WAILUKU BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Into Molokini’s Blue Bowl: A Small-Group Snorkel on Ocean Explorer
A five-hour, small-group snorkeling voyage from Maʻalaea Harbor to Molokini Crater and a second, operator-selected snorkel site — this guide distills what to expect, who should go, and the essential logistics.
Into Molokini’s Blue Bowl: A Small-Group Snorkel on Ocean Explorer.
Board the Ocean Explorer, a 54-foot single-deck catamaran with open seating and unimpeded views, for an intermediate-to-advanced snorkeling day that visits the world-famous Molokini Crater and a second, expertly selected site such as Turtle Arches. With just 34 guests, the outing mixes crystal-clear reef snorkeling, coastal cruising along Maui, a continental breakfast and an onboard BBQ lunch, all departing from Maʻalaea Harbor.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Molokini Crater and a Second Reef
Snorkel the iconic volcanic bowl of Molokini Crater — known for clear water, abundant coral and colorful reef fish — then explore a second snorkel spot chosen by the crew (examples include Turtle Arches) based on conditions and the day’s custom itinerary.
Ocean Explorer: Small-Group Catamaran
The trip is limited to 34 guests aboard the Ocean Explorer, a 54-foot single-deck catamaran with open seating that provides plenty of room to move, view the coastline and prepare for repeated snorkel entries.
Breakfast, BBQ Lunch and an Easy Day at Sea
A continental breakfast is served before you sail and a BBQ lunch is prepared onboard, allowing the day to focus on snorkeling, wildlife and coastal scenery rather than logistics ashore.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
The outing unfolds as a compact five-hour loop: check in at Maʻalaea, cruise out past Maui’s coastline, make your first snorkel stop at the volcanic rim of Molokini, then head to a second, crew-selected reef site for another swim among reef fish and, often, resting seabirds — all paced around an onboard continental breakfast and a BBQ lunch.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip best suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The excursion runs approximately 5 hours.
Check in at the Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store in the Maʻalaea Harbor Shops (next to the Maui Ocean Center); departures are from Maʻalaea Harbor. Check-in is at least 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
A continental breakfast is included and a BBQ lunch is prepared onboard the Ocean Explorer.
All reservations are non-refundable and changes are not permitted within 48 hours of check-in; no-shows are non-refundable. The operator may reschedule or cancel due to weather, sea state or other exigent circumstances. All activities are at your own risk.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Molokini & Turtle Adventure?
The trip lasts approximately 5 hours.
Where do I meet for departure?
Meet at the Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store in the Maʻalaea Harbor Shops, next to the Maui Ocean Center; departures are from Maʻalaea Harbor. Check-in is at least 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
How many people are on board and what vessel is used?
The experience is limited to no more than 34 guests aboard Ocean Explorer, a 54-foot single-deck catamaran with open seating and unimpeded views.
Are meals provided?
Yes — a continental breakfast is provided and a BBQ lunch is prepared onboard.
Are there age or health restrictions?
Yes — the trip is not recommended for non-swimmers, pregnant women, people with heart conditions, or anyone with neck, back, knee or mobility problems. Children under 7 are not permitted.
What happens if the operator cancels due to weather?
Pacific Whale Foundation reserves the right to reschedule or cancel due to weather, sea state or other exigent circumstances at the Captain’s discretion; reservations and no-shows are non-refundable under the stated policy.