Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour from a Power Raft Review

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With a maximum of 14 passengers, this small group tour is a 15-minute ride to Molokini. We enjoyed the 2-hour tour, particularly the time spent in the water at Molokini and the fun of riding on the power raft.

We are looking forward to doing their award-winning 5-hour tour next time as that includes multiple snorkel spots, the famous back wall of Molokini Crater, plus the chance to see Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, swim with sea turtles, and whale watching (Dec-March)! If you’re looking for a Molokini Crater snorkeling tour that is quick and fun, check out this tour!

Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour: Watch Our Tour Here!

Erica and I enjoyed the 2-hour tour for the quick pace and the long time in the water at Molokini Crater. We were fortunate as our captain made time for us to do the back wall, usually exclusive to the 5-hour tour.

Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour Highlights

The power raft (fast ride!) leaves from the conveniently located Kihei Boat Ramp (Kihei Boat Landing). Click for directions. If you’re staying in South Maui, this is an easy spot to depart from and provides a quick ride to Molokini Crater.

Molokini Crater is one of the top snorkel spots on Maui because the snorkeling visibility is over 100 feet and the reef is healthy and vibrant. The drawbacks of snorkeling at Molokini Crater are there are no sea turtles here and snorkeling should be avoided in the afternoon as the trade winds pick up.

We hear complaints that the crater feels crowded with tour boats. While it is nice to have the crater to yourself on a sunrise Molokini snorkel tour, snorkelers stick to their boat so it hasn’t felt crowded to us.

The 2-hour tour provides a no-frills experience. They get you to Molokini fast so you can spend an hour and a half swimming in the 100+ feet visibility waters.

The 5-hour tour is rated one of the best tours on Maui for all the frills and the places they take you. With 5 hours and a high-speed raft, they can take you to Molokini Crater, the back wall, La Perouse Bay (weather permitting), and a spot to swim with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles.

If you’re staying in South Maui and want a snorkel tour to remember, we recommend the 5-hour tour.

Redline Rafting’s Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour: why we love it

Redline Rafting’s Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour Review: things to consider

While we love the convenient location and the small group size of this tour, it isn’t necessarily the right tour for everyone. For safety reasons, the vessel is not recommended for pregnant women. Children under the age of 8 also aren’t permitted to join a tour.

The boat is designed for speed and maneuverability, but not necessarily for a calm and peaceful ride. Taking a ride on a raft is an adventure! But that means you run a high risk of getting hit with a few splashes. There’s also no cover for top shade so bring plenty of reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing.

If you’re looking to see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, then you need to book the 5-hour tour. Turtles don’t make their way out to Molokini Crater.

Redline Rafting knows Mau,i so they don’t offer afternoon tours because the trade winds can make for rough water out to Molokini Crater and poor visibility at the reef.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Booking in advance is highly recommended.  It will also maximize your chances of getting the tour date and time you prefer.  You should plan to make your reservations before arrival on Maui, as at certain times of the year, there is no availability once you arrive.  In addition, plan your reservation early during your time on Maui, as tours are operated on a weather-permitting basis and the information you learn on the tour will be valuable for the rest of your time on Maui!

What type of boat will we be on, and will there be any shade?

All of the Redline Rafting Tours are conducted on one of their two 35′ rigid hull boats. They are Coast Guard certified for up to 14 passengers. They are known for their speed and maneuverability in the waters.  This proves to be extremely useful for tours as it allows them to reach locations more effectively and directly than the larger catamarans.

You will sit much closer to the water, so there’s a higher chance of experiencing a refreshing splash or two on the tours during whale season or if spinner dolphins approach you. The boats do not have a cover or top for shade, which is by design for the best coastline viewing.  Hats, sunscreen, and/or sunshirts are recommended. These boats provide adventure and excitement.  If you’re expecting a luxury cruise in your Sunday best, this is not the tour for you.  Please ensure to follow their cancellation policy should you need to reschedule or cancel for any reason.

Will I get seasick?

If you are prone to motion sickness it is always a possibility when in moving water. Even more
so from the boat. They recommend taking something ahead of time as they are unable to provide any refunds for seasickness.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance for parties of 5 or fewer and 72 hours for 6 or more to receive a full refund. Private charters require a 7-day cancellation period.  Simply call or text us at 808.698.5837! Cancellations or changes may NOT be made via email.

What if I don’t know how to swim?

Swimming is a very important skill to have before snorkeling so they recommend practicing in the hotel pool ahead of time. They do carry flotation belts and are happy to give some guidance on best practices for snorkeling.

Will there be a restroom available during the tour?

There is no restroom on their boats.  It is preferred you use the restrooms at the meeting spot before the start of the tour, as there will not be a bathroom to use once the tour begins.

Is there public parking available at the meeting location?

Yes, parking is available at no charge.  Specific directions will be included in the confirmation details after you have made your reservation.

Is gratuity included in the ticket price?

Gratuity is not included, nor is it expected.  If, however, you would like to leave a gratuity for your captain and/or guides you are more than welcome to do so in Cash or Venmo and will be much appreciated.

Thanks for reading our Molokini Crater snorkeling tour review of Redline Rafting. We are affiliate partners with Redline Rafting which means we receive a small commission for each completed booking made through this site. This is done without any additional cost to you. You can read more about our affiliate policies here.

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