Maui Snorkeling Adventure From Ma'alaea Harbor to Molokini
$189per person
See dates & pricesMaui, Hawaii · 70 trips compared
Maui snorkeling: Molokini, Turtle Town or Lanai?
Maui snorkeling tours go to three very different places: a sunken crater, a turtle reef and the quiet coast of a neighbour island. This page shows what each one is like, which boat suits you, and which tours travellers rate best.
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Compare at a glance
Which one fits your day?
Start times and lengths are typical for the tours listed below. Prices are the lowest per-person price among them on 12 November 2026.
| Trip | Starts | Takes | From | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Molokini crater | Boats leave 6:30 to 8 a.m. | 3 to 5 hours | $189 | Clear water and reef fish |
| Turtle Town | Morning departures | 2 to 5 hours | $139 | Green sea turtles |
| Lanai by boat | Morning departures from Lahaina and Ka'anapali | 4 to 6 hours | $97 | Spinner dolphins and quiet reefs |
| Kayak and snorkel | Early morning | 2 to 4 hours | $102 | Small groups close to the shore |
01
Molokini crater
Boats leave 6:30 to 8 a.m.3 to 5 hoursClear water and reef fish
Molokini is a half-sunken volcanic crater about three miles off Maui's south coast. Inside the crescent the water is sheltered, and boats tie up to moorings so you can float above the reef. Most boats leave Ma'alaea Harbor or Kihei early in the morning, before the wind picks up.
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Molokini Crater Snorkel and Turtle Cove High Quality Adventure!
$205per person
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Maui: Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkeling aboard Pride of Maui
$233per person
See dates & prices70 Maui snorkel trips compared
Raft, catamaran or kayak?
The boat decides how your morning feels more than the reef does. Counts and prices come from all Maui snorkel trips we checked on Viator and GetYourGuide on 12 November 2026.
Raft
Small, fast and close to the water. Bumpy ride, no shade on most rafts.
- Trips
- 3
- From
- $97
- Typical
- $205
- Reviews
- 415
Catamaran
Stable, with shade, a toilet and usually breakfast or lunch on board.
- Trips
- 15
- From
- $100
- Typical
- $193
- Reviews
- 4,218
Kayak
A small group paddles from the beach and snorkels from the kayaks.
- Trips
- 12
- From
- $102
- Typical
- $130
- Reviews
- 2,070
Motor boat
Mid-sized boats that are faster than a catamaran and calmer than a raft.
- Trips
- 17
- From
- $100
- Typical
- $161
- Reviews
- 10,477
02
Turtle Town
Morning departures2 to 5 hoursGreen sea turtles
Turtle Town is the name boats use for the reefs along Maui's south coast near Makena, where green sea turtles come to rest and feed. Many Molokini trips stop here on the way back. Keep at least ten feet away from the turtles and never touch them.
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Turtle Town Signature Snorkel: With Photo and Video
$139per person
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Maui: Molokini and Turtles Luxury Yacht Snorkel
$318per person
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Maui: Molokini Crater and Turtle Town Snorkeling From Kihei
$194per person
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Lanai by boat
Morning departures from Lahaina and Ka'anapali4 to 6 hoursSpinner dolphins and quiet reefs
Lanai lies across the 'Au'au Channel from West Maui. Snorkel boats and rafts head for the reefs on Lanai's south-west coast, where spinner dolphins are often seen in the morning. The trip is longer than a Molokini tour but usually less crowded.
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Ultimate 4 Hour Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Encounter
$175per person
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Maui's Best Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Raft Adventure
$283per person
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Lanai Eco-Raft Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Small Group Tour from Maui
$97per person
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Kayak and snorkel
Early morning2 to 4 hoursSmall groups close to the shore
Kayak tours paddle along the south or west coast and stop to snorkel from the kayaks. Groups are small, and you reach reefs that big boats skip. The sea is calmest in the early morning.
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Maui Clear Kayak and Snorkel Tour at Makena Turtle Town
$132per person
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Maui: Turtle Reef Kayak Tour of Makena
$121per person
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Maui: Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour
$102per person
See dates & pricesGood to know
Questions about maui snorkeling
Where is the best snorkeling on Maui?
Molokini crater has the clearest water and the most reef fish, and Turtle Town is the best place to see green sea turtles. Many tours combine the two. Lanai's south-west coast is quieter and often has spinner dolphins.
Is Molokini good for beginners?
Yes. You float above the reef with a mask, snorkel and fins, and the crew lends you a flotation vest or a noodle. The water inside the crater is usually calm in the morning. If the wind is too strong, boats switch to a reef along the Maui coast.
What sunscreen can I use for snorkeling on Maui?
Hawaii bans the sale of sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate, which harm coral. Bring a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide, or wear a rash guard so you need less sunscreen.
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