Snorkel Molokini Crater, explore colorful reefs, search for Hawaiian green sea turtles, and enjoy a smaller boat experience aboard the Maui Magic.
Overview
When we were planning our time in Maui, Hawaii, we wanted to see as much of the island as possible, both on land and in the water. A Maui snorkeling excursion was definitely on our list, and the Maui Magic Snorkel & Turtle Excursion sounded like a great way to experience some of Maui’s famous underwater scenery. The morning snorkel tour combines Molokini Crater snorkeling with a second snorkel location selected by the captain, where there is often a chance to see Hawaiian green sea turtles.
The Maui Magic is a fast catamaran with limited passenger capacity, giving the experience more of a small-group feel than some of the larger Maui boat tours. The current morning adventure includes a tropical breakfast, taco bar lunch, snorkeling gear, flotation devices, instruction, drinks, two restrooms, shaded decks, and even an onboard waterslide.
History
The Maui Magic is operated by Maui Classic Charters, a company that has been operating in Hawaii since 1983. The company describes the Maui Magic as a fast power catamaran designed to reach additional snorkel destinations along the South and West Maui coastlines.
One of the things that makes the Maui Magic different is its size and speed. The boat can visit more than one snorkel site during a single trip, and the captain selects locations according to the day’s ocean conditions. Possible snorkel stops have included Molokini Crater, Coral Gardens, Turtle Town, Turtle Arches, La Perouse, Puʻu Olaʻi, and other locations along the Maui coastline.
The crew also incorporates Maui history and cultural information into the experience while providing snorkeling instruction and safety support. The company emphasizes that its crew members are trained in CPR and first aid.
Stephanie and Jennifer in wetsuits, ready to get in the cold Pacific Ocean water
Maui Magic Snorkel & Turtle Excursion Plan
When we travel, we like to make the most of our time in a destination, so we wanted to experience more than just Maui’s beaches and scenic drives. We planned our Maui itinerary around seeing as much of the island as possible and made the Maui Magic Snorkel & Turtle Excursion one of our stops.
Spending a morning on the water gave us a completely different perspective of Maui. Instead of simply looking at the volcanic coastline from the road, we could experience Maui’s clear waters, coral reefs, tropical fish, and tropical marine life from the water.
A Maui boat tour like this also made it possible to combine Molokini snorkeling with a second turtle-focused stop in one morning. Depending on weather and ocean conditions, that second stop can be somewhere such as Turtle Town, Turtle Arches, or another South Maui snorkeling location.
Jennifer and Stephanie with a few of the boat’s crew
Boating up to Molokini Island, the first stop on our excursion for snorkeling
Getting There
Location
Maui is one of the main Hawaiian Islands and sits in the central Pacific Ocean. Known as the Valley Isle, Maui is home to everything from tropical beaches and lush valleys to volcanic landscapes and dramatic coastal scenery.
The island is a popular destination for snorkeling, whale watching, hiking, scenic drives, and other outdoor adventures. Many of Maui’s popular snorkel destinations are found along the South Maui and West Maui coastlines, while Molokini Crater sits offshore and is one of Hawaii’s best-known snorkeling destinations.
The Maui Magic departs from Maʻalaea Harbor, making it a convenient option for travelers exploring central Maui, South Maui, or other parts of the island. The harbor is also home to several other Maui boat tours and marine excursions.
Because Maui has so many different landscapes and activities, adding a Maui snorkel cruise to a larger island itinerary is a great way to experience a completely different side of Hawaii.
Best Time to Go
Maui is a year-round destination, but the best time to go depends on what you want to see and do.
For snorkeling, morning is a great time to get on the water. The Maui Magic’s current morning tour checks in at 6:30 AM and has a 7:00 AM departure time, allowing the boat to make an early run toward Molokini Crater. The company notes that all snorkel locations and the number of stops are dependent on weather and ocean conditions.
If snorkeling Molokini is your priority, keep in mind that the captain makes the final decision about the day’s route. The Maui Magic attempts to reach Molokini when weather and conditions permit, but another destination may be used when conditions make that the better choice.
Whale season is another special time to take the tour. Seasonal humpback whales can be seen from the boat during the winter migration, with the company currently describing its seasonal whale watching as running from December through March.
For Hawaiian green sea turtles, there is no guarantee that you will see them, but the second snorkel location is selected to provide an opportunity to encounter turtles in their natural environment.
Stephanie and Tricia on the boat ride
Jennifer and Stephanie ready to snorkel
Maui Magic Snorkel & Turtle Excursion
Who Can Go?
The Maui Magic morning snorkel tour is not recommended for children under 5 years of age. Children ages 5–12 have a separate child price, and infants are currently listed as free. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
The tour is a good option for travelers who want to snorkel, explore coral reefs, see tropical fish, and potentially encounter sea turtles, dolphins, and seasonal humpback whales. Snorkeling gear, flotation devices, and instruction are provided, so you do not need to bring your own snorkel equipment.
Guests should be comfortable following crew instructions and entering the water from the boat. Ocean conditions can change throughout the day, and the captain determines which snorkel sites are appropriate.
Because this is an active ocean excursion, travelers should also consider their individual comfort level in the water. Pregnant women and anyone with mobility or medical concerns should check with the tour operator before booking to make sure the activity is appropriate for them.
What You'll See
The big draw of the Maui Magic Snorkel & Turtle Excursion is getting to experience two different snorkel locations during one trip. The exact snorkel stops vary according to weather and ocean conditions, but the tour focuses on Molokini Crater and a second location where guests may have an opportunity to see turtles.
Molokini Crater
Molokini Crater is an extinct volcanic cone located offshore from Maui. The partially submerged crater is surrounded by clear water and coral reefs, creating a famous snorkeling environment.
A Molokini snorkeling tour aboard the Maui Magic is designed to reach the crater early, before the crowds become heavier. In the crystal-clear waters of Molokini Crater, you may see colorful reefs, tropical fish, and a variety of species of fish beneath the surface.
The Maui Magic provides snorkeling gear, optical masks, flotation equipment, and instruction, making it easier to enjoy the water without packing your own snorkel equipment.
Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles
Seeing Hawaiian green sea turtles is one of the highlights of this Maui turtle snorkeling excursion.
After Molokini Crater, the captain selects a second stop where guests may have a chance to snorkel with turtles. Possible locations have included Turtle Town, Turtle Arches, Puʻu Olaʻi, La Perouse, and other areas along the South Maui coastline.
Turtle Arches, sometimes associated with the Five Caves area, is known for its underwater formations and marine life. Turtle Town is another popular area where Hawaiian green sea turtles are frequently encountered.
Remember that these are wild animals, so turtle sightings are never guaranteed. Hawaiian green sea turtles are protected, and you should never touch, chase, or harass them.
Coral Gardens
Coral Gardens is another possible Maui snorkel destination. The area can offer clear water, coral reefs, tropical fish, and other tropical marine life.
The Maui Magic’s smaller, faster design gives the captain flexibility to choose among different snorkel locations when conditions permit. That means your trip may not look exactly like another day’s itinerary.
Dolphins
Keep your eyes open while traveling between snorkel locations because spinner dolphins and Pacific bottlenose dolphins are sometimes seen alongside the boat.
The Maui Magic was previously marketed as the Dolphin Discovery because of the frequency with which dolphins were encountered in the wild. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, however, so consider dolphins a fun possibility rather than something you should expect to see.
Humpback Whales
If you visit during whale season, you may also have an opportunity to see seasonal humpback whales from the boat.
Maui is an important winter destination for humpback whales, and the Maui Magic incorporates seasonal whale watching into its snorkeling experience. The current tour information lists whale season from December through March.
Other Possible Snorkel Destinations
Depending on the day and the ocean conditions, possible snorkel sites can include:
- Molokini Crater
- Coral Gardens
- Turtle Town
- Turtle Arches
- Puʻu Olaʻi
- La Perouse
- Olowalu
- Other South and West Maui locations
The captain chooses the final snorkel destinations, so flexibility is important.
