Best Snorkeling in Maui ~ Molokini & Turtle Arches Snorkel Cruise with Pacific Whale Foundation

Molokini Crater offers some of the best snorkeling in Maui. Once used for target practice during World War II, the crater has been restored and is now a protected Marine Life Conservation District and Bird Sanctuary. Snorkelers from around the world come to Molokini Crater to admire its beauty, coral reefs and unique wildlife.

A huge thank you to Pacific Whale Foundation for welcoming our family aboard with complimentary tickets, (for Mom, Dad & our very excited 8 year old), on your stunning Molokini & Turtle Arches Snorkel Tour. We’re so grateful to have joined you for the best snorkeling in Maui.

We knew snorkeling Molokini Crater was going to be a remarkable experience, and also, that we only wanted to make those memories with Pacific Whale Foundation.

This post may contain affiliate links and we may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.

Best snorkeling in Maui!

Don’t forget to check out Our Top 10 Tips for Snorkeling With Kids… found at the bottom of this post!

Why We Choose Pacific Whale Foundation

My husband and I fell in love with Pacific Whale Foundation, years ago, on our very first trip to Maui in 2012. We were so impressed with our whale watching cruise, that we actually booked a second cruise to go out again with them, hours later on that same day!

Sunset Cocktail Cruise (sorry kids, just for Mom & Dad this time! ~ 2017)

Since that first encounter, Pacific Whale Foundation has been the only organization we’ve cruised with when visiting Maui. Our adventures with them haven’t been limited to just water activities either!

Heading out on the Lana​‘​i Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Tour! ~ 2016

Because of Pacific Whale Foundation’s “Volunteer on Vacation” program, our family was able to spend a morning helping out at O’O Farm, on the slopes of Haleakala! We had such a meaningful experience, and highly recommend it.

The “Volunteer on Vacation” offers visitors a variety of locations and ways to get involved and give back to the local community. Activities include clearing trails, removing invasive plants species, or cleaning up beaches to help monitor marine debris.

Thinning arugula seedlings at O’O Farm.

Pacific Whale Foundation’s knowledge of Hawaii’s unique wildlife and ecosystems is incredible, as is their passion and commitment to the protection and conservation of the ocean and its marine life. We are inspired by, and admire, their dedication to sharing this information with others, especially children. It is one of the many reasons we continue to choose to explore Maui with them, over and over again!

Get into the Aloha Spirit and check out our lists of Over 50 Amazing Resources For Kids, All About Hawai’i and Over 30 Incredible Ocean Themed Books, Games and Resources.

Quick Words of Advice Before We Get Started.

There is SO much beauty surrounding you on the Molokini and Turtle Arches Cruise, that the number one thing I very highly recommend doing is living in the moment. Definitely, keep your cameras ready… and take LOTS of pictures and videos, but I would suggest waiting until the cruise is over to share them to social media.

I’ve seen the power of a whale breach, dolphins spinning and jumping, and the expressions on my children’s faces while cruising and trust me… you will not want to miss these things because you are looking at a phone.

Let the Adventure Begin!

Be prepared to hold on to literally everything you bring with you, as the meeting point for the Molokini & Turtle Arches Snorkel Cruise is located at the Pacific Whale Foundation’s Ocean Store, along Ma’alaea Harbor… one of the windiest harbors in the world!

Pacific Whale Foundation, 300 Maalaea Rd #211, Wailuku, HI 96793

Guests are asked to arrive 45 minutes prior to departure to check-in. To save time and resources, Pacific Whale Foundation emails its guests the activity waivers to sign, as soon as a cruise is booked. I recommend reading these over ahead of time and having them signed for EACH person on your reservation. Such a HUGE time saver!

Check-in was a breeze!

After checking-in, we decided to head over to the equipment rental area to grab a GoPro. Pacific Whale Foundation offers GoPro rentals for $40, which includes your memory card and an adapter, both of which you get to keep. There are plenty of GoPros available, so there is no need to reserve one ahead of time.

Inside, the gift shop area (more on that below) offers a water bottle refill station so you can fill-up before you leave on your snorkeling adventure!

Mahalo Pacific Whale Foundation for helping the planet!

If you have a little extra time to spare after checking-in, and the sun has risen enough, we recommend walking to the overlook (across from Pacfic Whale Foundation and down a covered walkway) to take a peek at where you are headed.

View of Molokini Crater from the Maʻalaea Harbor Shops. (on the horizon, just left of center.)

From there you can see Molokini Crater off in the distance and the bustling harbor below. Not to mention, you’ll feel those winds blowing across the ocean, which is quite an experience in itself!

Welcome Aboard!

The boat is a short walk from the Ocean Store and a Pacific Whale Foundation crew member leads the group, so no need to worry about going to the wrong dock. Seating on the vessel is not assigned and members of Pacific Whale Foundation get VIP boarding (one of the many perks!).

Pacific Whale Foundation has chosen the perfect sized boat to use for this cruise! There is plenty of seating and room for everyone to spread out… which is so important when you consider that each guest will be bringing their own bag(s) for their towels, sunscreen and other personal belongings.

The Ocean Voyager

Upon boarding, you will be given your snorkel gear and flippers (included with your cruise) and then let loose to find a seat.

Guests can choose from indoor seating on the lower level (out of the hot Maui sun and ocean breezes), or head to the upper level for seating in the front, sides and back of the boat.

Upper level stern and side seating options.

Lunch is served on the lower level at the blue counter, right behind the indoor seating area. Bathrooms (known as “heads” in the boating world) are located on this level as well.

Lower level indoor seating and lunch counter.

We opted to sit on the upper level, at the front of the boat… as we knew from previous Pacific Whale Foundation cruises we’ve been on, that the Jr. Naturalist program takes place here. Plus, we think these are the best seats for viewing Humpback whales and playful dolphins along the way!

Why can’t every morning start like this?!?!

Shortly after leaving the dock, crew members serve a light breakfast (included with your cruise) delivered right to your seat! Breakfast includes tropical fruit, assorted pastries and juice. Be sure to participate in the “One Cup Challenge” while on board too… don’t worry, they’ll explain!

One of the things we highly recommend doing is renting a wetsuit jacket, offered on board. Mornings off the coast of Maui can be quite windy and cool, especially if visiting during the winter months. The early morning cruise departure, Pacific breezes and slowly rising sun can make the ocean waters feel chilly. Yes… I did say chilly in regard to a tropical paradise!

Sunrise over Haleakalā. Good morning Maui!

The wetsuits are worn over your swimwear and are designed to trap a layer of water (between you and the jacket), which warms as you wear it. Sizes available are limited to what is on the boat, so if you are interested in renting one, you should do so shortly after the cruise departs.

Wetsuit goals.

You’re allowed to walk around the boat throughout the trip, which I appreciate SO much. With all of the gorgeous scenery and unique wildlife, it is very difficult for me to stay seated!

Even on Maui, I still think of Titanic when on the front of a boat!

From land, it is hard to judge just how large this volcanic crater truly is and approaching Molokini is simply breathtaking! The walls tower above the ocean’s surface, and one of the perks of sitting on the front of the boat is the unobstructed view you’ll get. Plus, watching a crew member free dive off the bow, to attach the anchor down below, is pretty incredible too!

Approaching Molokini Crater.

Before getting into the ocean (for any activity), it is so important to thoroughly apply reef safe sunscreen and allow time for it to soak in. In Hawaii, it is very easy to get sunburned without actually “feeling” it happen… especially while snorkeling in cool waters, with your back and legs to the sun.

“But Why Reef Safe Sunscreen?”

In short, research has shown, there are chemicals found in common sunscreens that actually damage coral reefs and as a result, the state of Hawaii banned the sale of sunscreens containing Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, two of the worst offenders.

Imagine adding one drop of a liquid to an amount of water that is equal to the water inside of 6.5 Olympic swimming pools. Incredibly, Oxybenzone has been found to affect baby coral at that low of a level!!! Crazy!

“Help save our coral reef home!” (Floor art at the PWF Ocean Shop, in Ma’alaea Harbor.)

In addition to Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, Pacific Whale Foundation’s Official Sunscreen Policy recommends avoiding the following active ingredients found in common sunscreens:

• Avobenzone
• Avobenzine
• Homosalate
• Octisalate
• Octocrylene
• Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

Which sunscreens are “Reef Safe”?

The term “Reef Safe” on products is not regulated, so when looking to buy a sunscreen, please be sure to choose a product whose active ingredient is zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.

Our family uses Badger Balm’s Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Sport Sunscreen Cream and Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Kids Sunscreen Cream, Tangerine and Vanilla. Plus, we always wear rash guards when in the ocean to help further protect our skin from the tropical sun.

Another thing to consider when choosing a reef safe sunscreen is avoiding spray-on products and opting for lotions/creams instead. The product drift caused when applying spray-on sunscreens can potentially travel over 1,000 feet and can actually impact sea turtle eggs on shore.

Wood post carving outside the PWF Ocean Shop in Ma’alaea Harbor.

Maui is known around the world for its incredible snorkeling. It is SO important, as visitors, we do our part to help Hawaii protect and preserve the gorgeous coral reefs and wildlife we travel to see.

If you are unsure of which sunscreen to buy, or don’t learn about the importance of using reef safe sunscreens until you’re in Hawaii… don’t worry! Pacific Whale Foundation only carries reef safe sunscreens in their Ocean Shops and also offers them for purchase on their cruises.

Let’s Dive In!

The boat trip to get to Molokini Crater is about 45 minutes, but honestly, during the cruise, I’ll bet you won’t be checking the time once. We certainly didn’t! Embrace “island time!”

A brief introduction to snorkeling class is offered, once the boat has been anchored at Molokini Crater. My mother-in-law (a first-time snorkeler) attended it and found it very helpful.

Loving the “island time” vibes!

There are a couple of ways you can go about getting into the water: using the slide off the side of the boat, or the platform at the back. Either way, wait to put those flippers on until you’re about to enter the water (at bottom of stairs for platform or the top of the slide), as they are not easy to walk in, especially on a rocking boat.

Before getting into the water, don’t forget to have your mask defogged by a crew member and to grab any flotation devices you might need. If you’d prefer to float at the surface, we’ve found it’s easiest to stay flat on the water by wearing a yellow belt and extending our arms in front of us while holding a noodle.

(A message from my “Momma Bear” instinct: PLEASE use a flotation device if you are not a strong swimmer, or aren’t used to being in ocean conditions. Snorkeling uses a lot of energy. Although the Molokini Crater is relatively calm, the Pacific Ocean is a beautiful, mighty body of water that changes as it pleases. While there are lifeguards in the water during snorkeling, and trained crew members on board, it’s best not to risk it. There are definitely plenty of creatures to see from the surface.)

Ready for adventure! (Mahalo, Will, for making my kids’ experience unforgettable!)

If you’ve never snorkeled before, or are cruising with kids, it may be a good idea to be one of the last people to get into the water. That way, you’re not rushed and can go at your own pace. (Plus, you can get great pictures and videos without holding anyone up.)

Waves rocking the back of the boat, and little splashes of waves at the platform can be intimidating for younger kids and first time snorkelers. Don’t worry though, the waves aren’t really an issue once you’re in the water, and away from the boat… you’ll just bob gently as they pass.

Don’t forget to check out Our Top 10 Tips for Snorkeling With Kids… found at the bottom of this post!

If you have a hesitant (or tired) snorkeler, take advantage of the large blue ocean mat. It stays attached to the back of the boat and is right by one of the ladders (see above picture). I actually had my daughter lay down on her tummy and peek over the edge with her snorkel mask to view the reef and creatures below. BEST idea ever! The ocean is enormous, especially to a child, and lying on a giant blue mat to look underwater, might be just the feeling of security they need!

Best snorkeling in Maui!

Molokini Crater impressed us from the moment we got into the water! It is home to 38 different species of coral and over 250 species of fish are known to visit the area.

Don’t step on this guy!

Keep an eye out for octopus, eels, puffer fish and the Humuhumunukunuku apua’a, Hawaii’s State Fish (definitely practice saying that name before your trip to Hawaii!).

A wave of swirling colors.

White Tipped Reef Sharks, Manta Rays, and Green Sea Turtles (honu) are also known to visit the crater. Pacific Whale Foundation allows about an hour to explore at Molokini, before heading off to a second location, Turtle Arches, for more underwater exploration.

Turtle Arches Snorkeling

On the way to snorkel at Turtle Arches, one of the marine naturalists led the Jr. Naturalist interactive program at the front of the boat (I love an expert speaker on a homeschool field trip!).

Pacific Whale Foundation has certified marine naturalists on-board all of its Molokini Crater tours. They are extremely knowledgeable and we appreciate that so much effort is put into teaching others about Hawaii’s unique wildlife and ecosystems.

Jr. Naturalist program with views of gorgeous Haleakala!

The Turtle Arches snorkeling location (also called “Turtle Town”) is a little bit closer to shore, and is known for its abundance of Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, known as Honu in Hawaii. Before the vessel had even anchored, there was a sea turtle popping its head above the water to breathe in the tropical air.

Turtle Arches snorkeling spot.

Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles are my favorite creatures on earth and I am mesmerized, every time I see one! I took my own “live in the moment” advice and, if you can believe it, I didn’t take any pictures or videos while in the water at Turtle Town. (I know… I’m sorry, I even had the GoPro rental too!!!)

When snorkeling Turtle Town, you might observe sea turtles resting on the ocean floor, poking about the coral, coming to the surface for air and swimming through the clear, blue waters. So much activity!

Sea Turtle we saw during our visit to Mote Marine Lab & Aquarium in Florida.

While visiting Hawaii, please keep in mind that federal and state laws protect all species of sea turtle that frequent the island chain. In short, that means you shouldn’t touch, interact with, disturb, or get within 10 feet of any sea turtle. These endangered and/or threatened sea turtles are counting on us to follow the rules that help them thrive!

Honu basking at Punalu’u Beach (Big Island)

The crew is hard at work preparing lunch, while you enjoy exploring the reefs. Chicken, veggie burgers and hot dogs are grilled on-board at the back of the boat and everything is served at the blue counter, inside the lower level.

Lunch is included with the Molokini and Turtle Arches Snorkel Cruise, as well as unlimited drinks including filtered water, juice and soda. For those over 21 years of age, don’t forget your I.D., as there are alcoholic beverages offered also… and your first one is compliments of Pacific Whale Foundation.

Lunch is served!

After you finish lunch, save those afternoon naps for when you are back on shore! There is no shortage of things to see, and do, on the journey back to the dock.

The crew members were so engaging with my kids (throughout the entire cruise), and even offered to teach my daughter how to stow ropes.

Storing lines is actually pretty tricky.

Our cruise was in February, which is peak whale season in Maui, and there were dozens of Humpback Whales visible from the boat! On our way back to the harbor, our Captain was able to stop and allow us a little extra cruise time to observe these magnificent mammals. (Yay for “island time”!)

Humpback Whales migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii during the winter months to deliver their calves. They remain there for several weeks after, so that the calves can grow big for their journey home and Momma has plenty of time to teach her baby how to be a whale… which includes how to breathe! Talk about responsibility!

A Momma Humpback Whale and her calf.

The warm, shallow waters of Ma’alaea Harbor seem to be a popular choice for raising calves. We saw whales surfacing for air, flippers and tails above water and of course, the mighty breach.

View of Ma’alaea Harbor, and part of the West Maui Mountains.

The Humpback Whales, and the winds, put on quite a show for us as we headed back to the harbor to dock.

Enjoying the Ma’alaea Harbor winds.

Our family truly loved every moment we spent together exploring Maui’s coral reefs and wildlife with Pacific Whale Foundation. They are experts in their field and we very much appreciate their dedication to education conservation and protection of our ocean’s creatures and ecosystems.

Mahalo (thank you) Pacific Whale Foundation for another outstanding cruise! My family always looks forward to sailing with you each time we are blessed to visit Maui, and we hope to see you again!

Help Support Pacific Whale Foundation

Did you learn something new about Hawaii’s ecosystem, or fall in love with one of the marine animals you saw during your Molokini cruise and want to help support efforts to protect and preserve it?! We did!

If so, be sure to head over to the the Ocean Shop (where you checked-in) to grab your complimentary wildlife postcard with a list of “10 Ways to Get Involved” listed on the back.

Oversized Marine Wildlife Postcards (complimentary with your cruise).

Keep in mind also, that all profits from purchases made at the Ocean Shop (in-store and online) go to support Pacific Whale Foundation’s non-profit programs, many of which benefit local keiki (children).

The shop carries a variety of items such as slippahs (flip-flops), reef safe sunscreen, Pacific Whale Foundation gear and ocean themed products.

Pacific Whale Foundation’s Ocean Shop (Ma’alaea)

One of the reasons we support Pacific Whale Foundation, is their commitment to educating others on the impact of single-use plastics on the ocean. They’ve started campaigns such as RETHINK and The Last Straw in an effort to spread the word on the importance of reducing the use of single-use plastics and to share simple ways to help make a difference at home.

At the Ocean Shop, you’ll find many colorful alternatives to single-use plastics, such as reusable sandwich bags, beeswax wraps, stainless steel straws, and stainless steel water bottles.

Add some aloha style to your reusables!

The kids’ corner is full of educational, interactive and playtime options that teach the importance of reducing waste, protecting our oceans and learning about the vast ocean and its marine life.

Vibrant variety!

There is also a variety of adorable, plush ocean creatures and Pacific Whale Foundation gear, to fit your little traveler(s).

Portion of kids’ section.

I couldn’t resist getting my daughter the cotton t-shirt featuring a pineapple with its bottom portion made up of sea turtles! Just too cute! My daughter also “adopted” (as she calls it) a “Shore Buddies” seal made from recycled plastic bottles.

We love knowing our purchase helps to support Pacific Whale Foundation’s mission in Hawaii’s waters and across the world.

Know Before You Go

Don’t forget to check out Our Top 10 Tips for Snorkeling With Kids… found at the bottom of this post!

• Website: https://www.pacificwhale.org/cruises/
• Phone: 808-249-8811
• Address: 300 Maalaea Rd #211, Wailuku, HI 96793 (My family met at this location for our Molokini & Turtle Arches Snorkel Tour and guests usually meet here prior to departure for this specific tour. *Please always refer to your Pacific Whale Foundation booking confirmation for the location you should meet at, as it may differ from my family’s personal experience.
• Tickets/Snorkel Cruise Info: https://www.pacificwhale.org/cruises/maui-snorkel/
• Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Read about our other Hawaiian adventures:

• Volunteering at O’o Organic Farm 
• Maui Ocean Center, Aquarium
• Stargazing at Haleakala National Park
• The Best Luau in Maui ~ The ‘Aha’aina Wailea Luau, at Grand Wailea Resort
• Maui Humane Society, Beach Buddies Program ~ Volunteer on Vacation

Big Island

• Hilo Tropical Waterfall Tour with Hawaii Forest and Trail
• Kona House Condo
• Giving Back on Vacation: Hawai’i Wildlife Center
• Meet the Artist; Mattie Mae Larson of Upcycle Hawaii (Big Island, plastic pollution, marine debris, unique wearable art.)
• Upcycle Hawaii ~ A Peek Inside their Studio
• A Visit with Upcycle Hawaii to One of the Most Plastic Polluted Beaches in the World
• One Aloha Organic Shave Ice

Also be sure to check out our Top 30 Gift Ideas for Travelers. It is full of unique gift ideas for those in your life who love to travel… or to add to your own personal carry-on.  We’ve even included the one item we won’t go to Disney without! It might surprise you!

Our Top 10 Tips for Snorkeling with Kids

We’ve put together a list of tips to help you, and your kids, get the most out of your Molokini and Turtle Arches Snorkel Tour with Pacific Whale Foundation. We hope you enjoy the best snorkeling in Maui!

• Practice using a snorkel mask before you get to Hawaii. Kids are going to experience a lot of new and exciting things when snorkeling with Pacific Whale Foundation. Using a snorkel mask (and snorkel) can be quite tricky for kids, so have this new experience at home with your little ones. If your child really likes the mask you use at home, bring it with you to use on the cruise. (Check out this full face snorkel mask for your little one). Also, if your child prefers to use goggles for snorkeling… don’t forget to toss them in your suitcase when you pack. Pacific Whale Foundation only offers snorkel masks on board.
• Ditch the slippahs (flip-flops) and tennis shoes and have your kids wear water shoes instead. You’ve likely packed water shoes for your kids to wear during your trip to Hawaii and if not, you definitely should. We highly recommend wearing water shoes during your cruise. They are obviously designed to get wet and are great for kids (and adults) when walking on the boat decks. Water shoes stay on securely, come on/off easily, provide traction and you can wear them without the hassle of needing socks (socks/tennis shoes = one more thing to try to keep dry). Flip-flops may tend to slide out from under little feet when wet and could cause tripping or foot injury. Everyone in our family wears their water shoes when we arrive for cruise check-in… they are the only shoes we bring for the excursion.
• Bring a sweatshirt and a pair of sweatpants. Kids can get chilly pretty quickly after swimming and snorkeling, and being in Hawaii is no exception. Even though you are in a tropical paradise, be prepared for the possibility of cool ocean breezes and water temps that may feel lower than they actually are because of the Hawaiian heat.
• Pack crackers or ginger chews if your child is prone to motion sickness. My kids thankfully don’t have an issue with this while on a boat, however we’ve seen other children in the past who have.
• Wear rashguards and apply plenty of reef safe sunscreen while on your snorkeling adventure, and in general when visiting Hawaii. The effects of the sun are more intense here and it’s so important to protect children’s delicate skin. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the tops of the feet! (Our family uses Badger Balm’s Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Sport Sunscreen Cream and Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Kids Sunscreen Cream, Tangerine and Vanilla.)
• Bring sunglasses and a hat for your child to wear while on board the boat. The reflection of the sun off the water is pretty bright as the sun gets higher in the sky. Wearing both of these items will help your kiddo see more of the unique wildlife and stunning scenery.
• Use the bathroom just before boarding the boat. While there are bathrooms on board the vessel, it’s a pretty tight squeeze for two people if your child needs assistance during their potty break.
• Wait to purchase your kids’ souvenirs from the Ocean Store until AFTER the cruise. During check-in for your cruise, it will be very tempting to purchase souvenirs for your kids at the Ocean Shop. (The children’s section is adorable!!) I’d recommend waiting until after your cruise to buy your souvenirs, as there is going to be a lot of activity, and more importantly, water on board the boat. Also, don’t forget, Ma’aalea Harbor is one of the windiest harbors in the world and unsecured items will likely blow around when departing and docking along this shoreline.
• If you don’t own a wetsuit, take advantage of the wetsuit rentals offered on board. Wearing a wetsuit will likely increase the time you spend snorkeling. Not only do they keep you warmer, they also add a little bouyency for your swimmer.
• Capture them “In the Moment,” not “For the Moment” when taking pictures and videos. For me, being “in the moment” means being fully focused on what you are doing or experiencing…. “for the moment” means for now, as in the brief moments it takes to pose for a photo-op. If your kids are anything like mine, they’re naturally curious and very good at observing the smallest things happening in the world around them. I’d suggest capturing these incredible moments without them knowing, that way they can stay engaged with the environment around them. Trust me, I know it’s hard to resist the urge to have them look at the camera and smile (I’m a mom and a travel blogger… I totally get it, lol!). Definitely, take a couple of photos where everyone (including you) is looking at the camera, I’d just recommend not focusing too much on this type of picture taking. I’ve captured some of my favorite family vacation memories, when my family didn’t know they were being photographed.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-IVSbglfDc/