From Ma’alaea: AM Turtle Town Snorkel Aboard Quicksilver

Planning a trip to Maui and eager to see its famed underwater world? The From Ma’alaea Harbor: AM Turtle Town Snorkel Aboard Quicksilver offers an engaging, family-friendly way to encounter Hawaii’s marine life without breaking the bank. With a solid 4.5-star rating from nearly 300 reviews, this tour is known for friendly crews, stunning vistas, and memorable wildlife encounters.

Three things we love about this experience are the chance to swim alongside Hawaiian green sea turtles, the panoramic ocean views of neighboring islands, and the inclusive, tasty lunch onboard. That said, it’s worth noting that weather conditions can influence snorkeling spots, and some might find the open water a bit deep if they’re nervous about swimming. This tour is perfect for families, first-time snorkelers, or anyone looking for a relaxed, scenic adventure in Maui’s waters.

Good To Know

• Authentic marine encounters with Hawaiian green sea turtles and tropical fish
• Friendly, knowledgeable crew that prioritizes safety and fun
• Excellent value for a half-day tour including lunch, gear, and amenities
• Stunning coastal and island views from the open ocean
• Weather-dependent snorkeling spots may vary in clarity
• Family-friendly experience that’s suitable for most non-swimmers with flotation devices

You can check if your dates are available here:

Introduction: What Makes This Tour Stand Out

If you’re considering a snorkeling trip in Maui, this Quicksilver cruise from Ma’alaea offers a balance of adventure, comfort, and scenic beauty. We’re not talking about a rushed, crowded excursion—this cruise promises a 4.5-hour escape into Maui’s underwater playground with a focus on safety and fun.

What we love: the opportunity to snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles—an iconic and gentle symbol of the islands. Plus, the panoramic views of neighboring islands from the boat are hard to beat, providing perfect photo moments and a sense of island grandeur. And the included hot dog lunch with drinks offers a satisfying break without extra cost, making the overall price quite reasonable considering the quality and inclusions.

One thing to keep in mind is that snorkel locations depend heavily on weather and sea conditions—not unusual, but worth noting if you’re eager for a specific site. This tour suits first-timers, families with kids, or anyone wanting a laid-back, guided experience with plenty of opportunities to sunbathe, jump, and snap photos.

Who Should Consider This Tour

If you want a family-friendly, well-reviewed snorkel adventure in Maui, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s also suited for those who appreciate a generous boat layout with amenities like a waterslide and jumping platform. But if you’re looking for a more adventurous or secluded experience, you might prefer other options.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Departure and Check-in

The tour departs bright and early at 9:00 AM, with check-in at Boss Frog’s Store at Ma’alaea Harbor. Arriving 30 minutes early is recommended to find parking and get checked in smoothly—parking fees and parking itself might be considerations for some travelers. The crew, including a helpful staff member outside the store, makes check-in straightforward.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Voyage to Turtle Town or Coral Gardens

Once onboard, you’ll immediately notice the friendly atmosphere cultivated by the crew. The boat itself is reportedly comfortable, with plenty of space for sunbathing or relaxing in the shade. During the ride out, you’re treated to breathtaking ocean views and the chance to see spinner dolphins (sometimes on the way out), which, according to reviews, is a highlight for many.

Snorkel Spot and Marine Encounters

The main highlight is arriving at South Maui’s Turtle Town or Coral Gardens, where you’ll don your gear and jump into waters teeming with tropical fish, coral, and, if you’re lucky, Hawaiian green sea turtles—an attraction that consistently delights snorkelers. Several reviews mention the kind and professional guides who provide snorkeling tutorials, especially helpful for beginners or those unfamiliar with the gear.

Expect crystal-clear waters in good weather, but note that snorkel sites are weather-dependent, and visibility can fluctuate. Guides are attentive, with lifeguards on paddleboards ensuring safety at all times.

Waterslides, Jumping, and Sunbathing

Beyond snorkeling, the boat offers plenty of fun extras—a waterslide for younger (or young at heart), a jumping platform for jumping into the water, and plenty of space to sunbathe or relax. Many reviews mention enjoying the opportunity to jump off the boat, especially during calm conditions.

