Molokini Is The Best Snorkeling Spot In Hawaii And Maybe All Of North America
Snorkeling in Molokini Crater now a Marine Life Conservation District is hugely popular for a reason.
The crater itself is far from Mauis busy beaches, and the craters sunken bowl protects wildlife from the open ocean, making it the perfect calm nook to see up to 250 varieties of fish, birds, and mammals, plus 38 varieties of coral. In the early morning, the visibility is amazing, and, on a good day, you can see up to 150 feet deep.
If that werent enough, during certain times of year, you can even see whales in the distance! During my February visit, I actually heard them singing to one another beneath the surface. Their soothing sounds remain one of my favorite travel memories.
Small Group Molokini & Turtle Snorkel
If you are up for a little adventure, this Redline Rafting snorkeling trip is a total blast. They limit it to 24 guests and youll head to 3 or 4 of South Mauis best snorkeling spots. Check out the latest prices and more details.
Youll also hear about Hawaiis history, geology, and marine life while you enjoy breakfast and lunch on board this customized raft. Book your Small Group Molokini & Turtle Snorkel Tour
When Is The Best Time To Visit Molokini
Right NOW! Seriously though, Molokini Crater offers terrific year-round snorkeling and diving conditions, making any season the right season.
With respect to the best time of day, we suggest only booking an early or late morning snorkel tour.
Snorkeling At Molokini
Sure, there are more people in the water during the morning hours, but its for good reason: the AM is when the conditions are best!
Although some companies offer afternoon snorkel trips as a way to avoid the crowds, we cant recommend them in good conscience.
Afternoon Tour Gimmicks
Since the afternoon conditions at Molokini tend to be windier and murkier, these tours regularly take you to an alternate snorkeling destination. If you really want to explore Molokini Crater, its best to just stick with a morning tour.
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Molokini Snorkeling Tours Molokini & Turtle Town Adventure
One of the most famous snorkel spots in Hawaii, the sunken u-shaped volcano crater of Molokini is a marine sanctuary with stunning visibility of up to 180 feet, colorful coral, and plenty of tropical fish. On a half day cruise, you’ll stop at Molokini and popular Turtle Arches Molokini Crater is a highly popular snorkel and diving destination. Home to hundreds of species of fish and coral , and near perfect visibility, Molokini deserves the attention it attracts. One of the reasons Molokini is so incredibly popular is the wide range of snorkeling and diving abilities it satisfies
Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise
Will there be Polynesian dancers?
Yes, our Sunset Dinner & Luau Cruise wouldnt be complete without our fabulous Polynesian dance show for every day the tour operates!
Do you offer transportation to the harbor for the Sunset Dinner & Luau Cruise?
Payment methods such as credit card, cash or travelers checks.
Is there parking at the harbor and how much does it cost?
The parking is operated by Diamond Parking Services. The lot closest to our slip has a machine that only takes cash . You can also pay by credit card by phone by dialing in or using a QR code. The cost of parking is $3.
How do we find your location?
The address to key into your GPS is 100 Maalaea Road, Maalaea, Maui, Hawaii. We are located in the central part of the island, off Highway 30. The entrance to Maalaea Harbor is below the Maui Ocean Center. Once you enter Maalaea Harbor, proceed to the ocean side of the harbor , to the public loading dock, where we check you in.
Does it cost extra for alcoholic beverages?
Our sunset dinner & luau cruise features a premium open bar at no additional cost to our guests!
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Your Molokini Adventure Awaits
Snorkeling at Molokini Crater in Maui is truly unlike any experience in the world, and tours throughout Maui are incomplete without a boat ride through its pristine waters. There are very few tours in the world where you can see an incredible diversity of exotic tropical fish and other marine life while visiting the majestic Hawaiian green sea turtles in their home at Turtle Town or going whale watching. Hopefully this article has provided you with the details to make your decision. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly adventure during your trip to Maui or something a little more intimate, there is a Molokini snorkeling tour that fits your needs.
Are you ready to take the leap into the clear blue water off the coast of Maui with one of these fantastic tours? Book your Molokini snorkeling tour today!
How Long Is The Boat Ride From Maui To Molokini
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People also ask, how deep is the water at Molokini?
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Likewise, how do I get to Molokini Island?
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Are there sharks at Molokini?
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Has there ever been a shark attack at Molokini Crater?
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Dive Tour At Molokini Crater Back Wall
Molokini is a partially submerged, crescent shaped, volcanic crater just off the coast of South Maui. A Protected Marine Preserve, Molokini is home to over 260 marine animals and thriving corals underwater as well as rare birds above the surface.
The crater itself is made entirely of rock so the water surrounding it remains relatively undisturbed by sand and sediment, resulting in year-round visibility of 150 feet plus. The abundance of marine life, pristine waters, and proximity to Maui make Molokini a premier diving destination and one of our favorite boat dives.
Whale Watch Snorkel Tour
Do you guarantee sightings?
Yes, we do guarantee sightings during whale season, December through March or your next tour is on us.
How much time will be spent snorkeling?
Well snorkel for about an hour and then head out to do some whale watching.
Where do we go to snorkel?
Coral Gardens or Olowalu.
Can we add on SNUBA?
We do not offer SNUBA on our afternoon tour or our whale watching tour.
Does the whale watching tour go to Molokini Crater?
We do not go to Molokini Crater.
What is the best month to see whales in Maui?
What time of year is best for whale watching in Hawaii?
Which Hawaiian island is best for whale watching?
Maui features the best whale watching in Hawaii.
Is it windier in the afternoon?
The winds tend to pick up in the afternoon and thats the reason why we leave it up to our Captain on where the snorkel location will be. Our Captains have years of experience and will always make sure to get you out to an area where the water conditions are safe and comfortable for our guests.
Do you allow full-face snorkel masks on your trips?
We do not allow full-face snorkels masks. For more information, please read our snorkeling safety tips regarding snorkel masks.
Are there still whales in Maui?
If its late season, end of March, April, and May, it is still possible to see whales though there is no guarantee in April and May.
Will we see more turtles/whales on this trip vs the Molokini snorkel?
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Snorkeling In Maui And The Hawaiian Islands
Among the top things to do in Maui, snorkeling consists mainly of viewing the coral reefs that encircle the island. This fringe of coral contains a variety of hard corals, marine plant life and fish of many species.
As well, the reefs attract dolphins, turtles and sharks. There are many reef structures at around 15 feet or less below surface ideal for snorkeling.
There are said to be some 800-900 species of sea creatures living on the reefs surrounding the Hawaiian Islands. Depending on your mode of accessing the reefs, as well as the seasonal weather conditions, your snorkeling experience can vary greatly.
But with some insider information you can be well-equipped with knowledge on how to get the most for your time and money.
Although the high season for tourism is Winter and Spring, the more favorable time to experience the reefs is in Summer. It will be hotter and humid in Summer, but the seas are also warmer, clearer and more calm.
Winter months can bring 20 foot sea swells and the shoreline becomes disrupted and less visible. The Summer mini high season is middle of June through August so check rates for June and September if youre on a budget.
The Hawaiian Islands are a one-of-a-kind natural wonder. And as you seen in the snorkel tour reviews above going underwater is among the incredible things to do on Maui. The ecosystem of living coral is a fragile organism.
Lanai Or Molokini: Best Snorkeling
Maui has the best snorkeling in the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaiian green sea turtles, year-round snorkeling, shoreline snorkeling, kid-friendly snorkeling spots, and the islands offshore Maui make it ideal for snorkeling.
Molokai, Lanai, and Molokini crater are part of Maui County and all readily accessible from shore with a tour operator. They are worth the trip but to be fair, you dont need a tour operator to get the best snorkeling in Maui.
Maui beaches, coves, and bays offer phenomenal snorkeling from shore. You dont need to pay the extra money for a boat trip to get world-class snorkeling. Marine preserves like Kahekili, Ahihi-Kinau , and Honolua Bay are just some of the snorkel spots you can frequent year-round for free.
Read my article below for the best tips and locations on snorkeling in Maui.
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So the question is: Lanai or Molokini, is a snorkel trip worth it?
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Sail Maui Molokini Snorkel And Performance Sai
Sail to the unique crescent shaped crater of Molokini, and snorkel in the cobalt blue waters Paragon is the ultimate performance sailing tour company in Maui! Experienced and friendly crew of sailors The Molokini Snorkel Catamaran in Wailea is the only South Maui charter to offer daily departures from Makena/South Maui. From this location, it only takes 20 m..
Sail MauiMaalaeaUS $140.00 per Person. Molokini is one of Maui’s most incredible snorkeling destinations. The unique, crescent shaped crater is a natural marine preserve and home to over 250 species of tropical fish. Sail Maui combines the elements of performance sailing in the trade winds with snorkeling in the protected, crystal clear water. This is a trip from Ma’alaea Harbor on Maui, to Molokini Crater aboard the Trilogy II catamaran sailboat. Shot on my Flip Ultra HD. The trip was delightful.. Molokini Crater is about 150 feet deep with great clarity from the surface down to the ocean floor. The crescent-shaped islet covers over 20 acres of land. Marine biologists have observed over 250 different fish species in Molokini. Molokini is also home to 38 unique coral species The Pacific Ocean around Hawaii’s islands such as Maui is resplendent with wonderful marine life. A snorkeling boat trip is the best way to encounter this other world. Maui island and the underwater volcano of Molokini, whose crater rim pokes above the blue Pacific waters, are havens for fish and other marine life. In turn [
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Lanai Or Molokini: Best Tour Operators
Whatever island you choose for snorkeling, here are the most popular and well-respected tour operators for Molokai and Lanai are listed below. They have the best reviews, the best value for the price, and we enjoyed our experience.
Trilogy sailing cruises to Molokini and Lanai
Pacific Whale Foundation boat cruises to Molokini and Lanai
Check out Hawaii Activities for discount operators and price comparison shopping.
Molokini & Turtle Arches Snorkel
When considering a Molokini snorkeling tour in Maui, it is important to consider the experience level of your group, desire to swim with others, and time constraints. The Molokini & Turtle Arches Snorkel tour is one of the most suitable Maui tours for beginners and those on the lookout for incredible wildlife. Its crew considers safety the number one priority. Youll begin your day with a morning cruise toward the Molokini Crater islet, heading out before the vast majority of tourists follow suit. Morning is a great time to see playfully fun dolphins slicing through the water, hoping to interact with curious people. As you watch the aquatic world come to life you will be treated to a complimentary Continental Breakfast of bagels and pastries. You may be able to go whale watching if its the right time of year.
Once you reach Molokini Crater, youll take your first dip in the ocean of the iconic crescent bay. Here youll have a chance to see even more wildlife, including colorful tropical fish and exotic sea animals like Hawaiian green sea turtles. Youll be able to see the mesmerizing coral reefs just several feet away, all while swimming leisurely through the Hawaiian waters. The coral gardens of crater Molokini provide one of the best snorkeling experiences in the world.
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Snorkeling Molokini Crater Sail Mau
Molokini Crater. 4,505 likes · 242 talking about this · 14,281 were here. Molokini Crater is a popular snorkeling and scuba diving destination in Maui County located in the Alalakeiki Channel between.. Molokini Crater. 4,508 likes · 224 talking about this · 14,361 were here. Molokini Crater is a popular snorkeling and scuba diving destination in Maui County located in the Alalakeiki Channel between..
What Makes This Tour Special
Experienced instructors and captains who love what they do and love sharing it with you.
Small group sizes and individualized attention so you have fun and feel safe.
Maximized bottom time, your air and your deco rule your dives. If you have enough air you can have 2 hour long dives.
Current rental equipment. Our BCDs have integrated weights and regulators have dive computers so you are comfortable in the water.
Conservation oriented. Our crew cares about the health of the ocean ecosystem and does our best to have eco friendly practices.
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Lanai Or Molokini: Best Maui Boat Trip Experience
A trip to Lanai or Molokini can be luxurious or a cattle-car snorkel boat. Pick your favorite based on price and the perks. Our favorite tour operators by price are below.
The luxury sailing catamarans like Trilogy or Sail Maui will feature drinks on board, appetizers, a beachside BBQ, and guided walking tours of Lanai. Plus your snorkeling gear of course.
A sail to Molokini includes continental breakfast and a plate lunch since dining on Molokini is off-limits.
Sailing cruises offer spacious boats that can hold 49 passengers. Smaller sailboats are available but they will be more than $220.
A sailing cruise to Molokini is 5 hours round trip. Lanai is an all-day trip at 8-hours.
Boat trips to Lanai or Molokini also include breakfast and lunch offerings, refreshments for sale, snorkel gear, and an onboard marine naturalist.
A boat trip to Lanai is typically 5-hours roundtrip and Molokini and Turtle Town is also a 5-hour trip.
Exploring Molokini Crater In Maui
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Planning on snorkeling in Maui? Molokini Crater is just off the coast of Maui and is one of the top Maui snorkeling spots. Scroll down to find out why!
This Molokini Crater in Maui post was originally written January 8, 2020 and was updated November 6, 2021 and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Don’t Want to Scroll? Here’s What to do at Molokini Crater on Maui
Have you ever wanted to snorkel in one of the three craters of the world?
If so, then I have some great news for you! You can go snorkeling at Molokini Crater off the coast of Maui. Its a beautiful place where you will see Hawaiian sea turtles, tropical fish, and other sea creatures.
And its not too far from your resort in Wailea or Kaanapali. Keep reading to find out more about this amazing spot!
There are tons of gorgeous places to go snorkeling in Hawaii but none as unique as Molokini Crater. This is one thing that makes it stand out among all other things to do in Maui with kids or without them.
So if you want an unforgettable experience while visiting Hawaii, make sure you check out these tours of this popular Maui snorkeling spot!
Click HERE for the best Molokini Crater tour
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