It was so great we went 2 times on our recent trip to Maui. Fantastic snorkel tours to different spots. The boat is so comfortable and the captains and crews friendly, fun and very professional. Love the Max of 6 passengers. This is by far our new favorite boat for Maui adventures!
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Sanitized reusable snorkel gear and flotation equipment provided
- Choice of BLT sandwich, grilled ham & cheese or turkey sandwich, or spinach salad w/ balsamic dressing
Excludes
- Gratuities
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Check in at Maalaea General Store lanai, 132 Maalaea Road Wailuku, HI 96793
Return
- Check in at Maalaea General Store lanai, 132 Maalaea Road Wailuku, HI 96793
Itinerary
Mā‘alaea is a centuries-old Hawaiian fishing village—once home to a prominent heiau and one of the island’s largest collections of petroglyphs—whose canoe landing served as a portal to Maui for Hawaiian kings and warriors.
Check in at The Historic Maalaea General Store, Built in 1910. It was constructed by the Maui Dry goods and Grocery Company to serve the local fishing community and employees of the Wailuku Sugar Company. The store is the oldest surviving wood-frame building associated with the Japanese fishing community that developed in Maalaea Village.
A wonderful starting point for Maui’s best ocean experiences adventures. Join the fun, welcome aboard Hawaii Nautical for breathtaking whale watching, world class snorkeling spots, and stunning Hawaiian sunset cocktail cruises.
Located on the beautiful bay with a marina for small boats, this is a relaxing resort community. Māʻalaea Bay is a large bay in the southwestern coast of Maui, in the Hawaiian islands. Several small towns are located close to the bay, notably the town of Māʻalaea. The bay is approximately three miles long. The famous surf break known as “Freight Trains” crosses Māʻalaea Bay on Maui’s southern shore
Open 24 hours, a wonderful lighthouse, watching the ocean hitting the rocks is spectacular. A small path leads to a secluded tide pool and jagged coastline with rock formations. Locations will be chosen based on the day’s best weather, ocean conditions and with guest input.
Sugar Beach is a six-mile long beach in Maui, Hawaii. It's located on the shores of Maalaea Bay and is named for its fine white sand. The beach is good for swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, canoe paddling, sunbathing, bodyboarding, and long walks. Visitors can also watch for whales and green sea turtles, and enjoy spectacular sunsets. Locations will be chosen based on the day’s best weather, ocean conditions and with guest input.
Haycraft Park is part of the longest uninterrupted stretch of beach on Maui, along with Baby Beach and Sugar Beach. Locations will be chosen based on the day’s best weather, ocean conditions and with guest input.
Coral Gardens is a natural reef formation in Maui, Hawaii it is only accessible by boat. It's located in a protected bay on the west side of the island, south of Lahaina and Olowalu. Locations will be chosen based on the day’s best weather, ocean conditions and with guest input.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
Awesome Snorkel trip! This is an amazing boat and great crew. Really great VIP experience!
Absolutely amazing day of snorkeling on the "Amore". Captain and Crew were excellent at their jobs, knowledge of great snorkel locations, and so much fun to be around. The boat was spacious and beautiful! Thank you for an amazing day!
I had a great time on this small group snorkel tour. It was a beautiful day with a smooth boat ride and a really enjoyable overall experience. Captain John and Ben, the first mate and snorkel guide, were both friendly and easygoing, which made the trip feel relaxed and welcoming. I was the only one out of the three clients on the tour who snorkeled, and Ben made sure I was comfortable and pointed out and identified a variety of fish. We saw three sea turtles as well. Safety was clearly a priority throughout, which I appreciated. I would definitely recommend this tour.
