Pride of Maui Blog

We did the Molokini/Turtletown trip on May 11th 2010. We just wanted to tell you what a great trip we had. While I (Larry) didn’t enjoy snorkeling as I am not a water guy, my wife had a great time. The water was smooth, the food was good and overall it was a great time. Thanks for helping us make a nice memory.

Larry and Ann Lemieux
Arvada, CO

When you visit the island paradise of Maui, what goes on under the water is just as exciting as what you experience on dry land. The waters surrounding Maui are filled with spectacular coral formations, breathtaking reefs and ocean life of all kinds. Snorkeling is an excellent way to see the underwater sights and Maui has snorkeling adventures for all ages and skill levels. One of the best options is to indulge in a Maui snorkel tours, with diving experts that know exactly where to take you for the best snorkeling experience. We’ve got plenty of reasons on why to love snorkeling, and we want to share a few of them with you here.

Snorkel Location

There are so many snorkeling spots in Maui; it can be challenging to choose just a handful to enjoy on your tropical holiday. The pros that run Maui snorkeling trips can help by providing some of the best destinations around the island. Some of the more popular locations for snorkeling trips in Maui include Molokini Crater, Coral Gardens and Five Caves. However, you might also find Maui snorkeling trips that go to some of the lesser known, but no less awesome, snorkeling locations so you can get your fill of ocean life without having to fight the crowds to experience it.

Training

Depending on the tour company you choose, you may find a staff that is more than happy to train the beginning snorkeler, from choosing the easiest snorkel trips to helping you get comfortable with the equipment before heading to the water. Those who have already done a few Maui snorkel tours can also find companies that specialize in more challenging snorkel tours, allowing you to stretch your wings and meet a greater snorkel challenge head-on. There is no greater trainer than experience, particularly when you are working with professionals who can guide you every step of the way.

Ocean Viewing

Snorkel pros know exactly how and where to find the most spectacular coral formations and greatest abundance of ocean life. They will point out critters both above and below the surface, whether it is a humpback breaching the waves on the way to your snorkel destination, or a lumbering sea turtle or two hanging out on the beach just feet from your dive spot. Once you are under water, your guide can point you to the densest populations of fish and may even show you a shy octopus or manta ray gliding effortlessly through the waters. When you shop for snorkeling tours on Maui, you are much more likely to see the ocean views you are hoping for.

Maui is a fabulous vacation spot for snorkeling adventure, and snorkeling tour will make every moment you spend in the water unforgettable. There is simply no better way to experience this island paradise than under the pristine surface of the clear blue ocean that surrounds it.

I had the opportunity to go on your Molokini Crater and Turtle Town Snorkel adventure on May 9th, I had never really been snorkeling before so it was a new experience for me. I had a lot of fun snorkeling and I saw some things that I would never see snorkeling in the oceans by my house. The boat ride was really fun and the crew that was on the boat with us were incredibly nice and a lot of fun to interact with. The next time I come to Maui I will be going on the Pride of Maui again because I had so much fun the first time.

Thank you for such a fun trip that I will never forget.

Ashley Wepking
Bonney Lake, WA

Dear Captain Patrick,

We had a great time on our snorkeling trip with you. We really thought it was fun. Thanks for the autographed t-shirts and for taking a picture with us. We have attached a few photos for you to see from our trip with you.

Mahalo,

Tyler, Megan, and Kylie Longoria
Grafton, WI

When you travel to the tropical paradise of Maui, what goes on under the water is just as exciting as what happens on dry land. This location is literally teeming with tropical fish and ocean life that you may not encounter anywhere else. Depending on the location you choose, you might mingle with a variety of rays, sharks and even the occasional shy octopus. The island is a sanctuary for sea turtles and a variety of seabirds, so you will never be at a loss for viewing pleasure. Check out these tips to help you prepare for snorkeling in Maui.

Where to Go Snorkeling in Maui

There are so many fabulous places for snorkeling on Maui; the greatest challenge may be choosing just a few for your Hawaiian vacation. It is important to do your homework on where to snorkel in Maui before you head to the island. Get familiar with some of the most popular snorkeling spots, including the level of difficulty and the type of ocean life found there. This will help you narrow your choices to a few key locations and then you can shop for tours at the destinations you like.

Proper Maui Snorkeling Equipment

The right equipment will make all the difference between an enjoyable experience snorkeling in Maui – and one that is fraught with frustration. Whether you rent or buy your equipment, begin with a high quality silicone mask that fits your face just right. A mask that fits well should also seal well, leaving your eyes clear to see all the ocean wonders under the water’s surface. Good-fitting fins are also essential, since fins that are too tight may give you leg cramps in the water. Choose fins that remain snug on the heel without cutting off circulation to your feet.

Learning the Ropes

If you are new to snorkeling, look for tours that specifically offer snorkeling on Maui for beginners. These companies cater to newbies, by showing them how to wear their equipment properly, get into the water safely and get the most of the snorkeling adventure. Getting into and out of the water is the greatest challenge, so instruction is important to save yourself unnecessary frustration and embarrassment. Many companies teach you how to enter the water from the boat rather than the beach, because this is actually easier for beginners. Once you are in the water, lifeguards and/or tour guides will be there to keep you safe and help you get the most out of your snorkeling experience.

