Afternoon Snorkeling Tour

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

⏱️ 3‑hr afternoon (1 PM–4 PM)
🛥️ Departs Maʻalaea Harbor — Slip 64
🍪 Lunch included
🤿 Gear & flotation provided
🛝 25‑ft waterslide (not used at crater)
🪸 1 stop: Coral Gardens

Play video: Maui Snorkeling Adventures

Snorkel without the crowds! Our Afternoon Snorkeling Tour goes to Coral Gardens or another nearby coral reef, depending on weather conditions. On rare occasions, we will snorkel only (no water sliding) 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)

Details

12:30 PM: Check-in at Ma’alaea Harbor. Public Parking is available.

1:00 PM: Depart for snorkeling location.

1:15 PM: Deli lunch. Snorkel instruction for beginners (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

  • Participants should be comfortable floating face down in deep water
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult who will be responsible for them at all times.
  • Full-face snorkel masks are not allowed.
  • Alcohol is BYOB and can only be consumed at the conclusion of in-water activities.
  • Wildlife sightings such as turtles and whales are not guaranteed.
  • We may cancel due to weather or insufficient passengers at short notice.
  • We do not deploy our waterslide at Molokini Crater.
  • Cancellation Policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

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

Coral Gardens

Our afternoon snorkeling trip typically visits Coral Gardens or another nearby reef along the West Maui coastline. This ancient reef covers more than 100 acres and was created by volcanic lava flows nearly 500,000 years ago. Today, it’s home to stunning coral formations—some over 500 years old!

With its calm waters and vibrant marine life, including yellow tangs, black triggerfish, convict tangs, ornate butterflyfish, and even sea turtles, Coral Gardens offers the perfect setting for snorkelers of all experience levels. Glide over colorful corals, explore thriving living coral ecosystems, and swim with tropical fish and other amazing sea creatures in this underwater paradise.

This breathtaking reef is one of Maui’s most popular snorkeling destinations, giving snorkelers a fun and memorable experience. During whale season (December-April), you might even spot humpback whales breaching in the distance. Book your Afternoon Tour today for a fantastic snorkel adventure!

GOOGLE REVIEWS

FAQs

Do I need to have experience snorkeling?
You don’t need snorkeling experience to join us—just be comfortable in the water and able to swim on your own. If you can float on your stomach, you’re ready! Our crew provides a quick lesson, gear fitting, and flotation.
Are there vegetarian options?
Yes. Our meals offer a variety of vegetarian options, and we can also accommodate dietary restrictions. Just call us at (808) 244-1979 with specific requests, and we’ll do our best to help you.
Is snorkeling safe?
The Hawaii Health Department recommends that all snorkelers feel comfortable in the water and able to swim without equipment. You should also be at ease floating on your stomach.To make your adventure easier, we provide flotation devices, wetsuits, swim noodles, and boogie boards. These will help you stay afloat while you enjoy watching Hawaii’s amazing marine life.
Can we use a full-face snorkeling mask?
No. We do not allow full-face masks on the Lani Kai II. But, we do provide all of your snorkeling equipment at no additional cost.
Do you offer snuba?
Not at this time—our focus is guided snorkeling with flotation included.
Do you offer transportation?
Transportation isn’t provided. Please meet us at the harbor for check-in.
Is there a kamaʻāina rate?
Each passenger must have a Hawai’i state or school ID to get the discount. Please contact us to discuss your Kama’aina discount. You can call us (808) 244-1979 or email us at [email protected].
Are service animals allowed on trips?
Space is limited on our tours, so please give us advance notice if you’ll be bringing a service animal. Our reservations team will be happy to help and make sure you have everything you need for a smooth experience.
What visibility can I expect?
Molokini often has 100–150+ ft visibility; other sites vary with wind and swell.
Is morning better than afternoon?
Usually yes—mornings tend to be calmer with clearer water.

Written by the Maui Snorkeling team, operating Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, and Coral Garden 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: January 2026

Check out our other activity:

Morning Tour

Check out our other activity:

Private Charter

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