MAUI TURTLE SNORKELING ADVENTURE

A Maui vacation is not complete without a Maui Turtle Watch and Snorkel Tour. Receive twice the value by enjoying these two popular ocean adventures on the same cruise. Includes superb snorkeling, sea turtle watching, BBQ lunch, open bar, sanitized snorkel gear, floatation, and impeccable service, aboard the most spacious and stable vessel on Maui, the “Pride of Maui”.

You may not want to wake up at the crack of dawn. The afternoon Maui turtle watch and snorkeling cruise aboard the Pride of Maui is the perfect solution. Sleep in and join us for an amazing afternoon of Maui turtle watching and snorkeling adventure.

The Discount you save with a Maui turtle snorkel makes this an EXCEPTIONAL VACATION VALUE! You’ll enjoy a full 3 1/2 hours on the ocean, turtle watching and snorkeling a beautiful coral reef. We provide everything, aboard the most stable and spacious boat on Maui with unsurpassed amenities including two restrooms, glass bottom, water slide, submerged boarding ladders, warm showers, large hardwood bar, and over 2500 feet of open deck space. Your freshly prepared BBQ lunch includes big juicy burgers, hot dogs, marinated chicken breasts, as well as an open bar with ice cold beer, regional wines, and tropical mai tais. Homemade mac-nut white chocolate cookies are baked fresh daily for your enjoyment.

TURTLE WATCHING

The coastal waters of Maui boast some of the largest concentrations of the Hawaiian green sea turtles.

Turtle watching on Maui is some of the best in the world and as good as it gets. Turtle watching aboard our flagship “Pride of Maui” is even better. No other vessel compares to the space, stability and panoramic viewing from her sprawling upper deck. The superior stability and additional space aboard our larger power cat makes all the difference when choosing the right vessel. The Pride provides more deck space per passenger and perimeter seating for ease of movement throughout.

During your turtle watch tour these amazing animals will be viewed in their natural environment, resting on the bottom, coming to the surface for a breath of air, or gracefully swimming by to have a look at you, while you enjoy a close view of them.

Your turtle watch begins by cruising to one of the Captain’s favorite sea turtle cleaning stations, where the Hawaiian green sea turtles congregate to be cleaned by the resident cleaner wrasse fish. The turtles position themselves at strategic locations on the reef, where the cleaner wrasses swim all around them, literally removing unwanted build up from their shells and appendages. Cleaning stations are generally found in shallow waters on the coral reef, which create the opportunity for you to enjoy world class snorkeling, while observing this natural relationship between sea turtles and cleaner fish. The coral reef is also home to a wide variety of colorful tropical fish and other unique marine animals.

Curious by nature, these wonderful marine animals will gently approach a slowly moving Maui snorkeler, providing outstanding underwater photo opportunities. The sea turtles are a protected species. This is why Maui snorkel and scuba divers are reminded to respect their space. The law prohibits touching, chasing or riding the turtles. Calmly observing and allowing the turtles to swim close, makes your Maui turtle watch and snorkeling adventure truly unforgettable. It is also you’re best chance to take a close look at the world’s largest hard-shelled turtle. 

The Hawaiian green sea turtle is not green at all. The majority of these turtles have dark-brown hard shells or carapaces. The younger ones, called hatchlings, will have black hard shells. Then, as they grow, orange and yellowish tints appear. Sometimes, they develop olive, gold, and reddish brown shades, or swirls and other irregular patterns.

The Hawaiian green sea turtles (scientific name: Chelonia mydas) are named after the color of their body fat. The body fat is actually green. Numerous studies by marine biologists around the world indicate that the green color is due to the algae that the animals eat. The algae, which is called “limu” (Hawaiian), is abundant in and around Maui’s coral reefs.

Although they can stay underwater for more than two hours, the turtle’s tendency is to go to the surface to breathe air every few minutes.

Turtle watching aboard the Pride of Maui provides an opportunity to view and photograph these amazing sea turtles in their natural environment, with close observation and photo opportunities. 

Imagine observing these beautiful animals in their natural environment where they can reach up to 400 pounds.

MAUI’S BEST DISCOUNT SNORKELING VALUE

 
Your Captain will select a snorkeling destination where the ocean conditions are the very best. Our favorites are Coral Gardens and Olowalu. Fantasy Reef (aka Olowalu), is an exceptional snorkeling destination, where you can swim with the Hawaiian green sea turtles. This is an interesting array of underwater lava shelves featuring a variety of tropical fish and marine animals. Olowalu is a well established cleaning station where the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles congregate to be cleaned by a fish aptly named “cleaner wrasse”. Sightings of the sea turtles are common at Olowalu.

The Pride of Maui frequently visits a palatial garden of corals, aptly called Coral Gardens. The gentle sloping terrain and sheltered cove is ideal Maui snorkeling and suitable for a variety of experience levels, from beginners to advanced. There is a diverse array of colorful coral and fish that inhabit this underwater wonderland. Coral Gardens offers exceptional Maui snorkeling on a coral reef with an impressive diversity of marine life. There are butterfly fish, damsel fish, cardinal fish, crustaceans, octopi, and the gentle and famous Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles – making your Maui snorkeling adventure one you will remember with great affection.

Relax and take it easy on board the spacious Pride of Maui. Enjoy the view any where on the sprawling upper deck, or downstairs in the large main cabin. With your comfort in mind, the Pride of Maui is an exquisite passenger vessel, with more than enough room for you to comfortably enjoy your afternoon Maui turtle watching and snorkeling fun.

You are in for very personalized service on the afternoon Maui turtle watching and snorkeling tour. This is because many visitors start their day early, joining us on the Morning Molokini snorkel. As such, the afternoon Maui snorkeling adventure always cruises with fewer passengers.

At about half the cost of our Morning Maui snorkel, the afternoon Maui snorkeling and turtle watch is a great value, which for families and groups traveling in numbers is especially helpful to the overall vacation budget! You will experience amazing Maui snorkeling and turtle watching aboard our impressive yacht. You’ll savor a freshly prepared BBQ lunch and open bar for about the cost of a burger and a few drinks at any one of our local restaurants. You may never forget the afternoon snorkeling adventure and turtle watch aboard the Pride of Maui. You will definitely remember the unsurpassed service offered by your attentive and expert crew.

Please note: All our Maui snorkeling destinations are weather dependent. Mother Nature delightfully cooperates about 90% of our trips. For your safety and comfort, the Captain may select alternate locations for your adventure. If turtles are not observed underwater at the alternate site, the Captain has a few special locations where you can observe them at the surface from the comfort of the boat. We guarantee that you will see turtles on this trip, or your next trip is free.