Maui Adventure Cruises – Lanai Snorkel and Landing

Maui Adventure Cruises operates on a unique kind of vessel called a super raft. Their Maui Nui Explorer happens to be the largest raft on Maui and it’s also one of the fastest. Once you depart from Lahaina Harbor, Maui Adventure Cruises zips across the channel in search of spinner dolphins, turtles, and more. There are over 700 dolphins that have taken up residence on the southeast point of Lanai, just as you round the point in route to Manele Bay. They cruise the coastline, play in the wake and swim alongside the raft. Dolphins jumping, diving and racing alongside the boat is something that will bring a smile to your face. Two snorkel sites are included in this adventure. The captain may elect to stop at one on the way to Manele Bay or thrill you with a secret snorkel spot on the return to Maui. During your off-shore snorkel experience, you may encounter Manta Rays and the Green Sea Turtles.

Hulopoe Beach is a short walk up the hill from Manele Harbor. Its beautiful white sand beach has been rated the best beach in America on several occasions in the last 15 years. There are picnic tables, volleyball nets to enjoy at the beach. Or you can catch some rays and look for seashells. But the real attraction is the tidepools to the left of the beach. The reefs to the left of Hulopoe Beach are like rainbows underwater. From blue, yellow and green, they are vibrant and teeming with marine life. There are so many different species of fish in the waters off Lanai. Big and small with some a colorful as the reefs. Some swim in schools, others alone or with just their mate. It’s like snorkeling in a wild aquarium with everything you would expect.

You can also walk back to the harbor and snorkel in front of the break wall. Here in Manele Bay is some of the finest snorkeling in the world. Be careful getting in and out of the water. The area next to the harbor starts out very shallow. There are urchins strewn everywhere. As you move further out the depth gains a little, but the entire area is no deeper than 8 feet. During the whale watching season from December 15th to April 15th Maui Adventure Cruises you’ll be fortunate enough to also get to do a whale watch on this tour. Seeing whales from a raft is personal. You really get an idea of their size, grace, beauty, and power. The whale watching experience on this trip will be short as there is a day of Lanai snorkeling ahead.

The Raft:
The Maui Nui Explorer is a very large raft 48′ in length. It is the only raft that has an onboard restroom (head).

Tip of the Day:
Bring a towel and sunscreen
Onboard head – It’s not a restroom.

Food:
Continental Breakfast:
Fresh island fruit
Kona Coffee
Local style juice

Lunch:
Turkey or veggie wraps
Chips
Buttermilk dressing
Cookies
Juice, soda, and water

Lunch for the landing is provided in a cooler (box lunch) that you can enjoy on the beach.

Restrictions:
No children under 4
No expecting mothers
No people with bad backs
No handicap access

The Maui Nui Explorer beach landing allows you to explore one of the most renowned beaches in Hawaii. With its twin diesel engines, the Maui Nui Explorer zooms across the channel from Maui to Lanai giving you more time to enjoy this Island getaway. As you cruise along the towering sea cliffs of Lanai heading to Manele Bay, the Dolphins will play in the wake of the boat. The first snorkel site is off the rugged coast of Lanai with its sheer cliffs providing a protected snorkeling spot. The Maui Nui Explorer makes its way down to Manele Bay.

Other Activity Options by Maui Adventure Cruises: Maui Adventure Cruises – Lanai Dolphin Snorkel