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Snorkeling with Turtles at Coral Garden’s Turtle Town by Makena Coast Charters - Wailuku

Snorkeling with Turtles at Coral Garden’s Turtle Town by Makena Coast Charters

Wailukueasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels, including beginners

Overview

Dive into Maui’s vibrant coral reefs and swim alongside Hawaiian green sea turtles on a guided snorkeling trip with Makena Coast Charters. This three-hour adventure combines beginner-friendly instruction with stunning marine sights—perfect for creating lasting memories in Hawaii’s clear waters.

Fishing
Wailuku, Hawaii

Discover the Magic of Coral Garden’s Turtle Town - 3 Hours

Check-in: 30 minutes before your activity start time

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Adventure Photos

Discover the Magic of Coral Garden’s Turtle Town - 3 Hours photo 1

About This Adventure

Dive into an unforgettable snorkeling adventure at Turtle Town, Maui, where you'll swim alongside Hawaiian green sea turtles and vibrant marine life. Experience personalized attention aboard the authentic catamaran, Winona, while enjoying breathtaking views, delicious meals, and a beginner's snorkeling class. This unique journey promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Imagine exploring an underwater paradise where vibrant coral reefs, dazzling tropical fish, and Hawaiian green sea turtles greet you at every turn. At Coral Garden’s Turtle Town, just south of Lahaina, Maui’s crystal-clear waters offer a perfect snorkeling adventure for visitors of all ages.

Key Features:

  • Winona, Maui’s only Hawaiian-built catamaran, promises an authentic Aloha hospitality experience
  • Join a small group of 30-40 people; relish personalized attention and ample space to move around
  • Lounge on our decks or main floor and enjoy panoramic views of West Maui’s mountains, Molokai, and Lanai.
  • All amenities, snorkeling gear, and a beginner’s snorkeling class conducted by a certified instructor.

Our boat is a barefoot vessel. We kindly ask that you wear footwear that’s easy to slip off—or simply go barefoot—while on board. 

Rest assured, safety always comes first and all locations are subject to favorable weather conditions. Our dedicated crew will be by your side, providing assistance and showcasing the very best of our cruise location. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Snorkeling / Sailing Experience:

  • On the way to Turtle Town, enjoy the beautiful views of Maui’s majestic ocean waters while our crew prepares and adjusts your gear, making sure it fits correctly and you are comfortable.
  • Snorkeling in Turtle Town and swim alongside the fascinating - Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu).
  • Encounter diverse marine life, colorful fish, and vibrant coral formations in their natural habitat.
  • Beginner snorkeling class conducted by a certified instructor.

What's included:

  • Light Breakfast and/or lunch
  • Appetizers
  • Open bar (beers/seltzers/cocktails)
  • Soft drinks, juice, water
  • Island-Style Music
  • Experienced Captain and Crew
  • Whale watching (December – April)
  • Sailing experience to and from locations
  • Two restrooms on board
  • Sanitized snorkel equipment & flotation devices (required for safety reasons)
  • Dolphin encounters on occasions

What to bring with you:

  • A light jacket or shawl
  • Swimsuit and towel
  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • For infants 0-6 months old parents must bring a coast guard approved life vest
  • Cash gratuities for the crew

Two convenient departure times:

  • 9:00 am to 12:00 pm 3-hour tour, includes breakfast, appetizers, snorkeling
  • 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm 3-hour tour, includes lunch, appetizers, snorkeling

Your Itinerary:

Parking:

  • Ma’alaea Harbor is $1 per hour; we recommend paying for 4-5 hours total. This parking lot uses a QR code payment system. Arrive early to pay via the QR code (you must know your license plate number). Please be aware of where you are parking and follow the parking instructions on the parking signs. We are not responsible for cars that get towed. Give yourself 10-15 minutes for parking.

Check-In:

  • Check-in is 30 minutes before your start time at Maalaea Harbor, North Dock address: 233 Maalaea Rd. Wailuku, HI 96796 vessel name Winona – Makena Coast Charters. Please plan accordingly for rush hour times.
  • All guests sign in and complete our online liability waiver before arrival.
  • Walk to the dock and board the vessel.
  • Our boat is a barefoot vessel. We kindly ask that you wear footwear that’s easy to slip off—or simply go barefoot—while on board. 

En Route:

  • Captain’s safety briefing
  • Sailing adventure to Turtle Town, Coral Garden or Olowalu Reef (weather permitting)
  • Enjoy our breakfast service for 9am and lunch service for 1pm
  • 1 hour to 90 minutes at the location to snorkel, swim, free dive, or relax
  • Sailing adventure returning to Maalaea harbor

Return:

  • Leisurely cruise back to Maalaea Harbor, North Dock.
  • After your adventure, don't forget to share your experiences with Makena Coast Charters on digital platforms like Google, - Facebook, and TripAdvisor. Your feedback helps us continue providing exceptional snorkeling experiences to fellow ocean enthusiasts!

Adventure Tips

Wear a wetsuit

Wetsuits help keep you warm in the water and provide buoyancy, making your snorkeling more comfortable.

Use reef-safe sunscreen

Protect Maui’s coral reefs by applying environmentally friendly sunscreen before getting in the water.

Bring a waterproof camera

Capture underwater moments with a waterproof camera or GoPro for lasting memories.

Follow guide instructions

Listen carefully to your guides regarding safety and marine life interactions to ensure a safe experience.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Sea turtles
  • Clownfish

History

Turtle Town has been a recognized snorkeling site since the early 2000s, becoming a protected area to preserve Hawaii’s marine life.

Conservation

Makena Coast Charters emphasizes eco-friendly practices, including reef-safe products and minimizing disturbance to marine animals.

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Adventure Hotspots in Wailuku

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Swimsuit or rash guard

Essential

Wear a swimsuit or rash guard for comfort and sun protection during snorkeling.

summer specific

Beach towel

Helpful for drying off after the swim and relaxing on the boat.

spring, summer, fall, winter specific

Reusable water bottle

Essential

Stay hydrated between snorkeling sessions, especially in warm weather.

Sunhat or cap

Provides extra sun protection while on deck or ashore.

summer specific