Maui Snorkeling Private Charters

EXCELLENT 5.0

Based on 4,621 reviews

Private Tour Quick Facts

📍 Departs: Maʻalaea Harbor (Slip 64) 🍳 Food: Food + drinks included 🤿 Gear: Snorkel gear + flotation included 👥 Capacity: Max 65 guests 🛝 Waterslide: Deployed when conditions allow (not at Molokini)

Note: Private charters from $4,800 (plus options for upgrades & custom requests). Snorkel sites and the day’s route depend on ocean and weather conditions. We aim to visit Molokini Crater and Turtle Town, but the captain may choose the best available locations for the safest and clearest snorkeling.

Video description / transcript

Guests check in at Maʻalaea Harbor and board the Lani Kai II for a private morning or afternoon charter reserved exclusively for their group.

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

Morning private charters check in at 6:30 AM and depart at 7:00 AM. The captain typically aims for Molokini Crater and Turtle Town when ocean and weather conditions allow. At Molokini, guests can snorkel near coral reefs and schools of tropical fish. At Turtle Town, they may encounter Hawaiian green sea turtles and other reef life. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Afternoon private charters check in at 12:30 PM and depart at 1:00 PM. These trips typically head to Coral Gardens or another reef selected by the captain based on the day's conditions. Guests can explore coral formations, swim among colorful reef fish, and enjoy a shorter, relaxed afternoon on the water.

Morning charters include continental breakfast, lunch, and drinks. Afternoon charters include lunch and drinks. At eligible snorkel stops, guests may also enjoy the Lani Kai II's 25-foot waterslide when conditions allow. The waterslide isn't used at Molokini Crater.

Morning private charters return to Maʻalaea Harbor around 12:00 PM, while afternoon private charters return around 4:00 PM. Snorkel locations, routes, and onboard activities may change based on ocean conditions, weather, safety, and the group's preferences.

Summary

Host an amazing private party on Maui! Reserve a private snorkel-and-slide adventure for up to 65 guests. Morning or afternoon private charters are available. Get the same all-inclusive experience without the crowds. Perfect for snorkeling, whale watching, swimming, wedding activity cruises, corporate events, networking events, fundraising events, family reunions, birthday parties, and client entertainment!

TOUR OVERVIEW

Maui Snorkeling Private Charters Highlights

Highlights

Snorkel at Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, & Coral Gardens.
Perfect for special events.
Beginner-friendly support with gear fitting, instruction, and flotation options.
Comfortable boat amenities: shade, seating, and restrooms onboard.
Waterslide at select stops when conditions allow (not used at Molokini Crater).

Note: Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

What’s Included

Sanitized snorkel gear (mask, fins, snorkel)
Instruction + crew support
Flotation options
Food + drinks
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)

Top Rated Private Charter

Price

Private Charters start at

$ 4,800

Perfect for private parties

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

6:30 AM: Check-in at Maʻalaea Harbor. Public Parking is available
7:00 AM: We depart for Molokini Crater
7:15 AM: Continental Breakfast. Snorkeling for beginners training (optional)
11:30 AM: Deli Lunch
12:00 PM: Arrive back at the harbor

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

Breakfast Includes

Scones · Hot Coffee · Water

Fresh Fruit

Pineapples · Honeydew · Cantaloupe · Grapes

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 Snorkeling Private Charters

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 at short notice due to weather.
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.
Actual snorkel locations depend on the weather and cannot be guaranteed in advance

What you might see

Marine Life You Might See

At Molokini Crater

Every Molokini Crater snorkeling trip feels like stepping into a brand‑new world. Beneath the surface, look for bright reef fish gliding past coral, like swimming through a living rainbow.

Butterflyfish
Yellow Tangs
Parrotfish
Moorish Idols
Schools of Reef Fish

At Turtle Town

Turtle Town is home to the stars of the show, Hawaiian green sea turtles. You may also spot a mix of reef fish and a curious eel peeking out from the coral.

Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles
Trumpetfish
Surgeonfish
Parrotfish
Spotted Moray Eel

On most days, the water is clear, and these sites are great for kids, first‑time snorkelers, and anyone who wants to relax and enjoy the view. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Learn more in our Molokini & Turtle Town guide.

Google Reviews

Excellent 5.0 4,621 reviews

We did Turtle Town and Molokini Crater Snorkeling. The crew was friendly and very helpful, especially towards the little ones and non-swimmers. Definitely recommend for your snorkeling adventure in Maui!

We had an amazing experience with Maui Snorkeling! Captain Paul kept everyone entertained from start to finish; he’s absolutely hilarious and made the trip so much fun. Sarah, the photographer, did an incredible job capturing the experience while snorkeling and was so friendly and professional.

The entire crew was outstanding. Everyone was smiling, genuinely happy, and incredibly helpful, making sure every guest felt welcome and safe. Their positive energy made the whole excursion even more enjoyable.

If you’re looking for a fun, well-run snorkeling adventure with an amazing crew, I highly recommend Maui Snorkeling. This was definitely one of the highlights of our trip!

This is such a fun and cool experience! The boat crew does a fantastic job. At Molokini Crater, it is like swimming in an aquarium! The water slide is fun too! The sea turtles round out the trip!

We really enjoyed our snorkeling experience. The crew was extremely friendly and helpful. They provided a light breakfast, snacks, and lunch for us. We would highly recommend Maui Snorkeling to anyone.
There was a photographer that did great pictures. He took photos of everyone on the boat as well as in the water!

We had an absolute blast on this snorkeling tour! We swam with sea turtles, flew down the boat’s waterslide, did front flips into the ocean, and enjoyed a delicious lunch. The crew was incredible, friendly, fun, and made the entire experience unforgettable. We’ll definitely be booking this same tour every time we come back to Maui. Highly recommend to anyone looking for an amazing day on the water!

An adventure that will forever be with us!!! The boat size was perfect! The crew was helpful, funny, and fun!! Our captain provided some history and comments as we traveled…and served as DJ with music to match our excursion. Our party of 7 saw many varieties of colorful fish, turtles, octopus, and beautiful coral. We had plenty of time to snorkel at each spot! Beverages, a continental breakfast, and sandwich lunch were included. LOVED it!!!!!

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

Molokini & Turtle Town in the Morning + Coral Gardens Options

Our popular private charters stop at iconic Maui snorkel destinations: Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, and Coral Gardens. Molokini is the famous crescent-shaped islet known for remarkably clear water (visibility can reach up to 150 feet on great days), vibrant reef structure, and abundant marine life; snorkeling here often feels like swimming through a natural aquarium!

Turtle Town, another snorkel spot, is a calmer South Maui reef where Hawaiian green sea turtles are frequently seen gliding over coral gardens and lava formations alongside colorful schools of fish.

Coral Gardens is another favorite spot we can target based on ocean conditions and your group’s preferences; known for beautiful coral heads, reef fish, and a relaxed snorkel that’s great for families and mixed-experience groups.

We provide your snorkel gear, meals, and friendly guidance. You bring your sense of adventure!

Molokini Crater
Turtle Town
Coral Gardens
Up to 150 ft visibility
Hawaiian green sea turtles
Gear + meals included

Learn more: Molokini & Turtle Town guide Molokini Crater rules & FAQs Coral Gardens guide

Logistics

Departure and Parking

Check in: Maʻalaea Harbor, Slip 64 (101 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793). We recommend arriving 20–30 minutes early to park and meet the crew.

Maʻalaea Harbor
Slip 64
Arrive 20–30 min early

Parking: Maʻalaea Boat Harbor Public Parking

Guidelines

Safety and Wildlife Guidelines

Molokini is a protected Marine Life Conservation District with special rules to keep coral and marine life healthy. We snorkel from day‑use moorings (no anchoring) and never feed fish.

Please give turtles space, at least 10 ft (3 m). Remember that landing on the islet is prohibited because it’s a seabird sanctuary.

No anchoring
Don’t feed fish
10 ft turtle distance
No landing

Sources: NOAA guidance DLNR Molokini info

FAQs

You don’t need prior snorkeling experience, but you should be comfortable in deep water and able to swim on your own.
Our crew will fit your gear, give a quick lesson, and we provide flotation, wetsuits, 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 for the morning Molokini Private Charter is 6:30 AM. Check-in for the private Afternoon Charter is 12:30 PM.

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.

We have 3 snorkel destinations: Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, and Coral Gardens.

Morning charter: check-in at 6:30 AM, depart at 7:00 AM, return around 12:00 PM. Afternoon charter: check-in at 12:30 PM, depart at 1:00 PM, return around 4:00 PM.

Snorkel gear, instruction, flotation devices, wetsuits (for rent), breakfast, 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.

The waterslide is available at select stops when conditions allow. We don't deploy the waterslide at Molokini Crater.

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.