Lunch and Beverages

A simple but tasty hot dog lunch, with vegetarian options like veggie burgers, is included. Guests rave about the freshness of the food and the drinks—juice, soda, and water are all available, and you’re encouraged to bring cash if you want to tip the crew or purchase merchandise like T-shirts or underwater cameras.

Return and Wrap-up

The cruise wraps up around 1:30 PM, with guests leaving with a camera full of marine life photos, memories of dolphins, turtles, and coral, and a refreshed appreciation for Maui’s underwater beauty.

The Value: Is It Worth It?

Considering the price of around $100 per person for 4.5 hours—including gear, a meal, drinks, and entertainment—this cruise offers very good value. The friendly crew, many of whom are praised for their knowledge and attentiveness, adds significant value to the experience.

Reviewers consistently note the high level of service and safety, which is crucial for those new to snorkeling or hesitant about open water. Plus, the inclusion of extras like a waterslide and jumping platform means your family can maximize fun without additional costs.

What Reviewers Say

Many travelers, including those who have been on multiple trips, mention returning to Quicksilver because of the consistent quality and friendly atmosphere. One reviewer even says, “The crew did not disappoint, they’ve added underwater pictures, and everyone was so amazing.”

Others appreciated the local Hawaiian guides who shared stories and kept everyone engaged, making the trip more than just a snorkel—it’s a small adventure with friendly faces guiding the way.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Arrive early to ensure parking and smooth check-in
• Bring swimwear and a towel (towels are not included)
• Consider renting a wetsuit for $10 if you’re sensitive to cold
• For those prone to motion sickness, Dramamine is available for purchase
• Bring cash if you’d like to tip or purchase souvenirs
• Weather-dependent: Snorkel spots may vary in clarity or accessibility based on conditions
• Non-swimmers can still enjoy via flotation devices, but the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or in wheelchairs

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
No, guests meet directly at Ma’alaea Harbor at Boss Frog’s Store and should plan to find parking nearby.

How long is the tour?
The total experience lasts about 4.5 hours, departing at 9:00 AM and returning around 1:30 PM.

What’s included in the price?
Snorkel gear, flotation devices, a hot dog lunch, drinks (juice, soda, water), a snorkel tutorial, and onboard amenities like a waterslide and jumping platform.

Can I rent wetsuits?
Yes, wetsuits are available to rent for $10 each, which can be helpful if you’re sensitive to cold water.

Are snorkel sites guaranteed to have good visibility?
No, snorkel spots depend on weather and sea conditions, but guides will choose the best possible locations.

Is this suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, but non-swimmers should be comfortable with flotation devices. The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility issues.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, cash for tips or souvenirs, and possibly reef-safe sunscreen.

Are there vegetarian lunch options?
Yes, veggie burgers are available as an alternative to hot dogs.

Is there a limit on alcohol?
The minimum drinking age is 21, and alcohol is served in moderation to ensure safety.

Final Thoughts

This Quicksilver tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable glimpse into Maui’s vibrant marine life, complemented by scenic views and onboard fun. Its strong reputation for friendly guides, good value, and inclusive amenities make it a popular choice for families, first-time snorkelers, and those seeking a relaxed day on the water.

While weather can influence snorkeling conditions, the crew’s professionalism and extensive experience mean you’re in good hands. The combination of wildlife encounters, scenic cruising, and extra activities like the waterslide makes this tour a delightful way to spend a half-day in Maui.

If you’re looking for an affordable, safe, and engaging way to explore Maui’s underwater world with a friendly crew and stunning vistas, this tour is worth considering.

Final Summary

This snorkeling adventure from Ma’alaea with Quicksilver balances fun, safety, and scenery, making it ideal for families, beginners, or anyone wanting a lively yet relaxed Maui experience. The inclusion of a meal, snorkeling gear, and extra onboard activities ensures you get great value, while the consistent positive reviews highlight the crew’s dedication to guest enjoyment.

If marine life and island views appeal to you, and you prefer a tour that’s both informative and comfortable, this trip should be high on your Maui list. Just remember to arrive early, bring your essentials, and prepare for a memorable day in the water.

You can check if your dates are available here: