South Maui: Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch From Maalaea

The South Maui Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch from Maalaea promises an unforgettable 5-hour adventure. Guests board a spacious 65-foot catamaran and embark on a scenic 70-minute journey to Lanai, where they’ll have the chance to spot dolphins. But the real thrill comes when they slip into the azure waters for 1.5 hours of guided snorkeling, complemented by a delectable BBQ lunch and educational programs. With premium gear and attentive crew, this outing caters to families and nature enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience in the Maui archipelago.

This experience made our article of 5 Fantastic Dolphin Watching Tours In Maui.

Key Points

• A 5-hour tour from Maalaea Harbor to Lanai island for snorkeling and dolphin watching, with a 70-minute journey each way.
• Includes a 65-foot double-deck powered catamaran, complimentary continental breakfast, BBQ lunch, and unlimited beverages.
• Snorkeling duration of 1.5 hours with premium gear, guided by certified Marine Naturalists, and opportunities to see dolphin pods.
• Educational Junior Naturalist Program for children during the excursion.
• Check-in 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure, and recommended items include sun hat, swimwear, towel, and long-sleeved shirt.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The activity offered is a South Maui: Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch tour from Maalaea, priced from $180.92 per person.

The 5-hour tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before and a reserve now, pay later option.

Guests depart from Maalaea Harbor aboard a 65-foot double-deck powered catamaran for a 70-minute journey to Lanai, passing known dolphin habitats along the way.

The tour features 1.5 hours of snorkeling, dolphin watching, and marine life viewing, accompanied by a continental breakfast, BBQ lunch, and refreshments.

Departure and Journey

Guests depart from Maalaea Harbor aboard a 65-foot double-deck powered catamaran for a 70-minute journey to Lanai.

Along the way, they’ll pass known dolphin habitats, giving them the chance to spot these fascinating marine mammals. The crew is knowledgeable and on the lookout, ready to point out any dolphins or other wildlife sightings.

Passengers can relax and take in the scenic coastal views as the catamaran makes its way to the snorkeling site off Lanai’s shores, where the real adventure begins.

Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching

Once the catamaran reaches the designated snorkeling site off Lanai’s shores, passengers don their provided premium snorkel gear and head into the crystal-clear waters. Guided by certified Marine Naturalists, they explore the vibrant coral reef, teeming with a kaleidoscope of tropical fish. After the snorkel adventure, the crew scans the horizon for dolphin pods, and passengers eagerly await the chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. An onboard Junior Naturalist Program helps children learn about marine life during the dolphin-watching portion of the excursion.

| Snorkeling Duration | Dolphin Watching | Marine Life Viewing |

|———————|——————|——————-|

| 1.5 hours | Complementary | Guided by Experts |

| Premium Gear | Known Habitats | Diverse Ecosystem |

| Coral Reef Explore | Playful Behavior | Tropical Fish |

| Marine Naturalists | All Ages | Photo Opportunities|

| Junior Naturalists | Unlimited Sightings | Educational |

Meals and Refreshments

Complimentary continental breakfast and a BBQ lunch are served aboard the catamaran, fueling passengers for their aquatic adventures.

The breakfast spread includes fresh island fruit, bagels, apple danishes, and hot beverages.

The BBQ lunch features chicken breasts, hot dogs, garden burgers, potato salad, veggie salad, and chocolate chip cookies.

Throughout the tour, unlimited water, sodas, juices, and one complimentary alcoholic beverage for adults are available.

The attentive crew ensures guests stay hydrated and satisfied as they explore the stunning Lanai coast and encounter marine wildlife.

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Snorkel Gear and Amenities

The tour package includes premium snorkel gear, optical masks, and flotation devices to ensure guests can safely and comfortably explore the vibrant marine world around Lanai.

Guests can also attend a fish identification class to learn more about the diverse array of sea life. For kids, there’s a Junior Naturalist Program to engage them in the wonders of the ocean.

The tour also provides reef-safe sunscreen available for purchase.

Guests can rent additional equipment like wetsuit shirts, underwater cameras, and binoculars to enhance their snorkeling and wildlife viewing experience.

Meeting Point and What to Bring

Guests meet at the Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store located at the Harbor Shops in Maalaea, where they should check-in 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.

The tour recommends bringing the following:

• Sun hat

• Swimwear

• Towel

• Comfortable clothes

• Long-sleeved shirt

Smoking and pets aren’t allowed on the tour.

With the efficient crew, abundant wildlife, and beautiful snorkeling experience, this 5-hour tour from Maalaea Harbor to the waters off Lanai receives an overall rating of 4.5/5 based on 89 reviews.

Reviews and Highlights

According to 89 reviews, this 5-hour South Maui snorkel and dolphin watch tour receives an impressive 4.5/5 overall rating.

Travelers highlight the efficient and knowledgeable crew, who ensure an abundance of marine life sightings, including dolphins.

The beautiful snorkeling experience at Lanai is also a major draw, with the provided premium gear and guided reef tour enhancing the experience.

Customers consistently praise the well-organized tour and positive feedback, making this an appealing option for those seeking an engaging ocean adventure off the South Maui coast.

Important Considerations

When planning this tour, guests should note the meeting point at the Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store in the Harbor Shops at Maalaea, arriving 45 minutes prior to the 8:30 AM departure.

Pets and smoking aren’t allowed. Guests should bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, comfortable clothes, and a long-sleeved shirt.

The tour includes:

• Premium snorkel gear, optical masks, and flotation devices

• Reef-safe sunscreen available for purchase

• Junior Naturalist Program for kids

• Fish identification class

• Wetsuit shirts, underwater cameras, and binoculars available for rent

Ask Away

Can I Bring My Own Snorkel Gear?

While participants are provided with premium snorkel gear, they’re welcome to bring their own if preferred. The tour includes a fish identification class and other equipment to ensure a comfortable and safe snorkeling experience.

Will the Boat Make Any Other Stops During the Tour?

No, the boat does not make any other stops during the tour. It departs from Maalaea Harbor and travels directly to the snorkel and dolphin watch locations off the coast of Lanai before returning to the departure point.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

There’s no minimum age requirement for the tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, though the tour may not be suitable for very young children who can’t swim or follow safety instructions.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

Guests can’t bring their own food and drinks on the boat. The tour includes a continental breakfast, BBQ lunch, and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. However, guests are welcome to bring snacks or water if needed.

Is There a Handicap-Accessible Restroom on the Boat?

The boat has a handicap-accessible restroom on board. It’s designed to accommodate passengers with mobility needs, providing easy access and necessary accommodations for a comfortable experience during the tour.

Final Words

The South Maui Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch from Maalaea is an exceptional 5-hour adventure that offers a scenic journey, premium snorkeling, and the chance to spot dolphins. With a focus on wildlife and educational programs, it’s an ideal outing for families and nature enthusiasts. The trip includes a complimentary breakfast, BBQ lunch, and attentive crew service, ensuring a delightful experience for all participants.

You can check availability for your dates here: