10 Best Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkeling Tours!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you).
Snorkeling at Molokini is one of those must-do Maui experiences.
Just three miles off Maui’s southwestern coast, Molokini is a crescent-shaped volcanic crater – and its coral reef is a playground for more than 250 species of tropical fish.
What makes it extraordinary, though, is its visibility – the water is so crazy clear, it feels like swimming in one giant aquarium!
And the fun doesn’t stop here – you can also snorkel with giant Hawaiian green sea turtles at Turtle Town.
After enjoying many boat tours to Molokini over the years (and scuba diving here too), we’ve rounded up the 10 best Molokini and Turtle Town snorkeling tours – two bucket-list adventures rolled into one.
From deluxe sunrise trips and exciting Zodiac-style raft adventures to family-friendly boats with waterslides, you’ll want to book one of these when staying on Maui!
🤿 Molokini snorkeling at a glance
Want a quick answer? These are the three tours we’d book ourselves.
Luxury Molokini sailing
Deluxe sailing tour on a 65-foot catamaran – lots of free bubbly! (Details here)
High-speed inflatable raft
Small-group, military-style raft – thrilling adventure and 5-star-rated (Details here)
Pacific Whale Foundation
Educational catamaran tour – the money goes to a great non-profit! (Details here)
Contents: Snorkeling Molokini and Turtle Town
What’s special about Molokini Crater?
Bonus: Dolphin and whale sightings!
🐠 Quick picks by traveler type
Choose your perfect day under (and on!) the water:
- Bubbly-sippers at sea: ➡️ Alii Nui (#1) and Kai Kanani (#10)
- Fins-and-facts fans: ➡️ Pacific Whale Foundation (#2)
- Fun-loving families: ➡️ Calypso (#3), Malolo (#4), Pride of Maui (#5) and Lani Kai II (#6)
- Avoid-the-crowds explorers: ➡️ Redline Rafting (#7), Molokini Snorkel Charters (#8) and Blue Water Rafting (#9)
- Wildlife seekers (turtles!): ➡️ Any early-morning Molokini tour
What’s special about Molokini Crater?
Before getting into specific tour details, let’s discover why Molokini ranks among the best snorkeling spots in Maui.
Molokini is an uninhabited volcanic crater partly submerged underwater.
The top rises 160 feet above the clear blue water, forming a rocky islet about a half mile wide.
Above the water, Molokini is a bird sanctuary. Seabirds such as wedge-tailed shearwaters and frigate birds nest on the rocky atoll and soar overhead.
Slip below the water’s surface, and the magic begins. The inner reef lies at a depth of some 10 feet and gently slopes to about 25 feet. Its calm waters are the perfect depth for snorkeling!
Best of all, thanks to the crater’s volcanic rock and isolation, there’s no sand to cloud visibility – you can often see 150 feet away!
Who you’ll meet underwater
Molokini Crater is part of a protected Marine Life Conservation District, so its reef is bursting with healthy sea life.
Black triggerfish? We noticed lots of them! Moray eels? Yes, keep your eyes peeled. Parrotfish nibbling at coral? You bet.
And if luck’s on your side, a ray or turtle could even glide through this underwater paradise.
Where is Turtle Town in Maui?
“Turtle Town” isn’t just one spot – there are several along Maui’s south coast. Depending on the day’s conditions, tours stop at different locations, all fairly close together.
One popular site is the rocky reef offshore Maluaka Beach.
Another is Turtle Arches (aka “Five Caves”), where large coral arches provide a haven for marine life.
Hawaii’s famous sea turtles love these areas because seaweed and algae grow thick on the lava formations – their favorite food!
Don’t think itty bitty turtles, by the way.
Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) are the largest sea turtles in the world with hard shells – growing as big as four feet in length and tipping the scales at over 300 pounds.
And they’re not at all fazed by snorkelers. They often swim very close to you (seemingly without a care in the world!) before gliding away.
Where do tours leave from?
Tours leave from three different locations on Maui:
- Ma’alaea Harbor: Most tours depart from Ma’alaea Harbor on the south coast. It’s the farthest away from Molokini Crater, and the boat ride takes 45 minutes to one hour.
- Kihei: The ride from Kihei to Molokini is about 20 minutes.
- Wailea/Makena: Tours from here reach Molokini in about 15 minutes, making them the quickest option.
Ma’alaea Harbor is closer if you’re staying in Ka’anapali, Napili or Kapalua.
If you’re staying in Kihei or Wailea/Makena, departures from here are the most convenient. (Mind you, the driving time from Kihei to Ma’alaea Harbor is only about 15 minutes.)
Snorkeling tours from Ma’alaea Harbor
1) Luxury sailing tour on the Alii Nui
If you’re after the “Mercedes” of Molokini boat tours, the Alii Nui is it! (See our full review here.)
While the 65-foot luxury sailing catamaran can carry 100 passengers, it caps passenger numbers at just 65, so there’s plenty of space to lounge on the trampoline decks with a mimosa in hand.
In summer, the tour includes Turtle Town. In winter, whale watching is added. And unlike many boats, the Alii Nui actually sails!
Our trip began with a 6:30 am check-in and a full hot breakfast as we cruised to Molokini.
Once anchored, wide wooden stairs made entering the water easy, while crew on SUP boards helped snorkelers. And oh, the visibility was superb! We spotted butterflyfish, parrotfish, an octopus and even a spotted eagle ray.
Back onboard, we sipped mimosas and indulged in chocolate cake before heading to Turtle Town, where giant green sea turtles glided under sunbeams.
A hot lunch then followed, and with sails billowing and bubbly flowing, we cruised back to Ma’alaea Harbor – happily convinced this is Maui’s ultimate luxury snorkeling tour.
Here’s just one rave review
What a great tour!
The number of fish and sea turtles that we saw were a real treat… [And] really really good food.
The one thing that stands out is the level of hospitality and professionalism of the entire staff. After lunch, they walked around offering cookies. Later they offered sliced pineapple, and even offered to clean off our sunglasses.
This is so worth the money… Everything you could ask for was taken care of.Ron
What’s included and cost
- Good quality snorkel equipment
- Hot breakfast, mid-morning snacks and a hot lunch
- Premium drinks (bubbly, soft drinks and an open bar)
- Warm towels on the boat, with clean dry ones offered between snorkeling
- Sunscreen
- Hot fresh water showers (hoses at the side of the catamaran)
- Cost = About $309 p.p.
2) Educational Pacific Whale Foundation snorkeling trip
Want to snorkel and give back to the ocean? Offered by the non-profit Pacific Whale Foundation and led by a certified marine naturalist, this tour does both.
The boat used is a stable 54-foot catamaran (which can take 80 people or so), and the onboard naturalist clues you in on everything from coral critters to passing whales.
Kids love this Molokini-and-turtles trip too. There’s a fun “learn to snorkel” lesson and even a waterslide that splashes straight into the sea!
Here’s just one rave review
The whole package
This is the third time [I’ve traveled] with the Pacific Whale Foundation.
The crew is always excellent, [and] the knowledge shared [is] very pertinent and enhances greatly the whole trip. Beyond the fact that this trip is supporting a great cause, I… recommend this company!Esther
What’s included and cost
- Snorkeling gear and instruction
- Continental breakfast (banana bread, assorted pastries and fruit)
- BBQ lunch of Teriyaki chicken breasts, hot dogs, veggie burgers, potato salad and corn-and-bean salad, plus chocolate chip cookies for dessert
- Sodas, juice and water
- Support for the Pacific Whale Foundation
- Cost = About $210 per adult
3) Fun snorkeling adventure on the 3-deck Calypso
For a big boat with options for everyone, the Calypso delivers!
This fun boat even boasts a glass-bottom viewing room, so non-snorkelers can gaze down at the underwater world without getting wet.
Feeling splashy? Zoom down one of the catamaran’s two waterslides. There’s also the option to jump in (from their “Jump for Joy” jumping platform). Or you can simply walk down the wide staircase (which makes it easy to get in and out of the sea).
This is the only triple-deck catamaran in Maui – with space for over 100 passengers, two fresh-water showers and loads of lounging areas for in-between snorkel stops. Just note: A bigger boat means more folks in the water with you.
Here’s just one rave review
Family, fish, food, and fun!
The crew was professional and well organized, friendly and attentive. Impressed with how safety oriented they were… The slide was also a blast… My party of 7 agreed that it was the perfect way to spend the day.
Kathy
What’s included and cost
- Snorkeling gear
- Two slides
- A glass-bottom viewing platform
- Continental breakfast (pastries, muffins and fruit)
- Deli lunch (flatbread turkey sandwiches, veggie burgers, chips, potato salad, veggie platter, fruit and chocolate chip cookies)
- Hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages (alcoholic drinks cost $3 each)
- Cost = About $180 per adult
4) Budget-friendly trip on the 55-foot Malolo
If you’re after the full snorkeling boat experience without paying top dollar, the Malolo catamaran is your pick.
This 55-foot vessel is the most budget-friendly option on our list, but still packed with everything you need for a great day on the water.
