Maui: Kaanapali Beach 5-hr Snorkel w/ BBQ Lunch & Open Bar

Maui: Kaanapali Beach 5-hr Snorkel with BBQ Lunch & Open Bar — A Detailed Review

Imagine spending a day floating on the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by vibrant marine life, feeling the warm sun on your face, with a refreshing drink in hand. That’s exactly what the Kaanapali Beach snorkeling tour offers — a well-rounded, enjoyable mix of adventure, relaxation, and good food. For $183 per person, you get about five hours of snorkeling at two different spots, a chef-inspired barbecue lunch, and an open bar — all aboard a luxury catamaran.

What makes this tour stand out is its excellent crew and carefully curated snorkeling locations — based on seasonal conditions, so you’re likely to see sea turtles and tropical fish. Plus, the voyage itself, cruising along the crystal-clear waters of Maui, feels special. We especially like the personalized service, the delicious food, and the opportunity to spot dolphins and other sea life.

A potential consideration: Since the tour involves swimming and being on the open water, it might not be suitable for those with mobility issues, non-swimmers, or anyone prone to seasickness. But if you’re comfortable in the water and love marine adventures, this trip will likely fulfill your tropical dreams.

This experience is a great choice for travelers who want a balanced mix of snorkeling, scenery, and relaxing social time. Families, couples, and solo travelers who enjoy good food and lively atmospheres tend to find it particularly rewarding.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Vast marine encounters: Snorkel at two different sites, with chances to see turtles and tropical fish.
Comfortable cruising: Enjoy a luxury catamaran with a crew dedicated to making your trip memorable.
Delicious food and drinks: Feast on a chef-inspired barbecue lunch, complemented by an open bar with premium drinks.
Seasonally flexible: Snorkeling destinations are chosen based on the best seasonal conditions, ensuring quality experiences.
Authentic Maui experience: Friendly crew, personalized attention, and the chance to see dolphins and other marine life.
Ideal for water lovers: This trip suits those who are comfortable swimming and want to enjoy the ocean in style.

While in Maui, here are other experiences we've covered

A Closer Look at the Maui Snorkel Adventure

Starting Point and Logistics

Your adventure begins at Aqualani Beach Activities Kiosk along the Kaanapali beach walk, directly oceanside of the Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort. Parking is straightforward with a flat rate of $8 at the resort (valid for five hours). Since the tour typically departs in the morning, we recommend arriving early to avoid traffic, especially if you’re coming from the south — at least 1.5 hours of drive time — or from the north, about 30 minutes.

The Catamaran Experience

Cruising on a state-of-the-art catamaran offers a smooth ride with plenty of space to relax or socialize. During the sail, passengers report feeling the trade winds—a refreshing breeze that cools off the tropical sun — and enjoying the views of Maui’s coastline. The boat’s amenities include snorkel equipment, flotation devices, and a professional crew eager to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Snorkeling Spots

The tour visits two snorkeling locations, selected based on seasonal conditions. This flexibility is a big plus, as it maximizes your chances of encountering sea turtles, dolphins, and schools of colorful fish. Guests consistently praise the stunning sites and the opportunity to see abundant marine life — one reviewer notes, “The snorkeling sites were perfect, with lots of turtles!”

For more beverage-focused experiences, here's what we've covered in Maui

Marine Life and Underwater Encounters

Expect to be mesmerized by the crystal-clear waters and the variety of tropical fish. The crew is attentive and knowledgeable, helping you prepare and ensuring you don’t miss out on the best sights. Several reviews mention dolphin visits and extra surprises like a bottle-nosed dolphin swim, which add a touch of magic to the day.

Food and Drinks

After your underwater adventures, you’ll return to the boat to enjoy a barbecue lunch featuring barbecue chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, and vegan options like beyond burgers — requested upon booking. The meal is served buffet style with pasta salad, Maui potato chips, and sweet bites. Many reviewers highlight the high quality of the food, with one mentioning that food and drinks were “excellent.”

