Sunrise Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkel Tour

Explore Maui’s changing reef conditions aboard a custom-built adventure boat. Get fitted with snorkeling equipment, enjoy crew guidance, and take a brief shoreside reset between water sessions.

• Snorkel reef areas selected for the day’s ocean conditions
• Look for tropical fish, coral formations, and other marine life
• Reset ashore with access to land-based restrooms and freshwater rinse facilities
• Learn snorkeling basics and responsible reef-viewing practices from the crew
• Relax aboard a boat designed for a spacious ride

Itinerary

6:15 AM — Check-In at Kihei Boat Ramp

Meet the Maui Snorkel Charters crew at the designated check-in area near the picnic tables, boat, and trailer.

During check-in, guests will:

• Confirm reservation details
• Complete any outstanding waivers
• Sign up for complimentary trip photos
• Enjoy Hawaiian coffee and local banana bread
• Get fitted for snorkel gear and rash guards
• Store personal belongings
• Receive boarding instructions

Punctuality is essential. Please arrive ready to check in at 6:15 AM.

6:25 AM — Boarding and Safety Briefing

Guests will board the No Ka Oi, our custom-built adventure boat.

The captain and crew will provide an orientation covering:

• Vessel safety procedures
• Snorkeling equipment
• Flotation devices
• Water-entry and reboarding procedures
• Current weather and ocean conditions
• Responsible reef and wildlife viewing Approximately 6:30 AM — Sunrise Departure

We will depart Kihei Boat Ramp and travel toward Molokini Crater as the sun rises over Haleakalā.

Early-morning conditions often provide:

• Lighter winds
• Calmer seas
• Cooler temperatures
• Fewer boats
• Less crowded snorkeling
• Excellent underwater visibility Approximately 6:50 AM — Arrive at Molokini Crater

After arriving at Molokini, the crew will assist guests with snorkeling equipment and water entry.

Being among the first boats at the crater provides an opportunity to explore the reef before the larger tour groups arrive.

Approximately 7:00–8:00 AM — Molokini Crater Snorkeling

Explore Molokini’s clear water, dramatic crater walls, coral formations, and colorful reef ecosystem.

Common marine life may include:

• Butterflyfish
• Parrotfish
• Surgeonfish
• Moorish idols
• Triggerfish
• Wrasse
• Cornetfish
• Goatfish
• Yellow tang
• Moray eels
• Schools of tropical reef fish

The captain and crew will select the safest and most suitable snorkeling area based on current conditions.

Approximately 8:00 AM — Return Cruise to Kihei

Guests will reboard the vessel and begin the short cruise back toward Kihei Boat Ramp.

Water and light snacks may be available during the return.

Approximately 8:30 AM — Shoreside Comfort Stop

Enjoy a convenient mid-tour break before the Turtle Town portion of the adventure.

The stop may include access to:

• A land-based restroom
• Freshwater showers or rinse area
• Fresh towel exchange
• Additional drinking water
• A chance to stretch your legs
• An opportunity to change clothing
• A brief break from vessel movement
• Time to settle mild seasickness

This short stop allows guests to feel refreshed and comfortable before returning to the water.

The comfort stop is designed as an efficient reset and is not an extended shore break. Please remain nearby and follow crew instructions regarding reboarding time.

Approximately 8:50 AM — Reboard for Turtle Town

Guests will reboard the No Ka Oi and receive any updated instructions for the second snorkeling destination.

Approximately 9:00 AM — Depart for Turtle Town

Cruise south along Maui’s scenic coastline toward Puʻu Ōlaʻi and the greater Turtle Town reef area.

The captain will choose the best available location based on:

• Water visibility
• Wind and swell
• Currents
• Recent turtle activity
• Vessel traffic
• Guest comfort and ability Approximately 9:15–10:45 AM — Turtle Town Snorkeling

Explore one or more South Maui reef areas featuring volcanic formations, coral gardens, turtle resting areas, and marine-life habitat.

Possible encounters may include:

• Hawaiian green sea turtles
• Butterflyfish
• Parrotfish
• Surgeonfish
• Moorish idols
• Triggerfish
• Wrasse
• Moray eels
• Octopus
• Spotted eagle rays
• Manta rays
• Reef sharks
• Spinner or bottlenose dolphins
• Hawaiian monk seals
• Humpback whales during whale season

Our experienced crew will assist guests, identify marine life, and help everyone enjoy the reef responsibly.

Wildlife is wild and moves freely throughout the ocean. Specific animals, sightings, proximity, and behaviors cannot be guaranteed.

Approximately 10:45 AM — Reboard and Refresh

Guests will return to the boat, remove snorkeling equipment, and enjoy water and light snacks while the crew prepares for the return trip.

Approximately 11:00 AM — South Maui Coastal Cruise

Relax during the cruise back to Kihei while enjoying views of:

• Puʻu Ōlaʻi
• Makena
• Wailea
• Haleakalā
• Kahoʻolawe
• The South Maui coastline Approximately 11:30 AM — Return to Kihei Boat Ramp

The crew will assist guests with disembarking and collecting personal belongings.

Check-in: 6:15 AM Departure: Approximately 6:30 AM Return: Approximately 11:30 AM

All times after check-in are approximate. The captain may adjust the timing, route, number of snorkeling stops, comfort-stop duration, and destinations based on safety, weather, visibility, wildlife activity, harbor operations, and changing ocean conditions.

What's Included

• Round-trip boat transportation
• Mask, snorkel, and fins
• Prescription masks
• Rash guards and flotation equipment
• Snorkeling instruction and safety briefing
• Hawaiian coffee, banana bread, light snacks, and drinking water
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Complimentary trip photos

Important details

• Arrive ready to check in at 6:15 AM; the boat departs promptly at 6:30 AM
• Ages 5+ only
• Requires the ability to swim in ocean environments
• Not intended for pregnant travelers or those recovering from recent surgery, or with back or neck injuries
• Complete a liability waiver before boarding; a parent or legal guardian must complete waivers for minors
• Travel with an adult if you are under 18
• Use only reef-safe sunscreen; spray sunscreen is prohibited
• Do not bring alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, glass containers, weapons, or large unsecured luggage
• Follow captain and crew safety instructions; flotation equipment may be required
• Expect the route, stops, and snorkeling locations to change for safety and ocean conditions