Small Group Cruises

Pacific Whale Foundation has been offering quality ocean eco-adventures to Molokini for more than 30 years. We are pleased to offer a new small group Molokini eco-adventure that travels off the beaten path. It includes a Sea Turtle Photo Safari, with instruction in underwater photography and the opportunity to learn about sea turtle research. There's no trip like it on Maui.

As with all of our Pacific Whale Foundation Eco-Adventures, this new trip is led by our team of knowledgeable Certified Marine Naturalists and a professional U.S. Coast Guard certified captain. It's based on our decades of marine research, including an extensive study of Molokini's fish, corals and wildlife.

We depart in the morning from Ma'alaea Harbor and head for Molokini. After snorkeling this remarkable mid-ocean reef, we'll cruise around Molokini's rugged red rock back wall. Birdwatchers be ready: we often sight seabirds such as Wedge-tailed shearwaters and Great frigatebirds that roost here!

And then we'll set off to explore, stopping to view wildlife at sea turtle and dolphin habitats. We'll also choose a reef that offers the clearest and calmest conditions for our second snorkel site. Explore on your own or take part in a guided reef tour led by our knowledgeable naturalist.

Learn tips and techniques for underwater photography during a hands-on photo workshop at sea. You'll also learn how we identify individual sea turtles using photo identification -- we know you'll find it to be fascinating!  You'll also  learn about research techniques used to assess the population of turtles in this area.

Our Molokini Wild Side Eco-Adventure is offered on our 54-foot single deck catamaran, Ocean Explorer. With comfortable armchair seats arranged grandstand style on the bow, plus a shaded back deck, shower and onboard bathrooms, Ocean Explorer combines comfort with the thrill of being closer to the water and ocean wildlife. It's U.S. Coast Guard certified for just 49 passengers, but we'll carry just 40 people, so there's plenty of room for everyone.  

From April 1 through April 15, this tour will take place on our vessel Ocean Liberty. This smartly designed, 65-foot eco-adventure yacht has a snorkel platform, swim steps and freshwater shower, plus men's and women's bathrooms, and lots of open-air shaded seating, plus a sunbathing area on the bow. Alcohol is not available on Ocean Liberty. We are pleased to offer each of our guests a complimentary rental of a wetsuit top in lieu of alcoholic beverages that are normally served on this cruise. 

Includes:
* Expert narration by our Certified Marine Naturalists
* Free underwater photography workshop
* Opportunity to learn about sea turtle research
* Snorkeling at Molokini and a second site
* Professionally fitted, premium snorkel gear (including optical masks for eyeglass wearers)
* Flotation devices
* Wetsuit tops available for rental
* Reef-safe sunscreen
* Free learn-to-snorkel class
* Free fish i.d. class
* Free guided reef tour
* Free  Jr. Naturalist program.
* Tropical-style continental breakfast (coffee, juices, fruits and pastries)
* Barbeque lunch with pasta salad
* Fresh-baked cookies
* Maui Brewing Co. beer and wine (after snorkeling, for adults ages 21 and over; must have valid picture i.d.)

* Refreshments: sodas, tropical juices and filtered water
* Free marine wildlife poster and wildlife watching guide

Available:
* Affordable rentals of underwater cameras and binoculars
* Rental of wetsuit tops
* Love the snorkel gear? You can arrange to rent it for the
week for a small additional fee.

Duration: Approximately 6 hours
Check-in: 45 minutes prior to departure:
At Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store at Ma'alaea Harbor Shops (next to Maui Ocean Center)

For ages 8 and over only. This eco-adventure is not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with back problems.

Destinations subject to change due to sea or weather conditions.