WAILEA SNORKEL FIELD GUIDE
Paddle from the Shore, Slip into the Reef: A Two-Hour Outrigger Snorkel off Wailea
A focused 2-hour Maui outing that pairs 30 minutes of paddling and instruction with 90 minutes of snorkel time—an exacting primer for families and small groups.
Paddle from the Shore, Slip into the Reef: A Two-Hour Outrigger Snorkel off Wailea.
Set out from the sand in a sturdy OC6 outrigger and ride warm Wailea waters to a sheltered reef where guided swims put turtles and reef fish within reach. The Andaz Snorkel Outrigger Canoe Tour is a compact, family-friendly outing run by experienced paddlers that emphasizes hands-on time on the water and close encounters with Hawaiian marine life.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
An Outrigger That Carries Tradition
Guests launch from a spacious outrigger canoe—called an OC6—an important symbol of Hawaiian culture, paddled by guides who are personable and State Champion paddlers.
Turtles, Reef Fish and Guaranteed Encounters
Once the canoe reaches the chosen reef, snorkelers strap on gear and enter the water where sightings of turtles, fish and other wildlife are guaranteed.
Small-Boat Access, Big Water Time
The operator runs six OC6 canoes that each accommodate up to six people, allowing families and small groups to travel together and stay away from larger crowds.
What the day feels like
What the Two Hours Feel Like
The tour begins with a beach launch and about 30 minutes of paddling and instruction aboard a roomy outrigger canoe, letting the group settle into rhythm and learn basic paddling technique. After the transit you rig snorkel gear and spend roughly 90 minutes in the water exploring reef habitat and observing turtles and reef fish under the guidance of experienced paddlers.
THE CULTURE
An Outrigger That Carries Tradition
Guests launch from a spacious outrigger canoe—called an OC6—an important symbol of Hawaiian culture, paddled by guides who are personable and State Champion paddlers.
THE MARINE LIFE
Turtles, Reef Fish and Guaranteed Encounters
Once the canoe reaches the chosen reef, snorkelers strap on gear and enter the water where sightings of turtles, fish and other wildlife are guaranteed.
THE ROUTE
Small-Boat Access, Big Water Time
The operator runs six OC6 canoes that each accommodate up to six people, allowing families and small groups to travel together and stay away from larger crowds.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits—and why.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour runs two hours total: roughly 30 minutes of paddling and instruction followed by about 90 minutes of snorkeling and water time.
The departure is from the beach launch site at Mokapu Beach next to Andaz Maui.
Participants strap on snorkeling gear and enter the water at a chosen reef to swim among turtles, fish and other wildlife.
Maui Pacific Tours operates six OC6 canoes, each accommodating up to six people to keep outings intimate.
The tour is run by Maui Pacific Tours and is conducted in English.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The outing is two hours long—about 30 minutes of paddling and instruction and roughly 90 minutes of water time.
Where do we meet?
Guests meet at the beach launch site at Mokapu Beach next to Andaz Maui.
Will I see sea turtles?
Snorkelers are guaranteed to see turtles, as well as reef fish and other wildlife during the water time.
How many people fit in a canoe?
Each OC6 canoe accommodates up to six people; the operator runs six such canoes to serve groups.
Is there instruction if I’ve never paddled an outrigger?
Yes — about 30 minutes of the tour is dedicated to paddling and instruction before the snorkeling portion.
What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is conducted in English.