Lanai Dolphin and Snorkeling Adventure

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Lanai Snorkeling Tours

Experience a Dynamic Adventure on Our Lanai Dolphin Tours

Departing from historic Lahaina Harbor, our Lanai snorkeling tour is an adventure that takes you to experience pristine reefs, vibrant marine life, and the likely sight of Lanai’s famous spinner dolphins. Our Lanai dolphin tours are backed by years of experience, with a focus on your safety and full support throughout your experience.

Lanai Dolphin Tour Overview

Dolphin Sightings

The waters off Lanai are legendary for sightings of acrobatic spinner, bottlenose, and pantropical spotted dolphins. Our experienced snorkeling team will keenly look for signs of nearby dolphins, helping visitors to spot these beautiful creatures in their natural environs.

2 Snorkel Stops

Explore two unique snorkel locations teeming with diverse wildlife, Hawaiian sea turtles, and colorful coral. We also provide unique insight into local marine flora and fauna, helping you connect to the richness of these stunning ecosystems.

Experienced Crew

Your Captain and crew are highly experienced, engaging, and entertaining. Their passion for the natural world will help bring it to life, lending expert commentary on the wildlife, the boat, and the cultural history of the area.

The Wappeston

All aboard the Wappeston, our premier “super raft.” This hard-bottomed pontoon vessel is designed for a smooth yet thrilling ride, comfortably accommodating up to 30 passengers. The Wappeston sits low to the water, offering an immersive, “eye-level” perspective of the ocean. This makes it the perfect vessel for wildlife viewing and provides an easy transition for getting in and out of the water at our snorkel stops.

Lanai Dolphin Tour Itinerary

Total Duration: 4 Hours

07:30 AM – Check-in: Check in for your Lanai snorkeling excursion and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

08:00 AM – Departure: Board the Wappeston at Lahaina Harbor and enjoy a fast-paced crossing. Keep your eyes peeled for spinner dolphins often found playing across the channel.

08:30 AM – Manele Bay: Arrive at the historic and stunning Manele Bay, known for its crystal-clear waters. You’ll enjoy 1.5 hours of world-class snorkeling.

10:00 AM – The Second Spot: We head to a second secluded snorkel site, hand-picked for the day’s best conditions, for another 1.5 hours of underwater exploration.

12:00 PM – Return: We head back across the channel, arriving at Lahaina Harbor just after noon.

The return to Lahaina Harbor is at 12:00 PM for a total trip of approximately 4 hours.

Lanai Dolphins

Explorer Super Raft offers a comfortable stable ride to Lanai

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DRIVE YOURSELF:

Adult: $200.00 plus taxes & fee
Child: $150.00 plus taxes & fee

Drive Yourself

Adult: $200.00 plus taxes & fee

Child: $150.00 plus taxes & fee

What to Know About Our Lanai Snorkeling Tour

Tour Details

Enjoy a scenic boat ride across Manele Bay followed by 1.5 hours of snorkeling
Restore your energy during a boat ride to a second hand-picked spot (chosen based on conditions) for another 1.5 hours of snorkeling
Expert-guided routes that maximize chances of seeing dolphins

What’s Included:

Gear: We encourage guests to bring their own snorkel gear, but we provide masks and fins if needed. We recommend letting us know ahead of time if you will need gear, so that we can ensure the appropriate sizes are available.
Safety Equipment: Float vests are available for any Keiki (Hawaiian for “child”) on board. Belt floats are also available upon request.
Refreshments: Drinks and light snacks included, keeping you fueled between encounters.

What to Bring

Swimsuit
Beach towel
Reef-safe sunscreen
Overclothes for the windy boat ride (e.g., a light jacket)
Sunglasses
Hat
Waterproof camera
Change of dry clothes
Seasickness medication (if needed)

Visitor Requirements

All participants must know how to swim.
Participants must be between ages 5 and 80 years old.
Families are welcome, but kids must never be left unattended by parents.

Restrictions –

48-hour cancellation policy. Click here for terms.
All activities are at your own risk. These tours are best suited for the physically fit outdoor adventurer.
No children under the age of 5, pregnant persons, or persons having recent back/neck surgeries or major injuries/issues. Any passenger doing in-water activity must be a competent swimmer.
Private Charters: do NOT have age restrictions. However, we still recommend not taking anyone out who is under 5 years of age.
Private charters are your boat for your time.
Be aware that there is No Smoking permitted on board the boat or at the dock per State law.

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Taking in the Views

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Maui Adventure Cruises Policies

Weather & Conditions

Trip availability and destination are dependent on weather, seas, and wind conditions. Any snorkel site is made at the Captain’s discretion based on highest visibility and safety.

Guest Responsibility

Guests are solely responsible for their possessions, including clothing, hats, cameras, cell phones, and other electronics. Dry storage bags are not available. However, small disposable trash bags are available upon request. Please remember, we are a sea vessel on the water and in the elements, so aim to dress appropriately. Layered clothing and a long-sleeved shirt and/or light jacket are recommended for sun and wind protection.

View Photo Gallery

Swim step for easy water entry

Whale watch on all our tours between December and April.

Spinner Dolphins get their name from how they jump and spin in the air! Lanai has a resident pod of over 200 Spinner Dolphins we see regularly.

Lanai Snorkeling Dolphin Tour FAQs

Are dolphin sightings guaranteed on the Lanai snorkeling tour?

Since dolphins continually move freely through their natural habitat, sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, the Lanai waters are famous for multiple species of dolphins. Your crew will actively watch for signs of dolphin activity to maximize the odds of seeing them on the trip. Overall, the sighting rate is about 75–90%, depending on the time of year.

Do we snorkel with dolphins during the tour?

To better promote the safety of our guests and the dolphins, snorkeling is only available at selected reef locations. Rather than snorkeling with the dolphins, guests can observe them from the boat, which is better for both human and animal. During snorkeling, guests can still see various wildlife, including tropical fish and Hawaiian sea turtles.

What marine life might I see while snorkeling around Lanai?

Coral reefs are home to numerous varieties of marine life, from stunning tropical fish to green sea turtles. Every visit will be different and an opportunity to see unique species of animals who call the reefs their home.

How are the two Lanai snorkeling locations selected?

The Captain chooses snorkeling locations based on conditions that day, including ocean conditions, wind, visibility, and safety. While Manele Bay is a featured destination, the Captain may adjust snorkeling locations to provide guests with the best (and safest) experience possible.

Do I need previous snorkeling experience?

Previous snorkeling experience is not required. However, all guests participating in water activities must be competent swimmers. Having snorkeling experience is certainly a plus, though. Additionally, our crew can provide guidance as needed, along with flotation equipment.

What makes snorkeling at Lanai different from snorkeling off Maui?

Both Maui and Lanai are popular snorkeling destinations, each with unique advantages. Lanai snorkeling includes access to more remote reefs away from the busier shoreline locations popular around Maui. Additionally, the trip across the channel offers opportunities to encounter dolphins and take in Lanai’s coastline and marine ecosystems in a single excursion.

What to Know Ahead of Time

Note – Trip and destination are weather, seas, and wind conditions permitting; any snorkel site is the Captain's choice for visibility and safety.

Guest Responsibility – Guests are solely responsible for their possessions, including clothing, hats, cameras, cell phones, and other electronics. Dry storage bags are not available; however, small disposable trash bags are available upon request. Please remember, we are a sea vessel on the water and in the elements; dress appropriately. Layered clothing and a long-sleeved shirt and /or light jacket are recommended for sun and wind protection.

Restrictions –

48-hour cancellation policy. Click here for terms.
All activities are at your own risk; these tours are best suited for the physically fit outdoor adventurer.
No children under the age of 5, pregnant persons, or persons having recent back/neck surgeries or major injuries/issues. Any passenger doing in-water activity must be a competent swimmer.
Private Charters: do NOT have age restrictions; however, they are recommended.
Private charters are your boat for your time.
Be aware there is No Smoking permitted on board the boat or at the dock per State law.