Are children allowed on the tour?

Yes, the tour is family-friendly and suitable for children with basic swimming ability.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Basic swimming skills are recommended but novices are supported with flotation devices.

How close will we get to the turtles?

The guides maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing wildlife while ensuring great viewing opportunities.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkel gear is typically provided, but you may bring your own if preferred.

What happens if the sea conditions are rough?

Tours may be rescheduled for safety if sea conditions are unfavorable.

How do you protect the turtles during the tour?

Guides follow strict guidelines to prevent touching or crowding turtles, supporting local conservation efforts.

Snorkeling with Turtles in Maui’s South Shore Waters | Guided Tour | Transportation

Along Maui's sun-drenched South Shore, the Andaz Swim With The Turtles Tour offers an intimate one-hour outrigger canoe journey perfect for families and ocean lovers alike. Departing from Wailea, this small-group adventure sets you afloat in warm, crystal-clear waters, placing you in close proximity to the island’s iconic green sea turtles. These gentle creatures have made Hawaii’s refuge-like reefs their home, often surfacing just beyond the canoe, allowing guests unforgettable glimpses without disturbance.

This tour stands out not only for its focus on responsible wildlife encounters but because it’s conducted on a private outrigger canoe — a vessel deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture. Guided by experienced local paddlers, the journey gives visitors a chance to connect with the ocean as native Hawaiians have for centuries. The coastal waters around Wailea are known for vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, adding rich underwater landscapes to an already magical setting.

Maui’s South Shore, famous for its golden beaches and peaceful coves, offers more than just scenic beauty; it’s a sanctuary for endangered sea turtles protected under local conservation laws. The Andaz Swim With The Turtles Tour plays a role in educating visitors about sustainable ocean practices, helping preserve this fragile ecosystem. The calm, sheltered waters make it an ideal spot for beginners and families seeking a combination of adventure and wildlife immersion.

Whether you’re paddling along the shoreline or snorkeling near the reef, this tour delivers an authentic taste of Hawaii’s marine treasures. It’s a meaningful way to experience Maui’s coastal charm while fostering respect for its remarkable creatures and cultural heritage.

About Maui Pacific Tours

Maui Pacific Tours is a Wailea-Makena, Hawaii–based tour operator specializing in outrigger canoe experiences along Maui’s South shores. The operator runs private and small-group paddling tours that combine Hawaiian paddling culture with marine wildlife viewing.

Trips include two-hour snorkel outrigger canoe tours from the Andaz and Grand Wailea, one-hour swim-with-the-turtles excursions, and two-hour whale-watch outings. Each tour departs from resort-adjacent beaches and focuses on close encounters with Hawaiian green sea turtles, colorful reef fish, and seasonal humpback whales.

Expert paddlers and guides lead each adventure, handling canoe operation, navigation, and guest briefings before water entry. Tours emphasize safety, respect for marine life, and a family-friendly pace suitable for a broad range of ages and swimming abilities.

Maui Pacific Tours uses traditional outrigger canoes for a stable, cultural paddling platform that allows guests to approach snorkeling sites and wildlife with minimal footprint. Private canoe charters provide an intimate setting for families and small groups seeking a more personal experience on the water.

Reservations are arranged per tour type and duration, with options for short turtle swims and longer snorkel or whale-watch trips. Guests can expect guided snorkeling with opportunities to see sea turtles and reef life during the warmer months, and whale-watching encounters in the humpback season.

Maui Pacific Tours focuses on delivering memorable, educational ocean outings rooted in Hawaiian paddling tradition and responsible wildlife viewing. Tours depart from Wailea-Makena resort beaches and operate along the South Maui coastline, with launches near the Andaz and Grand Wailea resort properties for families.