Night Time Snorkel At Turtle Town With Lights And Stars

If you’re looking for something a little different from your usual daytime snorkel, this Night Snorkel at Turtle Town on Maui offers a special way to explore the ocean after dark. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on what’s available and reviews, it’s a pretty fascinating experience that combines the thrill of night swimming with the chance to see marine life in a whole new light (literally). It’s not for everyone, but if you’re comfortable swimming and curious about what happens underwater when the sun goes down, this could be a highlight of your trip.

What we really like about this tour is the high-end lighting system that illuminates the ocean floor, revealing a vibrant world of creatures that only come out at night. Plus, it’s the only night snorkel experience on Maui, making it a unique opportunity. On the flip side, it’s a relatively short activity at just 1.5 hours, and requires a good swim because safety and comfort in water are a must. This experience is best suited for those comfortable in water, aged 16 and older, who want a blend of adventure, safety, and the chance to see Maui’s marine life in a different environment.

Key Points

• Unique nighttime experience in Turtle Town with professional lighting.
• Small group setting (limited to 8 participants), ensuring personalized attention.
• High-end equipment provided, including dive lights, wetsuits, masks, and fins.
• Age and swimming requirement: 16+ and capable of light swimming.
• Safety-focused with small groups and equipment to keep everyone comfortable.
• Includes photos and videos, letting you relive the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Night Snorkel Different?

Most snorkel trips happen during daylight, offering colorful coral and tropical fish in bright sunlight. This tour flips the script—you’re swimming at night, with custom 4000-lumen neon lights illuminating the ocean around you. It’s a chance to see marine creatures in their natural nocturnal behaviors, like lobsters, octopus, and even turtles that are attracted to the lights.

The equipment is top notch; each snorkeler gets a high-end dive light, a light beaker for safety, and a red-colored beaker designed to attract turtles. The main light, with its multi-colored neon glow, is powerful enough to light up a 10-foot radius, creating a surreal underwater glow that’s both mesmerizing and practical for spotting marine life.

The Experience Itself

The tour lasts about an hour and a half, which might seem short but gives you enough time to enjoy several underwater highlights. The guide adjusts the lighting during the trip to maximize animal sightings, especially turtles, rays, and the night critters that only come out after sunset. The small group size (up to 8 people) makes it feel intimate, and the focus on safety ensures you’re comfortable and secure in the water.

According to reviews, the experience is quite safe for those who can swim light to moderate distances. John, in a recent review, shared that their guide was “fun and focused on safety,” and they saw several turtles and other marine critters. Cassandras commented she “truly enjoyed every minute” and saw a lot of turtles. These personal stories tell us that this tour often delivers on its promise of close-up, night-time marine encounters.

What to Expect at the Meeting Point

You’ll meet at “Makena Landing Park,” but be sure to input that into your GPS instead of the physical address, as it might lead you to a nearby resident’s house. Keep an eye out for the company van—a grey Chevy—parked at the small park. The provided equipment, including wetsuits and masks, will be ready for you, making it simple to gear up quickly and head out.

Is It Safe? Who Should Consider It?

Safety is a top priority here. The tour is limited to small groups, ensuring personalized attention. The equipment is high quality, and the guide is experienced. Still, you should be comfortable swimming and be at least 16 years old.

The experience is not suitable for non-swimmers or anyone uneasy in the water. Also, given the activity’s nature, you’ll need to be able to lightly swim. For those who are not confident swimmers or prefer daytime activities, this might not be the best choice.

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How the Tour Is Structured

The tour is a balanced mix of guided exploration and free time to enjoy the sights. The guide controls the lighting to attract different creatures, and you’ll have a dive light and safety beaker attached to you. The main neon light creates an otherworldly glow that makes the underwater scene look like something out of a science fiction movie.

The tour duration is about an hour and a half, which is enough to explore without feeling rushed. Since it’s an evening activity, plan to arrive prepared for sunset or post-sunset conditions. The equipment—including wetsuits—is provided, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own.

The Value of the Experience

At $129 per person, this experience falls into the mid-range for Maui excursions. Considering it’s a small group, with professional equipment, and offers photos and videos—which many similar tours don’t include—the price feels justified. The fact that it’s the only night snorkel experience in Maui adds a special appeal, especially for those wanting a memorable, one-of-a-kind adventure.

Potential Downsides

The main consideration is the short duration—1.5 hours can go quickly, especially if you’re having a great time. Also, it’s an activity that demands comfort in the water, so if you’re not confident swimming or have mobility issues, it might not be suitable. Weather conditions could also affect the experience, though the tour provider seems focused on safety, so they may cancel if conditions are unsafe.

While most reviews are positive, some travelers may find the idea of snorkeling at night a bit intimidating at first glance. However, the safety measures and small group size tend to reassure most.

Who Should Book This?

This tour is perfect for adventurous souls who are comfortable swimming and want a different perspective on Maui’s marine life. It’s especially suited for those interested in nighttime wildlife or looking for a special memory. Families with teenagers who meet the age and swimming requirements could enjoy it, but it’s primarily an experience for those who can handle nighttime water activities.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on Maui and seeking an unusual, intimate encounter with marine life, this Night Snorkel at Turtle Town offers a memorable way to see the ocean in a whole new light. The combination of powerful lighting, small groups, and the chance to see nocturnal sea creatures makes it stand out from typical snorkel tours.

While it’s not a long adventure, the quality of the equipment, the personalized attention, and the unique nighttime environment make it worth considering—especially if you’re curious about what the ocean looks like after dark. It requires some confidence in water and a sense of adventure, but for those who meet the criteria, it could be a real highlight of your Maui trip.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children under 16?
No, the tour is recommended for ages 16 and older due to the water activity involved and safety considerations.

Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes, you should be able to lightly swim, as safety and comfort in the water are essential for participating.

What equipment is provided?
The tour includes high-end dive lights, wetsuits, fins, masks, and all gear needed for the snorkel.

How long is the tour?
The activity lasts approximately 1.5 hours, usually in the evening.

Where do I meet the tour?
At Makena Landing Park, and you should input that into your GPS. Look for the gray Chevy van parked at the park to meet your guide.

Is the experience safe?
Yes, safety is a priority. The group size is limited to ensure personalized attention, and equipment is top quality.

Are photos and videos included?
Yes, the tour provides photos and videos, so you can relive the experience later.

What should I bring?
Bring water, a towel, and perhaps a dry change of clothes. Tipping the guide is appreciated but not included in the price.

If you’re craving an adventure that’s a little outside the ordinary and want to see Maui’s marine life in a completely different light, this night snorkel might just be the right choice. Just remember to be comfortable in water, prepared for a short but spectacular outing, and ready for a night under the stars—both above and below the ocean.

You can check availability for your dates here: