snorkel cruises

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Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch
Lanai Wild Side Eco-Tour
Molokini & Lanai Snorkel
Molokini & Turtles Arches Snorkel
Molokini Eco Express
Molokini Wild Side
West Maui Raft Snorkel

Snorkel Cruises

SNORKEL MOLOKINI
The mid-ocean, crescent-shaped islet known as Molokini is one of Hawai'i's finest snorkel and dive sites. It's an extinct volcanic crater located about 2.5 miles from Maui's south shore. Inside its protective u-shaped walls is a thriving coral reef, home to more than 250 fish species and 38 species of coral, including species found nowhere else on earth but Hawai'i.

Molokini is considered a tuff cone, a type of volcanic crater formed when ashfall chemically reacted with rainwater and hardened into rock. There is little or no soil to run off into the sea, which is why the visibility is excellent for snorkeling.

To protect this vibrant little ecosystem, the State of Hawai'i designated Molokini as a Marine Life Conservation District. There's no other place quite like it…you'll certainly want to check it out during your Maui vacation!

SNORKEL LANA'I
Lana'i was the summer home of King Kamehameha and today is known as the “enticing island” for its rugged, largely undiscovered beauty. The coastal areas are a treasure trove of wildlife – vibrant reefs, sea turtles, wild dolphins, whales and thousands of fish. The views from sea include thousand foot red sea cliffs and bays ringing azure blue ocean. Because Lana'i is so dry (just 37 inches of rain per year), there's little soil run off, leaving the island's nearshore waters remarkably clear. Some of Hawaii's best and most unspoiled snorkeling is found off the shores of Lana'i.

Molokini & Turtles Arches Snorkel

Snorkel with our expert team at world-famous Molokini, plus a second vibrant reef that’s frequented by gentle sea turtles.

Your adventure begins at Ma’alaea Harbor, where you’ll board one of Pacific Whale Foundation’s high-tech, smooth-riding catamarans and be professionally fitted with snorkel gear.

As you cruise to Molokini, enjoy a tropical style continental breakfast with freshly brewed Maui coffee and sparkling juices. There’s also a complimentary learn-to-snorkel class and educational talks by our naturalists. In the winter, whale sightings are an added bonus.

We’ll moor at Molokini -- with plenty of time to explore this remarkable mid-ocean oasis! Our wide swim steps and water slides make it easy (and fun) to get right in. Next stop is Turtle Arches, a beautiful reef known for its underwater lava arches and abundance of green sea turtles. Enjoy a free guided reef tour led by one of our naturalists, who will point out sights you might miss on your own.

Includes:
* Professionally fitted, premium snorkel gear (including optical masks for eyeglass wearers)
* Flotation devices
* Free learn-to-snorkel class
* Free fish i.d. class
* Free guided reef tour
* Free Jr. Naturalist program for kids.
* Tropical-style continental breakfast (locally grown fruits, Kula zucchini muffins, banana bread, coffee and juices.)
* Barbeque lunch: chicken tenders (marinated in teriyaki sauce), hot dogs, veggie burgers, marinated Kula cucumber salad, three bean salad (with kidney, black and garbanzo beans), Kaiser rolls
* Chocolate chip cookies
* Refreshments: sodas, tropical juices and filtered water. (After snorkeling, adults age 21 and over with valid picture i.d. may enjoy one complimentary alcoholic beverage, including local micro-brew beer, wine or Mai Tai. Additional alcoholic drinks, blended cocktails or refills available for sale at a reasonable price.)
* Free marine wildlife poster.
* Free downloadable Hawaii Wildlife Guides:
- Hawaii's Coral Reefs
- Hawaiian Monk Seals
- Hawaii's Sea Turtles
- Hawaii's Humpback Whales
- Hawaii's Wild Dolphins

Available:
* Affordable rentals of wet suit shirts, underwater cameras and binoculars.
* Love the snorkel gear? You can arrange to rent it for the week for a small additional fee.

