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Experience Maui’s best snorkeling at Molokini Crater and spot Hawaiian turtles on an exclusive small-group boat tour. Crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and a delicious BBQ lunch await you on this unforgettable adventure.
Experience Maui’s best snorkeling at Molokini Crater and spot Hawaiian turtles on an exclusive small-group boat tour. Crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and a delicious BBQ lunch await you on this unforgettable adventure.
Book with PacWhale Eco-Adventures
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by PacWhale Eco-Adventures · Wailuku, Hawaii
Set sail on an extraordinary snorkeling journey with PacWhale Eco-Adventures aboard the Ocean Explorer catamaran, exploring the Molokini Crater and nearby marine habitats off Maui’s coast. Designed for small groups of only 34 guests, this adventure guarantees an intimate encounter with some of Hawaii’s most vibrant underwater ecosystems. The Molokini Crater is a partially submerged volcanic caldera known for its crystal-clear waters, offering visibility often exceeding 100 feet, making it a snorkeler’s paradise. As you snorkel among colorful coral and tropical fish, keep an eye out for the graceful Hawaiian green sea turtles swimming nearby. Beyond Molokini, you’ll explore a second snorkeling site famed for its diverse marine life and calm waters, perfect for all skill levels. Throughout the day, enjoy the fresh ocean breeze as you cruise Maui’s stunning coastline, complemented by the taste of a delicious BBQ lunch served onboard. Whether you’re an experienced snorkeler or trying it for the first time, this private boat tour provides a safe, informative, and unforgettable way to experience Maui’s underwater treasures.
easy.
4–5 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic swimming skills recommended for snorkeling.
No prior snorkeling experience is needed. The tour is suitable for beginners and includes guidance and gear.
You can see Hawaiian green sea turtles, tropical fish, colorful coral reefs, and sometimes manta rays or reef sharks.
Yes, the Ocean Explorer catamaran is equipped with onboard restroom facilities for guest convenience.
PacWhale Eco-Adventures offers vegetarian options; please notify them in advance for special dietary needs.
Wear reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and UV-protective clothing; shaded areas are available on the boat.
Yes, children are welcome but should be comfortable in the water and accompanied by an adult.
Molokini Crater is a volcanic cinder cone formed over 230,000 years ago, now an important marine sanctuary off Maui’s coast.
Tours operate under strict guidelines to protect coral reefs and marine life, promoting sustainable eco-tourism practices.
PacWhale Eco-Adventures is a Maui-based marine tour operator specializing in responsible, high-quality ocean excursions departing from Ma'alaea Harbor. With an emphasis on marine conservation and education, PacWhale offers a range of experiences including whale watching, dolphin research cruises, Molokini snorkeling trips, turtle reef snorkels, and evening sunset and stargazing sails. Certified Marine Naturalists lead tours, providing species identification, natural history interpretation, and respectful wildlife viewing protocols. The company’s whale watch is a top-rated ecotour with a 97% sightings success rate for humpback whales during peak season, offering guaranteed encounters and guided listening to whale song from onboard hydrophones. Molokini trips include the Wikiwiki Express and Molokini & Turtle Arches snorkels, combining protected-reef snorkeling with on-deck instruction and small-group attention. Dolphin-focused tours operate as three-hour research-style excursions that seek Hawaiian Spotted, Bottlenose, and Pan Pacific Spotted dolphins, blending observation with informal science learning. Specialty cruises include adults-only sunset sails with pupus and cocktails, family-friendly sunset and celestial cruises featuring astronomy commentary (in partnership with noted astronomers), and seasonal holiday events such as July 4th cocktail and fireworks cruises from Ma'alaea. Boats emphasize eco-friendly practices, safety, and guest comfort, with continental breakfasts and BBQ lunches on select trips, plus knowledgeable captains who select prime locations daily. PacWhale Eco-Adventures is recognized for conservation partnerships, experienced crew, and an educational approach that balances unforgettable wildlife encounters with stewardship of Maui’s marine environment. Departing from Ma'alaea Harbor, trips serve South and West Maui visitors and welcome families, couples, beginners, and experienced snorkelers seeking turtles, dolphins, and vibrant reef life.
Book with PacWhale Eco-Adventures