Very comfietable boat, lovely crew, great snorkling As a cherry on top we saw whales. Very nice experience
This was my second time out on this boat, and with captain Ryan and Zade (sp?). It was another wonderful outing. For the price you’re getting to ride on a beautiful boat with a max of five other guests, and a lot of attention from the captain and first mate if you want to chat. Fun facts about Hawaii and the wildlife in the water! We got super lucky with pretty close humpback whale activity on the way to the snorkel site, which was my hope given the season. Definitely would recommend and will book again whenever I’m back on Maui.
This was the most amazing experience I have ever had traveling!! Mason and Jon were so accommodating and fun to spend the day with. We saw so much sea life out there, and Mason knew the names of everything we saw. This snorkel trip even made me less afraid of the ocean. I will never forget this day. Thank you so much!!
The cruise was perfect, only a few of us so plenty of choice where to sit . We were cared for by Ronnie and captain Tim and the other crew who I cannot remember so apologies to them but they all did their upmost to make sure we were looked after .Ronnie even dived with our camera to make sure we had pictures of the turtles .. absolutely fantastic. The only thing that let it down a bit was the shuttle service, the man who came to collect never said anything we were stood next to him for 10 mins we even asked him if he was here for us and he said no ...but he was !! There was a lot of backwards and forwards picking people up that didn't even belong on the snorkeling cruise so it took an hour . We did arrive on time at the cruise so at least that was something...the cruise itself was faultless !! Thankyou crew for a highly recommended experience.
We had a great time with captain John and Mason! Saw some huge turtles and got to do tow-behind snorkeling which was really cool. The boat is really nice, and they provided tons of water and snacks. First class experience all around!
We had the most incredible experience on our private snorkel tour! I was initially nervous, but thanks to the calm, supportive guidance from Walker, I completely lost my fear and ended up snorkeling for a couple of hours straight—which I never thought I’d do! He was so patient, encouraging, and genuinely cared about making sure we felt safe and confident in the water. Captain Spencer was equally amazing—knowledgeable, fun, and made the whole experience smooth and unforgettable. The boat was comfortable, the spots they took us to were stunning, and the overall vibe was just perfect. I can’t recommend this team enough—if you’re a hesitant swimmer or just want a top-tier, personalized experience, this is it. I’d do it again in a heartbeat!
Captain Dave and Quin & Ian are hard-working, friendly and made sure our snorkel, sail, & dolphin experience was an excellent one. We would definitely sail with them again.
Just finished a great snorkel tour with Spencer and Joe . They were great and knew the island and ocean well. Really took time to make sure we were happy and safe in our 3 hour snorkel tour . Nice new boat ! Comfortable and no one got sea sick - which for my family is great . Lots of fun with a couple different stops . If highly recommend them !
My spouse and I had the absolute BEST time on our luxury boat and snorkel trip with Hawaii Nautical – hands down the highlight of our week-long stay in Maui! From the moment we stepped on board, the experience felt first-class. The boat was truly luxurious — clean, spacious, and incredibly steady on the water. I’m someone who’s very prone to motion sickness, but I didn’t feel even a hint of discomfort the entire time. It made all the difference. Spencer and Johnny were beyond amazing. They checked in with us regularly to make sure we had enough food, water, and were comfortable with the timing of everything. Their attention to detail and genuine care didn’t go unnoticed. What really blew me away, though, was their incredible patience and support during snorkeling. I cannot swim and was genuinely nervous — but Spencer and Johnny took the time to help me get comfortable in the water, offering calming tips and endless encouragement. Even with a float belt, I was scared, but one of them came with us into the water and stayed close by the entire time, adjusting the plan based on my comfort level. They made sure to avoid deep spots after I shared my fear of depths, and found a peaceful, less crowded area to snorkel that felt like our own private paradise. To my surprise, I ended up snorkeling for over an hour, taking breaks as needed — and even tried being pulled gently by the boat while using the snorkel! That moment alone felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I never thought I’d enjoy the ocean like this, and it’s 100% thanks to their guidance and care. We are so grateful to Spencer, Johnny, and the entire Hawaii Nautical team. I’d give them 11/10 if I could. When we return to Maui (and we will!), there’s no question — we’ll be booking with them again. Mahalo for a day we’ll never forget! 🌊🐠⛵
My wife and I were not the only people in this “private” trip. The captain and his crew member brought another person to train and his girlfriend. They hung out in the boat together and we felt like the odd people out. We expected more attention and did the private snorkeling tour to be able to learn more about the area and its history as well as the snorkeling part. They were excellent for the snorkeling information but we were left out otherwise. They hung out amongst themselves while we drove around. Also, the captain received in the mail that morning a snorkeling “toy” that the boat pulls so the user can snorkel at a fast pace. We were not comfortable trying doing this so we passed while the others were excited to try it so they played with this for over an hour of the trip anongst themselves, taking turns. The captain should know that we signed waivers for this trip but if we decided to use his toy and became injured, I’m sure this would not have been covered and the captain was putting us at risk. Just not a smart move imo. In general, we’ve gotten more history, information and better guiding from group tours so we paid up for nothing except for the time we were in the water. Otherwise, we were left on our own. Why did the guy in training bring his girlfriend to hang out with them and get a free day in the water in our dime?
We completed a three hour snorkel tour with Hawaii Nautical out of Maui. Spence and Ben were our host and did an amazing job. We were able to snorkel in some great private spots away from the crowds of people. This allowed for clearer waters and a private guide in the water who told us about the marine life and the underwater ecosystem. You get a store credit to purchase some drinks. You may want to bring some light snacks!
The crew were fantastic. Ian, Clayton and G were wonderful. We saw a lot of fish, turtles and dolphins. Great trip on the catamaran.
Amazing experience! Spencer and Ben from Nautical Hawaii gave us a wonderful experience on La Amore. The tour only includes 6 people so it can really be tailored to your wants. We snorkeled in a spot away from all the large boats and saw tons of turtles, fish and even an octopus. The boat was gorgeous and immaculate. This tour is only 3 hours and doesn’t include food but was exactly what we wanted! Would recommend to anyone!
Fantastic boat, comfortable and fast. Great cruise and snorkeling saw whales, turtles and beautiful reefs. Highly recommend
Semi-private charter but turned out to be private as it was just our group that day. The skipper and crew were very good. We felt very relaxed and safe during the whole experience.
Our family of four took a 3-hour tour starting at 8 a.m. We have taken boat tours on Kauai and in Mexico, as well as many ocean and river cruises, and this was our most fun time ever on a boat. Skipper Spencer and his mate Gabe were really friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, and the boat is a beauty -- it could sit 10-12 comfortably, but they limit the tours to 6, and we wound up having it to ourselves. The craft has four 1600-hp engines and can cruise at 55+ mph. They took us first to a lovely shoreside reef a few miles north of Maaleaea for snorkeling -- we saw multiple sea turtles and dozens of species of reef fish. Gabe pointed out rare corals and dived for unique sea urchins, which he passed around. There was no one else there until we were leaving. Then there was whale-watching: we saw dozens of humpbacks spouting and breaching, several of them surfacing so close to the boat that we could practically touch them. (Hawaiian law forbids sailing within 100 feet of whales, but there's not much you can do if they choose to breach alongside of you!) There was a mother lifting its baby out of the water, and a bunch of males showing off for a coy female. VERY highly recommended!
It was amazing!!! Ryan and Zade could not have been better guides. Swimming with turtles, eels, exploring the reef, and then out to see the most amazing whales of our lives up close and personal! There’s not a better boat or crew in all of the islands. We will definitely be back!
My husband and I had an amazing few hours out on the water! Beautiful boat, great snorkeling (so many turtles!), and a wonderful crew! We are experienced snorkelers, and stayed in the water for quite some time. But the crew has more flexibility than the larger boats and can modify the tour based on their passengers’ skill and preferences. We lucked out and were actually the only passengers on Sunday morning, so we had a private tour with no other boats in sight! Snacks, water, and soft drinks are available on board, and you are given a stipend at the General Store to buy food before, or after the trip. We had lunch afterwards - yummy fish tacos and pulled pork sandwich. Highly recommend this trip — it was so worth it to avoid the crowds! Tip: check out their website before booking the trip - there was a 25% promotion for November bookings.