Departs: Daily at 7:00 a.m. from Ma’alaea Harbor
Duration: Approximately 5 hours
Check-in: 45 minutes prior to departure at Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store at the Ma’alaea Harbor Shops (next to Maui Ocean Center). Parking is free.

Please note: If you wish to enjoy a complimentary alcoholic drink, please be sure to bring your valid picture i.d. to show proof that you are 21 years of age or older.

Comments and Reviews:

From our mailbox:
"We recently visited Maui from Australia In March for our honeymoon. As

part of our holiday we went on a snorkelling trip with you to Molokini Crater

and Turtle Arches. What a wonderful experience! My husband, George has

snorkelled before, however this was my first experience (I'm not the most

confident swimmer). We both had so much fun, Molokini is just beautiful! We

spotted many whales during out tour also which was amazing! What beautiful

animals they are. Thank you for the experience, we also learnt a lot during

the tour. This has given us an interested to visit the Great Barrier Reef here in

Australia next time we take a holiday :) Thank you, keep up the great work."

Marg & George Fayad

As reviewed on Trip Advisor:
“Molakini Crater and Turtle Arches snorkel”
Reviewed April 15, 2013

"This snorkel was the best snorkel trip I have ever been on. The crew was completely professional and informed naturalists. The trip starts out with the staff serving coffee, juice, fruit and pastries. In addition to the regular snorkel gear, wetsuit tops were available for rental for $10 each. The water is cold and this made a huge difference to my 66 year old mother. In addition to regular goggles, optical goggles are also available for those people who wear glasses! Before we descended into the water for Molakini Crater, we were offered a choice of flotation devices; life jacket, float belt or "noodle"- I think this alleviated many people's fears. Also, the staff were all life guards and were in canoes while we snorkeled so if anyone was having a problem they were available to save them. Also, for first time snorkelers, there was a short class telling them how to breathe and what to do.

Molakini Crater was full of fish and we arrived there at least a half hour before the other boats.

Turtle Arches was a bit crowded, but if you wait it out a bit, most of the other passengers get on the boat within a half hour. A lunch is also provided including pasta salads, chicken, veggie burgers & hot dogs"

“Wonderful, eco-concious way to see Molokini”

Reviewed April 15, 2013

"We have been to Molokini several times on different boats; they were all fun and safe. Pacific Whale adds the education and awareness component so well. We learned new things, had a lot of fun and never felt lectured. The crew was very well qualified, fun and funny! The snacks, lunch and snorkel gear is all available and easy to access. The boat holds a lot of people but once you arrive at Molokini you don't feel like part of a crowd. Bring a wind-breaker, towel and non-slip shoes. Buying a membership brings down the per person price and you board 1st which is nice."

Read additional Trip Advisor Reviews

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Molokini & Lanai Snorkel

For the ultimate in adventure, this exclusive Pacific Whale Foundation Eco-Adventure offers a full day out on the water with two snorkel sites at two different islands.

Our first stop is world-famous Molokini crater. The snorkeling in this sheltered islet offers opportunities to view a wide array of wildlife. In fact, Molokini is home to more than 250 species of fish!

Next, we’ll cross the channel to snorkel off the scenic coast of Lana’i. The reefs surrounding Lana’i are known for their health and diversity, and the surrounding area is known for its populations of wild spinner, spotted and bottlenose dolphins. Wild dolphin sightings are likely, and we often encounter a curious sea turtle or two. Whale sightings are an added bonus in winter.

Includes:
* Professionally fitted, premium snorkel gear (including optical masks for eyeglass wearers)
* Flotation devices
* Free learn-to-snorkel class
* Free fish i.d. class
* Free guided reef tour
* Free Jr. Naturalist program
* Tropical-style continental breakfast (locally grown fruits, Kula zucchini muffins, banana bread, coffee and juices).
* Barbeque lunch: chicken tenders (marinated in teriyaki sauce), hot dogs, veggie burgers, marinated Kula cucumber salad, three bean salad (made with kidney, black and garbanzo beans), Kaiser rolls, plus double chocolate chip cookies made with organic flour.
* Refreshments: sodas, tropical juices and filtered water. (After snorkeling, adults age 21 and over with valid picture i.d. may enjoy one complimentary alcoholic beverage, including local micro-brew beer, wine or Mai Tai. Additional alcoholic drinks, blended cocktails or refills available for sale at a reasonable price.)
* Free marine wildlife poster.
* Free downloadable Hawaii Wildlife Guides:
- Hawaii's Coral Reefs
- Hawaiian Monk Seals
- Hawaii's Sea Turtles
- Hawaii's Humpback Whales
- Hawaii's Wild Dolphins

Available:
* Affordable rentals of wet suit shirts, underwater cameras and binoculars.
* Love the snorkel gear? You can arrange to rent it for the week for a small additional fee.

Departs: Daily at 8:30 am from Ma’alaea Harbor
Duration: Approximately 6.5 hours
Check-in: 45 minutes prior to departure at Pacific Whale Foundation's Ocean Store at the Ma’alaea Harbor Shops (next to Maui Ocean Center). Parking is free.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Molokini Eco Express

Summer and Fall Ecotour: Available May-November

This three and a half hour cruise, offered exclusively by Pacific Whale Foundation, provides the most economical way to visit Molokini during the morning, when the conditions are best. Added bonus: you get to sleep in a bit!

You’ll cruise straight to Molokini on one of Pacific Whale Foundation's ultra-smooth, comfortable catamarans. Because this cruise arrives at Molokini after the crowds have departed, the snorkeling is very relaxed. Explore for an hour or more – and if you want help locating any of the unique fish and marine life found at Molokini, join the free guided reef tour offered by our knowledgeable marine naturalists.

Includes:
* Professionally fitted, premium snorkel gear (including optical masks for eyeglass wearers)
* Flotation devices
* Free learn-to-snorkel class
* Free fish i.d. class
* Free guided reef tour
* Free Jr. Naturalist program
* Complimentary BBQ lunch
* Refreshments: sodas, tropical juices and filtered water
* Free marine life poster
* Free downloadable Hawaii Wildlife Guides:
- Hawaii's Coral Reefs
- Hawaiian Monk Seals
- Hawaii's Sea Turtles
- Hawaii's Humpback Whales
- Hawaii's Wild Dolphins

Available:
* Affordable rentals of wet suit shirts, underwater cameras and
binoculars.

Departs: 9:00am Tuesdays-Fridays
Duration: Approximately 3 ½ hours
Check-in: Please check-in 45 minutes prior to departure at Pacific Whale Foundation's Ocean Store at the Ma'alaea Harbor Shops (next to Maui Ocean Center).

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch

Snorkel off the island of Lana’i and watch dolphins in the wild – all in one trip!

Discover why Lana’i has been rated as one of the top 10 snorkel and dive spots in the world as you snorkel a dazzling coral reef, home to abundant fish and sea turtles.

Wild dolphins are found off Lana'i, too, including spinner, spotted and bottlenose dolphins, and occasional toothed whales. Sightings of humpback whales are common in winter.

Includes:
* Professionally fitted, premium snorkel gear (including optical masks for eyeglass wearers)
* Flotation devices
* Free learn-to-snorkel class
* Free fish i.d. class
* Free guided reef tour
* Free Jr. Naturalist program.
* Tropical-style continental breakfast (locally grown fruits, fresh-baked pastries, coffee and juices)
* Barbeque lunch: chicken, hot dogs and veggie burgers, plus pasta salad.
* Chocolate chip cookies and pretzels
* Refreshments: sodas, tropical juices and filtered water. After snorkeling, adults age 21 and over with valid picture i.d. may enjoy one complimentary alcoholic beverage, including local micro-brew beer, wine or Mai Tai. Additional alcoholic drinks, blended cocktails or refills available for sale at a reasonable price.)
* Free marine wildlife poster
* Free downloadable Hawaii Wildlife Guides:
- Hawaii's Coral Reefs
- Hawaiian Monk Seals
- Hawaii's Sea Turtles
- Hawaii's Humpback Whales
- Hawaii's Wild Dolphins

Available:
* Affordable rentals of wet suit shirts, underwater cameras and binoculars.
* Love the snorkel gear? You can arrange to rent it for the week for a small additional fee.

* Duration: Approximately 5 hours
* Check-in: 45 minutes prior to departure at Pacific Whale Foundation's Ocean Store at 612 Front Street, Lahaina.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Molokini Wild Side

Pacific Whale Foundation has been offering quality ocean eco-adventures to Molokini for more than 30 years. We are pleased to offer a new small group Molokini eco-adventure that travels off the beaten path. It includes an opportunity to visit one or more reefs where sea turtles are plentiful and learn about these fascinating marine reptiles. There's no trip like it on Maui.

As with all of our Pacific Whale Foundation Eco-Adventures, this new trip is led by our team of knowledgeable Certified Marine Naturalists and a professional U.S. Coast Guard certified captain. It's based on our decades of marine research, including an extensive study of Molokini's fish, corals and wildlife.

We depart in the morning from Ma'alaea Harbor and head for Molokini. After snorkeling this remarkable mid-ocean reef, we'll cruise around Molokini's rugged red rock back wall. Birdwatchers be ready: we often sight seabirds such as Wedge-tailed shearwaters and Great frigatebirds that roost here!

And then we'll set off to explore, stopping to view wildlife at sea turtle and dolphin habitats. We'll also choose a reef that offers the clearest and calmest conditions for our second snorkel site. Explore on your own or take part in a guided reef tour led by our knowledgeable naturalist.

Our Molokini Wild Side Eco-Adventure is offered on our 54-foot single deck catamaran, Ocean Explorer. With comfortable armchair seats arranged grandstand style on the bow, plus a shaded back deck, shower and onboard bathrooms, Ocean Explorer combines comfort with the thrill of being closer to the water and ocean wildlife. It's U.S. Coast Guard certified for just 49 passengers, but we'll carry just 40 people, so there's plenty of room for everyone.

Includes:
* Expert narration by our Certified Marine Naturalists
* Opportunity to learn about sea turtle research
* Snorkeling at Molokini and a second site
* Professionally fitted, premium snorkel gear (including optical masks for eyeglass wearers)
* Flotation devices
* Wetsuit tops available for rental
* Free learn-to-snorkel class
* Free fish i.d. class
* Free guided reef tour
* Free Jr. Naturalist program.
* Tropical-style continental breakfast (coffee, juices, fruits and pastries)
* Barbeque lunch: chicken tenders (marinated in teriyaki sauce), hot dogs, veggie burgers, marinated Kula cucumber salad, three bean salad (with kidney, black and garbanzo beans), Kaiser rolls
* Homemade double chocolate chip cookies (made with organic flour)
* Refreshments: sodas, tropical juices and filtered water. (After snorkeling, adults age 21 and over with valid picture i.d. may enjoy one complimentary alcoholic beverage, including local micro-brew beer or wine or Mai Tai. Refills available for sale at a reasonable price.)
* Free marine wildlife poster.
* Free downloadable Hawaii Wildlife Guides:
- Hawaii's Coral Reefs
- Hawaiian Monk Seals
- Hawaii's Sea Turtles
- Hawaii's Humpback Whales
- Hawaii's Wild Dolphins

Available:
* Affordable rentals of underwater cameras and binoculars
* Rental of wetsuit tops
* Love the snorkel gear? You can arrange to rent it for the
week for a small additional fee.

Duration: Approximately 6 hours
Check-in: 45 minutes prior to departure at Pacific Whale Foundation's Ocean Store at Ma'alaea Harbor Shops (next to Maui Ocean Center)

For ages 8 and over only. This eco-adventure is not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with back problems.

Destinations subject to change due to sea or weather conditions.

As reviewed on Trip Advisor:

“Molikini wildside tour”

Reviewed April 21, 2013

"Awesome tour with PWF, I've been on two previous, whale watch/Molikini trips with PWF but this far outdid the others, smaller boat (34 people) frankly I was hesitant to do Molikini again because most tours are the cattle boat 100 + people all splashing around like lunitics, but this tour took us to a turtle cleaning station first which was awesome, tons of turtles. On the way we watched bottle-nosed dolphins which were a rare sighting and a few whales but for April most had left for Alaska, at Molikini the visiblity was 100 ft + and all the boats that were there earlier had already left so we pretty much had it all to ourselves. My wife saw a small octopus and I saw a small (3 ft.) white tip shark which was beyond cool, at first I was hesitant to tell our tour thinking someone might freak out, but what the heck , suck it up its just a beautiful little shark, so i told them it was right below them, no one freaked and they'll probably never forget seeing a shark in the wild. Staff was very friendly and pro, highly recomend this tour if you don't want to be packed in like sardines."

Read additional Trip Advisor reviews.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

Lanai Wild Side Eco-Tour

If yours is the spirit of an explorer, join us on this exhilarating small group raft adventure that brings you up close to the secluded coastline of the exclusive island of Lana'i.

Lana'i's coast, largely undeveloped, feels unspoiled and remote even though it's just 7 miles from Maui. Riding on our ultra-smooth raft, you'll view unforgettable sights: blowholes, red rock sea cliffs, caves, untouched shorelines and stretches of nearly empty sandy beaches.

Amazing wildlife encounters await you, too. Lana'i is famous for its large populations of wild dolphins, plus toothed whales, sea turtles and the occasional Hawaiian monk seal. The snorkeling is world-class with warm clear waters and vibrant reefs teeming with marine life.

This is no ordinary raft adventure. It's brought to you by the experts at Pacific Whale Foundation, with 33 years' experience in leading award-winning ocean ecotours.

Ocean Adventurer is the newest raft in Pacific Whale Foundation's carefully maintained, high-performance fleet. It is a high-tech vessel with a rigid, channeled fiberglass hull that cuts through the waves for a remarkably smooth ride.

An overhead canopy provides shade. You can choose from forward facing padded seats or pontoon seats. This is one of the few Maui rafts with an onboard bathroom. There's a rear swim platform for easy access in and out of the water. There's also an onboard freshwater shower to rinse off after snorkeling!

There's no pre-determined route for this cruise. We'll explore and travel anywhere along Lana'i's coast where the weather, wind and wildlife offer fun and adventure. We'll stop at least twice for snorkeling, to jump in and explore at remote spots selected by our experienced captain to provide a customized experience that is designed just for you, your fellow adventurers and the unique conditions of the day.

We outfit you with quality snorkeling gear and our expert naturalists will help you perfect your snorkeling skills. And they'll also give you a lesson so you can identify the fish you see, and provide a guided tour of the reef.

As with all ocean rafting adventures, this trip is not recommended for pregnant women and anyone with neck or back problems. Children ages 6 and under not permitted. Otherwise, c'mon aboard -- and join the ultimate adventure of your vacation, departing from Lahaina Harbor.

Includes:

* Professionally fitted, premium snorkel gear (including optical masks for eyeglass wearers)

* Flotation devices

* Free snorkel skills improvement lesson

* Free fish i.d. class

* Free guided reef tour

* Continental breakfast

* Boxed lunch with a sandwich, fruit, chips and a little something sweet.

* Snacks and Ice-cold sodas, juices and filtered drinking water are available throughout the day.

* Free marine wildlife poster.

* Free downloadable Hawaii Wildlife Guides:

- Hawaii's Coral Reefs

- Hawaiian Monk Seals

- Hawaii's Sea Turtles

- Hawaii's Humpback Whales

- Hawaii's Wild Dolphins

Available:

* Affordable rentals of wet suit shirts, underwater cameras and binoculars.

* Love the snorkel gear? You can arrange to rent it for the week for a small additional fee.

Departs: Daily from Lahaina Harbor

Duration: Approximately 6 hours

Check-in: 45 minutes prior to departure at Pacific Whale Foundation's Ocean Store at 612 Front Street, Lahiana

As reviewed on Trip Advisor:

“Lana'i on the Wildside”

Reviewed May 12, 2013

Imagine, circumventing the Island of Lana'i (about 70 miles) in a raft complete with an overhead canopy, an onboard bathroom and a fresh water shower. Not to mention breakfast, lunch and chocolate chip cookies. The best seven hours on the best snorkeling trip ever! Captain Craig brough us to THREE fantastic snorkeling sites and naturalist Sergio was in the water with us to explain all about the wonders we were seeing in the crystal clear Pacific. The best snorkeling site was Shark Fin, not because we saw any sharks, but because it was like swimming in an aquarium! We observed blowholes, caves, lava tubes and ancient Hawaiian burial sites. Both Captain Craig and Sergio were extremely knowlegable about Hawaiian history, culture, the aquatic environment and the Pacific Whale Foundation. I would highly recommend this trip to any adult who loves the water, history, fish and great adventures.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.

West Maui Raft Snorkel

Looking for a thrilling yet laid back adventure in paradise? Pacific Whale Foundation is proud to introduce a new small group ocean raft adventure that departs late morning from Lahaina Harbor. This three and a half hour adventure features an exhilarating ride along the West Maui coast and snorkeling at one of the coral reef jewels along the way -- Coral Gardens, Olowalu, Honolua or another reef that's rich in marine wildlife.

Our Certified Marine Naturalists and U.S. Coast Guard certified captain will meet you at Lahaina Harbor, where our raft, Ocean Freedom is moored. With its stainless steel handrails and rigid bottom, Ocean Freedom is easy to board -- and offers a choice of comfortable forward facing and pontoon seats.

Once we're underway, you'll experience the ultra-smooth ride of this state-of-the-art raft. With its SAM (Seakindly Anti-Slamming Monohull) design. Ocean Freedom easily cuts through waves with far less bumping and bouncing than ordinary rafts. You'll love the views of Maui from sea!

Our captain knows local ocean conditions like the back of his hand and will whisk you to the very best snorkeling spot for that particular day. Along the way, we'll outfit you with quality snorkeling gear, including flotation devices and fins -- and an optical mask if you wear eyeglasses.

We'll teach you how to snorkel, and once you jump in, our lifeguard trained naturalist will be ready to assist if you need help clearing your mask, putting on your fins or anything else required to help you feel at ease in the water. Join our naturalist for a guided tour of the reef, for a personal introduction to some of the hundreds of fascinating fish and other marine residents, including docile green sea turtles.

Enjoy leisurely, unhurried snorkeling. Afterwards, there's a rigid ladder to get you back into the boat and a freshwater shower. Ocean Freedom is also one of the only rafts on Maui to have an onboard restroom.

A box lunch is included, along with soda and soft drinks. You'll also receive a free dolphin or sea turtle poster to take home.

Please note that this cruise is not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with back or neck problems. Children ages 6 and under are not permitted.

Includes:

* Professionally fitted, premium snorkel gear (including optical masks for eyeglass wearers)

* Flotation devices

* Free learn-to-snorkel class

* Free fish i.d. class

* Free guided reef tour

* Free Jr. Naturalist program for kids

* Box lunch

* Refreshments: sodas and soft drinks

* Free marine wildlife poster.

* Free downloadable Hawaii Wildlife Guides:

- Hawaii's Coral Reefs

- Hawaiian Monk Seals

- Hawaii's Sea Turtles

- Hawaii's Humpback Whales

- Hawaii's Wild Dolphins

Available:

* Affordable rentals of wet suit shirts, underwater cameras and binoculars.

* Love the snorkel gear? You can arrange to rent it for the week for a small additional fee.

Departs: Daily at 10:30 a.m. from Lahaina Harbor
Duration: Approximately 3 and a half hours

Check-in: 45 minutes prior to departure at Pacific Whale Foundation's Ocean Store at 612 Front Street in Lahaina

Book online today and save 10%.
Pacific Whale Foundation Members save 20%.

Online booking price is at least 10% off.