The vessel has plenty of space, two restrooms and friendly professional crew. You can rent wetsuits and waterproof cameras, buy drinks from the bar and stretch out on the trampoline netting to soak up the Maui sunshine between snorkeling stops.
Here’s just one rave review
Lots of turtles
Both snorkeling spots were great. Plenty of food, guides and captain were very friendly and attentive. Saw plenty of turtles at Turtle Town. Definitely recommend.
Christine
What’s included and cost
- Snorkel gear and floatation devices
- Continental breakfast of pastries, muffins and fruit
- Deli lunch (flatbread turkey sandwiches, veggie burgers, chips, potato salad, veggie platter, fruit and chocolate chip cookies)
- Sodas and hot drinks (alcoholic beverages cost $3 each)
- Cost = About $160 per adult
5) Family-friendly fun on the Pride of Maui
Looking for a tour that makes everyone in the family happy? Hop aboard the Pride of Maui, the largest power catamaran on Maui!
Spacious and stable, it takes 90 guests (though it can hold 149) – so you’ll have plenty of room to splash and play without feeling too crowded.
The upbeat crew keeps things fun and easy, helping you gear up, pointing out marine life and making sure everyone’s having a blast. There’s a waterslide too – always a kid-pleaser!
After 40+ years in business, this company knows how to make snorkeling both Turtle Town and Molokini a family adventure to remember.
And you’ll be happy the price is noticeably friendlier than more deluxe tours (like the Alii Nui, #1 above, or Kai Kanani, #10 below).
Here’s just one rave review
Great snorkeling trip
Amazing crew! Felt safe and informed the whole trip. Grandkids had a blast snorkeling [for the first time] and the slide was a bonus! Breakfast and lunch were delicious. Great way to end our vacay.
Georgia
What’s included and cost
- Snorkel equipment
- Option to snuba (additional cost)
- Breakfast
- Hot BBQ lunch of hamburgers, hot dogs and marinated chicken breasts
- Drinks (micro-brewed beer, Napa wines and Mai-Tais)
- Cost = About $198 per adult
6) Lani Kai II 53-foot boat with waterslide
This half-day snorkeling excursion (7:00 am to noon) on the Lani Kai II isn’t just about Molokini and Turtle Town. It’s also about the fun you have along the way.
The 53-foot boat is built for comfort. Want to stay out of the sun? Chill in the large shaded cabin, with plenty of seating. Prefer to soak up the rays? Outside on the bow is perfect.
Swim steps make it easy to get in and out of the water, and you can rinse off at the freshwater station.
Best of all? The 25-foot inflatable waterslide guarantees giggles and big splashes.
Here’s just one rave review
Amazing snorkeling excursion for the entire family
Wonderful snorkeling adventure!
The crew were so good with our 4-year-old that he wanted to stay on the boat instead of snorkeling. My 11-year-old and 9-year-old loved the snorkeling and the water slide.Katie
What’s included and cost
- Fun power boat with an onboard 25-foot waterslide
- Snorkel equipment and full instruction
- Buffet lunch of sandwiches, pasta salad and coffee cake
- Coffee, tea, juices and soft drinks
- Cost = About $196 per adult
Snorkeling tours from Kihei
7) High-speed rafting adventure (small group)
This thrilling 5-star-rated rafting tour with Redline Rafting focuses on a bespoke experience – taking small groups (maximum 24 passengers) to lesser-known snorkeling spots on their Maui snorkeling tours.
Hop aboard a military-style inflatable and zip out to the extinct Molokini crater first. Swim along the back wall here and look out for tropical fish, rays and turtles, all meandering around colorful coral.
The second stop is “Turtle Town.” Which one? Only the crew knows!
But, as the name suggests, you’re pretty much guaranteed to see these much-loved creatures.
Here’s just one rave review
A must do adventure
The crew was amazing. They made the day. We visited 3 snorkeling sites and were allowed as much time as we needed.
The smaller group, the speedy pontoon boat and the blue Hawaiian waters made for a great experience.Barbara
What’s included and cost
- Snorkeling equipment
- Local guide and snorkeling instructor
- Continental breakfast of Maui cinnamon rolls and fresh tropical fruit
- Lunch (deli sandwiches and creamy pasta salad)
- Cost = About $210 p.p.
8) Hybrid boat small-group adventure
Rise and shine!
This early-morning snorkeling adventure on the 40-foot No Ka Oi (“The Best”) leaves at 6:30 am! But the custom-built hybrid boat, with foam and air flotation, offers a smooth and fast ride – and aims to get you there before most other tour boats.
With just a small group onboard (20 guests maximum), your friendly crew gives plenty of personal attention as they guide you to Molokini’s crystal-clear waters.
After exploring the crater, you stop at Pu’u Olai (“Red Hill”), where you can swim in the protected “Blue Lagoon” and snorkel Pu’u Olai Cove, home to chub fish and shells galore. You might even glimpse manta or spotted eagle rays here!
The grand finale is Turtle Town.
Here’s just one rave review
Best snorkeling experience ever!
[The captains] were awesome! They made sure everyone on the boat had all they needed for a great day.
We were at the crater ahead of the masses. The water was clear and teeming with beautiful reef fish… We then… snorkeled among so many sea turtles it was difficult to stay clear of them. The bonus for the trip was dolphins. We were surrounded by them at one point. Spinner dolphins were riding our bow, jumping and spinning in the air. It was amazing.
I am a marine biologist and have snorkeled and dived many places and this Molokini Crater tour is at the top of the list!
Ruth
What’s included and cost
- Snorkeling equipment
- Flotation device
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Individual storage for personal items
- Light breakfast (Hawaiian coffee and local banana bread)
- Cost = About $189.28
9) Shorter (3-hour) rafting tour from Kihei
If you’re looking for a quicker snorkeling trip, this 3-hour small-group outing from Blue Water Rafting is just the ticket! Leave at 7:00 am and be back in time to still enjoy a full day on the beach!
A customer favorite since 1985, this tour also includes whale watching in season. And as they like to say, “It’s turtlely cool!”
Here’s just one rave review
Spectacular snorkeling
[They] really made the trip soooo fun… The ride out to the crater was a blast! We got a real kick out of the jokes and the Jurassic Park music they played… We saw many turtles which was really fun… [They were] very invested in making this 3-hour tour one we will remember forever.
Jeanette
What’s included and cost
- Snorkeling gear
- Breakfast of sandwiches and fresh fruit
- Juice and bottled water
- Cost = About $162 per adult
Snorkeling tours from Makena
10) Deluxe sunrise Molokini tour on the Kai Kanani
The Kai Kanani (like the Alii Nui, #1 above) also offers a premium experience – but with one big perk.
As it departs right from Makena’s Maluaka Beach (closer to Molokini than Ma’alaea Harbor), they promise their deluxe sunrise tour will be the very first boat at the crater.
You check in at 6:00 am – and you’re back by 9:45 am. The boat is licensed for 80 passengers, but it’s capped at 45 for the sunrise deluxe tour.
It’s the best Molokini snorkel tour if you want to beat the crowds.
Here’s just one rave review
Great adventure to start the day!
My teen daughter and I did the sunrise snorkel. Well worth the early wake up call! Having Molokini all to ourselves was so special… Staff was attentive and helpful… and food was delicious. Thank you for curating an unforgettable experience.
Micaela
What’s included and cost
- The privilege of being the first boat at Molokini
- Snorkeling gear
- Continental early morning breakfast (hot cinnamon rolls, fresh fruit and Greek yogurt parfait with granola, blueberries and honey)
- Hot breakfast (scrambled eggs or egg muffins, sausages and breakfast potatoes)
- Open bar, including Mimosas, Bloody Marys and sodas
- Hot drinks (tea, coffee and hot chocolate)
- Hotel transfers in the Wailea area
- Cost = About $279 per adult
Bonus: Dolphin and whale sightings!
It’s not just tropical fish and turtles you can expect to see on your tour.
Hawaiian spinner dolphins often show up too – playful pods that can number 30 or more, zipping alongside the bow or dancing in the boat’s wake.
And if you visit in winter, you’ll likely witness awe-inspiring humpback whales. From December to April, about 12,000 whales migrate to Maui’s warm shallow waters to breed, give birth and nurture their calves.
Fun Hawaii fact: Hawaii is the only U.S. state where humpback whales mate. (Even the whales find Hawaii romantic!)
Is Molokini worth it?
You might have read some less-than-glowing Molokini snorkeling reviews.
And it’s true – the reef isn’t as vibrant as it once was. Like many coral reefs around the world, Molokini has felt the impacts of climate change and heavy use.
Molokini is busy
Each morning, up to a dozen boats anchor inside the crater, together unloading hundreds of snorkelers at once. A 2019 bill tried to cap boat numbers, but it was vetoed.
Unsurprisingly, fish populations have dipped – confirmed by a 2023 study that recommends reducing “the human footprint at Molokini.”
Does this mean you shouldn’t go?
Absolutely not!
Our most recent trip (on the Alii Nui) was wonderful.
Of course, the brilliant weather we were blessed with helped. We visited in mid-November – the sun shone, the water was calm and silky warm, and we had great visibility at Molokini. We saw fish, rays, an octopus, turtles and more…
For water babes like us, how could we not have a fabulous time!
Our advice? Go with realistic expectations
Don’t expect Caribbean color explosions and galaxies of fish.
And of course, if it happens to be windy and the seas are choppy, you may feel a bit unsettled on the boat ride. Not so fun… (Bring anti-nausea medication if you’re prone to seasickness.)
But the crew will do their best to show you a great time.
And on a sunny day with good seas, Molokini combined with Turtle Town delivers a unique experience – and, yes, it’s worth it!
Other FAQs on Molokini and Maui’s turtles
What’s the best place to snorkel in Maui?
There are many great snorkel sites on the island, including Ahihi-Kinau, Honolua Bay and Black Rock at Ka’anapali Beach. But one of the best snorkeling spots is at Molokini Crater.
How long are the Molokini Crater and Turtle Town tours?
Most excursions run about 5 hours or so, kicking off early around 6:30 or 7:00 am:
- First stop: Expect roughly 45 minutes of snorkeling at Molokini Crater.
- Second stop: You then head to a Turtle Town, where you usually spend another 30 to 45 minutes snorkeling with sea turtles.
When is the best time to go?
Plan your tour for the start of your vacation.
If you’ve flown west from the U.S. or Canada to Hawaii, your internal body clock will have you waking up early in Maui anyway – so you might as well take advantage of this!
Also, early morning tours are best for snorkeling, when the water is the most calm and clear. By mid-morning, the trade winds usually start to pick up, the water gets choppier and visibility isn’t as good.
What should you bring?
- Swimsuit: Wear it under your clothes for a quick change.
- Sun protection: Reef-safe sunscreen, plus a rash guard or snorkel skin to avoid sunburn.
- Seasickness meds: If you tend to get seasick, bring some anti-nausea medication, just in case…
Can you snorkel Molokini Crater without a tour?
No. You have to join a tour.
Molokini is a protected marine reserve, and access is strictly limited to keep its ecosystem healthy (and visitors safe). Tour operators take care of the required permits, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy the adventure!
Are there sharks at Molokini Crater?
Yes, a few sharks live in the area. But seeing one while you’re snorkeling is a long shot.
Sharks naturally shy away from humans, and with so many snorkelers around every day, they usually keep their distance. If you do happen to glimpse a reef shark, consider it a lucky treat!
Last words on the best Molokini and Turtle Town snorkeling tours
Ready to go snorkeling now?
Whether you choose a luxury sailing trip, a raft adventure or a big fun boat, these snorkel trips promise a classic Maui experience – one that’s sure to be a highlight of your island vacay!
Read more of our Maui travel guides
- Is Alii Nui‘s Deluxe Snorkeling Trip to Molokini Worth It?
- Maui’s Most Romantic Experiences for Couples
- Were to Stay on Maui: Cool Towns and Areas
- 15 Top Honeymoon Hotels in Maui
- Luxe to Laid-Back: 10 Great Places to Stay in Wailea
- 10 Best Hotels and Condos in Ka’anapali
- Maui Packing List (Don’t Forget the Essentials!)
- 15 Fabulous Maui Waterfalls You’ll Want to See
- Maui or Kauai: Which is Right for You?
Share the fun! Pin this so others can discover these tours too!
💡Our top travel tips and resources
→ General trip planning: TripAdvisor is a helpful starting point, with loads of user reviews on hotels, restaurants and things to do.
→ Hotels: Booking.com is our go-to for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one – often at lower rates than the hotel’s own website. (We especially like Booking.com’s flexible cancellation policy!) You can also find excellent discounted rates on Expedia, especially for hotels in the U.S. and Mexico.
→ Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
→ Flights: For the best flights, we search on Google Flights first. Expedia and Kayak are then perfect for snagging the cheapest tickets. (They’re often non-refundable, though, so for more flexibility, we book directly with the airline, even if it costs more.)
→ Airport lounge access: We love (and have) Priority Pass for comfy lounge seats, free snacks and drinks, complimentary WiFi and sometimes even showers and spa services!
→ Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.
→ Car rental: Renting a car can be a great way to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies for the lowest rates.
→ Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation.
→ Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)
→ Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find cool hotels and other useful trip planning info.
If you make a booking or purchase through our site, we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you). Thanks!
Photo credits: 2, 9 Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase | 4, 6, 8, 27 to 30 David Parias | Other boat tour photos courtesy of the respective tour operators
About the authors