Complementing the meal is an open bar serving premium Hawaiian beer, wine, Mai Tai, and spirits, along with non-alcoholic options like tropical juices and soda. This creates a lively, social atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a swim. Keep in mind, you must be 21+ with ID to partake in the alcohol.

The Return Sail

As the tour winds down, the boat often sails back with the cool trade winds and dolphins swimming alongside. The relaxing atmosphere, combined with great music and beautiful scenery, makes the return leg almost as enjoyable as the snorkeling.

Authentic Experiences from Travelers

Feedback from past guests is overwhelmingly positive. Many mention how knowledgeable and friendly the crew is, with some saying, “Captain Ian, Ray, Nick, Bryce, and Miles were all so fun and knowledgeable.” The personal touch—learning names, engaging conversation—adds to the feeling of being cared for.

Several reviews highlight the stunning snorkeling sites and the abundance of turtles. One visitor raved, “The crew made a point of learning everyone’s names and got to know us,” which illustrates the personalized service that elevates this trip from just another boat tour. Others appreciate the professional photographer on board who captures moments both above and below water, allowing guests to treasure memories without the hassle of taking their own photos.

Price and Value

At $183 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering all-inclusive food and drinks, snorkel gear, and expert guidance. The quality of the food, the luxury of the boat, and the opportunity to see marine life make it an experience worth the cost for water lovers. Several guests mention that the length of five hours is perfect — not rushed, yet not overly long.

The small group feel (not crowded like some larger boats) enhances the experience, allowing for more personal interaction and better chances to connect with both crew and fellow travelers.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is best suited for adventurous travelers comfortable in the water, eager to explore Maui’s marine ecosystems with a knowledgeable crew. It’s ideal for those who appreciate quality food and drinks and enjoy a relaxed sailing experience. Families with older children, couples, and solo travelers will find it a fun and rewarding day.

It may not be suitable for people with mobility issues, non-swimmers, or those prone to seasickness, but if you’re confident in the water and love snorkeling, this tour is a fantastic way to spend half a day on Maui.

FAQs

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring a towel and biodegradable sunscreen. Reef-safe sunscreens are encouraged, as spray-on aerosols aren’t allowed to protect marine life.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
While snorkeling is the main activity, some level of comfort in the water is helpful. Non-swimmers might find it challenging to fully enjoy the experience without a flotation device, which is provided.

Are there vegan options available?
Yes, vegan beyond burgers can be requested when booking, ensuring everyone has a satisfying meal.

How long is the tour?
The total experience lasts about five hours, typically starting in the morning.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes snorkel equipment, flotation devices, a continental breakfast, a barbecue lunch, and unlimited open bar drinks.

What is not included?
Towels and reef-safe sunscreen are not provided but are recommended. Also, tips for the crew are customary but optional.

Can I park at the meeting point?
Yes, exclusive parking is available at the Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort for $8 with Teralani validation.

Final Thoughts

The Kaanapali Beach 5-hour snorkeling trip offers a balanced, authentic taste of Maui’s marine beauty combined with the comfort of a luxury vessel. The crew’s friendliness, the quality of the snorkeling sites, and the delicious food and drinks make it a standout choice for those wanting a memorable, hassle-free day at sea.

If you’re looking for an experience that combines adventure, relaxation, and good company, this tour will likely check all your boxes. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to see marine life up close, enjoy top-notch hospitality, and appreciate the scenic sail along Maui’s coast.

For anyone eager to explore Maui’s underwater world without feeling rushed or crowded, this trip offers a great value and a genuine, fun-filled day out on the water.

Additional Information

Languages: English
Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 2 days in advance for a full refund
Not Suitable For: People with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, non-swimmers, or those prone to seasickness
Important: Remember to bring a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and valid ID for the bar. High heels, strollers, drones, glass objects, and coolers are not allowed onboard.