From Maalaea Harbor: Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Adventure

The Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Adventure offers a unique opportunity to explore the marine life around the island of Lanai. Departing from Maalaea Harbor on Maui, this 5.5-hour catamaran cruise takes adventurers to the Manele-Hulopoe Marine Life Conservation District, where they can enjoy the underwater world and potentially spot spinner dolphins. With a knowledgeable crew, top-notch gear, and a delectable meal, the tour promises an unforgettable experience. But what makes this excursion truly remarkable is the chance to witness the breathtaking beauty of Lanai’s coastline, which could leave a lasting impression on even the most seasoned traveler.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Dolphin Watching Tours In Maui.

Key Points

• This 5.5-hour catamaran cruise departs from Maalaea Harbor and visits the island of Lanai, including a 2-hour snorkeling session in the Manele-Hulopoe Marine Life Conservation District.
• The tour includes a continental breakfast, deli sandwich lunch, and a variety of beverages, as well as snorkel gear, flotation devices, and a snorkeling tutorial.
• Guests have the opportunity to look for acrobatic spinner dolphins and enjoy panoramic views during the cruise.
• The tour is guided by a captain and crew, with a lifeguard on duty during the snorkeling session, and offers a jump platform and slide.
• Wetsuits and underwater cameras are available for rent, and Dramamine is provided for seasickness, but the tour may be impacted by weather conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 5.5-hour catamaran cruise departs from Maalaea Harbor and takes visitors to the island of Lanai, where they can explore vibrant underwater marine life through snorkeling and look for acrobatic spinner dolphins, all while enjoying panoramic views of the neighboring islands.

The itinerary includes a continental breakfast and deli sandwich lunch, as well as a variety of beverages.

The cruise also features a 2-hour snorkeling session at the Manele-Hulopoe Marine Life Conservation District.

Guests can expect to be accompanied by a captain, crew, lifeguard, and have access to snorkel gear, flotation devices, and a jump platform with a slide.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a continental breakfast and deli sandwich lunch, along with a variety of beverages like coffee, tea, juice, soda, and water.

Guests will then embark on the 5.5-hour catamaran cruise from Maalaea Harbor to the island of Lanai. During the cruise, they’ll have the opportunity to look for acrobatic spinner dolphins and enjoy panoramic views of the neighboring islands.

Once at Lanai, guests will spend 2 hours snorkeling in the Manele-Hulopoe Marine Life Conservation District, where they can explore the vibrant underwater marine life. The tour includes snorkel gear, flotation devices, a snorkeling gear tutorial, and a lifeguard on duty.

Included Experiences

The tour includes a captain and crew to guide the excursion, as well as snorkel gear and flotation devices for guests. A snorkeling gear tutorial is provided to ensure participants are comfortable and confident using the equipment.

Plus, a lifeguard is on duty during the snorkeling portion of the adventure. Guests can also enjoy a jump platform and slide, perfect for adding some excitement to the snorkeling experience.

The tour provides all the necessary equipment and support to allow guests to fully enjoy the vibrant underwater world of Lanai. Whether a seasoned snorkeler or a first-timer, the included experiences ensure a safe and memorable adventure.

Excluded Experiences

While the Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Adventure includes a range of experiences, there are some exclusions guests should be aware of. Hotel pickup and drop-off, parking fees, tips, and towels aren’t provided as part of the tour.

Plus, the activity may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or non-swimmers. Guests should also note that the minimum drinking age is 21 years.

Though wetsuits are available for rent at $10 and underwater cameras can be rented for $85, these aren’t included in the tour price.

Snorkel destinations are weather dependent, so the exact locations may vary based on conditions on the day of the tour.

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Age and Mobility Restrictions

Guests should keep in mind that the Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Adventure may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as it doesn’t include hotel pickup/drop-off or cater to those with limited mobility.

Plus, this tour isn’t recommended for non-swimmers, as a significant portion involves snorkeling in the ocean.

The minimum drinking age is 21 years, so younger participants won’t be able to enjoy the beverages included in the tour.

While the cruise offers an exhilarating experience, it’s essential to consider these age and mobility restrictions to ensure a comfortable and safe adventure for all guests.

Rental and Purchase Options

For those who need extra warmth or wish to capture underwater memories, the tour offers wetsuits for rent ($10) and underwater cameras for rent ($85).

Wetsuits can provide insulation against the cool ocean waters, ensuring maximum comfort throughout the snorkeling experience. The underwater cameras, on the other hand, allow adventurers to document their close encounters with vibrant marine life and the stunning scenery.

Plus, the tour provides Dramamine for those prone to seasickness, and souvenir t-shirts are available for purchase.

These optional add-ons cater to the diverse needs and preferences of the participants, enhancing the overall experience of the Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Adventure.

Weather Considerations

The snorkel destinations for the Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Adventure are weather-dependent, as the tour’s itinerary can be impacted by changing ocean and atmospheric conditions. While the tour operator give you the best possible experience, the specific snorkel sites may need to be adjusted based on factors like wind, waves, and visibility.

Strong winds and choppy seas can make snorkeling conditions unsafe or unpleasant, requiring the crew to find more sheltered areas.

Poor underwater visibility due to factors like plankton blooms or sediment can limit the quality of the snorkeling experience.

The tour operator closely monitors weather forecasts and may need to modify the itinerary if inclement conditions are expected.

Departure and Return Information

The Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Adventure departs from Maalaea Harbor, located about 20 minutes south of Kahului Airport on Maui. Guests can expect an approximately 5.5-hour catamaran cruise to the waters off Lanai, where they’ll have the chance to spot playful spinner dolphins and explore the vibrant marine life through snorkeling. The tour includes a continental breakfast and deli sandwich lunch, as well as beverages throughout the day. Guests are advised to arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled 7:00 AM departure. After a full day of adventure, the catamaran will return to Maalaea Harbor around 12:30 PM.

Departure	Check-in Time	Departure Time	Return Time	Departure Location
Lanai	6:30 AM	7:00 AM	12:30 PM	Maalaea Harbor

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Yes, you can bring your own snorkeling equipment. The tour provides snorkel gear, but you’re welcome to use your own if you prefer. Just be sure it’s in good condition and fits properly for a safe and enjoyable snorkeling experience.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children aged 6 and up, as they’ll need to be able to swim and follow safety instructions. The crew provides snorkel gear and instruction, and there’s a lifeguard on board to ensure everyone’s safety.

Are There Any Medical Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, and non-swimmers. It requires moderate physical ability to participate in snorkeling activities. Guests should consult with the tour operator if they have any medical conditions.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on Board?

The tour allows passengers to bring their own food and drinks on board, except for outside alcoholic beverages. However, the tour provides a continental breakfast and deli sandwich lunch, as well as complimentary beverages during the cruise.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible. The itinerary includes snorkeling and access to the boat which may be challenging for those with mobility impairments. Wheelchair users are advised not to participate in this activity.

Recap

The Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Adventure offers a memorable 5.5-hour cruise from Maalaea Harbor, providing the opportunity to snorkel in a protected marine reserve and potentially spot spinner dolphins.

With a knowledgeable crew, essential gear, and a continental breakfast and lunch included, this tour is a convenient way to explore Lanai’s stunning underwater world.

You can check availability for your dates here: