6 Best Lanai Snorkel Tours: Our Reviews!

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Lanai is the most exclusive Hawaiian island. Most visitors only visit when staying at one of the two five-star resorts on the island. Hence, we love recommending Lanai snorkel tours as they are a great way to see Lanai while spotting Hawaiian spinner dolphins and vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful tropical fish.

This is what you can expect from Lanai snorkel tours!

Cut to the chase with these quick links for Lanai Snorkel Tours:
1. Ultimate Whale Watch (save 10%): Small group on a power raft for a 4- or 6-hour tour.
2. Sail Maui: Save 10% with our discount code and try out sailing on their luxury catamaran!
3. Trilogy: Enjoy a luxury catamaran to land on Lanai and get a chance to explore the island.
4. Makai Adventures: Small group raft tour for a 4-hour tour.
5. Ka’anapali Ocean Adventures: Circumnavigate the entire island of Lanai on a snorkel and wildlife viewing tour. This is a speedboat with seats and shade. Departs from Ka’anapali Beach!
6. Quicksilver: Large group tour on a double-decker boat, but at a great price.

Far from Maui’s crowded beaches, marine life thrives in the ocean surrounding Lanai! Humpback whales are commonly spotted off the coast during their migration (December – March), dolphins splash in the boat’s wake, and even a sea turtle or two might appear. 

Whether you’re excited to discover abundant wildlife with a marine naturalist or hop on a fun excursion with water slides and jumping pads, grab a beach towel and come with us on the best Lanai snorkel tours!

Lanai Snorkel Tours FAQ

How do you get to Lanai?

All Lanai snorkel tours depart from Maui. Most of them depart from Ma’alaea Harbor in Central Maui. Click for directions to Ma’alaea Harbor. Other Lanai snorkel tours can depart from Mala Ramp and Ka’anapali Beach, both are in West Maui. See below for details on what tour departs from what location(s).

Lanai is six miles west of Lahaina, across the Au’au Channel off Maui’s leeward coast. You can get there a few different ways, whether you choose to arrive by sea or air. The most popular option is to take the Expeditions Ferry straight from Ma’alaea Harbor on Maui. This ferry service runs three round trips daily, every day of the week, leaving from Ma’alaea Harbor on Maui and arriving at Manele Harbor on Lanai.

If you decide to fly, Mokulele Airlines serves Lanai from several destinations around Hawaii. Flights leave from Maui, the Big Island, and Oahu. You’ll find direct flights to Lanai from Honolulu and two locations on Maui (Kahului and Kapalua). You can also reach Lanai from cities including Hilo and mainland US destinations like San Francisco with a layover. The only Hawaiian island that Mokulele doesn’t serve is Kauai. 

If you book a room at either of the Four Seasons Resorts on Lanai, you will be treated to a private jet flight from Honolulu. Check out the Four Seasons Resort Lanai near Hulopo’e Beach and the Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort in Lanai City.

Do Lanai snorkel tours go on the island?

Yes! One Lanai snorkel tour has a permit for going ashore on Lanai. If you’re eager to get out and walk around, book with Trilogy Excursions, which stops in the stunning Hulopoe Bay to snorkel and have a BBQ.

You’ll have the opportunity to snorkel at your leisure, sunbathe in the sand, or hike to the nearby tidepools. 

Speaking of marine life, if you’re curious about sharks in Hawaii, we have a full article on shark attacks in Hawaii (and safety tips!).

What should you expect on a Lanai snorkel tour?

Lanai is a beautiful spot for snorkeling in Hawaii! There’s a reason these tours leave Maui’s leeward coast and sail across the Au’au Channel — snorkeling on Lanai is just that epic. 

Picture pristine reefs, crystal clear water, Hawaiian spinner dolphins jumping through the boat’s wake, and colorful marine life just below the water’s surface. Each tour has its favorite snorkel spots, picked based on weather and ocean conditions, including visibility, so you’ll have the best experience possible. 

Most tours visit the south and southwest coast of the island, snorkeling near Manele Harbor. Some popular snorkeling spots around Lanai include Hulopo’e Bay, Sweetheart Rock, and Dinosaurs, a bit further north.

Is Lanai or Molokini Crater better for snorkeling?

Ask a local whether Lanai or Molokini is a better snorkeling destination, and you might have a battle royale on your hands! 

What is our opinion after snorkeling along both islands’ shores? Lanai is superior to Molokini when it comes to the best snorkeling. You have excellent snorkeling from different locations around Lanai, including Hulopo’e Bay, and a (very) good chance to see spinner dolphins and sea turtles along the way.

We enjoy Molokini Crater, too, but it is splitting hairs. One has a better chance of seeing spinner dolphins on the way to Lanai than at Molokini. Also, sea turtles do not visit Molokini Crater. Hence, many snorkel tours, like this one, go to Turtle Town after Molokini Crater.

We cast no shade on visiting Molokini Crater! We have snorkeled there many times, so we share our favorite snorkeling tours here. We find Lana’i snorkel tours to be a unique experience, as few visitors have the chance to visit this island.

Learn more about visiting Lanai and Molokini:
Is Lanai Worth a Day Trip (without a doubt)
25 Best Things to Do on Lanai
The Best Molokini Snorkeling Tours

How long is the boat ride to Lanai from Maui?

The ferry from Ma’alaea Harbor on Maui to Manale on Lanai takes 75 minutes.

You can reach the island even more quickly if you sign up for the Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel power raft trip, which makes the journey across the Au’au Channel in 45 to 60 minutes. However, they’ll typically slow down if the Hawaiian spinner dolphins are around! 

Some luxury catamaran companies, such as Sail Maui, complete the crossing in about 90 minutes. Although the crossing is slightly longer, most people prone to seasickness have better success on larger vessels such as catamarans.

We’ve got your Maui vacation covered:
The Ultimate Maui Travel Guide
Find a great place to stay on Maui
The 17 Best Maui Beaches
Is there a Best Time to Visit Maui? Yes (and here’s when)

The Best Lanai Snorkel Tours

There are many Lanai snorkel tours, so it can be challenging to know which one is right for your group. We’ve narrowed your choices to six based on our experience with these companies and what makes each unique in its offerings.

1. Ultimate Whale Watch and Snorkel

What could be more fun than cruising through the waves on a power raft, racing Hawaiian spinner dolphins along the way? Getting to do that and visiting Lanai’s best snorkeling spots!

Ultimate Whale Watch and Snorkel departs twice daily from the Mala Boat Ramp in Lahaina, Maui. Both a 4-hour and a 6-hour tour are available, depending on your time constraints. The 4-hour tour departs at 9 am and returns around 1 pm, while the 6-hour tour departs at 8 am and returns to Lahaina at 2 pm.

Save 10% on Ultimate Whale Watch Tours with Promo Code HVG

The shorter tour includes breakfast, a snack, and drinks, while the longer option includes breakfast and lunch. 

Whatever Lanai snorkel tour you choose, all your snorkeling gear will be provided. We opted for the 6-hour tour and loved the entire experience! The longer the tour, the more snorkel spots you’ll visit, including more remote locations. Because this tour is via power raft, you’ll also have a smaller group size, which is always nice.

Save 10% on Ultimate Whale Watch Tours with Promo Code HVG.

Their snorkeling tours are great for both beginners and old pros. A marine naturalist will also be on board to answer your burning wildlife questions and use a hydrophone to hear dolphin and whale songs. Dolphins are sighted on 9 out of 10 trips, while whales are more likely to be spotted during their migration from December to April.

We have a ton of Hawaii whale-watching resources:
The Best Hawaiian Island For Whale Watching
This is the Best Time for Whale Watching in Hawaii (+ key tips)
The 7 Best Whale Watching Tours on Maui: get our exclusive discounts
The Ultimate Guide to Whale Watching on Maui: Best Tours and Tips

2. Sail Maui (10% OFF!)

Who doesn’t love sailing and saving? Hawaii Vacation Guide readers get 10% off their booking with Sail Maui using the code below.

Sail Maui isn’t just a name. If the winds are blowing (and they usually are), the crew will hoist the sails, giving you a real-deal sailing experience!

This snorkeling excursion feels extra special, with all amenities provided, including snorkel gear, flotation devices, reef-safe sunscreen, breakfast, local coffee, buffet lunch, non-alcoholic drinks, and an open bar. Another great feature of this tour? You can bring the whole family! There are no age restrictions, and infants aged 0-3 sail completely for free.

Kick off the trip at Ma’alaea Harbor, where the Sail Maui catamarans, Paragon and Paragon II, will be waiting. Lanai snorkel tours depart daily at 10 am for a 5-hour trip, returning around 3:15 pm.  

Remember that Sail Maui won’t cross to Lanai if snorkeling conditions aren’t favorable. Instead, you’ll sail up the coast to West Maui, which has stunning snorkeling spots. 

We love Sail Maui. Check out our reviews of some of their other tours:
West Maui Sailing and Snorkeling Tour from Lahaina Harbor (Save 10%)
Sail with the Whales from Lahaina Harbor & Ma’alaea Harbor, Maui

3. Trilogy

Discover Lanai is Trilogy Excursions’ flagship tour, so you know it must be good! You’ll set sail via one of their catamarans, all named Trilogy, in pursuit of the calm and clear water off the island of Lanai. Trilogy can land on Lanai!

You’ll pull into the stretch of sand made famous by Dr. Beach, Hulopo’e Bay, which was voted #1 Best Beach in America in 1997. Snorkel around the bay to your heart’s content, but there will be other fun activities too! The crew will get a fun game of beach volleyball, or you can opt to hike Pu’u Pehe Rock and swim in the nearby tidepools. SNUBA is also available if you’re willing to up the ante.

Breakfast, lunch, non-alcoholic drinks, and two alcoholic drinks are all included in the ticket price. The onboard dining is where this trip shines, starting with Mama Coon’s signature cinnamon rolls and tropical fruit and ending with a BBQ lunch of Kiawe-wood grilled chicken, stir-fry soba noodles, and more mouth-watering sides. Of course, their onsite bar also serves up delicious drinks and cocktails for the return trip, including the special Lanai’ Tai.

There are two departure locations, Ma’alaea Harbor and Ka’anapali Beach, which give you a little more flexibility as they’re about a 30-minute drive from each other on Maui’s leeward side. These 8-hour tours leave at 6:30 am and 10 am from Ma’alaea Harbor and 7 am and 10:30 am from Ka’anapali Beach. 

All of your snorkeling gear and reef-safe sunscreen are included, along with flotation devices. There is no age limit on this excursion. This might be the best choice if you’re looking for a more luxurious experience than an adventure!

Vacation planning is overwhelming. We’re here to make it easier!
Maui Trip Planning For Happy Travelers: Step-by-Step Guide
What to Pack for Your Hawaii Vacation + Downloadable List
How Many Days Should You Spend in Maui? The Ideal Plan

4. Makai Adventures

If escaping the crowds is the name of your game, Makai Adventures offers the perfect tour for you. You’ll head out on a small power boat, holding just 18 other passengers, to discover the crystalline water and rainbow-hued marine life surrounding Lanai. Hawaiian spinner dolphins will most likely make their debut along the way!

Depart from the Mala Boat Ramp in Lahaina, Maui at 7:30 am to get a head start on the day. For 4 hours, you’ll snorkel your heart out along Lanai’s coast, stopping at one to two spots along the way that are optimal considering the day’s ocean and weather conditions. Like Sail Maui, if the weather isn’t cooperating, you’ll sail to the coast of West Maui instead.

Top-of-the-line snorkel gear and floatation devices are provided. This Lanai snorkel tour option is only suitable for children ages 5 and up.

5. Ka’anapali Ocean Adventures

The only snorkel tour that completely circumnavigates the island of Lanai, Ka’anapali Ocean Adventures offers Lanai snorkel tour hopefuls a unique experience.

Tours leave at 7:15 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and arrive back around 11:30 a.m.

• Tours depart from Ka’anapali Beach. Board a small raft to get shuttled to their boat.
• Tours are on a speedboat with bench seating and a large shade canopy.
• Get to know the marine life around Maui and Lanai, including turtles, dolphins, spotted eagle rays, moray eels, and many reef fish.
• There are also Sea Scooters available for this snorkeling tour!

Snacks, including chips, fruit, pastries, and drinks, and all your snorkeling gear, flotation devices, and boogie boards are included. This tour option is also BYOB if you’d like to bring more snacks or drinks. You can also rent GoPros, wetsuit tops, and sea scooters for the trip. You’ll have plenty of shade, onboard bathrooms, a swim platform, and showers, making this snorkel trip extra comfortable.

6. Quicksilver

For ultimate flexibility and a (slightly) less expensive option, Quicksilver is your best choice for a Lanai snorkel tour. Cruise across the Au’au Channel on this large, double-decker vessel on a 5.5-hour excursion as your captain clues you in on the area’s history and other interesting local facts. You’ll hug the island’s craggy cliffside along the way, keeping your eyes peeled for Hawaiian spinner dolphins and even whales in season! 

Tours leave Ma’alaea Harbor three times a day, every day of the week. Departure times are 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 3:30 p.m. You can come hungry, as both breakfast and lunch are served onboard. Start with a continental breakfast, including coffee and muffins, with a deli-style lunch served later in the day. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on the way back to Maui for $3. 

This large boat might hold a lot of passengers, but it also has plenty of amenities. There are showers, bathrooms, a water slide, and a jumping platform on board with all of your snorkeling gear included.  As if this snorkel tour option wasn’t already less expensive, children under 6 come for free, one per adult. All ages are welcome! Be sure to bring reef-safe sunscreen and towels.

Traveling on a budget? No problem.
The 14 Best Things to Do on Maui on a Budget
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If you want to try booking a trip on points but are unsure where to start, our sister site, Booked With Points, has you covered.