5 Clear Kayak Tours in Maui to Book Early

1.Maui Clear Kayak and Snorkel Tour: Swim with turtles (Makena)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 551 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $130Our pick

Start at Makena Landing at 7am for a three-hour small-group tour with Ohana Ocean Adventures. You’ll paddle a clear-bottom kayak over Maui’s reefs, then snorkel with turtles and tropical fish if conditions allow. Guides such as Kyle, Curtis, Marc, and Michael are praised for patient instruction, safety, and marine-life knowledge.

“It was an incredible experience. Kyle was very nice and took his time explaining everything. This was our first time Kayaking and we had a blast! Now we have awesome pics swimming with turtles. Thank you Kyle! We had a great time.”

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2.Clear Kayak Tour with Pontoons and Optional Snorkeling-Unlimited

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 224 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $134

Start at Olowalu Beach with Jason, Gabriel, and their family team. Paddle clear-bottom kayaks across Maui’s reefs, using the hull like a window onto coral and fish. Pontoons add stability, and optional snorkeling brings you closer to turtles and reef life. Rash guards, dry bags, water, sunscreen, and local fruit are provided.

“Best and nicest guides in Hawaii!! Guides are patient, knowledgeable, and trusting letting each person go at the pace they desire. We saw 7 sea turtles up close!!”

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3.Turtle Town Clear Kayak & Snorkel Tour (8am-11am)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 100 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $130

Meet at Makena Landing for a three-hour morning tour with up to 10 people. Guides such as Chris, Kris, KP, and Macarena lead you by clear kayak to a nearby reef, where you snorkel among turtles and fish. Equipment, water, and patient instruction are included. Photos are available to buy.

“It was the perfect mix of kayaking and snorkeling! We saw a few turtles pretty close to us. KP was an amazing tour guide!”

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4.Self Guided Clear Bottom Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 31 reviews · 2 hours

You’ll paddle a clear-bottom kayak around Makena Landing, known as Turtle Town, with time to spot sea turtles, coral, reef fish, and seasonal whales. The local crew provides a safety lesson, PFD, fish card, and squirt gun, then lets you explore at your own pace. This is a self-guided outing, not a narrated tour.

“It was a great activity for our family group. (Husband and I, 75 & 74; 14-year-old and 8-year-old granddaughters). We rented two kayaks. My husband and the 8-yo were in one kayak; the 14-yo was with me. The 8-yo was not very helpful paddling. The 14-yo was a rock star, so we covered a lot more ground. The bay is very clear, and you can see down for over 20 feet. We saw a lot of sea anemone, coral formations, a lava tube, several sea turtles, a group of scuba divers and various fish. There are no "guides." The owners meet you on the beach give you the equipment, explain…”

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5.Guided Clear Kayak Tour – Unlimited

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 3 hours · from $129Best value

Join Gabriel, Jason, or another CPR-certified guide for a three-hour clear-kayak trip over Olowalu Reef. You’ll use reef-safe sunscreen, reusable water bottles, and provided gear while looking for turtles, fish, dolphins, manta rays, and distant whales. The launch site changes with conditions, and directions arrive at least 24 hours ahead.

“We learned so much from Jason and Gabriel. They were ver accommodating for our wheelchair and Jason was a hoot! Bonus was some fresh pineapple afterward. I did get a bit uncomfortable after awhile as there are no foot holds in so your back really takes the paddling. Those with pontoons said the bar hit them in the back. Highly recommend!”

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