Maui Turtle Town Kayak Tour: An In-Depth Review

Dreaming of gliding over crystal waters and watching sea turtles, well, it’s almost as if they are swimming right next to you? A kayak and snorkel tour to Maui’s Turtle Town sounds like an experience straight out of a postcard, or at least that’s what I thought. So, the opportunity arose for me to check it out, and I did! In this write-up, I’ll get into the specifics, sharing what this trip really involves, and pointing out some aspects you might like and a few that, very well, might need a bit of thought on your part.

What Makes Turtle Town Special?

So, what exactly is so awesome about “Turtle Town?” Basically, it’s not so much a town in the traditional sense as it is, you know, a collection of prime snorkeling spots near South Maui, areas where Hawaiian green sea turtles are often found relaxing and feeding. Places like Maluaka Beach (also known as “Turtle Town”), and nearby Makena Bay, it’s almost as if they have earned a stellar reputation for fairly reliable turtle sightings, along with rather stunning underwater views. These gentle creatures are, actually, protected, so the tours emphasize seeing them responsibly—giving them space, and refraining from any touching. You might know, too, that seeing them in their habitat adds a dimension to a snorkeling trip that a lot of other places really just can’t offer.

Booking the Right Tour for Your Needs

Alright, tour time. Options are many! Various operators on Maui offer these kayak and snorkel trips, differing somewhat in terms of tour length, group size, equipment quality, and the perks provided, or so I hear. Many tours, anyway, leave from places nearby like Makena or Wailea. Personally, reading some reviews and comparing what’s included—things like snorkeling gear, snacks, drinks, and pictures—might, very well, assist you in deciding. Similarly to how a smaller group frequently promises a more intimate experience with added personal attention, which could be what you want, that is if you don’t enjoy crowds.

You see, thinking about what is important to you in respect to snorkel experience assists in narrowing the playing field. Anyway, looking at factors like the guides’ know-how of marine life and their ability to convey clear safety instructions might go far when coming to picking what’s the best tour, or what I think anyway, you may or may not agree with. You could find a lot of these tours, or some variation on sites like:

• Viator
• GetYourGuide
• Tripadvisor
• Local tour company websites

The Kayak to the Snorkel Spot: What to Expect

Alright, the day has arrived; you get an early start, and show up at your departure place. Following a quick safety briefing and some direction on kayak paddling, off you go, probably. Paddling out to the snorkeling spot can vary based on the tour operator and weather. It can also depend on fitness levels of participants, but I will assume that your tour will want the paddle to be pleasant, or at least doable. The trip normally delivers appealing coastal vistas, or so people say.

Once you get to the snorkel spot (usually it’s just off the coastline), your guide helps in securing the kayaks, and gives direction on the best way to snorkel in the particular area to watch turtles and other marine creatures. Equipment is then put on (mask, snorkel, fins), you receive advice to help make certain the mask is leak free, and some useful snorkeling advice. Someplace such as Maluaka Beach has rather calm, clear water, which assists in being able to watch sea turtles as they are swimming, yet there are days when the water will be less clear because of waves or recent rain. Basically, you are at nature’s mercy.

The Snorkeling Experience: Up Close with Turtles

Basically, the highlight, definitely, is observing the Hawaiian green sea turtles. Viewing these stunning creatures in their environment may be an emotional and unique encounter, I mean it was for me. They are quite chill in respect to human encounters, or at least that’s what it appears, commonly grazing on algae-covered rocks, and gradually making their way to the water’s surface to get air. Plus you are more than likely to see loads of sea life – different kinds of colorful fish, perhaps the odd ray, more or less.

Again, all tour providers point out the need for responsible interaction. Maintaining a courteous amount of space keeps them from getting stressed and causing disturbance to their behavior patterns, generally speaking. And yes, for certain, you can’t touch the turtles; not just due to it being disallowed but to protect the turtle’s sensitive skin from getting contaminated. You might see some operators bring an underwater camera with them to record you with the turtles, if the tour promotes this you might very well get an opportunity to purchase these pictures to remember your trip, just as I did.

Essential Tips for a Fantastic Tour

So, want a perfect outing? Think ahead with these handy hints:

• Pick a Morning Tour:The sea, you might find, is more often calmer and visibility sharper early in the day. You’re likelier to stay clear of the strong-blowing afternoon wind.
• Slather on Sunscreen: It’s real important to shield yourself from sunrays with some waterproof, eco-friendly sunscreen. It’s not only the intense sunshine but reflection from the sea’s surface that ups your sun exposure, you could say.
• Hydrate Smart: It’s crucial to sip lots of water, specifically before, during, and after all that activity. It makes certain you’re topped up with fluids, that is.
• Think About a Waterproof Camera: Are you wanting to chronicle every incredible second of your snorkel excursion? The cameras can do this under water, and capture sights that will blow you away.
• Be Sea Ready: Should you get seasick easy, then take necessary sea-sickness medication beforehand to make the kayaking section loads better.
• Hear out Your Guides: Guides usually deliver real great advice regarding ocean safety, how to spot sea life and how to use the equipment safely, or I certainly believe that is so.

What to Bring on Your Kayak and Snorkel Adventure

What to carry for the kayak and snorkel experience may differ depending upon your operator but some normal must-haves consist of, usually:

• Swimwear
• Sunscreen (reef-safe)
• A hat and sunglasses
• A towel
• Water shoes or sandals
• A rash guard or cover-up for extra sun protection
• Any personal snorkeling gear if you prefer your own

It’s also quite worthwhile to bring a waterproof bag so as to safeguard your gadgets and belongings dry, very, very dry that is.

Other Water Activities Around Turtle Town

Well, should a kayak tour not totally satiate the craving for some aquatic excitement, South Maui’s more than abundant with some options! Everything is, usually, within a stones throw.

• Scuba Diving: Are you a certified scuba diver? Dive at more far off reefs close to Turtle Town and watch the underwater sights, with even greater opportunities of getting up and personal with those sea turtles.
• Snorkel Boat Tours: Kick back on the spacious pontoon, then it sails to excellent places ideal to go snorkeling in the area, normally also delivering food and drinks.
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): Borrowing a SUP is excellent for seeing Maui’s coastline at your own speed, and at the same time being a fairly decent activity for exercise, it turns out.
• Whale Watching Tours: Book an exciting trip for watching whales in the winter months (normally November–May) to spot majestic humpback whales that come to these warm seas to procreate.