Answers to the most Frequently asked
questions

We’re a world-renowned Maui tour company offering exceptional snorkeling and whale-watching tours. We’re highly rated for our state-of-the-art catamarans, expert crew, and prime snorkeling and whale-watching locations, making us the best choice for Maui snorkeling and Maui whale-watching tours!

Our team! We are a family-owned and operated business with over 40 years experience in Hawaiian waters. Our Captains and many of our crew have been with us for decades. We are organized experts dedicated to providing the safest and best experience possible. Our team is passionate about sharing their knowledge and providing an unsurpassed level of guest service. We also stand out due to our commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation. We use eco-friendly practices, provide informative and educational experiences, and actively support marine conservation efforts in Maui.

We visit pristine Maui snorkeling spots like Molokini Crater and Coral Gardens. Our guests will experience crystal-clear waters, a rich marine ecosystem, and opportunities to encounter colorful fish, turtles, and other marine life.

The best time for whale watching in Maui is from December to April (peak season is February and March), when the North Pacific humpback whales travel to Maui for their annual winter migration. Guests can witness these magnificent creatures breaching, tail-slapping, and socializing during this period.

The whales most commonly seen by visitors on a vacation to Maui are the North Pacific humpback whales. Many other species of whales are known to frequent the waters surrounding Maui though, like the False Killer Whale, Pygmy Killer Whale, Pilot Whale, and Orca. There have also been recorded sightings of Sperm Whales, which are extremely rare!

Pride of Maui offers tours suitable for guests of all ages and skill levels. Snorkeling equipment and guidance are provided, making it an accessible and enjoyable experience for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.

What skills are recommended for participants? Participants are advised to have basic swimming skills for a more enjoyable experience.

What is the level of difficulty of the snorkeling tour? The tour is designed to be accessible, allowing most travelers to participate comfortably.

Our guests enjoy a comfortable and well-equipped catamaran with amenities like a spacious sun deck, an indoor cabin area, a freshwater shower, snorkeling gear, and flotation devices. We also have a professional and friendly crew who will provide safety instructions and assist with snorkeling equipment. Don’t forget to ask about SNUBA®!

To book a tour with Pride of Maui, you can make your reservations on our site or call us at 1-808-242-0955.

If you need to cancel a boat tour, please make sure to do so at least 48 hours in advance to receive a refund. Reservations that result in a no-show will not be eligible for a refund.

Molokini Crater is one of the most incredible places to snorkel in the world! Yes, it is worth it! The best way to snorkel at Molokini is on a guided tour with a Maui boat tour company staffed with experienced professionals.

Both Lanai and Molokini offer fantastic snorkeling opportunities. There isn’t a way to directly compare them because they are both unique. Molokini can only be reached by boat and is easily experienced for those staying on the Island of Maui. If you’re visiting Lanai, make sure to research the best local snorkel tour guides.

Yes, Molokini Crater is excellent for snorkeling! It’s one of only a few volcanic islets of its kind in the world, and is famous for its diverse underwater ecosystem. Molokini is also a rare sea bird refuge. Take advantage of every opportunity to snorkel at Molokini when visiting Maui.

From our boat slip at Maalaea Harbor, it takes an average of one hour to reach Molokini Crater. Depending on the wind conditions, the journey can be quicker. Our #1 Rated Molokini Snorkel Tour is 5 hours in total, giving guests time to experience Molokini in the best way, aboard a world-class catamaran.

Yes, Molokini is safe for kids. The safety of all of our guests, both in and out of the water, is our #1 priority. Our guests visit this rare volcanic islet in comfort and under the care of our professional staff. We have the insider’s perspective to help make your Maui snorkel tour one of the most memorable moments of your life!

The waters surrounding the island of Maui are known for their sea turtle population. However, Molokini Crater has fewer turtles than other snorkel spots on Maui. While encountering turtles at Molokini is uncommon, it remains a possibility. For the best Molokini snorkeling experience, consider booking a morning tour when the ocean is calm. These tranquil conditions provide better underwater visibility to see decorative reef formations and a host of tropical fish and marine species in their natural environment.

This tour is a 5-hour snorkeling adventure that stops at both Molokini Crater and Turtle Town. It includes a delicious and fresh breakfast, lunch, and an open bar, and all of your snorkel gear and flotation devices. Please keep in mind that we also offer SNUBA as an add-on to this trip.

We spend about two hours whale watching, giving you ample time to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. This duration allows us to reach prime viewing locations and often witness multiple whale behaviors, from breaching to tail slapping. We also lower our hydrophones and listen to their mesmerizing songs.

The NOAA’s Endangered Species Act protects Maui’s humpback whales, requiring all vessels to maintain a safe distance of at least 100 yards. However, whales are naturally curious and sometimes choose to approach boats. While we always maintain legal and respectful distances, these incredible creatures may occasionally provide thrilling close encounters on their own terms.

Maui whale watching is incredibly safe. It’s also one of the most amazing experiences you can have in your life! On a top-rated Maui boat tour on our spacious and stable catamaran, guests feel reassured that safety is always the top priority. Pride of Maui employs an experienced and professional crew that follows ocean safety guidelines and the legal regulations of the NOAA, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Hawaii DLNR’s Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation.

While enjoying a Maui whale watch tour, guests will see whale behaviors like blows, spy hops, tail slaps, pectoral slaps, head lunges, peduncle arches, peduncle throws, fluke up dives, and fluke down dives. The most eagerly awaited whale behavior is breaching. It’s truly majestic to see! Guests may also be able to hear the whale songs aboard a Maui Whale Watching tour onboard the Pride of Maui.

The North Pacific humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters every year. They travel over 3,500 miles from Alaskan waters for mating and birthing in Maui’s warm waters. In fact, for the duration of time spent on Maui, the whales do not eat. They migrate back to Alaskan waters in late spring for feeding.

The whales most commonly seen by visitors on a vacation to Maui are the North Pacific humpback whales. Many other species of whales are known to frequent the waters surrounding Maui though, like the False Killer Whale, Pygmy Killer Whale, Pilot Whale, and Orca. There have also been recorded sightings of Sperm Whales, which are extremely rare!

Yes, we guarantee sightings during whale season (January through March), or your next tour is on us.

We’ll snorkel for about 45 minutes and then head out to do some whale watching.

We only offer SNUBA on our 5-Hour Pride of Maui Molokini Snorkel Tour.

If it’s late season, the end of March, April, and May, it is still possible to see whales though there is no guarantee in April or May.

Our Turtle Town Snorkel Adventure is a shorter trip that runs from 2 pm to 5 pm and takes you out to one snorkel location of the captain’s choice based on the weather conditions. We typically stop at either Turtle Town, Olowalu, or Coral Gardens, and sometimes make it out to Molokini Crater. On this trip, we’ll provide you with a fresh hot lunch, an open bar, and all of your snorkel gear and flotation devices.

Turtle Town, Olowalu, Molokini or Coral Gardens. The captain will pick the best spot based on the weather and water conditions for that day.

It is 3 hours long, and runs from 2 pm to 5 pm.

Yes, we serve a fresh lunch hot off the grill, featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, and marinated chicken breasts. They come served with all the fixings, along with pasta salad and a vegetable crudité platter. For vegan or vegetarian options, please give us a call on our customer service line at 808.242.0955, at least 72 hours in advance.

Yes, once the snorkeling part of the trip has come to a close, we invite you to enjoy our open bar. We offer local Maui beers, wine, Mai Tais, and more!

The winds tend to pick up in the afternoon, which is why we leave it up to our captain to decide which snorkeling spot we will visit. Our captains have years of experience and will always make sure to get you out to an area where the water conditions are as safe and comfortable as can be.

We will always do our best to get our guests out to the best places see them but due to the nature of wildlife, sightings can’t be guaranteed. As unpredictable as Hawaiian wildlife may be though, there are always amazing sights to see!

Snorkeling is possible on all corners of the Island of Maui, but the best snorkeling is found in the protected coves of South Maui and West Maui. For the ultimate Maui snorkeling experience, visitors can book a #1 Rated Maui Snorkel Tour with Pride of Maui. Our tours visit top Maui snorkel spots like Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, Olowalu, and Coral Gardens.

The best time to snorkel in Maui is in the morning and early afternoon, when the ocean and the wind are calm. Serene ocean conditions allow for a comfortable ride and provide the best water clarity. Visiting Maui’s underwater world is ideal when the ocean’s surface is more likely to be flat and glassy.

Both humpback whales and dolphins are commonly seen on our tours. Please note that humpback whales are only around Maui during their winter migration to Hawaii’s waters, and peak whale watching season is January-March. Dolphin sightings are common but cannot be guaranteed. The most commonly seen dolphins are Hawaiian spinner dolphins, and they are amazing to behold as they travel in a crew, skipping and frolicking along the ocean’s surface!

Yes, of course. If you’re snorkeling at a Maui beach, ensure proper snorkel safety and heed all warning and caution signs on the beach. Never turn your back on the ocean. Make sure to always use the buddy system, and to snorkel at a Maui beach with lifeguards.

For safety reasons, both kids and adults should always use fins while snorkeling. Since children have less muscle power in their legs, choose lightweight and flexible fins for them. Our tours are outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment, and our expert crew will always be on hand to help you every step of the way.

Hawaiian green sea turtles live throughout Maui’s coastal waters. The best way to safely view them is on a dedicated Maui snorkel tour to Turtle Town. Always remember to keep a safe distance and to never touch them. They are an endangered species protected by NOAA’s Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Yes, snorkeling is excellent on Maui! The Island of Maui is a world-renowned snorkel destination, as it is home to Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, Olowalu, and Coral Gardens. Maui’s waters are a habitat for over 700 reef fish species; many of them do not exist anywhere else in the world. Maui is a popular snorkeling destination for tourists, ocean researchers, and marine biologists from all over the globe.

SNUBA® is the safest and easiest way to experience the exhilaration of breathing underwater. It lasts for about 20 minutes and you will be under the care of our expert instructors. A cross between snorkeling and scuba diving, SNUBA® is easy for anyone to enjoy. The air tank is attached to a raft floating at the surface above you, so you can relax and breathe without worrying about all of that heavy equipment.

With Pride of Maui, SNUBA® is offered during morning snorkel tours. The duration of a SNUBA® experience is generally 20-25 minutes, depending on the guest. SNUBA® is an activity available per snorkel location as an add-on to a regular snorkel booking (per person). Contact our reservations department at 808-242-0955 for more information about SNUBA® with Pride of Maui.

You will wear a pair of fins, a mask, a weight belt (to neutralize your buoyancy in the water), and a SNUBA® harness that connects your air line to the raft on the surface.

On a Pride of Maui SNUBA® adventure, guests can dive to a depth of 15 feet. The SNUBA® tank is attached to a raft on the ocean surface and connected to a long hose that always remains with you.

SNUBA® has a lot of the upsides of snorkeling and scuba diving, without most of the downsides. The most common cause of ear pain from swimming or snorkeling occurs because the ears have not been equalized before entering the water. To equalize your ears, block your nostrils and blow to open your ears (or “pop” your ears). This is the same action you might take on a flight right before the plane lands. If you have concerns about ear pain from being underwater, please make sure to check with your general doctor before booking any ocean activity.

There are only a few requirements for SNUBA®. Guests must be at least eight years of age, have no medical contraindications, and have basic swimming skills. Although we provide flotation devices for SNUBA®, all guests should make sure that they are comfortable swimming in the ocean.

There’s a minimal chance that a person could get the bends, also known as decompression sickness (DCS), from SNUBA® diving. Unlike scuba, guests cannot reach a depth further than 15 feet with SNUBA®. As a general recommendation, guests should refrain from taking helicopter tours, driving to Haleakala, or flying on an airplane for 4-6 hours before or after SNUBA®.

*October 1st thru February 28th*
Departure time: 5:00 pm

*March 1st thru September 30th*
Departure time: 5:30 pm

Yes! Our freshly prepared Hawaii-inspired feast offers something special for everyone.

Because of her sprawling observation deck, you can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views from anywhere on the Pride of Maui.

*October 1st thru February 28th*
Check-in time: 4:30 pm.

*March 1st thru September 30th*
Check-in time: 5:00 pm.

*October 1st thru February 28th*
Departure time: 5:00 pm, Return time: 7:00 pm.

*March 1st thru September 30th*
Departure time: 5:30 pm, Return time: 7:30 pm.

Our Sunset Dinner Cruise cuisine is superb. For appetizers, enjoy assorted cheeses with artisanal crackers and Maui onion tartlets. Savor island-style baby back ribs, shoyu chicken, coconut roasted sweet potatoes, stir-fried vegetables, Maui gold pineapple slaw, assorted tropical desserts, and taro rolls for dinner. Please contact us ahead of time if you have any dietary restrictions.

Hawaii is known for its “micro-climates.” It can be raining hard where you are, yet sunny and calm at the harbor and our destinations. With more than 40 years in the business, we are your best resource for the weather. Our captains are seasoned veterans with extensive local knowledge. If we have not called you, please show up at the harbor with the expectation to go out, even if it is raining or windy. If the conditions are unsafe to operate, you will be given the option to reschedule or cancel with a full refund. All of our destinations are weather permitting.

We accommodate pregnant guests regularly. Please ask your doctor if it is safe for you to be on a boat during your pregnancy. Our vessels are large and stable, but each pregnancy is different and your doctor knows you best.

Diamond Parking Services operates the parking. The lot closest to our slip has a machine that only takes cash. Please note that no change is given back. You can also pay with a credit card by phone by dialing in or using a QR code. The cost of parking is approximately $1 per hour.

Our sunset dinner cruise features an open bar at no additional cost to our guests!

Unfortunately, we need at least a couple of days to assemble the crew and prepare everything needed to make your custom Private Charter the best that it can be.

Due to the Hawaii State Liquor Law, we don’t allow any of our guests to bring their own alcohol on board. However, we’re more than happy to provide that for you and add it to your Private Charter.

There is no minimum. The Pride of Maui is Coast Guard certified for a maximum of 149 passengers.

There is no minimum. The ‘Elua is Coast Guard certified for a maximum of 40 passengers.

Yes, you can create your playlist on your phone and connect it to the vessel’s sound system (provided you have an adapter required to connect to an auxiliary jack).

For both a ceremony and reception, the length is 3 hours. If you wanted to have just the reception with us, it would be about 2 hours.

Transportation is available for an additional fee based on the headcount and location of your hotel. To receive a quote, please contact a private charter specialist directly at 808-242-0955.

To be married on Maui (and in the State of Hawaii), you do not need to be a Hawaii resident or a U.S. citizen. Both applicants must be 18 years of age, and applicants must bring proof of age with a state-issued ID, driver’s license, or a valid passport. Blood tests are not required, but blood relationships between applicants cannot be closer than first cousins. Previously married applicants must present proof of a divorce decree or death certificate finalized at least 30 days before applying for a Hawaii marriage license. You will also need an officiant and a marriage license to be married in Maui.

This is quite simple and a fantastic choice! To marry on a Maui boat, you must contact a specific private charter to make reservations. Please let our Senior Events Planner assist you with your Maui wedding cruise arrangements.

Like all other top wedding destinations, it can be expensive to get married in Hawaii! Don’t worry though; if you are on a budget and planning a more intimate Maui wedding, it can still be done at a great value. Maui wedding cruises are a lower cost compared to a Maui resort wedding. We’ll deck your Maui wedding cruise out and present you with the most memorable Maui wedding experience possible.

A witness is not required to get married on Maui. For couples who prefer a gorgeous, private wedding ceremony in paradise, look no further than our Maui wedding charter.

The size of the guest list will depend on the size of the vessel and the legal occupancy of the boat. For our Maui wedding cruises, guests have two options. We can accommodate up to 49 guests on Pride of Maui ‘Elua, the newest addition to our fleet, or up to 149 passengers on The Pride of Maui, our 65-foot Maxi-power catamaran (that boasts 3000 square feet of deck space!). Please note: although we can accommodate the maximum number of guests, we prefer to not fill our boats to capacity in order to allow more room for movement and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Choosing a morning or sunset wedding cruise is entirely up to guest preference but both are amazing! We always suggest a Maui sunset wedding cruise though, because Maui sunsets are epic! Maui is one of the most beautiful and romantic destinations in the world, hands down. Marrying the love of your life on a boat in Maui with a magical Maui sunset in the background will surpass all other wedding dreams.

Our Maui wedding cruises allow guests to customize their wedding plans and reception with ease. Our staff is knowledgeable and experienced. We can provide wedding planning services with our Senior Events Planner: food and alcohol (ultra-premium bar), tropical floral arrangements, live music or a DJ, photographers and videographers, decorations, and more. We’ll help you create your Maui dream wedding with ease!

Please note that our vessels do not permit possible fly-away decorations because we are dedicated to operate in a reef-safe and eco-conscious capacity.