Maui Snorkeling Private Charters

Maui Snorkeling Private Charters

EXCELLENT 5.0 Google

Based on 4,557 reviews

Check-in: 6:30 AM | Depart: 7 AM | Return: 12 PM | Check-in: 12:30 PM | Depart: 1 PM | Return 4 PM

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.

Play video: Molokini Snorkeling
Video description / transcript

Guests check in at Maʻalaea Harbor and board the Lani Kai II for a morning snorkel adventure to Molokini Crater and Turtle Town.

Onboard, the crew helps guests get fitted with snorkel gear and shares a safety briefing. Optional beginner snorkel training and flotation options are available.

At Molokini Crater, snorkelers enter the water and explore clear conditions, coral reefs, and tropical fish. After the crater, the tour continues to Turtle Town, where you may see Hawaiian green sea turtles and other reef fish (wildlife sightings are never guaranteed).

Between stops, guests enjoy included breakfast, lunch, and drinks. On some days and stops, guests can ride the 25‑foot waterslide (the slide is not used at Molokini Crater).

The tour returns to Maʻalaea Harbor around noon.

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)

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

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

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

Google Excellent 5.0 4,557 reviews
Google
Brian P.
Verified
Absolutely fantastic experience! Yes, it's an early morning but totally worth it! Our voyage went on the reverse of most other companies; we went to Turtle Town first. We basically had it to ourselves and saw many turtles, and the boat has a 25-ft waterslide that kids and grown-ups loved.

In the second part of the trip, we went to the Molokini Crater. Again, this was great because most boats were there first and thus leaving. The snorkeling was phenomenal. They also had an onboard photographer to capture shots if you don't have a GoPro. The boat was spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room, but the total group was limited to 65, so it was not jam-packed, sitting on top of each other like some other boats.

The trip included breakfast, lunch, drinks, and snacks, so great value. The crew was phenomenal! Everyone was very friendly, and the vibe was great. They were all great with children, and you can tell they really love their job. I would do this again many times and can't recommend them highly enough!
Google
Rebecca G.
Verified
The crew, boat, water slide, and snorkeling were amazing! We super enjoyed the afternoon trip to the Coral Gardens. The crew was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. Snorkel gear and the boat were very clean and well-maintained. We will back again every Maui trip for sure!
Google
Kyle C.
Verified
This was an amazing trip! The crew worked like a well oiled machine. Fruit, pastries and coffee for breakfast, sandwiches chips and pasta salad for lunch. The Mokolini crater was amazing and the slide the deployed from the top deck was so much fun! There was even a professional photographer on board who captured amazing photos of the family! All around very professional tour! Highly recommend Captain Greg and his crew!
Google
Albert D.
Verified
Went on vacation in Maui and had to do a snorkel tour. Came across Maui Snorkeling and booked it (waterslide had me sold). “Boat Driver” Greg and his crew were amazing. They provided food, snacks, sunscreen and the snorkeling equipment. Seen the fishes and turtles and cherry on top, came across some spinner dolphins. Boat Driver Greg must of paid these dolphins off because they followed the boat and put on an amazing show for everyone. Turtle town and Molokini crater was awesome and my young daughter still remembers Dani for how nice she was. Definitely recommend Maui Snorkeling.
Google
The Official Critic
Verified
What an incredible experience aboard the Lani Kai II! We visited both Molokini Crater and Turtle Town, and both locations exceeded our expectations.

The snorkeling at Molokini Crater was absolutely amazing, with crystal-clear water, excellent visibility, and an incredible variety of fish and marine life. Turtle Town was equally unforgettable. We were fortunate enough to see several sea turtles up close in their natural habitat, which was one of the highlights of our trip to Maui. Do not skip Turtle Town!!

The crew was outstanding from start to finish. They were professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and made everyone feel safe and comfortable in the water while creating a fun, and relaxed atmosphere. The boat was clean, comfortable, well-maintained, and the entire excursion was organized flawlessly.

If you’re visiting Maui and looking for a world-class snorkeling adventure, I highly recommend the Lanikai II. Between the breathtaking snorkeling at Molokini Crater, the unforgettable sea turtle encounters at Turtle Town, and the fantastic crew, this was easily one of the best experiences of our vacation. Mahalo to the entire team for an unforgettable day on the water!
Google
Zachary P.
Verified
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 — Plus 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

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

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

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.

A private charter reserves the Lani Kai II exclusively for your group. You get an all-inclusive snorkel experience for up to 65 guests, with the freedom to enjoy the boat without sharing the trip with other parties.

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.

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