Molokini Snorkel Trips
Most Molokini snorkel trips sell out in advance, which means tourists should make their reservations three to five days in advance. Almost all Molokini snorkel trips are early in the morning around 7 am, before the trade winds pick up too much force. There are some afternoon trips, but they are few and far between.
Molokini snorkel trips sell out fast, however you may purchase one online in advance. This is highly recommended to ensure you get to choose between the various Molokini snorkel trips offered. All Molokini snorkel trips include transportation to and from the crater by boat. Departure for Molokini snorkel trips is from the Kihei Boart Ramp in the Ma’alaea Harbor.
Trips for half a day are usually affordable and include equipment, lunch, and beverages. Most Molokini snorkel trips leave the boat ramp at 7 am to arrive at the crater by 7:30 am. Early arrival is important for the best snorkeling and diving. The trade winds build up in the afternoon, too, making the morning the best time for Molokini snorkel trips. Divers should expect to see hundreds of fish species and other sea animals. The crescent shaped portion of the crater is 160 feet above water. Divers cannot go ashore and will spend their time in the water or on the boat.
Molokini snorkel trips assist divers in the best dive spots, which include the crater, Enenue, the Flying Sea Cliff, the Reef’s End, the Edge of the World and the Back Side.
Within the crater itself is best for beginners as the shape of the crater creates a safe lagoon free from strong currents. The average depth within the crater is between 10 and 35 feet. The average visibility ranges from 100 to 150 feet and offers some of the highest visibility in all of Maui. The back side is for experts only and those with high levels of self buoyancy. The shelves on the crater’s back side drop to 350 feet or more and all kinds of sea life may be seen here.
The local sea life is accustomed to the hundreds and even thousands of divers that visit daily on Molokini snorkel trips. There are more than 250 fish species, many of them indigenous to Hawaii that may be seen within the crater. Other marine life include whale sharks, white tip sharks, Hawaiian sea turtles, manta rays, seals, monk seals, and humpback whales during migration.