Nestled in the picturesque Maalaea Harbor, this 3-hour snorkel and sail adventure promises an unforgettable encounter with Maui’s vibrant marine life. Guests can enjoy the beauty of Turtle Town, where schools of colorful fish and curious sea turtles await discovery. After the snorkel session, participants can unwind on a scenic sail back to the harbor, complemented by refreshments and the possibility of spotting dolphins or whales. With personalized attention and a maximum of 30-40 passengers, this excursion offers an intimate exploration of Maui’s underwater wonders.
This experience made our article of 6 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Maalaea.
Key Points
- The 3-hour Turtle Town Snorkel and Sail Adventure departs from Maalaea Harbor and includes snorkeling at Coral Gardens and a leisurely sail back to the harbor.
- Participants can expect to observe colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine life during the 1.5-hour snorkeling session led by a certified instructor.
- The tour offers complimentary food, drinks, and amenities such as towels and sunscreen, with a maximum group size of 30-40 for personalized attention.
- Maalaea Harbor is conveniently located, with parking available on-site and easy access from nearby airports and tourist hubs.
- Potential sightings of whales or dolphins during the winter months add to the scenic coastal views during the sailing portion of the adventure.
Overview of the Adventure
The Turtle Town 3-Hour Snorkel and Sail Adventure offers an exciting opportunity to explore the vibrant marine life of Maui. Priced from $139 per person, this 3-hour tour starts at Maalaea Harbor and includes a sailing excursion, snorkeling at the Coral Gardens, and complimentary food and drinks.
With an experienced crew, safety-first approach, and maximum group size of 30-40 passengers, participants can expect personalized attention. During the winter months, there’s even a chance to spot whales or dolphins.
The adventure runs daily, so visitors can easily fit it into their Maui itinerary.
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Getting to Maalaea Harbor
Reaching Maalaea Harbor, the starting point for the Turtle Town 3-Hour Snorkel and Sail Adventure, is relatively straightforward. Participants can find the harbor located at 233 Maalaea Road. Parking is available on-site for $1 per hour, with validation provided by the tour operators. To prepare for the adventure, visitors should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time for check-in and a safety briefing.
| Direction | Time | Distance |
| — | — | — |
| From Kahului Airport | 25 minutes | 15 miles |
| From Lahaina | 45 minutes | 25 miles |
| From Kihei | 15 minutes | 9 miles |
| From Wailea | 25 minutes | 12 miles |
| From Kaanapali | 35 minutes | 21 miles |
Snorkeling at Coral Gardens
After the relaxing sail, participants look forward to the highlight of the adventure – snorkeling at the vibrant Coral Gardens.
The crew provides thorough guidance on snorkeling techniques and safety protocols before letting guests explore the marine sanctuary.
Snorkelers can observe a diverse array of colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine life up close. The 1.5-hour snorkel session allows ample time to immerse in the underwater ecosystem and capture memorable moments.
Guests can feel confident with the certified instructor’s supervision and the crew’s attentive support throughout the snorkeling activity.
Sailing and Sightseeing
Following the relaxing snorkeling experience at the Coral Gardens, guests board the boat again for the final leg of the adventure – a leisurely sail back to the harbor.
During this hour-long journey, passengers can enjoy beer, cocktails, and dessert while taking in the scenic coastal views. The crew provides personalized attention to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable sail.
Passengers may also have the opportunity to spot whales (December-April) or encounter dolphins, adding to the sightseeing experience.
The sail back to Maalaea Harbor marks the end of the 3-hour Turtle Town snorkel and sail adventure.
More Great Tours NearbyOnboard Amenities and Crew
The Turtle Town snorkel and sail adventure offers a range of onboard amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for passengers.
The boat is equipped with two restrooms and provides towels and sunscreen for guest use. Complimentary breakfast or lunch, along with unlimited tropical juice and non-alcoholic drinks, are served during the trip.
The crew, comprising an experienced captain and attentive staff, provide personalized attention to a maximum of 30-40 passengers.
Guests can also expect to spot whales (December-April) and dolphins on occasion during the sailing and sightseeing portion of the adventure.
Addressing Safety Concerns
Safety is a top priority for the Turtle Town snorkel and sail adventure. The crew takes a safety-first approach, with a certified instructor leading a beginners’ snorkeling class.
Participants with heart problems, respiratory issues, seasickness, mobility impairments, or high blood pressure should avoid this activity. Infants aged 0-6 months must bring a Coast Guard-approved life vest. Wheelchair users are also not suitable for this tour.
The crew ensures participants are comfortable and acclimated to the water and marine life before the snorkeling portion. Safety measures are in place to provide a memorable and secure experience.
Exploring Marine Life Encounters
As visitors embark on the Turtle Town snorkel and sail adventure, they can expect to encounter an array of vibrant marine life.
The highlight is the opportunity to swim alongside green sea turtles, locally known as honu, in their natural habitat. The coral gardens are also teeming with colorful tropical fish, such as parrotfish, angelfish, and butterfly fish.
Plus, guests may spot occasional dolphin sightings or even whales during the winter months. The knowledgeable crew provides guidance and insights, ensuring a safe and enriching exploration of the underwater world.
Customer Experiences and Testimonials
Visitors who embark on the Turtle Town snorkel and sail adventure consistently praise the exceptional customer experiences.
Visitors consistently praise the exceptional customer experiences of the Turtle Town snorkel and sail adventure.
The well-trained crew receives accolades for their attentive and personalized service, helping even beginners feel comfortable in the water.
Customers highlight three key aspects of the trip:
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Opportunities to swim alongside turtles in the vibrant coral gardens
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Delicious and refreshing meals and beverages served throughout the excursion
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The relaxing and scenic sailing portion, complete with stunning views.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5, the Turtle Town adventure offers an unforgettable way to explore Maui’s marine wonders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Duration of the Safety Briefing?
The briefing covers safety and is 1 hour long. It’s included in the overall 3-hour adventure and takes place at the start, before the sailing and snorkeling activities.
Is There an Age Limit for the Snorkeling Activity?
There is no age limit for the snorkeling activity, but infants aged 0-6 months must bring a Coast Guard-approved life vest. The activity is not suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or mobility impairments.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkel Gear?
You can bring your own snorkel gear, but the activity includes sanitized snorkel equipment. Using the provided gear ensures everything’s properly fitted and safe for the snorkeling portion of the excursion.
Are There Any Discount Options Available?
Yes, there are some discount options available. The activity description mentions that there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Plus, parking validation is provided to help save on parking costs.
How Do I Contact the Company if I Have Additional Questions?
Customers can contact the company by phone or email. The contact information is not provided in the knowledge, but it’s likely available on the company’s website or booking platform. Reaching out directly is the best way to get additional details.
The Sum Up
The Turtle Town 3-hour snorkel and sail adventure from Maalaea Harbor offers an unforgettable experience. Snorkelers can explore the vibrant marine life, including sea turtles, at Coral Gardens. The scenic sail back to the harbor includes complimentary food and drinks, as well as the chance to spot dolphins and whales. With personalized attention and a small group size, this tour provides an exceptional opportunity to take in Maui’s underwater world.
📍 This experience made our list of the 6 best Cruises And Boat Tours in Maalaea