The Best Maui Snorkeling Tour

Discover Molokini: A Trilogy Tour Experience

Disclaimer: This post is not paid, and it’s purely done to document my experience with Trilogy Excursions. I do not receive any commissions from this post.

With perfect year-round weather, beautiful clear waters, and plenty of coastlines, Maui provides some of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii. Snorkeling in Maui is an excellent experience for all groups and all skill levels.

In addition to being able to go snorkeling around the beaches, Maui also hosts plenty of tour companies that specialize in this activity.

Each tour company offers different packages and options. Basically, it’s up to the consumer to decide what’s best for them. In this article, I will share my experience with a specific tour group, Trilogy Excursions.

Trilogy excursions

Trilogy Excursions are Maui’s number-one sailboat company. They are also a family business, and that sense of family translated well to our experience. They take pride in their work, and their hospitality is top-notch. Like most companies with outdoor-related activities, risk is involved; thus, a mandatory waiver must be filled out. No waiver equals no boat trip.

They offer plenty of tours on their website that offer different experiences. Tours, however, must be booked in advance. There is no room for walk-ins. If you have ever been to Hawaii, the rule of thumb is to reserve. Hawaii gets overcrowded often, thus making it ever essential to plan and schedule ahead. Snorkeling in Maui is no exception.

Discover Molokini

The tour that we chose was that of Discover Molokini. This tour includes a round-trip visit to Molokini and a second location, often Turtle Town, where guests can go snorkeling. You can also do SNUBA diving(a hybrid form of Snorkeling and Scuba). You must go through an additional process and fee to secure a spot to SNUBA since they are limited.

This is, of course, weather permitting. For the safety of the passengers and crew, the captain may change snorkeling locations.

The tour leaves promptly at 7 am. But check-in starts 15 -20 mins prior. Be there early; we arrived at 6:30. Remember to account for parking time. In case you don’t find one quickly. Parking is located on Maalaea Harbor, the Trilogy’s port of call.

Breakfast to go

After check-in, you will be provided snorkeling gear as you board one of their vessels. Inside the cabin are storage spaces for any bags you may have, two restrooms, and a small bar/kitchen.

You can get coffee, tea, water, or juice at the bar. They usually offer POG Juice (Passion Orange Guava). I already had coffee, so I went for the POG, and I’m glad I did. Very refreshing. They offer you a small breakfast as they sell to their first destination(usually Molokini).

For breakfast, we were given fruit cups and Hawaiian cinnamon rolls. Those were delicious. After breakfast, but before arriving at the destination, the crew introduced themselves and reviewed safety rules and regulations. Shortly after, we arrived at the crater.

What is Molokini Crater?

Geologically considered part of Maui, the Molokini Crater is a crescent-shaped volcanic cone rising from the ocean floor caused by thousands of years of activity.

Because of its crescent shape, the islet provides a natural barrier from the rest of the ocean, thus allowing some calm waters inside. Perfect for snorkeling.

Today, Molokini Crater is a world-class snorkeling and diving destination due to its clear, undisturbed waters where one can see upwards to 30′ deep on most days. It’s true. The best part is the wildlife, abundant and diverse here you can swim with the fish.

Molokini provides enough to satisfy you regardless of your beginner, advanced, or intermediate level.

Turtle Town

Located near Maluaka Beach in Kihei Maui, one can find a fantastic snorkeling location, with the highlight being the ability to see and swim with the Honu (Hawaiian for turtles). My wife and I were fortunate enough to see one. There is nothing like seeing turtles in the wild versus in an enclosure.

Please do not attempt to touch the turtles. Remember, these are wild creatures and, as such, unpredictable. Of note, it is a beach location, unlike Molokini, which causes the waters here to be a bit darker. Being exposed to currents, there is a higher risk of being pulled away.

If you are a newbie or beginner swimmer like myself, I highly recommend staying close to the group and not wandering off. In both locations, a crew member goes into the water with the tour, acting as a guide and lifeguard, which adds to a better experience. It made me feel safe.

DId I mention food?

For our return voyage, Trilogy spared no expense; they provided us with a full-plated lunch. Drinks are included, as well as refills, if you are interested. For the 21+ crowd, it is at this time you can redeem your two complimentary alcoholic beverages. My wife and I quickly chose Mai Tai. We were in Hawaii, after all. I can honestly say that the quality of the food and drinks was top-notch.

Being able to eat while enjoying the breeze, listening to the waves, and enjoying the scenery was an experience I will never forget. On the way back, we kept seeing schools of flying fish. I kept trying to take a picture, but they were too fast for me.

Return voyage & closing comments.

The captain & crew’s hospitality of Trilogy I (the name of our boat) was outstanding. They were terrific and created a perfect atmosphere for us. I was very nervous going into this trip, being a first-timer and not the best swimmer. They were able to make me forget it all.

Around 12:30 noon, we were back on land, and the tour was over.

Upon arrival on land, I took a quick moment to reflect on what I had just done. I snorkeled, let alone swam out in the open ocean. I saw living creatures in their native environment and had lunch on a boat. These were all first-time experiences for me.

Those who know me know I am not the best swimmer; I could have almost drowned, but swimming in the ocean was unforgettable and so worth it.

On that particular Friday, I lived a lot, which was one of my top experiences during our honeymoon in Hawaii. Thank you, Trilogy!

Give Trilogy Excursions a chance when you go snorkeling in Maui. I firmly believe you will not be disappointed.