WAILEA SNORKEL FIELD GUIDE
Paddle, Plunge, and Swim with Turtles: A Two‑Hour Outrigger Canoe Snorkel off Wailea
A private, family‑friendly 2‑hour outing from The Grand Wailea that pairs traditional outrigger paddling with 90 minutes of snorkeling in Maui’s warm waters.
Paddle, Plunge, and Swim with Turtles: A Two‑Hour Outrigger Canoe Snorkel off Wailea.
Board a spacious outrigger canoe at Wailea Beach and feel the breeze as guides steer you out to prime snorkel water. This two‑hour tour combines roughly 30 minutes of paddling instruction with 90 minutes of time in the ocean, where snorkelers are guaranteed to encounter sea turtles, reef fish and other marine life—a compact, culture‑steeped adventure ideal for families.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Guaranteed Turtle & Reef Encounters
The tour promises close encounters with sea turtles, colorful reef fish and other wildlife while snorkeling—an experience emphasized as a highlight for guests of all ages.
Traditional Outrigger, Modern Comfort
Guests sail on roomy OC6 outrigger canoes—symbols of Hawaiian culture—paddling under the guidance of personable, experienced crews who are also State Champion paddlers.
Small‑Group, Family‑Friendly Format
With six OC6 canoes that each accommodate up to six people, the tour is structured for families and small groups to enjoy the water together away from larger crowds.
What the day feels like
What the Two‑Hour Tour Feels Like
The outing moves at an easy, deliberate pace: after launching from Wailea Beach, you spend about 30 minutes paddling and receiving instruction aboard a sturdy outrigger. Guides scout a sheltered snorkel site, then you slip into warm Pacific waters for roughly 90 minutes of guided snorkeling among turtles and reef fish before returning to shore.
THE MARINE LIFE
Guaranteed Turtle & Reef Encounters
The tour promises close encounters with sea turtles, colorful reef fish and other wildlife while snorkeling—an experience emphasized as a highlight for guests of all ages.
THE CANOE
Traditional Outrigger, Modern Comfort
Guests sail on roomy OC6 outrigger canoes—symbols of Hawaiian culture—paddling under the guidance of personable, experienced crews who are also State Champion paddlers.
THE GROUP
Small‑Group, Family‑Friendly Format
With six OC6 canoes that each accommodate up to six people, the tour is structured for families and small groups to enjoy the water together away from larger crowds.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits—and who might reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring reef‑safe sunscreen, towels, a hat and sunglasses for comfort and sun protection.
Pack sun protection and a towel for after the roughly 90 minutes in the water; reef‑safe sunscreen is specifically requested.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour is two hours in total, consisting of about 30 minutes of paddling and instruction followed by 90 minutes of water time.
Where do we meet?
The beach launch site at Wailea Beach next to The Grand Wailea is the meeting and launch location.
Will I see turtles?
Snorkelers are guaranteed to see sea turtles, fish and other wildlife during the tour.
How many people are on each canoe?
The operator uses OC6 canoes that can accommodate up to six people each, suitable for families and small groups.
What should I bring for the outing?
Bring reef‑safe sunscreen, towels, a hat and sunglasses as recommended by the operator.