For an in-depth look at all the ocean wonders around Maui, you just have to sign up for a trip with Aqua Adventures. They offer both snorkeling and snuba tours out to the Molokini Crater and all around the Turtle Arches. If you’d like to bring all your friends and family along for the ride, you can sign up for their private charter instead.
Either way, you’ll need to book your trip online as soon as you know you’ll be on the island. Plan to go early in your trip just in case you fall in love with the experience and want to do it all over again. All their adventures start out on their twin-engine, double-decker watercraft. Although it’s built for up to 49 passengers, they keep their trips to 40 tops, just so everyone has enough elbow room.
Built for ages eight and up, their basic Snorkel & Snuba adventure will treat you to a whirlwind trip across the Maui oceanside. You’ll spend nearly five hours on the water, starting with a trip over to the Molokini Crater. On the way there, you’ll get a full continental style breakfast from Beach Bums Bar & Grill to energize you for the fun ahead.
While chowing down, you can check out the amazing views on the upper deck. Or simply relax on the lower deck while looking for dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life. Plan to go on a tour between December and April? You might even have a chance to spot humpback whales nearby.
Once you make it to the crater, the instructors will hand out the snorkel gear and provide instructions on what to do while in the water. Then, you’ll get down into the ocean and follow your guide to see all the best sights in the area. While snorkeling, you’ll stay on the surface, while looking down at all the tropical fish, sea turtles, and more in your midst.
If you’d like a closer look, then you need to sign up for the snuba upgrade. With that move, you’ll get to go 10 feet below the surface for a chance to see the marine life up close. Unlike scuba diving, you don’t need any certifications to participate. Your instructors will provide all the gear and info you need to have a safe, yet wholly exciting trip down beneath the waves.
After exploring the crater to your heart’s content, your guide will have everyone board the boat to go to the Turtle Arches. While there, you’ll have a good chance to see tons of sea turtles in their natural habitats. Just remember not to get too close or touch the turtles since they’re a protected marine species. All in all, you’ll likely spend up to three hours in the water across both sites.
Once you get back on the boat a second time, you’ll get to enjoy a catered lunch as well. You get your choice between smoked turkey, roast beef, and ham sandwiches, all made with care. Chips, sodas, and other sides complement the main entrée, restoring your energy spent kicking around in the water. You’ll then get to enjoy the wonderful views on the way back to the harbor while chatting about all the amazing things you saw on the trip.
Their private charters can follow the same itinerary if you wish – or go anywhere else you’d like to see. On that trip, the boat is reserved for just your family and friends. You can bring up to 39 people along for the ride, allowing you to make memories to last a lifetime alongside all your loved ones.
Insider Tips:
-All their trips are weather permitting. The crew may change your itinerary after reviewing the weather for the day. They also reserve the right to cancel your trip if the conditions do not allow safe travels.
-Worried about getting seasick? Take an over-the-counter motion sickness medicine about one hour before your trip.
-If the motion sickness medicine does not work, stay in the center of the lower deck and keep your eyes on the horizon.