The 6 Best Kayak Tours on Maui You Can Book

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

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

Start early at Makena Landing with guides such as Kyle, Curtis, Marc, or Michael. Paddle a clear-bottom kayak over shallow reefs, then snorkel with turtles and tropical fish. The three-hour, small-group tour suits beginners and families, with snacks, water, gear, and an optional regular kayak for guests over 220 pounds.

“Kyle was an incredible guide. Knowledgeable and safety-focused, while still making sure everyone had a good time. We had a couple challenging group members, and Kyle handled them impeccably. He made sure their actions did not harm the wildlife, or ruin the other kayakers’ experience, without ever making them feel singled out. He also had tremendous recommendations for where to eat after, and it wasn’t until the end of the day that my wife and I realized that breakfast and dinner were both Kyle recommendations—thank you Kyle!”

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2.Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 345 reviews · 3 hours · from $120Best value

Paddle about 1.5 miles across Makena Bay with a small group of no more than 10 people, then snorkel around Turtle Town with guides such as Tyler, Jake, John, and Rabbit. Gear, instruction, snacks, drinks, and a dry bag are provided. The 7:15 AM trip usually offers calmer water.

“The activity was amazing. We really feel the island and we got the chance to see turtles, fishes and marine life. At the end the guide told us to come at 7 am and it was definitely worth it. He was kind and he told us a lot about the island. It was like kayaking with a friend. Definitely recommend!”

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3.Turtle Reef Kayak Tour of Makena, Maui

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 328 reviews · 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $121

Launch from historic Makena Landing, paddle calm coastal water, and snorkel above Turtle Town with a guide such as Tyler, Jake, or Jeremiah. The 7:15am trip welcomes ages 5 and up and usually offers the best visibility and reef activity. Single and double kayaks, snorkel gear, refreshments, and safety support are included.

“Tyler was a great guide.we saw a lot of turtles and fish. Thanks for the opportunity to kayak and snorkeling.”

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4.Private Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tour in Turtle Town, Maui

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 293 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $169

Paddle Maui’s Turtle Town coastline on a private two-hour tour with guides such as Aqua or Sky. Learn SUP technique, spot sea turtles, coral, fish, and possibly monk seals, then receive digital photos. Equipment, instruction, life jackets, storage, showers, and changing rooms are included.

“Aqua made our paddle boarding experience so special, fun and memorable! From reaching out with clear and helpful instructions prior to arriving to ensuring our paddle boarding experience was safe, adventurous, engaging, educational, beautiful and so fun. My daughter and I LOVED our paddle boarding experience and sea turtles making their appearances throughout our time in the water. Thank you, Aqua!”

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

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

Set out from Olowalu Beach at 8:30 a.m. with Jason, Gabriel, and their family-run crew. You’ll paddle clear kayaks over Maui’s Mother Reef, with pontoons available for extra stability. Kayaks, rash guards, dry bags, sunscreen, water, and snacks are included. Optional snorkeling lets beginners ease into the ocean with patient guidance.

“The father son team were very nice and most accommodating. They really love what they do and it shows. The tour is a slow, descriptive paddle not too far off the shore. Beautiful scenery and very peaceful with occasional turtle poking it's head out of the water. One recommendation however for the owners: you really need better more cushioned seats for the kayaks. What you currently have was pretty uncomfortable for me personally. But overall a pleasant time and worth the money.”

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6.Semi Private Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) Class at Kalama Beach in Kihei

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $140

Meet Surf Club Maui at Kalama Beach Park for a 90-minute semi-private SUP lesson with an instructor such as Turtle, Anton, Mike, or David. You will cover safety and technique on shore, then practice on the water with your own family or friends. Equipment, reef shoes, rash guard, parking, showers, and changing rooms are included.

“I absolutely loved it! First time doing SUP and the instructor was great. The whole crew was very friendly and accommodating. Highly recommend!”

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