Maui: Molokini Snorkel and Performance Sail with Lunch

If you’re dreaming of a day on the water in Maui, this Molokini snorkeling and sailing tour might just be your best bet for a mix of adventure, comfort, and authentic ocean experience. For about $200 per person, you’ll spend around five hours cruising on Maui’s fastest catamaran, exploring a volcanic crater famous for its clear waters, vibrant marine life, and trade wind sails that make the boat really move. The trip also includes breakfast, lunch, and refreshments, making it a convenient way to enjoy a full day without skimping on good food.

What we love about this tour is how it combines the thrill of performance sailing with the serenity of snorkeling in protected waters. The crew’s friendly knowledge adds a personal touch that elevates the experience. The second is the chance to sail on Maui’s fastest vessel, which makes the whole trip feel more dynamic and exciting. Plus, the delicious buffet lunch and reef-safe sunscreen are thoughtful touches that add value.

The only thing to consider is that, depending on weather conditions or wind, sometimes the sailing may be limited, or the snorkeling areas could be slightly crowded. If your main goal is snorkeling at Molokini, it’s good to know that most reviews highlight the high quality of the marine environment and the friendly crew, but some states that snorkeling time can be around 1.5 to 2 hours.

This tour suits travelers who love being on the water, enjoy small-group intimacy, and appreciate delicious, healthy food. It’s perfect for those who want a mix of adventure and relaxation with a side of Maui scenery and marine life.

Key Points

• Authentic sailing experience on Maui’s fastest catamaran
• Snorkeling in Molokini crater, a protected marine preserve
• Delicious included meals with a breakfast and buffet lunch
• Friendly, knowledgeable crew that makes the experience special
• Opportunity to try sailing during Maui’s trade winds
• Flexible cancellation policies and options to reserve with no upfront payment

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Maui Snorkel and Sail Experience

Setting Out from Ma’alaea Harbor

Your adventure begins at Ma’alaea Harbor, a well-located departure point that’s easy to reach and less crowded than some other harbor options. You’ll meet at Slip #72, where the crew welcomes you aboard a sleek, modern catamaran suited for smaller, more intimate groups.

We loved how personalized the experience feels because this isn’t a giant, crowded boat. Instead, you’re on a vessel that hosts around 17 people, giving you enough space to move comfortably and chat with crew members or fellow travelers.

The Morning Sail and Continental Breakfast

Once everyone is aboard, the trip kicks off with a leisurely sail across Maalaea Bay. The crew offers a continental breakfast, which is surprisingly good for a boat — think fresh fruit, pastries, and coffee. The open deck allows for plenty of room to enjoy the fresh air, watch the coastline drift by, and soak in the stunning ocean views.

We appreciated the calm, smooth ride, thanks to the boat’s size and design. Maui’s trade winds help propel the vessel efficiently, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get some great photos of the coastline and the neighboring islands.

Molokini Crater – Snorkeling in a Natural Wonder

The highlight for most is the stop at Molokini, a partially submerged volcanic crater teeming with marine life. It’s a natural marine sanctuary, which means the water is incredibly clear — perfect for snorkeling.

Your guides usually provide snorkel gear, and the water’s calm conditions make it ideal even for less experienced swimmers. Many reviews mention vibrant fish, colorful coral, and even sightings of turtles and dolphins, depending on the day.

A common highlight is the chance to swim in such pristine waters, with many travelers saying they saw a wide array of marine creatures. One reviewer noted, “The reef was beautiful, and the fish were abundant,” while another added that the snorkeling was “very good” with lots of sea animals to see.

Timing-wise, most get about 1.5 to 2 hours in the water, which is enough for a leisurely explore but not so long that you get cold or tired. Rinse-off stations with freshwater showers are available post-snorkel, which helps you freshen up before the next leg of the journey.

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Sailing and the Trade Winds

After snorkeling, the boat sets sail again, and this is where the tour becomes truly memorable. The crew encourages guests to try their hand at sailing, especially during Maui’s characteristic trade winds, which can push the boat at a lively 17 knots.

We loved the way the crew made this accessible; even beginners can feel safe and supported while trying to steer or handle the sails. Several reviews mention how much fun it was to “join the crew at the helm” and experience real sailing rather than just sitting passively on a boat.

Lunch and Refreshments

Back onboard, a buffet lunch awaits — often described as delicious and healthy, with options that include fresh salads, deli meats, and tropical fruits. Beverages are served freely — including soft drinks and water — and the crew provides reef-safe sunscreen, which is better for the coral and marine life you’ve just been snorkeling among.

Many reviews, including one from Sheldon, praise the food as “awesome — healthy and fresh,” which is not always a given on boat tours. It’s a good mix of satisfying yet not overly heavy, ideal after a morning in the water.

