Exploring the stunning waters off the coast of Maui, the Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour offers an unparalleled adventure. For just $118.84 per person, this 3-hour excursion takes you kayaking through Makena Bay and snorkeling with vibrant marine life, including the majestic Hawaiian green sea turtle. With a personalized experience for up to 10 participants, this tour promises an unforgettable encounter with Maui’s natural wonders. But what truly sets this tour apart is the commitment to environmental stewardship and customer satisfaction. The only way to uncover the magic is to…
This experience made our article of Our 15 Best Canoe & Kayak Experiences In Maui.
Key Points
- A 3-hour kayak and snorkel tour in Makena, Maui, with the main highlights being sightings of Hawaiian green sea turtles and tropical fish.
- The tour accommodates up to 10 participants for a personalized experience and includes all necessary equipment and snacks/beverages.
- Suitable for families with children aged 5 and up, with a focus on safety and environmental stewardship.
- Rated 4.7/5 overall by 307 customers, with high marks for the knowledgeable and respectful guides.
- The tour departs from Makena Landing Park, with parking available nearby.
Tour Overview and Details
The Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour is a 3-hour activity that allows participants to explore the natural wonders of Makena Bay on Maui.
Priced from $118.84 per person, this tour is likely to sell out, so it’s best to reserve in advance. The tour is limited to 10 participants and departs from Makena Landing Park.
Highlights include sighting Hawaiian green sea turtles, tropical fish, and potential whale activity during the peak season.
Kayaking, snorkeling, and all necessary gear are included. This tour is suitable for families with children 5 and up, but not for those prone to seasickness.
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Itinerary and Highlights
Starting at Makena Landing Park, the tour kayaks 1.5 miles through the waters of Makena Bay, known as Turtle Town. During the 2-hour kayaking and snorkeling experience, participants can expect to see Hawaiian green sea turtles, a variety of tropical fish, and possibly whale activity (December to April). The tour includes snacks, beverages, kayaking gear, and snorkel equipment.
| Itinerary | Time |
| — | — |
| Kayaking | 2 hours |
| Sightseeing | Ongoing |
| Snorkeling | Included |
| Main Attractions | Green sea turtles, tropical fish, whales (seasonal) |
Participant Information
Families with children 5 and up will find this tour suitable, though it’s not recommended for children under 5 or those prone to seasickness.
Participants should bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Check-in is 15 minutes prior to departure.
The tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. Snacks, beverages, kayaking gear, and snorkel equipment are all provided, allowing guests to fully enjoy the natural wonders of Turtle Town.
With its focus on safety and environmental stewardship, this tour offers an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.
Meeting Point and Directions
Makena Landing, located in Maui, Hawaii 96753, serves as the meeting point for this tour.
Parking is available at Makena Landing or the Maluaka Beach Parking Lot North. To reach the meeting point, travelers can search "Makena Landing Maui" on Google or Apple maps for accurate location details.
The directions provided will guide participants to the exact pickup location. Arriving 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time is recommended to ensure a smooth check-in process and start to the adventure.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews and Ratings
How do the reviews and ratings for this Maui kayak and snorkel tour look?
The Turtle Town tour boasts an impressive 4.7/5 overall rating based on 307 reviews. Customers are particularly impressed with the knowledgeable and respectful guides, giving them a 4.8/5 rating.
The transportation logistics also earn a solid 4.7/5. Reviewers consider the tour excellent value for money, with a 4.6/5 rating in this category.
Many express intent to return, praising the wildlife encounters and overall experience. The tour’s high ratings and positive feedback suggest it’s a must-do activity for visitors seeking an engaging Maui adventure.
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Kayaking Through Makena Bay
As participants embark on their kayaks, they’ll glide effortlessly through the serene waters of Makena Bay, also known as Turtle Town.
The guided tour leads them on a 1.5-mile journey, providing opportunities to spot Hawaiian green sea turtles, tropical fish, and even whales during the winter months.
Paddling through the calm, crystal-clear bay, they’ll enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
The guides are well-versed in the local ecosystem and share informative insights, ensuring a memorable and respectful experience in this unique marine environment.
Snorkeling in Turtle Town
Participants then don the provided snorkel gear and enjoy the vibrant underwater world of Turtle Town.
Participants don provided snorkel gear and enjoy the vibrant underwater world of Turtle Town.
They’ll encounter the gentle Hawaiian green sea turtles that give this area its name, gliding gracefully through the clear waters. Colorful tropical fish dart between the coral reefs, while the occasional whale breach may be spotted from the surface (December through April).
The guides lead the group, ensuring a safe and memorable snorkeling experience as they share insights about the local marine life.
After an hour of exploration, it’s time to return to the kayaks and continue the adventure.
Experiencing Wildlife and Nature
The tranquil Makena Bay provides the perfect setting for this immersive encounter with Maui’s vibrant marine life.
As kayakers glide across the calm waters, they’ll spot:
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Hawaiian green sea turtles gracefully surfacing to breathe, their prehistoric shells glistening in the sun.
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Vibrant coral reefs teeming with schools of tropical fish in a kaleidoscope of colors.
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Whales breaching the surface during the season, their powerful spouts of mist captivating onlookers.
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The natural beauty of the surrounding volcanic landscape, framing this unforgettable wildlife experience.
This tour offers a chance to connect with Maui’s magnificent ocean ecosystem in an intimate, sustainable way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Photos or Videos Allowed During the Tour?
Photos and videos are generally allowed during the tour. However, participants are advised to be mindful of the wildlife and not to disturb the turtles or other marine life while taking pictures or recording videos.
Is There a Minimum or Maximum Age Requirement?
The tour is suitable for families with children 5 and up, but not for children under 5 years old. There’s no maximum age requirement, but the tour may not be suitable for people prone to seasickness.
What Happens in the Event of Inclement Weather?
If inclement weather occurs, the tour operator will cancel the activity and offer a full refund. Customers will be notified of the cancellation as soon as possible and given the option to reschedule for another day.
Can Participants With Disabilities Join the Tour?
Participants with disabilities can join the tour, though those with mobility issues may have difficulty kayaking and snorkeling. The tour operator recommends contacting them in advance to discuss any special accommodations that may be needed.
Are Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated?
The tour provides snacks and beverages, but doesn’t specifically mention accommodating dietary restrictions. Participants should contact the operator in advance if they have any special dietary needs that need to be addressed.
The Sum Up
The Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour on Maui offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the island’s natural beauty. From kayaking Makena Bay to snorkeling among vibrant marine life and encountering majestic sea turtles, this 3-hour adventure promises an unforgettable experience. With a personalized approach and excellent customer reviews, it’s a must-do activity for anyone seeking to connect with Maui’s remarkable ecosystem.
📍 This experience made our list of the 15 best Canoe & Kayak Experiences in Maui
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