Wailea-Makina: Sea Caves, Molokini Snorkel & Turtle Town

If you’re dreaming of exploring Maui’s vibrant marine life and scenic coastline, the Wailea-Makina tour offers a compelling way to do just that. This 5.5-hour adventure takes you on a journey through some of Maui’s most beautiful underwater spots, including the renowned Molokini Crater, the sea caves along the Kanaio Coast, and the serene Turtle Town.

What makes this experience really stand out? We love how it combines the thrill of snorkeling in crystal-clear waters with the chance to see playful dolphins and graceful sea turtles. Plus, the guides are described as knowledgeable, caring, and fun, which definitely enhances the overall trip.

A possible consideration? The tour can be quite packed, and if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer a more relaxed vibe, it’s worth noting that the boat can be crowded and the ride a bit bumpy at times. This tour is best suited for travelers who are comfortable on boats and eager to explore multiple scenic spots in one outing.

This tour is ideal for active travelers, snorkeling enthusiasts, and anyone craving a full day of marine adventure in Maui. It’s especially perfect if you’re looking for a well-rounded experience with fantastic scenery, lively guides, and the chance to spot wildlife in their natural habitat.

Key Points

• Multiple snorkeling sites: Inside the crater, outer reef, and backside of Molokini.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable and friendly, making the trip both fun and educational.
• Wildlife sightings: Dolphins, sea turtles, and eagle rays are common, though not guaranteed.
• Good value: Includes breakfast, lunch, snorkel gear, and beverages for the $216 price.
• Breathtaking scenery: From lava fingers to sea caves along the Kanaio Coast.
• Active and social experience: Expect a lively boat with fellow travelers, sometimes crowded.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Out From Kihei and the Journey to La Perouse Bay

The tour kicks off in Kihei, where check-in occurs about 30 minutes before departure. From there, you’ll hop aboard a boat, often a comfortable vessel with plenty of space, though some reviews mention it can be a bit crowded, which is something to keep in mind if you value extra room.

The first part of the trip takes you along the Kanaio Coast, where you’ll pass by and sometimes explore the sea caves. We loved the way guides shared insights about the caves and the rocky shoreline—their commentary added depth to the scenery. During this cruise, it’s common to encounter spinner dolphins, especially in La Perouse Bay, sometimes right alongside the boat or even swimming nearby while you’re in the water. Many reviewers describe these dolphin sightings as “spiritual” moments, highlighting how memorable they can be.

Snorkeling with Dolphins and Marine Life in La Perouse Bay

Once at La Perouse Bay, you’ll find a pristine setting teeming with fish and marine life. Breakfast is served here—usually a simple but appreciated continental spread—before heading toward Molokini. The bay itself offers an excellent warm-up for the snorkeling adventure ahead, and the chance to see dolphins adds to the magic.

The Highlights of Molokini: Inside Rim, Outer Reef, and Backside

A short 20-minute cruise brings you to Molokini Crater. This is where the tour gets really exciting. Depending on the conditions, you’ll get to visit up to three different sites around the crater: the inside rim, the outer reef, and the backside.

We enjoyed the drift snorkeling along the outer reef—the current gently guiding you past vibrant coral formations and a variety of fish like butterflyfish, wrasses, and durgeons. It’s a relaxing way to take in the underwater world without having to do much work. The water here is incredibly clear, making it easy to appreciate the colorful coral and abundant sea life just a few feet below.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the backside of Molokini offers a vertical wall that drops about 300 feet, providing a striking view of the ocean’s depths and a favorite spot for more advanced divers. The lighting and vertical landscape create a dramatic backdrop that many find awe-inspiring.

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Lunch and the Final Snorkeling Stop at Makena

After exploring Molokini, the boat heads toward Makena, where a leisurely lunch is served—often a turkey and cheese slider accompanied by beverages. This is a great chance to refuel and chat with fellow travelers.

Post-lunch, you’ll head to Turtle Town, where the chance to swim alongside sea turtles and eagle rays is a highlight. These turtles are accustomed to snorkelers, so they often surface close enough for good photographs. Many reviews mention how friendly and unbothered the turtles are, creating some truly special moments in the water.

What To Expect: Practical Details and Insights

The Good Stuff

• Guides and crew: The reviews repeatedly praise the guides for their knowledge, humor, and helpfulness. They enhance the trip, making sure everyone feels comfortable and informed.
• Scenic variety: From lava fingers to sea caves to coral reefs, the tour covers a lot of visual ground.
• Wildlife encounters: Dolphins, turtles, eagle rays—they’re part of the excitement, even if sightings aren’t guaranteed every time.
• Included meals: Breakfast and lunch are provided, which is convenient and helps keep you energized for the water-filled day.

The Not-So-Good Bits

• Crowded conditions: Some travelers felt the boat was packed, leaving little space to relax, especially in the water or on deck.
• Sea sickness: A few reviews mention nausea, so if you’re prone, consider taking precautions.
• Variable snorkeling spots: The actual locations can change based on weather, and some might find the sites less exciting than others, as one reviewer pointed out that certain spots felt uninteresting compared to expectations.
• Food quality: While breakfast and lunch are included, some guests found the offerings simple—if you’re expecting gourmet, this might be a disappointment.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience suits active travelers who don’t mind being on a boat for several hours and love snorkeling. It’s ideal for those eager to see multiple underwater landscapes and wildlife, especially if you’re traveling with others who enjoy a social atmosphere. If you’re looking for a relaxing, low-key day, this might feel a bit busy, but for adventure lovers, it’s a good fit.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $216 per person, the tour offers a lot: multiple snorkeling spots, breakfast and lunch, beverages, and expert guides. Considering the high costs of private excursions, this is a solid value, especially since the included meals and gear are part of the package. Many reviews highlight how the guides’ knowledge and the variety of locations make it worth the expense.

However, the overall experience depends on weather and boat conditions, which can vary. The flexibility of booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is reassuring, allowing you to plan with less worry.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Tour?

If you’re someone who wants a packed, adventure-filled day exploring Maui’s underwater world with knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery, this tour checks a lot of boxes. It’s particularly well-suited for energetic travelers eager to snorkel multiple sites, see dolphins and turtles, and enjoy good food along the way.

However, if you’re sensitive to boat movement, prefer smaller groups, or want a more relaxed pace, you might want to consider other options or prepare accordingly. The experience is lively and social, which appeals to many but might not be perfect for everyone.

The Wailea-Makina: Sea Caves, Molokini Snorkel & Turtle Town tour offers a well-rounded, memorable day of Maui’s marine treasures—definitely worth considering if this aligns with your travel style.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of this tour. You will need to arrange your own transportation to the departure point in Kihei.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 5.5 hours, mostly spent snorkeling, cruising, and enjoying meals onboard.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothes. These essentials will help you make the most of the day.

Are there vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meal options?
Yes, special dietary options can be requested in advance, including vegan or gluten-free meals.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Since snorkeling is a key part of this experience, it’s not recommended for non-swimmers or those uncomfortable in the water. People prone to seasickness should also consider their tolerance for boat rides.

Can I expect to see dolphins or turtles?
Wildlife sightings like dolphins and turtles are common but not guaranteed. Many travelers do experience sightings, which adds to the thrill.

What if I get seasick?
If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s advisable to take precautions before the tour—bring medication if needed, and consider sitting on the deck for fresh air.

This Maui snorkeling tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, wildlife, and scenic beauty, all with the guidance of friendly experts. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or new to the water, it promises a memorable glimpse into Maui’s underwater world—just be prepared for an active, sometimes crowded day on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: