Wailea-Makina: Sea Caves, Molokini Snorkel & Turtle Town

Wailea-Makina: Sea Caves, Molokini Snorkel & Turtle Town offers a well-rounded underwater adventure from Kihei, Maui. For $216 per person, you get about five and a half hours of exploring some of Hawaii’s most stunning marine sights, guided by knowledgeable crew members who truly seem to enjoy sharing their passion. Highlights include snorkeling in the famous Molokini Crater, known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, and visiting the sea caves along the Kanaio Coast—a favorite for those who love a bit of rugged, natural beauty. As if that weren’t enough, you’ll also get the chance to swim with turtles and eagle rays near lava fingers, and enjoy a hearty breakfast and lunch on the boat.

What we love most about this tour is the chance to drift along the outer reef of Molokini, experiencing one of the most beautiful coral gardens in the world, and the opportunity to see sea turtles in their natural habitat—an experience that can feel almost spiritual, as described by several travelers. The guides, like Angela, Joey, and Brandon, are praised for their professionalism, humor, and knowledge, making the trip both educational and fun.

A potential consideration is that this tour isn’t suited for everyone—pregnant women, non-swimmers, and those prone to seasickness might find it less enjoyable or challenging. Also, the boat can be crowded, and the experience involves some time in the water, so comfort levels vary.

This tour is best for travelers who love marine life, scenic boat rides, and discovering hidden coves, especially those eager to snorkel at multiple sites and see Maui’s underwater wonders. If you’re looking for a balanced mix of adventure, natural beauty, and good food, this experience hits many marks.

Key Points

• Stunning Locations: Snorkel at Molokini’s inside rim, outer reef, and backside, and explore the Kanaio Coast sea caves.
• Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see sea turtles, eagle rays, and playful dolphins—sightings are frequent but not guaranteed.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Angela and Joey add humor and insight, making the trip informative and fun.
• Culinary Experience: Breakfast and lunch are included, with reviews praising the quality and amount of food.
• Adventure Level: Suitable for most, but not for pregnant women, non-swimmers, or those with seasickness concerns.
• Weather Flexibility: Snorkel spots may vary depending on weather conditions—expect some variability in the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Departure

The adventure begins in Kihei, where you check in roughly 30 minutes before departure. From there, you board a well-equipped boat and set out along the coast, often accompanied by pods of spinner dolphins—an energetic and mesmerizing sight that is often described as a “visual and auditory experience” by travelers. The boat ride itself is scenic, cruising past La Perouse Bay, which features lava flows and rugged coastline, adding a bit of volcanic drama to the journey.

La Perouse Bay and Dolphins

One of the first highlights is the chance to see spinner dolphins, which are known for their acrobatics and playful leaps. Travelers frequently comment on how close these dolphins come to the boat, sometimes only a few feet away, creating a sense of wonder and connection with nature. The guides often share interesting facts about dolphins, enhancing the experience.

Snorkeling in La Perouse Bay

After the dolphin encounter, the boat may stop at La Perouse Pinnacle, a remote snorkeling site teeming with fish. Here, you can expect to see colorful reef fish, coral formations, and possibly sea turtles. The water is calm and clear, making it an ideal spot for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. Several reviews mention the quality of the coral reefs and the abundance of marine life, which makes this stop a favorite.

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Molokini Crater: Inside, Outer, and Backside

The heart of the trip is Molokini, a volcanic crater known worldwide for its visibility and vibrant marine life. The tour offers up to three snorkeling sites:

• Inside the rim: Often calmer and sheltered, perfect for families or less experienced snorkelers.
• Outer reef: A drift snorkel, where you can glide over the coral with the current, passing by butterfly fish, wrasses, and various other reef fish. One reviewer writes, “Snorkeling the outside of Molokini was one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world.”
• Backside of Molokini: For those with a more adventurous spirit, this deeper area offers stunning vertical walls and a chance to see some of the more dramatic underwater landscapes. The backside is about 300 ft. deep and apparently a favorite for advanced divers, although snorkelers can enjoy the views from the surface.

Sea Caves and Kanaio Coast

After snorkeling at Molokini, the boat heads to the Kanaio Coast, where the sea caves are a major highlight. These caves, carved by wind and water, are accessible by boat and add a touch of adventure to the trip. Many guests find photographing these caves especially rewarding—”photography is encouraged,” and you’ll likely want to capture the rugged coastline and caves that make this part of Maui so special.

Turtle Town and Lava Fingers

The final snorkeling stop is in Turtle Town, near lava fingers—narrow lava formations extending into the ocean. Here, you can often see endangered sea turtles surfacing for air, often close enough for good photos. Several reviewers have remarked on how relaxed and approachable the turtles are, with some even describing it as “being in the presence of wildlife in its natural habitat.” Eagle rays are also sometimes spotted in this area, adding to the sense of discovery.

Lunch and Return Journey

After a full morning of activity, a lunch buffet is served on the boat, with several travelers praising the quality of the food—more than just sandwiches, but satisfying enough to refuel after snorkeling. Before heading back to Kihei, the boat makes a final stop in Makena, where you can relax and enjoy the scenery or do a bit more snorkeling if time allows.

Practical Considerations and Tips

• What to Bring: Sunglasses, hat, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothing are recommended. Snorkel gear is provided, but if you have your own favorite mask or fins, bringing them along is always a good idea.
• Weather and Conditions: Snorkel spots may change depending on weather, so flexible expectations help. The boat crew monitors conditions carefully to ensure safety.
• Seasickness: Travelers prone to seasickness should consider their comfort, as some sections involve boat rides on potentially choppy waters.
• Food and Drink: Breakfast and lunch are included, with reviews highlighting the generous portions and quality. Be sure to eat beforehand if you’re a big eater or have specific dietary needs—vegan or gluten-free options can be arranged if requested in advance.
• Group Size: The boat can be somewhat crowded, which might impact comfort, especially in the water or during meals. If you prefer more space, inquire about the boat size when booking.
• Photography: Guides encourage photos, especially in the sea caves, so keep your camera ready for underwater and scenic shots.

Authenticity and Overall Value

Reviewers consistently note the professionalism and friendliness of the crew, with many describing the guides as knowledgeable and humorous. The combination of marine encounters, scenic views, and delicious food offers good value for the price. While some reviews mention variability in the quality of food or comfort, the majority find this trip to be a memorable and enriching experience.

The chance to see dolphins, turtles, and eagle rays in their natural environment is a highlight, often described as magical. The multiple snorkel sites, including the drift at Molokini, ensure varied underwater scenery, appealing to both casual snorkelers and more experienced ocean lovers.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for marine life enthusiasts, families, and travelers eager to explore Maui’s underwater world without the complexity of diving. It suits those who appreciate well-informed guides, scenic boat rides, and a mix of adventure and relaxation. While not suitable for pregnant women or non-swimmers, most others will find this experience rewarding, especially if they’re comfortable in the water and enjoy wildlife encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
No, pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll need to self-arrive at the departure point in Kihei.

How long does the trip last?
The entire tour lasts about 5.5 hours, typically in the morning, giving you plenty of time to explore and enjoy.

What is the price for?
The cost covers the boat ride, snorkel gear, breakfast, lunch, beverages, and guiding services.

Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options?
Yes, vegan or gluten-free options are available if requested in advance.

Can non-swimmers participate?
Non-swimmers might find this tour challenging, especially if seasick or uncomfortable in the water. It’s best suited for confident swimmers.

Will I see dolphins?
Dolphin sightings are common, especially spinner dolphins, but they are not guaranteed.

What is the snorkeling like?
Expect clear waters, vibrant coral, and abundant fish. The sites vary from sheltered inside the rim to the more dramatic back side of Molokini.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most children who are comfortable in the water will enjoy it, but keep in mind the boat’s size and activity level.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, a towel, camera, snacks, water, and suitable clothing.

To sum it up, this Maui snorkeling tour offers a lively mix of marine encounters, scenic views, and good food, making it a worthwhile choice for those looking to explore the island’s underwater treasures comfortably. With informative guides and the chance to see turtles, rays, dolphins, and stunning caves, it caters especially well to travelers who seek authentic, memorable experiences in a natural setting. Just be prepared for some boat time and variable weather, and you’ll find plenty to love about this adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: