Sea Caves Along Kanaio Coast & Molokini Snorkel Adventure
Duration: 5.5 Hours
Ages: 4+ year of age (adult supervision required under 12)
Location: Kihei Boat Ramp
Dolphins, sea turtles, sea caves, remote snorkeling and up to 3 Molokini snorkel spots including the backside of Molokini. Trip includes breakfast (consisting of individually wrapped muffin and assorted fruit cups), lunch (individually wrapped ham and cheese, or turkey and cheese croissants and nut free chocolate chip cookie, water and hawaiian juices. Vegan or gluten free option available if requested in advance), beverages and snorkel gear.
The Kanaio Sea Caves… Passengers can expect a rare treat as they tour along Maui’s Gold Coast past Wailea and Makena to a remote and inaccessible coastline with spectacular views of the slopes of Mt. Haleakala. About 200 years ago at Kanaio, molten lava exploded from a side vent and poured into the ocean forming incredible lava arches, grottos and sea caves. Photographers will delight with the array of unique formations that await at every turn.
Dolphins Dead Ahead!… Following Kanaio, you will cruise to the protected waters of La Perouse Bay, frequently encountering a pod of spinner dolphins , including babies, along the way or in the bay itself. Named for their acrobatics, these playful mammals will frolic in the wave produced by our boat sometimes only a few feet from the bow!
On many occasions, our snorkelers have been approached by dolphins while in the water. This experience has been described as spiritual and is a visual and auditory experience that one never forgets.
A continental breakfast (consisting of individually wrapped muffin and assorted fruit cups) is served around this time and a remote snorkeling site may be offered (time and conditions permitting) such as the La Perouse Pinnacle which is teaming with fish.
Molokini Crater… After departing La Perouse Bay, you’ll head for Molokini, a short 20 minute ride from the bay. There we will generally offer up to three unique sites including the inside rim, the outer reef and the back side of the crater. By this time of the day conditions at Molokini are generally calm and most of the bigger boats have departed or are departing leaving plenty of room for uncrowded snorkeling.
Butterfly FishDrift snorkeling the outer reef… is one of the many highlights of this tour. Imagine snorkeling one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world drifting gently along with the current as your boat follows near by for your safety. Glide past a variety of butterfly fish, wrasses, black and pink tailed durgeons, all posing against a backdrop of beautiful coral only 3 feet below … truly a photographers dream!
For an exciting panoramic view, venture over to the edge to witness an awesome 200 ft. drop. It’s like looking off the edge of the world!
Back Side… (optional site) Time and conditions permitting, another drift snorkel may be offered on the back side of Molokini, a favored dive site for advanced scuba divers. The depth here is about 300ft. but the lighting and the view of the vertical wall of rock, coral and fish is phenomenal. This site may also be offered as an alternative to the inside under certain sea conditions.
Turtlely Cool!… Departing Molokini, we make one more stop in Makena where we serve lunch (individually wrapped ham and cheese, or turkey and cheese croissants and nut free chocolate chip cookie, water and hawaiian juices.
Vegan or gluten free option available when requested at time of booking), and snorkel with sea turtles and spotted eagle rays near pristine lava fingers. these turtles, although endangered and protected, are accustomed to seeing snorkelers and do not mind being photographed as they surface for air just a few feet away.
The variety of scenery and wildlife encountered both above the surface and below truly make this tour one of the most comprehensive snorkeling adventures available on Maui.
RAFTS & RESTRICTIONS
Our rafts are fast, stable, rigid hulled, inflatable boats powered with environmentally friendly, smoke free motors. These tours are best for those who are adventurous in spirit and in reasonably good physical condition. Tour departs rain or shine. Inclement weather conditions are usually temporary and rain gear is provided. Cancellations due to weather are uncommon. Destinations are weather permitting and alternate sites may be chosen. However, it is rare for us not to reach our destination. If the captain deems the conditions to be unsafe for departure, a full refund will apply.
