Maui Afternoon Snorkeling Tour

Maui Afternoon Snorkeling Tour To Coral Gardens

EXCELLENT 5.0

Based on 4,857 reviews

Check-in: 12:30 PM | Depart: 1:00 PM | Return: 4:00 PM

Tour Quick Facts

⏱️ Duration: 3 hours (1:00 PM–4:00 PM) 📍 Departs: Maʻalaea Harbor (Slip 64) 🕡 Check-in: 12:30 PM 🍪 Food: Lunch included 🤿 Gear: Snorkel gear + flotation included 🪸 Stop: Coral Gardens 👥 Capacity: Max 65 guests ✅ Cancellation: Full refund when canceled at least 24 hours before departure 🛝 Waterslide: Deployed when conditions allow (not at Molokini)

Video description / transcript

Guests check in at Maʻalaea Harbor and board the Lani Kai II for a three-hour afternoon snorkeling tour. Check-in begins at 12:30 PM, and the boat departs at 1:00 PM.

Onboard, the crew helps guests get fitted with sanitized snorkel gear, provides a safety briefing, and explains what to expect in the water. Optional beginner snorkel instruction and flotation devices are available.

The captain typically heads to Coral Gardens or another nearby reef, depending on the day's weather, ocean conditions, visibility, and safety. On rare occasions, conditions may allow the tour to visit Molokini Crater instead.

At the snorkel stop, guests enter the water to explore colorful coral formations and look for yellow tangs, butterflyfish, parrotfish, trumpetfish, sea urchins, and other tropical reef life. Hawaiian green sea turtles may also be seen, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Lunch, water, juice, and soda are included. Guests may also enjoy the Lani Kai II's 25-foot waterslide when the snorkel location and ocean conditions allow. The waterslide isn't used at Molokini Crater.

After snorkeling and relaxing on the boat, the tour returns to Maʻalaea Harbor around 4:00 PM. The exact route, snorkel location, and timing may change based on the captain's assessment of the day's conditions.

Summary

Snorkel without the crowds! Our Afternoon Snorkeling Tour heads to Coral Gardens or another nearby coral reef, depending on the weather conditions. On rare occasions, we'll snorkel at Molokini Crater.

TOUR OVERVIEW

Maui Afternoon Snorkeling Highlights

Highlights

Snorkel at Coral Gardens.
Ride our fast 25-ft waterslide.
Beginner-friendly support with gear fitting, instruction, and flotation options.
Comfortable boat amenities: shade, seating, and restrooms onboard.
Less crowded than morning tours.

Note: Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

What’s Included

Sanitized snorkel gear (mask, fins, snorkel)
Instruction + crew support
Flotation options
Lunch
Drinks (water, juice, soda)
Reef-safe sunscreen

What’s Not Included

Towels
Transportation to/from the harbor
Gratuity
Wetsuits (available as rentals onboard)
Alcohol (BYOB; only after in-water activities)

popular

Price

$ 118

/Adult

prices vary by date

$98 / 4-12 years
FREE 3 years & under

Why choose us

The Maui Snorkeling Difference

Max 65 guests

More Aloha, Fewer Crowds

We intentionally limit trips to a maximum of 65 passengers.
More room to relax, gear up, and move around the boat.
More personal attention from our captain and crew.

About the Lani Kai II

53-foot vessel designed for comfort, safety, and fun.
Spacious shaded cabin seating + open sun deck.
Freshwater rinse station and swim steps.
Two clean restrooms onboard.

Safety & Crew Standards

Operated by U.S. Coast Guard‑licensed captains.
U.S. Coast Guard‑inspected passenger vessel.
Crew participates in a random drug‑testing program (USCG regulations).
USCG‑approved safety equipment onboard, including life jackets.
Snorkel gear, flotation options, and beginner support available.

Official snorkeling safety guidance: Hawaiʻi Ocean Safety – Snorkeling Safety

Details

12:30 PM: Check-in at Maʻalaea Harbor. Public Parking is available
1:00 PM: We depart for Coral Gardens
1:15 PM: Deli lunch. Snorkeling for beginners training (optional)
4:00 PM: Arrive back at the harbor

Lunch Includes

Deli Sandwichwith Lettuce, Tomato, Cucumber, & Condiments

Turkey/Provolone · Ham/Swiss · Roast Beef/Cheddar · Housemade Veggie Patty (for Vegetarian Meal Requests)

Tricolor Pasta SaladMediterranean Style with a Tarragon Herbal Balsamic Vinaigrette

Artichoke Hearts · Red Onion · Sundried Tomatoes · Kalamata Olives · Spanish Olives · Feta Cheese

Quinoa Salad (for Gluten‑Free Meal Requests) Mixed with a Pomegranate Balsamic Glaze

Toasted Quinoa · Cucumber · Red Onion · Red Bell Peppers · Tomatoes

Desserts

Chocolate Chip Cookie

Drinks

Water · Soda · Hawaiian Sun

*Please notify us of any dietary restrictions or preferences when making your reservation.

Things To Know About Maui Afternoon Snorkeling

Guests should feel comfortable floating face-down in deep water.
Children must be accompanied by an adult who will be responsible for them at all times.
For your safety, full-face snorkel masks are not allowed.
You might see sea turtles, whales, and more, but sightings are never guaranteed.
Bring your favorite drinks! Alcohol is BYOB and can be enjoyed only after the water activities are done.
Tours may be canceled on short notice due to weather or insufficient passengers.
Actual snorkel locations depend on the weather and cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Our waterslide is available at some stops, but not at the crater.
For safety purposes, guests remain barefoot while onboard. We collect footwear upon boarding and return it upon disembarking.
Cancellation Policy: Cancel at least 24 hours before your trip for a full refund.

What you might see at Coral Gardens

Marine Life You Might See at Coral Gardens

Reef Fish at Coral Gardens

Coral Gardens is known for large coral heads, lava “fingers,” and colorful tropical fish. When conditions are clear, you may see fish cruising over the reef, feeding around coral pockets, and moving through underwater corridors.

Yellow tangs
Butterflyfish
Convict tangs
Black triggerfish
Parrotfish
Schools of reef fish

Honu and Other Reef Creatures

Hawaiian green sea turtles, or honu, may be seen swimming through Coral Gardens when conditions and wildlife activity cooperate. Look closely around coral ledges and crevices for trumpetfish, moray eels, sea urchins, triggerfish, and other reef residents. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles)
Trumpetfish
Spotted moray eels
Sea urchins
Triggerfish

Coral Gardens is a living West Maui reef known for large coral heads, lava “fingers,” and colorful marine life. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Please avoid touching coral and view honu and other marine life from a respectful distance. Learn more in our Coral Gardens snorkeling guide .

Google Reviews

Excellent 5.0 4,857 reviews

Had a great first-time experience. The crew was very helpful. They had all the gear for a non-swimmer like me to float in the water. They stayed with me to make sure I was okay in the water. They guided me with instructions. They provided snacks, fruit, sodas, and sandwiches.

Awesome crew! Great trip out on the water! Their safety awareness is on point, and the vibe is chill and amazing. We took out 4 kids ages 9-12, and they had a blast.

The crew made the whole experience awesome! Just what we were hoping for a day snorkeling! Good food and snacks. Super, super clean bathroom. Tons of fish to see and then topped it off with a huge water slide. Really funny captain, too. Great times!

Really a great experience with this crew. They were very accommodating and knowledgeable. I highly recommend them.

PLEASE READ (Certified Scuba Diver)
My wife and I decided on this charter for our honeymoon and could not have been more happy with our decision!!!!

What stood out to me most with this was the crew. Captain Greg is most comparable to a modern day Jack Sparrow, and his crew (Walker, Dani, Sarah, and Emily) were so fantastic. You can tell they work together day after day and have become what is best described as family. They welcomed us aboard and showed us a fantastic time. They also shared with us the spots around Maui the locals visit and how to get the most out of your time on the island. Not only were we provided with a great dive, but also new friends.

I understand this may sound cheesy and sappy, but check my profile and you will see I almost never leave reviews. This experience was so fantastic I had to get on and do my part because it was such a fantastic experience. Thank you Captain Greg, Walker, Dani, Sarah, and Emily! If ever in Chicago you have two people who would buy a beer and return the favor!

What to Expect

Itinerary

Coral Gardens: A West Maui Reef Snorkel Stop

Coral Gardens is a scenic West Maui reef known for large coral heads, lava “fingers,” and colorful tropical fish. When conditions are clear, the reef scenery begins close to the surface, giving snorkelers beautiful underwater views without needing to dive deep.

You may see schools of tropical fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles, or honu, moving through the reef. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Conditions vary, so your captain may choose another nearby reef when it offers a better combination of safety and visibility.

We provide snorkel gear, flotation, beginner instruction, lunch, and attentive crew support, so you can focus on enjoying the water.

Scenic West Maui reef
Colorful tropical fish
Possible honu sightings
Beginner instruction and flotation
Gear and lunch included

Learn more: Coral Gardens snorkeling guide

Timing

Why Choose a 1 PM Maui Afternoon Snorkeling Tour?

Enjoy a relaxed Maui morning before heading out on a three-hour afternoon snorkeling adventure. You’ll check in at 12:30 PM, depart at 1:00 PM, and return at approximately 4:00 PM, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your evening.

Later start with no early wake-up
Three-hour afternoon tour
Coral Gardens is the usual snorkel stop

Getting There

Maʻalaea Harbor Departure and Parking

Check-in begins at 12:30 PM at Maʻalaea Harbor, Slip 64, 101 Maalaea Road, Wailuku, HI 96793. The boat departs at 1:00 PM. Plan to arrive 20 to 30 minutes before check-in to allow time for parking and walking to the slip.

Arrive 20–30 minutes before check-in
Check-in at 12:30 PM
Departure at 1:00 PM
Maʻalaea Harbor, Slip 64

Parking: Maʻalaea Boat Harbor Public Parking

Guidelines

Coral Gardens Snorkeling Safety and Wildlife Guidelines

Your crew will explain how to snorkel safely while helping protect Coral Gardens and its marine life. Avoid touching, standing on, or kicking coral, even when it looks like rock. We follow reef-friendly practices and never feed fish.

NOAA recommends staying at least 10 feet (3 meters) from Hawaiian green sea turtles, or honu, on land and in the water. Never touch, chase, feed, ride, or block a turtle’s path.

Don’t touch or stand on coral
Never feed fish or wildlife
Stay at least 10 ft from honu
Use reef-safe sunscreen

Sources: NOAA guidance DLNR sea turtle information DLNR coral reef regulations

FAQs

You don’t need prior snorkeling experience, but you should be comfortable floating on your front in water too deep to stand.
Our crew will fit your gear, give a quick lesson, and we provide flotation, wetsuits (for rent), and other float aids to help you feel confident.

No. Full-face masks aren’t allowed on the Lani Kai II. We provide standard snorkel gear at no additional cost.

Check-in is 12:30 PM at Maʻalaea Harbor (Slip 64). We'll depart shortly after, and you’ll be back around 4:00 PM (timing may vary slightly depending on ocean conditions).

Parking and check-in are at Maʻalaea Harbor, Slip 64 (101 Maʻalaea Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793). We recommend arriving 20–30 minutes early to park and meet the crew. Transportation isn’t provided.

This tour visits Coral Gardens or another nearby reef. On rare occasions, we'll visit Molokini Crater.

Choose the afternoon tour for a later start, a shorter three-hour outing, Coral Gardens, and easier vacation scheduling.

Snorkel gear, instruction, flotation devices, wetsuits (for rent), lunch, and drinks are included. Reef-safe sunscreen is also provided. The boat has restrooms onboard and shaded seating.

Bring:

Towel (not provided)
Swimsuit
Dry clothes for after snorkeling
Hat & sunglasses
Waterproof camera

Seasickness: If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking your preferred remedy before check-in.

Not included: Gratuity and transportation.

Alcohol policy: Alcohol is BYOB and can only be enjoyed after all in-water activities are complete.

Yes. Our meals include vegetarian choices, and we can often accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Please call (808) 244-1979 with specific requests.

Safety comes first. Tours may be canceled on short notice due to weather (or if we don’t have enough passengers). If that happens, our team will contact you as soon as possible with the next steps.

Written by the Maui Snorkeling team, operating Molokini, Turtle Town, and Coral Gardens tours out of Maʻalaea Harbor since 1985. Tours are led by USCG‑licensed captains aboard a USCG‑inspected passenger vessel. We spend more days in these waters than on land. Last updated: March 2026.