Underwater Scooter Dive (Certified Divers Only) Makena Wailea

If you’re a certified diver looking to add a twist to your underwater adventures, the Underwater Scooter Dive near Makena might catch your eye. This tour offers a blend of fun, exploration, and the chance to see marine life in a way that’s quite different from your typical snorkel or scuba trip. It’s especially appealing if you’re into unusual water sports, enjoy gadgets, or want to extend your reach beneath the waves with some high-tech gear.

From what we’ve gathered through reviews and descriptions, there are a few standout features. First, the use of state-of-the-art underwater scooters makes covering large areas effortless and adds a playful element to your dive. Second, the guides’ knowledge and friendly approach help ensure that even seasoned divers get plenty of value and see plenty of marine life—turtles, sharks, coral, and natural lava features.

One thing to keep in mind is that this experience is designed for certified divers only, so if you’re not licensed yet, it’s not the right fit. Also, since transportation isn’t included, you’ll need to arrange your own travel to the meeting spot. Still, for those who are comfortable in the water, this is a well-rated, engaging experience that tends to book up well in advance—usually about 69 days ahead on average.

This tour is best suited for confident divers who want to explore Maui’s underwater world in a fun, modern way, and who appreciate guides with lots of experience. If you’re after a relaxing snorkel, or traveling with non-divers, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you’re eager for a unique underwater ride with excellent chances to see Maui’s rich marine life, this could be a memorable choice.

Key Points

• Certified divers only: Basic scuba certification is required to join.
• High-tech fun: Light, easy-to-handle underwater scooters extend your range and add a playful element.
• Marine life galore: Expect to see turtles, coral, fish, and natural lava formations.
• Guides are experienced: Many reviews highlight knowledgeable, friendly guides who enhance the experience.
• Photos included: You’ll get souvenir images of your dive, often capturing turtles and other wildlife.
• Limited group size: Small groups (up to 4 travelers) mean a more personalized, relaxed experience.

The Experience: What You Can Expect During the Tour

Meeting and Preparation

Your adventure kicks off at a designated meeting point in Kihei, where the staff from NeverDry will gear you up and run through safety and operational instructions. Since the tour is limited to a maximum of 4 travelers, you’ll find it’s a relaxed setup—no crowded boats or rushed schedules here. The organizing team takes pride in thorough briefings, emphasizing safety while keeping the mood friendly and laid-back.

The Underwater Scooter

Once you’re ready, you’ll head to Makena Landing Beach Park, your entry point for the underwater fun. The highlight here is the state-of-the-art scooter jets—these are lightweight, easy to handle, and designed to give you a smooth ride beneath the surface. Many reviews mention how intuitive they are, even for those new to underwater scooters.

What You’ll See and Do

Guided by your knowledgeable instructor, you’ll cruise over reefs and lava rock formations, weaving in and out of coral gardens. Expect to see sea turtles, which are quite common, as well as vibrant fish, octopi, and possibly sharks—many divers mention encounters with sharks, sharks, eels, and loads of marine life. The natural lava features add a rugged, ancient feel to the underwater environment, making the scenery feel uniquely Maui.

The Duration

The entire experience lasts about 3 hours, which includes gear-up, safety briefings, and the actual underwater scooter cruise. Once submerged, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the dive site, which is carefully chosen to maximize your chances of wildlife sightings and interesting geological features.

Photos and Memories

A huge perk is that guides will take photos during the dive, so you can remember the experience long after you surface. Many reviewers mention how they looked forward to receiving their pictures, often filled with turtles, colorful fish, and coral.

Post-Dive

After your underwater adventure, you’ll return to the meeting point, where snacks are provided to refuel after your exertion. It’s a relaxed way to wrap up a memorable experience, with plenty of opportunities to chat about your favorite moments.

The Value of the Experience

At $175 per person, this isn’t the cheapest water activity in Maui, but the price reflects the high-quality gear, personalized guides, and the chance to see diverse marine life in a safe, controlled environment. The fact that it includes snacks and photos makes it a more comprehensive package than just a scooter rental or standalone dive.

Reviews consistently praise the guides’ expertise and helpfulness, with many saying they felt very safe and well taken care of. One reviewer even mentions how they saw more new things in this tour than in all their previous dives in Maui, which speaks volumes about the diversity and quality of this experience.

The Practical Details

Booking and Availability

Most travelers book about 69 days in advance, so if this sounds appealing, it’s best to plan ahead. The tour is confirmed within 48 hours of booking, provided availability, which seems reliable given the positive reviews.

Group Size and Atmosphere

Since the tour caps at 4 people, it feels much more intimate than larger group excursions. That means more personalized attention, easier communication, and a relaxed pace—perfect if you prefer a quieter, more tailored experience.

What’s Not Included

You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point, as that’s not included. Also, gratuities aren’t covered, which is common in many tour experiences but worth keeping in mind.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a certified diver craving something a bit different from your usual routine, this underwater scooter experience offers a fun, engaging way to explore Maui’s marine environment. It’s especially suited for those who are comfortable in the water and want to extend their range without swimming long distances.

This tour is not ideal for non-divers or those uncomfortable with scuba gear, as it’s designed specifically for certified divers. On the flip side, if you love gadgets, marine wildlife, and small-group adventures, this will likely be a highlight of your Maui trip.

The Bottom Line

This Maui underwater scooter experience offers a unique way to see marine life with a mix of technical fun and natural beauty. The guides’ expertise and the small group size elevate the experience into something memorable, especially for those who have their scuba certification. You’ll love the chance to glide near sea turtles and explore lava formations, all while enjoying the simplicity of guide-led photos and snacks.

While it’s not a casual snorkel or a beginner water activity, if you’re confident in your diving skills and eager to try something different, this is a solid choice. The price is fair considering the quality of the gear and the personalized approach. Just remember to book early and prepare for a three-hour adventure that might well be a highlight of your Maui holiday.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for non-certified divers?
No, this tour is specifically for certified divers, as it involves a guided shore dive with underwater scooters.

What should I bring with me?
You mainly need to bring your certification card, a smile, and any personal items you want to keep dry—though most gear, snacks, and photos are included.

Are the scooters easy to use?
Yes, many reviewers mention how simple and intuitive they are, even for first-timers. Guides provide thorough instructions to ensure everyone is comfortable before diving.

What marine animals might I see?
Sea turtles are common, along with a variety of fish, coral, octopi, and possibly sharks.

How long is the experience?
The total duration is approximately 3 hours, including briefing and gear-up time.

Is transportation included?
No, you’ll need to make your own way to the meeting point at Makena Landing Beach Park.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Less notice means no refund.

What’s the group size?
Up to 4 travelers, ensuring a more personalized and relaxed experience.

Is gratuity included?
No, gratuity is not included, so tipping your guides is appreciated if you enjoyed the experience.

If you’re looking for a memorable, well-organized way to explore Maui’s underwater world—especially if you’re a certified diver craving a bit of fun—this underwater scooter tour hits many of the right notes. It combines the thrill of new gadgets, the beauty of Maui’s marine life, and attentive guides, making it a worthwhile addition to your trip.