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Snorkeling Molokini Crater: Full Review, Prices & What to Expect
- Alyssa
- May 16, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: May 8
Snorkeling in Maui is one of those bucket list experiences—and on a girl’s trip to the island, a close friend and I finally crossed it off. We booked a Molokini Crater and Turtle Town tour aboard the Calypso, a half-day excursion that starts early at Ma‘alaea Harbor—one of the windiest harbors in the world.
Molokini is an ancient volcanic caldera just offshore that’s now a protected marine reserve, famous for its crystal-clear water and variety of sea life. The trip includes two snorkeling stops, plus a light breakfast, buffet lunch, and drinks.
We paid $359.90 for two adult tickets, plus $11 for parking. Here's everything we experienced—what to bring, what to expect, and whether this snorkeling tour is worth your wallet.
The Experience:
Arriving at the Harbor
This tour doesn’t offer hotel pickup, so we drove to the Ma‘alaea Harbor meeting point and parked in a paid lot nearby. Pro tip: We accidentally parked way too far from the dock. If you pull into the main address and keep driving past Buzz’s Wharf, there’s much closer parking near the Calypso dock.
We arrived early and checked in with a crew member at the end of the pier. As more people arrived, a small line formed based on order of arrival. Check-in was easy, and once everyone was accounted for, we boarded.
The tour starts around 7:30 a.m. They suggest arriving by 6:45 a.m. We got on early and grabbed seats at the front of the boat, with two chairs and a little table attached. While we waited, we were served a light breakfast of pastries, muffins, fruit, juice, and coffee, and got to watch the sunrise over the water. Honestly, it was one of the most relaxing parts of the morning.
Heading to Molokini
After a safety demo, we started the ride out to Molokini. It took some time, allowing us to finish breakfast and enjoy the view. Once we arrived, the crew explained how to use the snorkel gear, how to signal if we needed help, and how to let them know we were okay.
They handed out snorkel masks, spouts, fins, and flotation gear, and were super helpful to those who didn’t know how to swim. A few people asked for support, and staff provided waist flotation devices and pool noodles to help them enjoy the water safely.
Boarding the water was smooth: the boat has four wide staircases with handrails for easy entry, and crew members helped direct traffic into the ocean.
From the boat, you could see the crescent-shaped rim of Molokini Crater, which is now a bird sanctuary. We’d heard it was common to spot reef sharks, turtles, stingrays, and tropical fish—but for us, no sharks or turtles this time! Just plenty of fish, especially Black Triggerfish (Humuhumu‘ele‘ele) and Yellow Tang (lau‘ipala). We snorkeled at Molokini for about 45 minutes. You could also jump off the boat or use the slide from the top deck—a fun touch that made the atmosphere feel casual and friendly.
Snorkeling at Turtle Town
After Molokini, we headed to Turtle Town and were served a buffet-style lunch along the way—sandwich fixings, chips, and drinks. The boat’s seats have little tables built in, so eating while cruising was easy.
The Turtle Town stop worked the same way: gear on, safety reminder, and into the water. This reef was more like open-ocean snorkeling with a large reef system on the ocean floor. Visibility was great—we could see down to the reef and watch fish dart between the coral.
Unfortunately, we only saw one turtle—not quite the “Turtle Town” we imagined! We must have caught it on a slow day because there just wasn’t a lot of sea life action going on when we were in the water. We spent less time here than we did at Molokini, and while it was still enjoyable, it felt more like a quick stop than a highlight.
The crew did their best to help people see the turtle, but with so many people in the water, it was hard to get a clear view without crowding it. They reminded us to keep our distance—touching or harassing sea turtles in Hawaii can result in fines of up to $100,000, which most people don’t realize!
After snorkeling, we all climbed back onto the boat, returned our gear to the staff, and found our seats for the ride back to the harbor.
Back to the Harbor:
During the return trip, the staff brought around complimentary ice cream and passed out billfolds with comment cards inside. We were asked to review our experience, and right there on the card—in big, highlighted letters—was a suggestion that each couple tip at least $20.
We’re used to hearing a verbal tipping suggestion from the captain or crew, usually delivered as a lighthearted comment. But this was the first time we’d been handed a formal printed tip request. It stood out, and while we didn’t mind tipping, it felt more direct than expected.
What to bring to Molokini Crater:
Packing right for your Molokini snorkeling tour can make a huge difference, especially since the boat leaves early and the weather can shift fast. Here’s what we recommend bringing:
Reef-safe sunscreen – Required in Hawaii, and essential for all that time in the water
Towels – One per person, plus an extra if you like to stay dry on the boat
Flip-flops or water shoes – The deck gets slippery and wet
Hair ties – Especially helpful for long hair once the wind picks up
Jacket or windbreaker – Ma‘alaea Harbor is one of the windiest in the world, and mornings can feel chilly
Cash – For tips, snacks, or drinks onboard (they may not take cards)
Summary:
Snorkeling at Molokini Crater was a fun and unique experience, and one we’re glad we tried! In total, we spent $390.90 for two adults, including tickets, harbor parking, and gratuities. While we didn’t see as much marine life as we hoped, that’s part of the unpredictability of nature. Everything the crew could control was handled wonderfully—the staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. The boat itself was clean and well-equipped, and we felt safe and comfortable the entire time.
If we had one critique, it would be the way the tipping recommendation was presented. The bold, written suggestion on the comment card felt a bit pushy, especially compared to the usual lighthearted reminder most tours give. That said, it didn’t overshadow the experience.
Overall, we had a great time aboard the Calypso and would recommend the Molokini Crater and Turtle Town tour to anyone looking for a memorable snorkeling adventure in Maui.
Do you think a snorkeling trip aboard the Calypso is worth your wallet? Let us know below!