Exploring the vibrant underwater world of West Maui’s Olowalu is a captivating experience. Visitors can join a small group kayak and snorkel tour to discover the region’s rich marine life, including the chance to spot giant sea turtles year-round. Led by expert guides, the 4-hour adventure offers an intimate look at the area’s stunning coral reefs and an opportunity to learn about Hawaiian history and ocean conservation. But the real highlight might just be what lies beneath the surface.
Key Points
- Explore the premier snorkeling spot of Olowalu on Maui’s west coast with a 4-hour tour that includes kayaking, snorkeling with sea turtles, and coral reef exploration.
- Experience the unique features of the tour, such as an underwater hydrophone to hear whale songs and insights from professional guides on marine ecology and Hawaiian history.
- Enjoy a flexible booking policy with no payment required upfront and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
- Expect to see a variety of marine life, including guaranteed sea turtle sightings and potential humpback whale, dolphin, and ray encounters during the winter months.
- Participants must be at least 5 years old, have basic swimming skills, and use biodegradable sunscreen to protect the marine ecosystem.
Activity Overview
The "Kayak and Snorkel West Maui" experience is a 4-hour tour that takes participants to Olowalu, a premier snorkeling spot on the west coast of Maui.
Priced from $109 per person, the tour has a limited group size of 14 and is available in English.
Guests can look forward to kayaking, snorkeling with giant sea turtles, and exploring vibrant coral reefs.
The tour also offers unique features like the use of an underwater hydrophone to hear whale songs, as well as insights from professional guides on marine ecology, whale behavior, and Hawaiian history.
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Booking Information
Flexible reservation allows guests to reserve now and pay later, with no payment required today.
Flexible reservation allows guests to reserve now and pay later, with no payment required today.
The cancellation policy offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The meeting point is at the Olowalu Beach Reserve, Highway 30, mile marker 14.5, where guests should check-in at the Gold Jeep Grand Cherokee and look for the red, white, and blue kayak trailer.
Here are the key booking details:
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Flexible Reservation: Reserve now & pay later; no payment required today.
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Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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Meeting Point: Olowalu Beach Reserve, Highway 30, mile marker 14.5. Check-in at Gold Jeep Grand Cherokee; look for red, white, and blue kayak trailer.
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Check-in Instructions: Look for the specific vehicle and kayak trailer at the meeting point.
Highlights of the Experience
Although the activities on this tour include kayaking and snorkeling, the highlight is the opportunity to see giant sea turtles year-round and, from December to May, witness the awe-inspiring humpback whale sightings.
Guests can use an underwater hydrophone to hear the captivating whale songs. Expert guides provide insights into marine ecology, whale behavior, and Hawaiian history, enriching the experience.
Snorkelers can explore the vibrant coral reefs and spot a variety of colorful fish. The tour’s small group size of up to 14 participants ensures a more personalized and intimate adventure.
Wildlife Sightings
One of the main draws of this kayak and snorkel tour is the opportunity to spot magnificent sea turtles year-round. The guides guarantee turtle sightings, allowing guests to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
Along With turtles, the tour also offers the chance to witness:
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Humpback whale sightings from December to May, with the use of an underwater hydrophone to hear their haunting songs.
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A diverse array of vibrant, tropical fish inhabiting the coral reefs.
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Occasional dolphin or ray sightings, adding to the marine wildlife experience.
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Insights from expert guides on the local marine ecology and Hawaiian history.
Unique Features
What sets this kayak and snorkel tour apart are its unique features. Visitors can use an underwater hydrophone to hear the captivating whale songs during the humpback whale season from December to May. Professional guides provide insights into marine ecology, whale behavior, and Hawaiian history, enriching the experience. The tour also offers a chance to explore coral reefs and encounter giant sea turtles year-round. These special elements create an immersive and educational adventure for participants.
| Unique Feature | Description |
| — | — |
| Underwater Hydrophone | Listen to whale songs during humpback whale season |
| Insightful Guides | Learn about marine ecology, whale behavior, and Hawaiian history |
| Coral Reef Exploration | Discover the vibrant underwater world |
| Guaranteed Turtle Sightings | Observe giant sea turtles year-round |
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Participant Requirements
This kayak and snorkel tour has specific participant requirements. The activity isn’t suitable for children under 5 years old or non-swimmers.
Basic swimming skills are required to participate safely. Guests are encouraged to bring their own digital underwater cameras, as rentals are available.
Plus, biodegradable sunscreen is recommended to protect the delicate marine ecosystem. These requirements ensure a enjoyable and responsible experience for all participants.
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Minimum age: 5 years old
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Swimming ability: Basic skills required
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Underwater cameras: Rentals available
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Sunscreen: Biodegradable recommended
Customer Feedback
Customers have provided generally positive feedback on the Kayak and Snorkel West Maui tour, awarding it an impressive 4.8 out of 5-star rating based on 6 reviews. While most guests praised the private tour experience and abundant wildlife sightings, a few noted some issues with equipment fit and the quality of the snorkeling area.
| Name | Nationality | Rating | Feedback |
| — | — | — | — |
| Markus | Germany | 5/5 | Praised private tour experience with guide Wes, saw turtles and various fish. |
| Grissel | Mexico | 4/5 | Enjoyed the tour, saw many fish and turtles. |
| Rose | United States | 3/5 | Disappointed in snorkeling area; equipment fit issues affected experience. |
What to Expect
Participants can expect an immersive four-hour experience exploring the natural wonders of West Maui’s coastline. The experience includes:
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Kayaking through the crystal-clear waters of Olowalu, spotting schools of vibrant tropical fish and searching for giant sea turtles.
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Snorkeling at a protected coral reef, where participants can observe turtles, schools of colorful fish, and even hear whale songs using an underwater hydrophone.
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Learning about the area’s marine ecology, whale behavior, and Hawaiian history from experienced guides.
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Potential sightings of humpback whales during the winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Weight Limit for Participants?
There’s no explicit weight limit mentioned, but participants should be able to comfortably fit in the kayak and snorkel gear. It’s best to check with the tour operator if you have any concerns about your size or fitness level.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?
Participants can bring their own snorkeling gear, but the tour company provides all necessary equipment. Using the company’s gear ensures proper fit and quality, which can enhance the overall snorkeling experience.
What Time Does the Tour Start?
The tour starts at a meeting point on Olowalu Beach Reserve, with check-in at a Gold Jeep Grand Cherokee near a red, white, and blue kayak trailer. Participants should arrive at the designated meeting time.
Is There a Shuttle Service From My Hotel?
There’s no shuttle service provided, but the meeting point is easily accessible by car. Guests are responsible for their own transportation to the Olowalu Beach Reserve, located at Highway 30, mile marker 14.5.
Can I Bring Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Yes, participants are welcome to bring food and drinks on the tour. The itinerary allows time for a picnic lunch or snack break during the excursion. Bringing a reusable water bottle is recommended to stay hydrated.
The Sum Up
Set out on a captivating kayak and snorkel adventure along Maui’s west coast, where you’ll discover vibrant coral reefs and encounter majestic sea turtles. With expert guidance, small group size, and the chance to hear enchanting whale songs during winter, this 4-hour tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Maui’s marine wonders. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or seeking a new experience, this activity promises to leave a lasting impression.
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