Kaanapali Snorkeling Tour: 3 tour durations!
If you’re looking for an incredible snorkel tour on Maui, look no further. This Kaanapali snorkeling tour has everything you need and then some, including convenient beach loading directly from Ka’anapali Beach.
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Activity Overview
Kaanapali Snorkeling Tour Highlights
- Three snorkeling tours to choose from! A 4.5-hour (half day tour), 3.5-hour, and an express 2.5-hour tour
- 8:30 am departure time (later tours available)
- Possible snorkeling spots include Honolua Bay, Cliff House, Olowalu, Mala Wharf, and more, depending on water conditions.
- Breakfast and lunch are included with vegetarian options available, and premium beers, hand-crafted cocktails, and other libations.
- Beach loading from Ka’anapali Beach
- Experience beautiful tropical fish, honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles), vibrant reefs, and hopefully some other wildlife surprises.
- All ages are welcome,and children under 2 are free!
Snorkeling Tour Details
Set sail directly from Ka’anapali Beach with this half-day snorkeling experience. This one-of-a-kind snorkeling trip lets you skip the drive to Lahaina without sparing any adventure.
Set out in the morning for your snorkeling spot of the day while you enjoy breakfast and coffee provided by Cafe Jai. Snorkeling spots will be determined the day of based on ocean and weather conditions to give you the best possible snorkeling experience. No matter where you go, you will be sure to see tropical fish, sea turtles, vibrant reefs, and probably more! You may even catch a glimpse of spinner dolphins or whales during the winter months.
This half-day adventure also includes lunch provided by Cafe Jai again along with refreshments, beer, and spirits. This tour is offered daily and year-round and is very popular so book early!
If a half-day is too long, or you’re just not a morning person, Sea Maui still has you covered with these other snorkel tour options!
Xpress Snorkel Tour
- 2.5 hour duration
- 8 am departure time
- All you need from a snorkel tour without the frills and long tour time (open bar still included!)
- Operates from mid-April to mid-December
Afternoon Snorkel Tour
- 3.5 hour duration
- 12 pm departure time
- A happy medium between the Xpress and the half-day without getting up early (appetizers and open bar incl.)
- Operates from mid-April to mid-December
Compare all of Kaanapali’s snorkeling tours, and check out sunset tours that leave from Kaanapali.
Snorkeling Tour FAQ
What is the cancellation policy?
24 hours notice of cancellation required for a full refund. Within the 24-hour window, no refunds will be honored, if rescheduling is possible a $25 fee per passenger will apply. Customers will receive a full refund in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. MUST call to cancel. (808) SEA-MAUI.
No-shows will be charged the full price or given the option to reschedule for a $25 fee per passenger. Private charters and other special events (New Year’s Eve, 4th of July, etc.) require 72 hours notice. Third-party vouchers or tickets not sold by Sea Maui may have additional refund restrictions, Sea Maui will not be responsible for the refunding of any payment taken by a third-party vendor.
Where is the check-in location?
You can easily find the check-in location at The Whaler’s Village Shopping Center. It is the only boat with a physical location and booth on the beach.
Will we see whales?
You absolutely may get to see some whales during whale season (November through May). The crews are also certified naturalists for whale watching during the winter season as the magnificent sea creatures migrate from Alaska to Maui, so you can get any questions answered too!
What about food allergies?
Sea Maui can accommodate food allergies if given 24 hours’ notice prior to the tour time. Vegetarian options are already provided within the usual spread.
What is beach loading?
Their vessels load directly from the sands of Ka’anapali Beach, not at a dock or harbor. This means you will need to walk down into the wet sand and into the water a few steps before reaching our dropdown staircase to board our boats. They do not recommend the trips for those with mobility issues or anyone who may have trouble walking on their own/unassisted.
In certain circumstances, the boarding location will change due to weather/beach conditions if needed. If there is a change in boarding location each guest will be notified using the phone number and email provided during the booking process. Permits to load from Lahaina Harbor or other locations are limited and they cannot guarantee the ability to change locations if poor beach loading conditions arise.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes. In order to participate in snorkeling activities they do require that guests can swim on their own. You don’t have to be a strong swimmer as many flotation options are available to assist, however, you must have some swimming ability in order to snorkel.
Know Before You Go Snorkel Safety
Swimming and snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean should not be taken lightly. To keep you safe, please know your health limits, swim with a buddy, never turn your back on the ocean, and read and obey posted signs. Check HIOceanSafety.com for ocean conditions at lifeguard beaches.
What if I get seasick?
If you’re prone to motion or sea sickness, be sure to take the appropriate medication prior to your trip to maximize your chances of a great, sea-sickness-free experience!
If the Half Day Snorkel Adventure doesn’t work for your group, you can still book the Xpress Snorkel Tour or their Afternoon Snorkel! Plus check out some of the other Sea Maui tours we’ve featured below:
- Sunset dinner cruise
- Sunset cocktail cruise (live music option!)
About Sea Maui
We like to give you a sense of the crew based on our experience and with all the snorkel tours in Hawaii it can be hard to provide a truly unique experience, but Sea Maui hits it out of the park. And honestly, to give you a true sense of the culture of Sea Maui and the crew, they say it best:
At Sea Maui, we like to do things just a little differently than the rest. For starters, we’re more like your extended family or new best friends once you’re on board. You’re here to have a good time, learn about the ocean, Maui, whales (seasonal) and all that good stuff. We’re not operated by the corporate suits; we’re a team of like-minded, fun-going, salty sailors that absolutely love our jobs and all the cool people we get to meet! When you come on a trip with us we promise to do everything in our power to make sure you have the time of your life out on the water.
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