Some of the many fish we saw at Molokini Island
Stephanie and Jennifer snorkeling at Molokini
What to Bring & Wear
The Maui Magic provides snorkeling gear, flotation devices, instruction, and other snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to pack your own gear unless you prefer using personal equipment.
For the rest of the day, think of this as an active beach and boat adventure. A swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and a change of dry clothes are useful to have with you.
A light jacket can also be helpful for the early-morning boat ride, especially when the wind picks up while traveling across the water.
It’s smart to bring a waterproof phone case or another waterproof option for your valuables. Avoid bringing large bags or unnecessary valuables onto the boat.
If you’re prone to getting cold in the water, especially during winter, you may want to consider a wetsuit. Wetsuit rentals are available for a small fee and are currently listed at $10.
You do not need to bring life jackets because flotation equipment is provided, but always follow the crew’s instructions about which flotation devices to use while snorkeling.
Where to Go
The Maui Magic Snorkel & Turtle Excursion departs from Maʻalaea Harbor, Slip #55. The current GPS address provided by the company is 11 Maʻalaea Boat Harbor Road, Wailuku, Hawaii 96793.
For GPS purposes, the company specifically recommends using the harbor address rather than navigating to its corporate office in Kihei. Follow signs for Maʻalaea Harbor once you reach the area, then look for Slip #55 on the odd-numbered side closer to the street and shops.
How Long Does it Take?
The Maui Magic morning snorkeling excursion takes about five hours.
The current schedule lists:
- Check-in: 6:30 AM
- Departure: 7:00 AM
- Return: Approximately 12:00 PM
- Trip duration: 5 hours
- Departure location: Maʻalaea Harbor, Slip #55
The tour is designed around two snorkel locations, although the number of stops and exact locations can change because of weather and ocean conditions.
That early departure leaves much of the afternoon open for exploring another part of Maui, relaxing at the beach, visiting the Maui Ocean Center, or checking out another nearby attraction.
A green turtle diving back under the water
A turtle at the bottom of the ocean
Cost
At the time of writing, the Maui Magic Morning Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkel is listed at $205 plus tax and fees for adults and $155 plus tax and fees for children ages 5–12. Infants are currently listed as free.
The price includes snorkeling gear, flotation equipment, instruction, a tropical breakfast, taco bar lunch, fresh-baked cookies, and non-alcoholic beverages. Beer, wine, seltzers, and Mai Tais are available after snorkeling.
The tour also includes the shaded decks, two restrooms, boarding ladders, optical masks, and other amenities.
Prices and availability can change, so check the official Maui Magic website before planning your Maui vacation.
Tips for the Maui Magic Snorkel & Turtle Excursion
- Arrive early for the 6:30 AM check-in and allow yourself enough time to find the correct harbor and slip.
- Double-check that you are going to Maʻalaea Harbor, Slip #55, rather than the Maui Classic Charters corporate office.
- Reserve your Maui snorkel tour in advance, especially during busy travel periods.
- Check the weather and ocean conditions before your tour.
- Remember that snorkel locations and the number of snorkel stops are weather dependent.
- Be flexible if the captain changes the itinerary because of swell height, wind, visibility, or other ocean conditions.
- Don't count on seeing turtles, dolphins, or whales because wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
- Keep a respectful distance from Hawaiian green sea turtles and never touch or chase them.
- Consider a wetsuit if you tend to get cold while snorkeling.
- Bring a waterproof phone case if you want to take photos from the boat or beach.
- Leave large bags and unnecessary valuables behind.
- If you're traveling with children, remember that the Maui Magic tour is not recommended for kids under 5 years of age.
- Don't worry about bringing your own snorkel gear unless you prefer personal equipment; snorkeling gear and flotation devices are included.
- Enjoy the scenery between snorkel stops because Maui's coastline is part of the experience.