Molokini Crater & Turtle Arches Snorkel Cruise

One of the most famous snorkel spots in Hawaii, the sunken u-shaped volcano crater of Molokini is a marine sanctuary with stunning visibility of up to 180 feet, colorful coral, and plenty of tropical fish. On a half day cruise, you'll stop at Molokini (only accessible by boat) and popular Turtle Arches. You'll have a good chance of seeing large sea turtles, dolphins, whales (in season), underwater lava arches, and varied marine life. The friendly and knowledgeable crew will get you properly fitted with gear (included: premium snorkel gear and flotation devices such as noodles, water belts, large ocean mat, and life jackets), educate you about the marine life you’ll be seeing and the local geology, provide snorkel instruction as needed, give a guided reef tour, and give special attention to the younger ones with the Junior Naturalist Program. A free marine wildlife 8x10 glossy poster card is also given per person. 

NEW SMALLER CRUISE: Starting in November, a new upgraded experience (Deluxe) is also available on some days. It's the same spacious double-decker boat with all its amenities, but this separate cruise has half as many passengers (max of 35, versus 70 for the standard cruise), so more room to safely space out and move about the boat. In addition, the cruise is 30 minutes longer, and it includes an upgraded food menu (full hot breakfast and expanded lunch spread, per FAQ below) and 3 included alcoholic drinks (vs. 1 for standard). Deluxe pricing is $180 per adult, $130 per child, and free for infants.

In addition to the 2 variations of this cruise (standard & deluxe), we also offer a more adventurous Molokini cruise on a smaller boat (max of only 18). This other cruise does have a minimum age of 7 and is not recommended for inexperienced swimmers or snorkelers. You can compare both Molokini cruises here. 

COVID-19 UPDATE: For the safety of staff and guests, enhanced sanitation measures and onboard best practices to reduce contact and maintain social distancing have been implemented. In addition, for the foreseeable future, passenger capacity has been reduced by 50% (although it will often be less).

The booking calendar above shows real-time availability. If the date/time is available (including for tomorrow morning), just select it and finish the booking process as soon as possible to claim your spots. The cruises can sell out, so don't wait too long!

• Onboard certified marine naturalists, most with science degrees, to provide context for what you are seeing
• Learn from a prominent non-profit organization that has advanced marine life research and conservation efforts for over 35 years
• Profits from your tickets support PWF's important work
• Snorkeling conditions best in the morning when the water is calmer and clearer
• Unlike sailing catamarans, plenty of indoor seating for those who like shaded seating (with spacious windows)
• Max passengers was reduced in Nov 2018 from 130 to 110, which is less than similar sized large boats that hold 130-150

Maui Revealed Guidebook:

One of the best snorkel spots in the entire state

Lonely Planet Guidebook:

Molokini: Hawaii’s Top 20 Attractions. 250 species of tropical fish.

Pacific Whale Foundation: These tours do it right

Fodor's Guidebook:

World-famous Molokini Crater is the most popular snorkel cruise destination in Maui. Visibility is generally outstanding and fish are incredibly tame.

Moon Guidebook:

Molokini Crater: Top Highlight. The water is some of the clearest in the world and the snorkeling is the best in the state

• Non-profit organization whose mission is to protect the oceans through science and advocacy. It conducts marine research, educates the public, and fights for marine life and ocean conservation.
• Hawai’i Ecotourism Association Sustainable Tourism Certification
• Part of the Dolphin SMART wildlife viewing and conservation program
• Holds annual Maui Whale Festival to raise awareness about conservation and raise funds to support its important programs
• Provides complimentary reef-safe sunscreen (onshore and onboard)
• Boats use energy efficient, low emissions engines
• Developed and outfitted all boats with whale protection devices, the first devices in the world for commercial vessels that guide whales away from propellers and running gear
• Uses bio-compostable cups, and reusable plates and silverware
• Sources locally grown fruits, vegetables, and meats to reduce carbon footprint

• Refundable until 48 hours prior to activity time

• 4.166% Hawaii sales tax (GET)
• 3% Harbor Tax
• $4.50 fuel surcharge per person

• No sunscreen permitted that contains harmful ingredients for the reefs and marine life (oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, avobenzine, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate)
• No full-face snorkel masks permitted due to safety concerns
• In rare cases, conditions may prevent a stop at Molokini, and another snorkel spot will be substituted. Molokini is not guaranteed. Rescheduling/refunds will be treated on a case-by-case basis.