Lanai Snorkel Tours

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Nine miles across the Au'au channel from West Maui lies the privately-owned island of Lanai. It was once the largest pineapple plantation in the world; now very little pineapple is grown there. The island's economy is centered around the two resort hotels - the Manele Bay Hotel and the Lodge at Ko'ele. Most visitors to the island come over for the day from the island of Maui. The island is very dry and doesn't have the lush beauty found in Maui's rainforests, but Lanai has the longest stretch of coral reef in Hawaii. But the biggest attraction of Lanai is the large pod of Spinner Dolphins frequently encountered on Lanai's southern coast ... watching these marine mammals in their natural environment will surely be one of your most memorable vacation highlights!

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Ultimate Rafting Lanai Snorkel Tours

Ultimate Rafting info coming soon.

The minimum age for these tours is 4, and it is not suitable for anyone with back or neck injuries or problems, or for pregnant women.

ULT / V

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Makai Adventures Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Adventures

Escape the crowds of Lahaina and explore the pristine waters of Lana'i with Makai Adventures! This 4 hour tour is offered April through November on Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30am - 11:30am. Their NEW boat, Kaiao, is a comfortable and spacious small boat that features easy ocean access with a large swim step, dual swim stairs, cushioned seats, on-board restroom, freshwater shower, dry storage, flotation gear, and 50/50 shaded seating. You will depart from Mala Wharf, which was not damaged during the Lahaina fire. Makai adventures provides you with the top of the line Cressi brand snorkeling gear and fins ensuring the most comfortable snorkeling experience. They also have extension poles for gopro cameras if you need one!

Cruise across the 'Au'Au Channel to the island of Lana'i, and sit back and enjoy while their Captain points out sites along the way. Lana'i is home to remote coastlines with sea caves, miles of sea cliffs, blowholes, sea caves and arches, King Kamehameha The Great's favorite fishing grounds, ancient Hawaiian burial sites, and many of Hawaii's best coral reefs. You will stop at the Captain's choice of the best 2-3 snorkel sites based on the day's conditions making each trip unique. Above the water, keep an eye out for humpback whales and dolphins. Watch Lanai's resident pod of dolphins ride the bow wave and do acrobatic tricks. You may see Spinner dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, or the elusive spotted dolphins! Under the surface, swim with turtles, schools of fish, and colorful coral.

Before heading back to Lahaina and anchored in a remote cove, you will be served a deli lunch. Soft drinks and ice cold water, and you are welcome to bring own alcoholic drinks for after snorkeling. To keep plastic out of our oceans, they provide a 5-gallon jug of ice cold water for you to refill your reusable water bottles or use the provided paper cups.

They recommend wearing your swimsuit, and bringing a towel, sunscreen (no spray sunscreen), hat, sunglasses, camera, reusable water bottle and a light jacket or sweater. You can also bring a wetsuit top or sun protective clothing. If you need a speciality mask such as a prescription mask, rent one at a snorkel shops before your trip.

The minimum age for this tour is 4, and it is not suitable for anyone with back or neck injuries or problems, or for pregnant women.

MAKAI1 / V

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Quicksilver Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Encounter - from Maalaea

Qwuicksilver lost their location at Lahaina Harbor during the fire of August of 2023, but they are now operating a Lanai snorkel tour on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday out of Maalaea Harbor which is located in Central Maui! As you board the Quicksilver at Maalaea Harbor, your initial view will be of the island of Kaho'olawe to the left and McGregor Point lighthouse on the right. As you round the point, the island of Lanai comes into view. As you get closer, you'll see the distinctive shape of Sweetheart Rock come into sharp view. This formation is just offshore from Lanai's south coast and is steeped in legend and history. On your way accross the channel enjoy breakfast onboard, tropical fruit, fresh muffins and pastries, juice, and hot coffee or tea. Keep your eyes peeled for the stars of the show ... the famous Spinner Dolphins of Lanai! They often appear along the island's south shore in pods of hundreds. For every one you see swimming at the surface, there are many more underwater. They often swim along with the boat for a while, and a few will typically put on a ballet show as they leap for joy and do the spinning move that gave them their name. Bottlenose dolphins are often seen on many trips ... they are much larger, but appear in smaller groups of just a few at a time.

The nearshore waters of Lanai are home to sheer cliffs, craggy rocks, and coral reefs full of colorful marine life. Because the island is so lightly developed and the human population is small, the corals and reef life are better developed and less disturbed here. You'll enjoy a great snorkel site, with the specific location chosen based upon weather and ocean conditions. Typical locations include Manele Bay, or Sharkfin Rock on the island's west side. Top-quality snorkel gear and flotation devices are included, and the crew will give you snorkeling instructions if you are a "first-timer" or need a refresher. Water clarity often exceeds 100 feet!

Quicksilver is not just fast and comfortable ... it is a FUN boat too! The vessel has a water slide, and a "Jump for Joy" jumping platform!

After water activities enjoy a nice lunch ... either a deli sandwich or pulled pork sandwich, coleslaw, chips, chocolate chip cookies, soda, juice, water, and a selection of alcoholic beverages available for puchase for $3 each. Quicksilver's professional captain and crew are filled with aloha. They will do their best to provide a memorable day on the water and bring ancient tales and legends of old Hawaii to life as they narrate your cruise.

QS1 / V

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