Turtle Town

Immerse yourself in the wonders of South Maui’s pristine environment and extraordinary underwater world. The underwater sea caves and abundant algae flora create the ideal environment to encounter one of Hawai’i’s most beloved sea creatures, the Hawaiian Sea Turtle. Frequently cited as one of the most sought-after snorkeling destination, South Maui’s Turtle Town guarantees an unforgettable aquatic adventure.

South Maui’s beautiful white sand beaches and rocky outcrops have created a beautiful environment for two of Maui’s sea turtle populations: the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle and the Hawaiian Hawksbill Honu.

The Hawaiian green sea turtle, known as Honu, thrives along the rugged outcrops of historic lava flows. Many of these lava tubes extended into the ocean, creating sea caves for turtles to rest. Honu also seek out the many “cleaning stations”, reef areas teeming with Hawaiian cleaner wrasse and a multitude of colorful surgeon fish that clean and care for the green sea turtles along with other marine life in the area.

The Hawaiian Hawksbill, Honu ‘ea, can also be found along the South Maui Coast. This critically endangered species feeds on corals and sponges in the area. They are typically spotted more seasonally between June and October when they are known to haul out on shore and lay their nests. A single female can lay between 3 to 5 nests of over 100 eggs in a single season. Currently, there are only around 136 known Hawksbill turtles in the entire Island chain, and South Maui is one of their most frequently spotted areas.

Aside from the sea turtles, South Maui coast has a wide and diverse ecosystem where you’ll find the waters full of a variety of colorful tropical fish, a plethora of marine invertebrates, and for the lucky few, the chance to see a manta ray or small reef sharks cruising the many cleaning stations that cover the shoreline.

5-Hour Maui Snorkeling Morning Tour

If you want to snorkel with the Hawaiian sea turtles, then Maui Snorkeling’s 5-hour Morning Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour is for you. This trip also stops in Molokini, a world-famous offshore reef, but it allows the opportunity for a second stop along Maui’s south coast to encounter one of these amazing marine turtles thriving in their natural environment. This snorkel trip is not just an excursion; it’s an expedition into an awe-inspiring underwater world.

This trip operates from 7 AM to 12 PM, seven days a week, on our famous boat, The Lani Kai II. Included in this morning tour is our state-of-the-art snorkeling equipment, ensuring a premium snorkeling experience. For beginners or those needing a refresher, our friendly and professional staff provide onboard training, equipping you with the skills and confidence to fully enjoy your underwater exploration at Turtle Town. To ensure everyone has an enjoyable and comfortable snorkeling experience, we also provide optical masks and flotation devices.  These devices ensure that you can snorkel effortlessly and focus on the stunning marine life.

We haven’t forgotten about the fun either! The Lani Kai II features a thrilling 25-foot water slide that will excite both the young and the young at heart. When you’re not snorkeling, you can ride the slide! After exploring the underwater world, you can refuel with our deli lunch, which is included in your tour. Plus, we keep you refreshed throughout the journey with a range of beverages, including coffee, tea, various juices, and soft drinks, all available at your disposal.

Whether you’re a snorkeling novice, a marine life enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates natural beauty, Turtle Town offers an unforgettable experience. With its abundant marine life, unique geological features, and the opportunity to see the revered Hawaiian green sea turtles, it’s undoubtedly a highlight of Maui’s many marine attractions. So, don’t hesitate any longer and visit Turtle Town today! Let the allure of the Hawaiian green sea turtles and the colorful reef steal your heart away. There’s no better way to experience the unparalleled beauty of Maui, Hawaii.