Snorkeling in Maui is a popular pastime and a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your snorkeling experience is a memorable one. By following these tips, you will arrive in Maui ready to hit the water for a Hawaiian snorkeling adventure of a lifetime.

When you are planning a trip to Maui, you can’t miss at least one snorkeling expedition to Molokini Crater. This underwater volcano is home to a wealth of ocean life, thanks to its distinction as a marine preserve. The crater features a crescent shaped, rocky rim that rises above the surface of the water, where many bird species also congregate. Check out our overview of Molokini snorkeling tours to help you plan your Maui underwater adventure.

Where is Molokini

Molokini Crater is located just three miles off the coast of Maui, making it a prime destination for Maui Molokini tours. The calm, crystal clear waters make it easy to see ocean life as far as 100 feet away, and the conditions make it a popular spot for fish and sea creatures of all kinds. Molokini Crater tours are very popular with the Maui crowd, so it is not difficult to find a charter company offering tours to this frequented diving spot. Fortunately, the area is large enough to host a number of boats at one time without guests feeling like they are on top of each other while they are diving and snorkeling.

What to See at Molokini

Because Molokini Crater is a Marine Life Conservation District Seabird Sanctuary, you are pretty much guaranteed to witness some fairly spectacular ocean life while snorkeling in these waters. In addition to a wealth of colorful tropical fish, you may also catch a glimpse of spotted eagle rays and manta rays gliding gracefully nearby. Monk seals also frequent these waters, as do a number of shark species, including whale sharks and white tip reef sharks. You may also find some breathtaking coral formations and underwater scenery. Molokini snorkel tours will help you locate and identify ocean creatures along the way, so you get the most of your Molokini snorkeling experience.

What’s Included on a Molokini snorkel tour

Because there are a number of Molokini tours that head to the crater every day, each tour company does its best to stand out from the rest and make your day truly special. Many of the Maui Molokini tours begin with breakfast onboard your boat, complete with freshly ground Kona coffee. While you enjoy your snorkeling adventure, the boat’s crew may be busy whipping up a tantalizing lunch on the boat deck. Molokini Crater tours may run anywhere from a few hours to most of the day, depending on the tour company and the types of excursions they offer.

Molokini snorkel tours are a must on your visit to Maui, so check out what is currently available and book your tour as soon as possible. Because Molokini Crater is a hot spot for divers and snorkelers alike, Maui Molokini tours tend to fill up fast and you’ll want to act quickly to get your first pick of snorkeling adventures.

I was lucky enough to be a part of your whale watching excursion back in mid-March, where the boat got “mugged” by a baby whale, mom & escort. My 5-year old daughter, Maya, and my husband, Mike, are still raving about the experience!

Living up in Vancouver on the West Coast, we of course are exposed to lots of marine life, including Orcas, but have never had the opportunity to interact at such close quarters and in such an amazing environment. We really appreciated and enjoyed your commentary and interesting facts about the whales, and the entire crew of The Pride did an amazing job in creating a very memorable experience for our family! Thanks to all of you.

I do have a favor to ask of you – during the tour, you had snapped a couple of photos of my daughter with the crew, as well as a close-up of the whales beside the boat. If you’re able to email me a copy of the photos, that would really be fantastic and much appreciated.

Thanks again, and we plan on being repeat visitors the next time we’re in Maui!

Tanya Pedersen – Vancouver, Canada

Imagine spending a day underwater, enjoying breathtaking coral gardens and swimming with a wide variety of sea life. How can you ever top an adventure of this magnitude? By enjoying Hawaii’s own version of Aloha, with a sunset dinner cruise. These cruises are provided by many different companies, so you can enjoy the experience of your liking. Check out these options to find the perfect end to a perfect tropical day.

Fine Dining

For those who like to enjoy the best of the best, there are Maui sunset dinner cruises that combine the spectacular views of the island with the best cuisine in the area. Service is first-rate and live music adds Hawaiian ambiance that is the perfect complement to a colorful island sunset. Sip a glass of chardonnay while the waves gently lap against the side of the boat in a soothing rocking motion. Some boats might even offer room to dance so you can sway together to the enchanting island melodies. Mmm, you are miles from reality, in your private tropical oasis.

Whale Watching

Can’t get enough of Hawaiian sea life? A sunset cruise is also a wonderful way to spot a whale. Relax on the deck of your catamaran, tropical cocktail in your hand. Gaze upon the crystal blue water, watching vigilantly for signs of life. Feel the adrenaline rush as someone calls out and points to the distance – a humpback has been spotted! Make your way to the deck’s rail, just in time to see the majestic creature breach and dive back into the ocean depth’s with a crash. You gaze upon the place where the whale has disappeared, take another sip of your beverage and realize you are indeed in paradise.

Setting Sail

For those who like to set sail for wherever the wind takes them, a sunset cruise aboard a Hawaiian sloop-rigged sailing catamaran is a lovely adventure. The boat is small and ready to bow to the authority of the island breeze. You find yourself slowly, almost lazily, drifting into the Hawaiian sunset, sipping champagne and nibbling gourmet appetizers or fine chocolate. The sky transforms to a brilliant shade of orange before the sun slips behind the horizon and the stars make their appearance. What better way to bid farewell to another brilliant day in a tropical dream.

Sunset cruises in Maui are the perfect way to end a day of tropical adventure. No matter what sort of cruise you choose, you can rest assured that your experience at sea will be truly unforgettable.