Want to do some on snorkeling in Maui? Molokini Crater is one of the top Maui snorkeling spots. Scroll down to find out the best Molokini snorkel tours worth booking!
This list of the best Molokini snorkel tours on Maui was written by Marcie Cheung (a Hawaii travel expert) and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Planning a trip to Hawaii and looking for an adventure?
Snorkeling in Maui is one of the most incredible adventures you will ever have. Molokini Crater is a snorkel’s paradise with crystal clear water and abundant marine life.
With so many tours to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to the best of the best Molokini snorkel tours on Maui!
And don’t forget to bring your camera – the photos you take will be memories that last a lifetime.
Here are some of the best Molokini snorkel tours on Maui – so you can experience this amazing adventure yourself!
Why listen to me? I’ve been to Hawaii over 40 times and know it like the back of my hand!
Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Maui itinerary complete with daily schedules, fun activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.
Molokini Crater History
Molokini Crater is a sunken volcanic crescent-shaped crater that was formed a long, long time ago from all the volcanic activity happening in Maui.
Between 1975 and 1984, the United States army used the Crater as a target practice for bombs. This was mainly because it was a very similar shape to a ship. However, after these bombings, people were very upset as they destroyed many of the coral and marine life.
Eventually, Molokini became a Marine Life Conservation District and Bird Sanctuary. The reef has been healing and now has plenty of coral, birds, fish, and other beautiful sea life.
Tips for Going on Molokini Crater Tours
- Going in the morning is usually the best option. You will be among the first people to arrive, and the snorkeling conditions will be much clearer, so you can view more fish and other sea creatures!
- If you want less boat time, find a snorkeling tour that departs from Makena or is closer to the Molokini Crater.
- Bring something to help with motion sickness, especially if you’ve never been on a boat before. It doesn’t hurt to be prepared!
- Bring a waterproof bag to hold your phone, camera, and other valuables. Then you won’t have to worry about leaving them unattended!
- You will want to bring a towel just in case your tour doesn’t offer one.
- Wear your swimsuit, so you don’t have to worry about changing on the boat when you arrive.
Best Molokini Snorkel Tours on Maui
The best snorkeling in Maui, Hawaii, is often at the Molokini Crater. Here are some of the best Molokini snorkel tours that you will love! There is something for everyone, with family-friendly options, romantic ones for couples, and budget-friendly as well.
Pride of Maui
For an unforgettable Molokini snorkel cruise, book with the Pride of Maui. This five-hour cruise gives you breakfast, lunch, an open bar, and all the snorkel gear you need to enjoy all Molokini has to offer.
You will have ample time to snorkel both at the Crater and Turtle Town. Hope aboard this 65-foot catamaran boat and enjoy seeing over 200 different types of fish, the stunning coral, and relaxing on the calm waters. Check the latest rates and availability.
Molokini Snorkeling Adventure Aboard Calypso
Another great snorkeling tour to Molokini Crater is from Calypso Charters. On this catamaran boat, you will find a glass-bottom viewing room to provide you with stunning views of the ocean while you ride out to the Crater. It also has a water slide!
You will leave from the Maalaea Harbor and out to Molokini Crater. While you sail, enjoy a delicious breakfast.
After snorkeling at the Crater, you will also get to go snorkel at Turtle Town and swim with the green sea turtles! This tour also comes with a complimentary lunch and is around five hours long. Check the latest rates and availability.
Molokini and Turtle Arches Snorkeling Trip from Ma’alaea Harbor
Enjoy a fun snorkeling tour with the Pacific Whale Foundation. Not only will you be able to snorkel at Molokini Crater, but also go visit the turtle arches reef! During this five-hour tour, you will get both breakfast and a BBQ lunch.
You will be professionally fitted for your snorkel gear and even have optical masks for those who wear glasses. You will also get a flotation device, and they will teach you how to snorkel and what fish to look for during your adventure. Check the latest rates and availability.
Molokini Crater and South Maui Coast Adventure
If you are staying close to Kihei, you will want to go on this snorkeling adventure. With free breakfast and lunch, you will love this half-day tour!
