South Maui: Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkeling Tour with Meal

Thinking about exploring Maui’s underwater world? This snorkeling tour promises a scenic, fun-filled half-day with visits to Molokini, one of the island’s most iconic sites, and Turtle Town, home to Hawaiian green sea turtles. Although I haven’t personally been on this exact tour, reviewing the details and feedback from travelers suggests it’s a well-rounded experience for those seeking a safe, comfortable, and rewarding day on the water.

What really appeals are the stunning underwater visibility at Molokini—up to 150 feet—and the chance to swim among 250 species of colorful fish. Plus, the included meals—a continental breakfast and a deli lunch—add value that often surprises guests, given the typical boat trip prices. A possible downside? Since the snorkeling locations depend on weather conditions and are decided on the day, plans might shift if conditions aren’t perfect. Still, this flexibility seems to be handled smoothly by the crew.

Designed for anyone comfortable in the water, this tour’s relaxed pace and expert guides make it a good choice for travelers wanting a full taste of Maui’s marine life without the hassle of planning logistics themselves. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a first-timer, you’ll find plenty of support and safety measures, making this a solid pick for most adventure seekers.

Key Points

• Two top snorkeling spots: Molokini and Turtle Town, each offering unique underwater sights
• Expert crew & safety: Well-monitored snorkel areas and helpful staff create a relaxed environment
• All-inclusive meals: Enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard, with drinks, snacks, and the option to purchase alcohol
• Flexibility: Locations are weather-dependent, but the crew manages changes smoothly
• Great value: Price includes gear, flotation devices, freshwater showers, and more
• Ideal for water enthusiasts: Suitable for those with basic swimming ability who want a memorable ocean experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting the Scene: What to Expect on This Maui Snorkeling Adventure

This tour is a blend of scenic cruising and underwater discovery, all packed into roughly 5.5 hours. Starting near Maalaea Harbor, you’ll meet the crew at Boss Frog’s, a convenient spot across from the boat slip. The check-in process seems straightforward, with helpful staff ready to guide you through the essentials.

The Catamaran & Comfort

You’ll be on a comfortable catamaran equipped with plenty of seating options—including shaded areas and sun decks—so you can tailor your experience. The boat features two restrooms and freshwater showers, which is a big plus after swimming in saltwater. The crew keeps the boat clean and well-maintained, adding to the overall comfort.

Morning: Continental Breakfast & Departure

Once onboard, you’ll start your day with a continental breakfast—think pastries, muffins, fresh fruit, and hot coffee or tea—to fuel up before the water fun begins. Many reviews mention how enjoyable it is to sip coffee while watching Maui’s scenery slip by, surrounded by fellow travelers eager to snorkel.

The Highlights: Snorkeling at Molokini

Your first stop is Molokini, a crater formed from an extinct volcano—an underwater sanctuary with 150-foot visibility and over 250 species of fish. The clear waters and vibrant coral formations make it an ideal place for snorkeling, and you’ll be swimming with native fish like yellow tang, parrotfish, and black triggerfish. Many reviews rave about how colorful and lively the marine life is here, with some describing encounters with big, curious fish.

The geography of Molokini is remarkable—its crescent shape provides a natural barrier, creating calm, protected waters perfect for snorkelers of all levels. The crew often provides guidance on how to best enjoy the experience, which many guests appreciate, especially if it’s their first time snorkeling.

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Turtle Town: Swimming with Green Sea Turtles

Next, your boat heads to Turtle Town, where the focus shifts to Hawaiian green sea turtles. The underwater lava formations and vibrant coral gardens serve as a perfect backdrop for spotting these gentle giants. According to reviews, the guides are diligent about safety, with lifeguards in the water at all times, helping everyone feel confident while in the water.

Many guests mention that seeing turtles up close was a highlight, with some describing the experience as truly magical. The chance to swim alongside these protected creatures is a rare treat, and the crew is usually quite good at pointing out where they are. For those who aren’t confident swimmers, flotation devices and assistance are readily available.

The Lunch & Relaxation

After the snorkeling, it’s time to unwind with a deli-style lunch. Options include turkey sandwiches or veggie burgers, complemented by sides like potato salad, chips, and fresh fruit. Guests often comment on how surprisingly good the food is—much better than what you might expect on a boat—especially considering the logistics of catering at sea.

Drinks are unlimited, including soda, juice, and water, with beers and Mai Tais available for purchase (must be 21+). Many people enjoy relaxing in the shade or on the bow, soaking up the Maui scenery on the return trip.

Return & Reflection

As the tour wraps up, you’ll have opportunities to top up your tan or snap photos of the stunning coastline. The crew often keeps the atmosphere upbeat, sharing interesting facts about the marine life and islands along the way, making the journey both fun and educational.

Why You Might Love This Tour

Based on countless reviews, this tour’s strength lies in its knowledgeable guides and crew, who go above and beyond to ensure everyone feels safe and informed. Many travelers highlight how friendly, attentive, and professional the staff is, making even nervous swimmers feel at ease.

The visuals are unforgettable—whether it’s the clarity at Molokini, the playful turtles, or the schools of fish darting among the coral. Guests frequently mention how impressed they are with the quality of the snorkeling gear and the attention to safety, which is crucial for a relaxed experience.

Plus, food and drinks are a pleasant surprise—good quality, plentiful, and served at just the right moments, turning a simple boat trip into a true mini-vacation.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for a well-organized, friendly, and scenic snorkel adventure, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suitable for those who want a full morning of marine exploration with some comfort and delicious food thrown in. While not specifically tailored for families with young children, older kids who can swim should find it enjoyable, too.

About the Price & Value

At $160 per person, this tour is fairly priced considering the inclusions—meals, equipment, expert guides, freshwater showers, and a scenic boat ride. Many reviews highlight the good value for money, especially when you factor in the quality of the experience and the abundance of marine life.

A lot of guests say that the food alone is worth the price, and the access to two prime snorkeling sites makes it a more comprehensive option than single-stop tours. Also, the flexibility of the crew in adjusting the destinations based on weather conditions adds to the perceived value.

Additional Details & Tips

• Snorkeling gear and flotation devices are included, but you might prefer to rent a wetsuit for $10 if you tend to get cold.
• Underwater cameras are available to rent for $85—perfect if you want to capture memories.
• Remember to bring biodegradable sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, cash, and your ID.
• The tour starts early, so plan your morning accordingly.
• No towels are provided, so bring your own.
• The crew is very attentive, often helping less confident swimmers, so don’t worry if you’re new to snorkeling.

What Could Be Better?

While the overall experience is positive, some guests mention that the lunch is nothing extraordinary, but it’s still tasty and filling. The price might seem high for some, but the quality of the scenery, marine encounters, and safety measures usually justify it.

Weather-dependent plans mean that if seas are rough, the crew might choose a different snorkeling location, which could affect the experience. However, this flexibility seems well-managed, and safety always comes first.

Is hotel transportation included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to meet at Boss Frog’s 30 minutes before departure.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, cash, and your ID.

Can I snorkel if I’ve never done it before?
Yes, the crew provides flotation devices and assistance, making it suitable for beginners with basic swimming ability.

Are wetsuits available?
Yes, wetsuits can be rented for $10 each if you prefer extra warmth.

How long are the snorkeling stops?
The total tour lasts 5.5 hours, with time at Molokini and Turtle Town, plus cruising and meals.

Can I purchase alcohol onboard?
Alcoholic drinks are available to buy for $3 each, but only after the snorkeling portion for safety reasons.

Are marine sightings guaranteed?
Wildlife sightings like turtles, dolphins, or whales are common but not guaranteed. Many reviews, however, mention great encounters.

Do I need to be an experienced swimmer?
No, basic swimming skills are enough, and flotation devices are available.

What’s the size of the group?
While not explicitly specified, the focus on safety and safety staff suggests manageable group sizes for a personalized experience.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, many reviews mention families and safe environments, so older children comfortable in water should enjoy it.

This Molokini & Turtle Town snorkeling tour is a solid choice for travelers who want a blend of scenic cruising, underwater wildlife, and good food. The crew’s professionalism and friendly attitude shine through in reviews, and the experience offers stunning visuals and marine encounters that many won’t forget.

It’s especially suited for those who appreciate a relaxed pace, value safety and guidance, and want to explore Maui’s underwater treasures without worrying about the logistics. The included meals and amenities elevate the experience, making it feel like a true mini-vacation on the ocean.

While it might not be perfect for those seeking a private or ultra-exclusive adventure, for most water lovers, it provides great bang for your buck and plenty of memories to take home. If you’re a fan of snorkeling, marine life, and Maui’s scenic beauty, this tour is worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: