Snorkel the reefs of Lānaʻi
The tour
A small raft goes where the big boats can't
Most snorkel tours out of West Maui carry sixty people to the same two spots. This one carries fourteen on a fast, shallow-draft raft, which means the crew can pick the day's stops on conditions rather than on what the schedule allows — sea caves, lava arches and reef along Lānaʻi's largely undeveloped coast.
Guides get in the water with you. That's the difference people mention most: someone alongside pointing out what you'd otherwise swim past — honu, octopus, eels, the occasional pod of spinner dolphins on the crossing.
Departures leave from Kāʻanapali Beach, the same sand as our parasail check-in. No harbour, no shuttle bus, no separate drive.
What's included
In the price
- Mask, snorkel, fins and flotation vest
- In-water guiding at both stops
- Fresh fruit and Hawaiian juice aboard
- Shaded seating and freshwater rinse
Add on
- Sea scooters — cover more reef with less effort
- Private charter of the whole raft
- Prescription mask on request
Bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Towel and a rash guard
- Motion-sickness tablets if you're prone
Do both
Fly one morning, snorkel the next
Both operations leave from the same stretch of Kāʻanapali sand, so you can see this coast from 1,200 feet up on one day and from under the surface on the next. Tell either crew you're doing both and they'll help you time the departures.
Snorkel questions
Where does the snorkel tour leave from?
Kāʻanapali Beach — the same stretch of sand as our parasail check-in. You board off the beach rather than from a harbour.
How long is the trip?
About four and a half hours door to door, including the crossing to Lānaʻi and two guided snorkel stops.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
No. Flotation vests are provided and guides are in the water with you at both stops. Being comfortable in open water helps; being an athlete doesn't.
What will we see?
Reef fish, honu (green sea turtles), eels and octopus are common; spinner dolphins turn up on the crossing often enough that the crew watches for them. In winter, humpbacks are in the same channel.
Is gear included?
Yes — mask, snorkel, fins and vest, plus fresh fruit and Hawaiian juice aboard. Sea scooters are an optional add-on.
Can we book the whole boat?
Yes. Private charters are available for families and groups, which also lets you set the departure time and the stops.
Are kids welcome?
Yes, from age six. Flotation vests are provided for every guest and the guides are in the water with you at both stops.
Full details, current pricing and booking at lanaisnorkelsafari.com.