You will get to snorkel the back wall of Molokini Crater, which many other tours do not get to do, and swim with the sea turtles at Turtle Town before finishing up the snorkeling trip. The boat will also pass by Keawakapu Beach, where you might even get to see some dolphins! Check the latest rates and availability.
2 Hour Molokini Snorkel Trip
This one lasts two hours if you need a short Molokini Crater snorkeling tour. It departs from Kihei and is a quick ride out to the Crater, leaving you ample time to snorkel without taking up a half day from your trip. Check the latest rates and availability.
Four Winds II Molokini Snorkel
Four Winds II Molokini snorkeling tour is a fun, family-friendly snorkeling tour! There is a glass-bottom viewing room, so little ones can enjoy seeing the fish without having to get into the water. There is also a waterslide on the boat too!
This tour takes off from Maalaea Harbor and is about five hours long. It includes both breakfast and lunch and will be a blast for the entire family. Check the latest rates and availability.
Maui to Molokini Morning Tour
This all-inclusive morning tour offers breakfast and lunch and is another great half-day snorkeling for families to enjoy. Kids can enjoy a 20-foot waterslide when the boat reaches Molokini Crater, and they have floaties to help keep children safe as well.
After snorkeling at the Crater, you will also head to Turtle Town to snorkel there as well. During the winter months, you will also get to go whale watching while sailing to your destination! For an additional package, this tour also lets you go snuba diving.
The ship crew is very friendly and eager to help make this tour memorable, which is why this is one of the top-rated snorkel tours in Maui! Check the latest rates and availability.
Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkeling Adventure Aboard Malolo
For one of the best snorkeling tours on Maui, hop aboard the Malolo with Malolo Charters. During this five-and-a-half-hour tour, dive into the crystal clear waters and enjoy looking at thousands of tropical fish and sea life.
After relaxing at Molokini, you will also head to either Turtle Town or Coral Gardens. There are a variety of flotation devices available to use, and this tour offers a great breakfast and lunch. You can rent underwater cameras and wetsuits as well if needed. Check the latest rates and availability.
Half Day Maui Snorkeling Molokini Crater Tour
If you want a more private experience, you will enjoy this tour. This is a more romantic tour as there will only be two dozen or fewer people with you, and it will be the perfect water adventure for your honeymoon.
Set sail on a 50-foot yacht and enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch, and open bar during your half-day trip. Check the latest rates and availability.
Molokini Crater Zodiak Adventure Snorkel and Turtle Cove Swim
Another one of the best snorkel tours on Maui takes place on this Molokini Crater Zodiak Adventure Snorkel Tour. This tour is four hours long and takes place on a smaller boat.
Head out from Maalaea Harbor and enjoy a quick ride to Molokini Crater. From there, you can observe hundreds of exotic fish and colorful coral.
To finish off your snorkeling trip, you will head to a secluded turtle cove to swim with the sea turtles! Because it is a smaller boat, you can access the secluded cove, whereas many other tours with larger boats cannot. Check the latest rates and availability.
Molokini Crater Snorkeling FAQs
There are so many great snorkeling spots all over Maui, but one of the best places to snorkel is at Molokini Crater!
Yes, it is safe to snorkel in Maui. Like anything in the ocean, you will need to ensure the water and weather conditions are good for snorkeling and to practice safety while snorkeling.
Yes, snorkeling at Molokini Crater can absolutely be worth it if you go on the right tour! Read more below to see which are the best Molokini Crater tours so you can enjoy your snorkeling trip.
No, you have to go on a tour to go Maui Crater snorkeling. Check out some of the best Molokini snorkeling tours down below.
Yes, there are some sharks at Molokini Crater, but it is very rare to see one while you are snorkeling. Sharks try to avoid people, and because Molokini Crater diving and snorkeling are popular tourist activities, it is very unlikely you will see a shark during your tour.
Each tour to Molokini has its own timeframe, but most are usually between 4-6 hours. There are a few two-hour ones as well if you need a shorter tour.
Molokini Snorkeling Wrap Up
For a fun adventure during your trip to Maui, make sure you go on a Molokini Crater snorkeling tour. They are so much fun and will have you see some of the best marine life on the island. You won’t regret it!