Snorkeling Maui: Molokini and Turtle Town (Tips + Best Tours)

One of the top things to do in Maui is a Molokini Crater and Turtle Town snorkeling trip. You may know that Molokini is a sunken volcanic crater located three miles off Maui’s southwestern coast.

Photo: David Parias

But what makes snorkeling Molokini special is its amazing water visibility. The water is so crazy clear, you can see all the thousands of colorful fish that make their home here up to 150 feet away!

If you’re chasing down some of the best snorkeling in Maui, be sure to include a Molokini Crater and turtle snorkel experience in your itinerary when planning your Hawaii trip!

Photo: David Parias

Turtle Town and Molokini Crater snorkeling tours: What to expect

While a few boats leave from Lahaina Harbor, most Molokini boat tours leave from Maalaea Harbor on the south coast of Maui. The total excursion time is about 5 to 6 hours.

Photo: David Parias

After your Molokini stop, your boat will cruise or sail to one of the Turtle Towns for a second snorkeling stop. You usually get to enjoy another 30 to 45 minutes in the water to snorkel with the sea turtles.

Photo: David Parias

On your tour, you’ll probably be treated to the sight of Hawaiian spinner dolphins in the wild. They love to swim alongside the bow of a boat or in the boat’s wake.

Photo: David Parias

Bonus: Dolphin and whale sightings!

Wear your bathing suit underneath your shorts or clothes. When packing for Maui, throw in reef-safe sunscreen as well as a rash guard or snorkel skin to protect yourself from sunburn.

What to bring on your Molokini snorkel trip:

The best Molokini tour from Maalaea Harbor is on the Alii Nui catamaran – it offers the most luxurious experience.

Best Molokini and Turtle Towns snorkeling tours

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Photo: David Parias