling in Maui
The best time to snorkel in Maui is during the summer months when water temperatures are warmer, winds are calm, and the coral is at its most vibrant.
That’s not to say that snorkeling can’t be done year-round; it’s important to know that certain species of aquatic life are more abundant during certain times of the year, so do your research!
Where Are the Best Snorkeling Spots in Maui?
There are many great spots in Maui for snorkeling and it’s important to do some research before choosing one.
But the locals and tourists would both agree that Molokini Crater and Turtle Town are some of the best places to see marine life in all of Hawaii.
The water is crystal clear, you can see the bottom and there are dozens of fish and sea life living in a healthy ecosystem.
Is It Safe to Snorkel in Maui?
Yes! Snorkeling in Maui is a very safe activity. While there are always some risks involved when diving into the ocean, snorkeling is relatively safe as long as you follow all the rules.
You can snorkel in Maui year-round and there is no need for a special certification to do so.
What to Do With Valuables While Snorkeling
First of all, you shouldn’t be bringing valuables with you! But of course, you might need a place to store some of your personal belongings (such as cell phone, camera, money).
Most people tend to bring waterproof bags (like Aquapac or something similar that you can easily find on Amazon).
These bags are used for protecting items from water damage and come in different sizes.