Final Leg Back and Whale Sightings

On the return trip, if you’re visiting between December and May, keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales — many passengers rave about seeing these gentle giants swim alongside or breach nearby. One reviewer described it as “spectacular,” and most agree that whale sightings are a bonus that makes the day even more memorable.

The return sail is often lively, with Maui’s trade winds pushing the boat along, sometimes at impressive speeds, giving you that authentic feeling of sailing on a fast vessel.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is ideal if you’re looking for more than just a boat ride — you want to be active, learn a bit about sailing, and enjoy a well-rounded day. It appeals to travelers who appreciate small-group intimacy, delicious food, and marine adventures. It’s particularly good for those who want to sail during Maui’s trade winds rather than just sit on a large party boat with hundreds of people.

If your main goal is longer snorkeling time or more secluded locations, this may be a bit limited, as most reviews mention about 1.5 to 2 hours in the water. But if you value personalized service, high-quality snorkeling, and interactive sailing, this tour hits the mark.

Practical Details and Tips for Your Trip

• Meeting Point: Ma’alaea Harbor Slip #72. It’s a straightforward location, but check ahead for parking tips.
• Duration: About 5 hours, usually in the morning, giving you plenty of time for the rest of your day.
• Cost: $200 per person, which includes snorkel gear, meals, and refreshments. The value is high considering the inclusive food and personalized service.
• Children: Sail at half price, making it family-friendly.
• What to Bring: Towel, sunscreen, and underwater camera (available for rent). Wetsuits are not included but may be available for rent.
• BYOB: Alcohol is not included but is currently BYOB — bring your favorite drinks to enjoy on board.
• Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, providing some flexibility if your plans change.

Authentic Experiences from Real Travelers

Reviews from hundreds of happy customers paint a clear picture: the crew’s friendliness, the quality of the snorkeling, and the delicious food are consistently praised. One reviewer even called it “way better than the huge ships,” highlighting the smaller boat’s intimacy and comfort.

Many say they saw whales on the way back, which adds a magical element to the trip. The sailing experience, especially during trade winds, gets everyone involved, making for a fun, interactive day.

Some less glowing reviews mention that occasionally sailing can be limited by weather, or that snorkeling time is shorter than expected. But even these reviews acknowledge the crew’s professionalism and effort.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re looking for a balanced, fun-filled day with a good mix of sailing, snorkeling, and great food, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s perfect for families, couples, or small groups who want a more personal experience on the water. Especially if you enjoy learning about sailing, and appreciating Maui’s marine beauty, this trip offers a genuine taste of ocean adventure with a high chance of whale sightings and colorful fish.

While not the longest snorkeling tour out there, it compensates with a friendly crew, delicious meals, and the thrill of performance sailing. If that sounds appealing, chances are you’ll leave with memories worth sharing.

FAQ

What is included in the price?
The tour includes sailing and snorkeling, gear, a continental breakfast, a buffet lunch, and assorted beverages. Reef-safe sunscreen is also provided.

Can I snorkel at Molokini?
Yes, most guests snorkel in Molokini’s protected waters, which are renowned for clarity and marine life. Expect about 1.5 to 2 hours of snorkeling time.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?
Snorkel gear is included, but if you prefer your own mask or fins, you’re welcome to bring them along.

Is sailing a big part of the trip?
Absolutely. You’ll have opportunities to participate in sailing, especially during Maui’s trade winds, making this more interactive than some other tours.

What if the weather is bad?
The crew is experienced at adjusting plans. Sometimes, sailing can be limited or the snorkeling site may change, but most reviews note the crew’s professionalism regardless.

Are children allowed?
Yes, children can sail at half price. The experience is suitable for families, especially those who enjoy water activities.

What should I wear?
Bring sunscreen, a towel, and wear swimwear suitable for snorkeling. Wetsuits are not included but can be rented if you feel cold.

Can I purchase alcohol on board?
Currently, alcohol is BYOB, so bring your favorite drinks to enjoy responsibly on the water.

How long is the tour?
About five hours, usually departing in the morning, leaving plenty of time for other Maui activities later in the day.

Is there a maximum group size?
The boat hosts around 17 people, creating a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere than large tour vessels.

This Maui snorkeling and sailing trip combines adventure, comfort, and a touch of sailing skill, making it ideal for those who want to see Molokini, enjoy Maui’s trade winds, and indulge in good food while surrounded by stunning ocean scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a first-timer, the friendly crew, beautiful marine environment, and fun sailing make this tour a worthwhile option for a memorable Maui day.

You can check availability for your dates here: