South Shore Turtle Kayak and Snorkel Experience

The South Shore Turtle Kayak and Snorkel Experience is an exhilarating way to explore the vibrant marine life of Makena Bay. Paddling alongside knowledgeable guides, visitors can encounter green sea turtles, schools of colorful fish, and even playful dolphins – all while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Hawaiian coastline. With personalized attention and quality equipment, this highly-rated tour offers an immersive adventure that’s perfect for families and first-time snorkelers. But what truly sets this experience apart is the chance to witness the incredible diversity of the ocean’s inhabitants up close and personal.

Key Points

• Unique opportunity to explore Makena Bay and encounter marine life, including green sea turtles, tropical fish, manta rays, and spinner dolphins.
• Choice of 2.5-hour leisurely paddling with 45 minutes of snorkeling or a 4.5-hour tour including lunch.
• Personalized attention with a maximum of around 10 paddlers per guide, providing comprehensive safety briefings and hands-on support.
• Highly recommended by 97% of travelers and earned a Badge of Excellence, praised for knowledgeable guides and memorable experiences.
• Not wheelchair accessible, but suitable for most travelers, with the majority able to enjoy the unique opportunity to encounter marine life.

Overview and Experience

The South Shore Turtle Kayak and Snorkel Experience offers a unique opportunity for visitors to Maui to explore the picturesque Makena Bay.

This 2.5- or 4.5-hour tour is recommended by 97% of travelers, earning a Badge of Excellence. Families and beginners can enjoy the scenic paddling route and snorkeling with professional guides.

Highlights include encounters with green sea turtles and vibrant marine life. The tour provides quality equipment, light refreshments, and personalized attention, with a maximum of around 10 paddlers per guide.

Reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and overall memorable experiences.

Tour Details

Two tour options are available for the South Shore Turtle Kayak and Snorkel Experience – a 2.5-hour leisurely paddling tour with 45 minutes of snorkeling, or a 4.5-hour tour that includes lunch.

The tours provide quality ocean touring kayaks, snorkeling equipment, light refreshments, life jackets, and gratuities. Groups are limited to around 10 paddlers per guide, ensuring personalized attention.

The meeting point is 5180 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753, USA. Guests can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the experience starts without penalty.

Safety and Accessibility

Although the South Shore Turtle Kayak and Snorkel Experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can safely participate with the guides’ beachside safety and paddling instruction.

The tour isn’t suitable for travelers with serious medical conditions or back problems. However, guides provide comprehensive safety briefings and hands-on support, making the experience accessible to a wide range of skill levels.

Participants can expect personalized attention, with a maximum of around 10 paddlers per guide. While the tour may not be suitable for everyone, the majority of travelers can enjoy this unique opportunity to encounter marine life in Makena Bay.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

The South Shore Turtle Kayak and Snorkel Experience boasts an impressive 4.8 rating based on 177 reviews.

Travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides, fun experiences, and close encounters with sea turtles. Some reviewers mention a desire for more paddling and exploration during the tour, while others praise the guides’ friendliness and ability to accommodate beginners.

Guests consistently report memorable experiences, with many recommending the tour for families and first-time snorkelers.

The excellent feedback and high ratings underscore the tour’s popularity and quality, making it a highly recommended activity in Makena Bay, Maui.

Additional Information

Along With the exceptional customer feedback, the South Shore Turtle Kayak and Snorkel Experience provides guests with an opportunity to learn about marine life and Hawaiian culture.

The tour confirmation is received at booking unless within 7 days of travel, in which case it’s provided within 48 hours.

Guests report memorable experiences, with many recommending the tour for families and first-time snorkelers.

The tour offers a chance to take in the natural beauty of Makena Bay while gaining insights into the local environment and traditions.

Scenic Paddling Route

The scenic paddling route takes guests on a journey through the stunning Makena Bay.

As kayakers glide along the calm waters, they’ll encounter several noteworthy sites:

1. Little Beach – A crescent-shaped stretch of white sand, perfect for relaxing and taking in the views.
2. Big Beach – One of Maui’s largest and most breathtaking beaches, known for its expansive shoreline and powerful waves.
3. La Perouse Bay – An area of volcanic rock formations and lush marine life, often home to a variety of sea turtles.
4. Various sea caves and lava rock formations along the coastline, adding to the scenic splendor.

Personalized Attention and Instruction

Though the South Shore Turtle Kayak and Snorkel Experience caters to guests of all skill levels, the guides ensure each participant receives personalized attention and instruction.

With a maximum of around 10 paddlers per guide, the tours provide an intimate setting where novices can feel comfortable and confident.

The guides patiently demonstrate proper kayaking and snorkeling techniques, tailoring their approach to individual needs.

Beginners appreciate the hands-on guidance, while experienced adventurers benefit from the guides’ expert knowledge of the local marine environment.

This personalized care creates a rewarding and safe experience for everyone.

Encounter With Marine Life

One of the primary draws of the South Shore Turtle Kayak and Snorkel Experience is the opportunity to encounter vibrant marine life.

While paddling through Makena Bay, guests may spot:

1. Green sea turtles gracefully surfacing for a breath of air.
2. Colorful tropical fish darting through the coral reef.
3. Manta rays gliding effortlessly beneath the clear blue waters.
4. Spinner dolphins playfully leaping out of the waves.

The guided snorkeling portion of the tour allows participants to enjoy this underwater wonderland, observing the diversity of Maui’s marine ecosystem up close.

Knowledgeable guides share insights about the local wildlife, enriching the overall experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Items Are Provided for the Snorkeling Portion?

The tour provides snorkeling equipment, including quality masks, snorkels, and fins, to allow guests to comfortably explore the vibrant marine life and encounter green sea turtles during the snorkeling portion of the experience.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Guests can bring their own snorkeling equipment, but the tour provides quality late model snorkeling gear, including masks, snorkels, and fins. This allows guests to focus on the experience without worrying about equipment.

Do the Guides Speak Any Languages Other Than English?

The guides typically speak English, but may also be able to communicate in other languages depending on the specific guide leading the tour. Multilingual guides can provide a more inclusive experience for international travelers.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The cancellation policy for this tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Guests can take advantage of this flexible policy to change their plans if needed.

Are There Any Weight or Age Restrictions for Participants?

There are no specific weight or age restrictions for participants. However, the tour may not be suitable for travelers with serious medical conditions or back problems. Most travelers can participate, with guides providing necessary support and instructions.

The Sum Up

The South Shore Turtle Kayak and Snorkel Experience offers an unforgettable adventure exploring Makena Bay. With quality equipment, personalized attention, and the opportunity to encounter vibrant marine life, this highly-rated tour provides an immersive experience for families and first-time snorkelers. Whether choosing the 2.5-hour or 4.5-hour option, guests can enjoy scenic paddling and personalized instruction from knowledgeable guides, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an up-close encounter with Maui’s natural wonders.