Amazing time and amazing staff! Perfect amount of time on the boat and snorkeling. We were lucky enough to get it all to ourselves!
Wonderful morning seeing beautiful scenery and snorkelling with turtles. Captain and first mate were so helpful and knowledgeable. Boat was lovely and fast. Our kids loved it.
It was the best adventure with the best crew ever! The captain and first mate made the 3 hours the adventure of a lifetime. It was so good we had to go back two days later!
We had a great time in this tour. Totally relaxing and easy cruise and the music was on point! Snorkeling was awesome and Micah was an awesome guide helping one of our not so willing snorkelers! We saw turtles, all kinds of fish, and even a reef shark. Great tour, easy going, and fun guides, and highly recommended... Did I mention the luxury boat??!! Wow! You won't be dissapointed!
Wonderful captain and 1st mate. Nice intimate setting customized to the day. They also give you a credit at the store for your choice of snacks and beverages.
Had a great time! My fiance and I booked this for snorkling and whale watching and we ended up being the only people on the boat. We had an absolute blast and were treated like royalty. The crew was super rad and we had a private boat...what else do I need to say?
Cruising aboard the 42' Boston Whaler on a private tour was incredible. Tanner and Ryan were a very skilled team. While snorkeling we saw 6-7 turtles, 1 large monk seal, and numerous whales enjoying their morning. A once in a lifetime tour that was well worth the money.
Captain Kiwi and Captain Ryan were professional, entertaining, and knowledgeable. My husband and I were fortunate to have the beautiful yacht to ourselves. The best Molokini snorkeling ever! Were fortunate to see whales on our return, too. Molokini
This experience was the highlight of our trip! Kiwi and Josh were awesome - they made us feel welcome and relaxed. They customize the trip, doing what we want to do - no standard itinerary. We cruised around looking for whales and then hit a couple snorkel spots where we saw tons of fish and numerous turtles. My wife isn't a very comfortable swimmer and Josh guided her while she hung onto a floatie, made it enjoyable for her instead of stressful. The boat is absolutely stunning; so comfortable, fast and luxurious. We would highly recommend this experience to anyone considering it!!
Oh my gosh…highlight of our trip to Maui!! Absolutely killer brand new boat that had 1400 hp and all the comforts you could possibly need. They only take max of 6 people, but there wes only my wife and myself on this trip, so turned into our private snorkeling trip on a perfect weather day. We found a quiet spot off the black sand beach in Wailea and saw turtles, schools of fish, crabs, urchins, star fish, and creatures we had no idea what they were. Captain Doug was so laid back and made us feel right at home. First Mate, Vinny, towed my wife, who is not the most confident swimmer, all around the bay making sure she was safe and pointed out all manner of sea life. We got to meet Sandra and Jessica, 2 more of Capt Doug’s absolutely delightful family of staff who hung out and entertained us for the entire trip. We’ve been coming to Maui for 30 years now, I cannot think of a better activity we have ever done or nicer people. This will be our goto activity going forward on future vacations to Maui. Aloha Capt Doug and crew. We will be back!!
My family and I had such an amazing time on this small group tour. Josh and Nick made sure we were comfortable on the boat and had everything we needed, from snorkeling equipment to snacks and drinks. As someone who had never snorkeled before, I was a bit nervous, but the friendly and knowledgeable crew made me feel right at ease. Saw so many sea turtles and fish. This was definitely the highlight of my trip to Maui. Can’t recommend this experience enough!
A great experience for a small group who wants to see Green Sea Turtles. Josh and Nick were awesome and attentive Mahalo!
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
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