No matter how beautiful the tropical scenery of Maui might be, the view below the water is as breathtaking as the view on dry land. One of the best ways to experience the underwater world of the Hawaiian tropics in on-board a Maui snorkeling cruise. There are many options available for a snorkel cruise in Maui today, so we will offer a few tips to help you find the best package for your needs.

What is a Maui Snorkeling Cruise?

When you book a snorkeling cruise in Maui, you get much more than time underwater to see the marine life up close. A quality cruise will often include food, refreshments and a trained guide who will ensure your snorkeling experience is a positive one. Some snorkel cruises on Maui combine the underwater adventure with other forms of entertainment, such as live music, an open bar and even a traditional Hawaiian luau after your boat docks. Shop around to find the cruise that best meets your personal preferences and budget to ensure a truly unforgettable experience.

What Marine Life will I See?

Besides the glorious sunset views on-board your Maui cruise, you will also get to experience the tropical fish and marine life that call the Hawaiian Islands home. Depending on your snorkeling destination, you will discover a plethora of tropical fish species, manta rays and a variety of sharks. Some lucky snorkelers may even espy a shy octopus, bottle-nose dolphin or a sea turtle on their journey. Keep an eye on the coastline to find monk seals, tropical birds and even more sea turtles along the way.

When Should I Go?

Anytime is a good time for a cruise in Maui, but if you set sail in the winter, you might be more comfortable in a wetsuit than a bathing suit. If you would like to combine whale watching with your snorkel cruise, book your trip during the migration season, which generally spans between December and April. Otherwise, you can pretty much book a cruise year-round, and rest assured you will have an enjoyable and successful adventure any month of the year.

Most snorkel cruises on Maui tend to run in the early morning hours, when marine life is most abundant and crowds are less of a problem. While you can find a Maui snorkeling cruise later in the day, most cruise operators advise their visitors to book earlier cruises for the best possible experience. Many cruises offer coffee, juices and breakfast offerings on-board, to help you jump start your adventure in style.

A snorkeling trip in Maui is the perfect addition to your tropical getaway. With an abundance of sea life to explore, and plenty of options in destinations, it is no wonder Maui is considered one of the best snorkeling locations in the world.

If you are in search of the best snorkeling in Maui, you will not be disappointed in your visit to this island of paradise. Maui is surrounded by hot spots for snorkelers and divers, depending on where you want to go and what you want to see. Snorkeling can be just about anywhere on the island, depending on where you go and what you want to see. These five diving hot spots are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to underwater adventure in Maui.

Molokini Crater

This underwater volcano has been listed as a Marine Life Conservation District Seabird Sanctuary. Within the volcanic walls you will find a host of tropical fish, manta rays and even the occasional shark. The clear water makes this one of the best Maui snorkeling locations, because you can easily see the underwater life that calls Molokini Crater home. It is a popular location for beginning and experienced snorkelers alike. Molokini Crater is located just three miles off the Maui coast and is accessible by boat.

Turtle Town

There has been some question as to precisely where Turtle Town is located, but the general consensus is that Turtle Town is located on the southern coastline of the island, between Nahuna Point and Black Sand Beach. This stretch is home to a particularly dense population of sea turtles, thanks to current government protection. Turtle Town is well known for providing some of the best snorkeling in Maui, particularly if these large lumbering creatures are your sightseeing target.

Coral Gardens

Coral Gardens is located in the center of the western Maui coast. This location is also home to a large number of brightly colored fish, as well as some breathtaking coral formations and the occasional sea turtle. Keep your eyes open for crabs, octopus and eels as well. The location occasionally provides a glimpse of humpback whales between the months of December and April, in the National Marine Sanctuary.

Honolua Bay

Honalua Bay is located on the northern end of Maui, and provides plenty of great underwater scenery for visitors. The bay offers a small, sandy beach where you can access the water directly. Because the area is a marine reserve, snorkelers can enjoy spectacular coral formations, sea turtles and large schools of tropical fish. Honalua Bay is not the best snorkeling on Maui due to North swells, when surfing becomes the preferred activity off of this beach.

Five Caves

If you are a good swimmer and relatively experienced snorkeler, Five Caves is another spot for some of the best Maui snorkeling. This area offers a host of caves and crevices where sea life can hide. Located just north of Turtle Town, Five Caves provides glimpses of harmless reef sharks as well as sea turtles. The beach at Five Caves is small and no facilities are offered.

Maui snorkeling offers some of the best underwater adventures across the globe, which is why many flock to this Hawaiian island to see the sights that lurk in the depths of the ocean. There are many different opportunities for snorkeling on Maui today, and each excursion offers its own version of marine life viewing. If you are considering snorkeling in Maui on your next tropical getaway, we have a few tips to get you started.

Choosing a snorkel spot

Maui is a plethora of heavenly snorkeling destinations, so you should be able to easily find snorkeling within a short drive from your hotel. The southern and western regions of the island are generally considered the best locations for snorkeling in Maui, although Molokini Crater, located just three miles from the Maui coastline, is considered one of the top spots for snorkeling and scuba diving in the world. When choosing a location for your snorkel adventure, consider the following:

• Your level of snorkeling ability and experience
• The types of diving you are most comfortable with (beach, boat, etc.)
• The marine life you are hoping to see

Once you know the type of snorkeling you are looking for, you can select a destination that will fit your needs best.

Finding a Time

Just about anytime is the right time for snorkeling on Maui, although it is important to determine when the swells are coming in before choosing the safest spot for your underwater adventure. As a general guideline, stick with southern snorkeling destinations when North swells come in (usually during the winter season), and head to the western destinations farther north when South swells arrive (usually during the summer season). However, this is a general guideline and swells can fluctuate throughout the year. It is important to gather current information about water condition immediately prior to your Maui vacation, to ensure you select the best spot.

Early or Late Risers

As you are planning your Maui snorkeling adventure, determine whether you would like to schedule your dives for first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon. The time of day you head out will in part determine the best destination for your needs. Early risers might enjoy a boat ride out to Molokini Crater, where the marine life viewing is best during the earliest part of the day. If you prefer to sleep in a bit on vacation, choose a different dive destination that works well for afternoon dives, such as Coral Gardens. Some divers may prefer a full-day adventure that includes additional activities and meals in addition to the diving time.

A snorkeling adventure in Maui takes your tropical getaway to a whole new level – quite literally. While the island offers some breathtaking scenery of its own, there is nothing like exploring the ocean depths to find an entire world of tropical fish and marine life lurking below.

Finding the best snorkeling on Maui isn’t hard; it’s paring down the choices to a single vacation that becomes challenging. Maui is one of the premiere snorkeling locations in the world, with a wealth of underwater adventure and sights to see. Whether you are looking for snorkeling opportunities right off the beach or further out via a charter, we’ve got the best snorkeling on Maui right here.

West Maui

The western side of the island offers a plethora of picturesque bays for snorkeling adventure. The tree-lined Honolua Bay is filled with brightly colored fish and a breathtaking reef. Makuleia Bay is another lovely spot, particularly in the morning when it is calmer and easier to view the reef and the tropical fish that live within its confines. For those who want to combine their snorkeling adventure with some beach activity, the fabulous coastline around Napili Bay is the perfect solution. This beach provides plenty of accommodations, with a multitude of condos in the vicinity. Kapalua Bay is one of the better known snorkeling locations in the western part of Maui, and offers a nice beach day on top of the snorkeling activity, with bathrooms, showers and food located in the area.

South Maui

Wailea Beach in the southern region offers some spectacular views and the occasional glimpse of a sea turtle if you are lucky. Both Wailea and nearby Polo Beach offer bathroom and shower facilities onsite, making for a more comfortable day of snorkeling and swimming. These locations also offer fabulous beaches for sunbathing, when you have had your fill of underwater adventure. Another popular place for snorkeling on the southern end of Maui is Molokini Crater, an underwater volcano that serves as a refuge for a multitude of tropical fish and sea life. In fact, Molokini Crater has been rated the best snorkeling in Maui by many snorkelers and divers today.

East Maui

To the east, you will find the unique Red Sand Beach, which primarily caters to snorkelers and nude sunbathers, thanks to the quiet cove that offers additional privacy. This location is good for snorkelers of all skill levels and offers a large density of colorful fish for your viewing pleasure. Hamoa Beach is another place for some of Maui’s best snorkeling adventures, as long as you visit in the spring, summer or fall. In the winter, the surf kicks up too much to make snorkeling at this location safe or enjoyable. At the other end of the eastern loop lies Koki Beach, which also provides a large amount of reef fish hiding within the picturesque reef below the surface.

No matter what type of snorkeling excursion you are looking for, you can rest assured that you can find the best Maui snorkeling nearly anywhere on the island. From the pristine beaches of the west, to an underwater volcano just south of the island’s shore, you can find a wealth of sight seeing and underwater adventure when you grab your mask and head down into the depths of the waters just off the Maui coastline.

Many visitors come to Maui every year with the express desire to experience Maui’s underwater adventures firsthand. However, snorkeling can be an expensive proposition if you don’t get savvy to Maui discount snorkel tours that help you pack more underwater activity into your vacation for a lot less money. Check out these Maui snorkeling tips that will help you dive for less money.

Snorkel Location

The first step to a snorkeling tour in Maui is to choose accommodations close to where you will be diving. For example, if your goal is to hit snorkeling hot spots like Molokini Crater, choose a hotel on the southern part of the island. A few of the premier snorkel tour companies offer transportation service. Check their schedule for hotel pickup times and points.

Shop Around

It’s true that most companies offering snorkeling excursions won’t necessarily offer really big discount snorkeling package. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t shop around to a few different companies to find out who is currently offering the best deal. Keep in mind that before you begin comparing prices, you want to locate companies that will provide an excursion that closely matches your skill level and the type of snorkeling experience you are looking for. You also want to find out whether the staff is well experienced and prepared to offer all the instruction you need to ensure a safe, productive experience.

Look for the right discount

When you begin surfing the Internet, you might be surprises at how many discount snorkeling tours in Maui you can find. This is particularly true during the off season, when companies are more interested in winning your business. Search under “Maui discount snorkeling” online to see what sort of bargains crop up. Read the fine print of the offer carefully so you aren’t surprised by hidden charges once you show up for your dive, and make sure you are working with a safe and reputable company before putting any money down. When you arrive on Maui you should also ask locals for their suggestions, or speak with your hotel concierge.

Look for Coupons

In addition to promotions and sales, you may also find some companies offering coupons online for their snorkeling excursions. Coupons will usually provide a code you input when you book your tour, or you can print out the coupon to take with you when you make your reservation. Some coupons may give you a percentage off your snorkeling trip, or even take money off of a snorkeling and accommodations package.

Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities in Maui, and fortunately, there are ways to find discount snorkeling so you can enjoy your underwater adventures without breaking the bank. Consider these tips before booking your snorkeling excursions, and you may find your Hawaiian holiday can be enjoyed for a lot less money.

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.

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.