Maui: Kaanapali Beach 5-hr Snorkel w/ BBQ Lunch & Open Bar

Introduction

This review covers an engaging Maui experience: the Kaanapali Beach 5-hour Snorkel Tour with BBQ Lunch and Open Bar. We haven’t taken it ourselves but have gathered plenty of details, reviews, and insights to help you decide if this is the right adventure for your trip.

What we love about this tour is its combination of scenic sailing, structured snorkeling, and relaxing social moments—all on a luxury catamaran that promises comfort and style. The opportunity to see turtles and tropical fish, combined with a chef-prepared barbecue lunch, makes it a well-rounded day at sea. Plus, the open bar adds a fun, laid-back vibe.

One consideration is the seasonal variability—the destinations depend on weather and sea conditions, which might affect your experience. But overall, this tour appears to cater well to travelers seeking an active yet leisurely Maui day. It’s especially suited for those who want a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and stunning scenery.

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Good To Know

• Two snorkeling spots based on seasonal conditions offer fresh marine encounters
• A luxury catamaran cruise with ample space and comfort
• Opportunities to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and tropical fish
• Delicious, chef-inspired BBQ lunch with vegetarian options available
• An open bar featuring Hawaiian beer, wine, Mai Tais, and non-alcoholic drinks
• Suitable for travelers comfortable in the water and seeking a relaxed social atmosphere

The Itinerary and Experience

Departure and Welcome Aboard

Your journey begins at the Aqualani Beach Activities Kiosk on Kaanapali Beach, a prime oceanside location. The check-in process is straightforward, with parking available at the Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Resort for a flat rate of $8, validated for five hours. This makes logistics easier, especially if you’re arriving from nearby resorts or accommodations.

Once aboard, you’ll be greeted with fresh Maui Oma coffee, tropical juices, and a continental breakfast. This initial refreshment sets a breezy, relaxed tone for the day, giving you a chance to settle into the spacious catamaran before departure.

Cruising to the Snorkel Sites

The boat departs with the crew carefully selecting the best snorkeling locations based on current conditions. This flexibility means you’re not tied to a fixed schedule and can experience the most promising spots of the day. As the catamaran glides across the Pacific, you’ll feel the warm Trade Winds, and enjoy panoramic views of Maui’s coastline.

Travelers frequently mention the pleasure of sailing in comfort, and the boat’s design ensures plenty of space for socializing or relaxing with a drink in hand. The crew, often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, makes the experience even more enjoyable—they seem genuinely eager to share their expertise about marine life and the local environment.

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Snorkeling Adventures

Once anchored, you’ll don your provided snorkel gear and flotation devices, ready for underwater exploration. Expect to see turtles, tropical fish, and perhaps even dolphins, depending on the day. Many reviews highlight the stunning clarity of the water and the diverse marine life.

One guest described their snorkeling experience as “beautiful waters with an extraordinary variety of fish,” while another appreciated that the crew helped with advice and encouragement, especially for first-timers. The guides are very experienced and seem to take pride in helping guests make the most of each snorkel session.

The Lunch Break

Back on the boat, it’s time for the chef-inspired BBQ lunch. The menu features barbecue chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs (including vegan beyond burgers upon request), Maui potato chips, and pasta salad. Reviewers consistently praise the quality and flavor of the food, often mentioning that it’s “delicious” and “more than enough for a satisfying meal.”

The lunch is served buffet-style, allowing guests to eat at their own pace. The inclusion of rolls, condiments, and fresh island fruit complements the hearty mains. It’s a great way to refuel after snorkeling, and many guests enjoy pairing their meal with a cold beer or Mai Tai from the open bar.

Sailing Back and Final Moments

After lunch, the boat continues its cruise back to Kaanapali, often accompanied by dolphin sightings or playful sea turtles that might swim alongside the vessel. The trade winds make for an invigorating sail, with some guests describing it as “the perfect way to relax and soak in Maui’s natural beauty.”

The professional photographer on board captures moments underwater and on deck, giving guests the chance to relive the trip through high-quality photos. Many reviews mention how these photos add a special touch, especially when they capture turtles or dolphins swimming nearby.

Value and Practical Tips

How Does It Compare in Cost?

Priced at $183 per person, this tour offers a solid value considering the inclusion of snorkel equipment, two snorkel sites, a gourmet BBQ lunch, open bar, and a scenic sail. The reviews support the idea that the experience is worth the price, especially given the personalized attention from crew members and quality food and drinks.

What to Bring

Travelers should remember to bring a towel, biodegradable sunscreen (avoid aerosols), and perhaps a waterproof camera or phone case. Towels are not included, and reef-safe sunscreen helps protect marine life. The tour does not allow drones, high heels, strollers, or glass objects, so pack accordingly.

Accessibility and Restrictions

This experience isn’t suitable for people with mobility issues, wheelchair users, non-swimmers, or those prone to seasickness. The group size is kept manageable, often praised for avoiding overcrowding, but it’s worth noting that unaccompanied minors and those over 95 years are not recommended.

Timing and Duration

The tour generally runs in the morning and lasts about 5 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity. Allow extra time for parking and check-in—especially during busy seasons or weekends.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

• Crew members like Captain Ian, Ray, Nick, Bryce, Miles, and Captain Matt are highlighted for their friendliness, knowledge, and personable approach.
• Guests often mention the quality of snorkeling sites and the variety of marine life—not just turtles, but also dolphins, which can swim alongside the boat on the return trip.
• The food and drinks are consistently rated highly, with many reviewers noting the BBQ lunch as a highlight, especially when paired with a tropical drink from the open bar.
• Some reviews mention the small group size, which makes the experience feel more intimate, allowing for better interaction with crew and fellow travelers.
• The professional photographer is viewed as a nice bonus, especially for capturing those underwater moments and group shots.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for first-timers wanting a relaxed but active day on the water, couples seeking a romantic yet fun outing, or families with older children comfortable in the water. It’s perfect if you’re looking for marine wildlife encounters combined with quality food and drinks in a scenic setting.

Travelers who appreciate personalized service, good value, and scenic sailing will find this tour a worthwhile addition to their Maui itinerary. If you enjoy social atmospheres with a touch of luxury, this cruise hits all the right notes.

The Sum Up

The Kaanapali Beach 5-hour Snorkel with BBQ Lunch and Open Bar offers a balanced day of adventure, relaxation, and social fun. The combination of stunning underwater sights, a comfortable catamaran, delicious food, and friendly crew makes it a standout choice for many visitors.

While the seasonal nature of snorkeling sites requires some flexibility, the overall experience—especially for those who love marine life and scenic sailing—is hard to beat. The inclusion of an open bar and quality lunch elevates this from a simple snorkeling trip to a memorable Maui day.

This tour best serves travelers looking for a well-rounded, enjoyable water adventure with plenty of opportunities to unwind and take in the island’s natural beauty. If you want a blend of fun, comfort, and authentic marine encounters, this cruise is likely to be a highlight of your trip.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, usually scheduled in the morning to early afternoon.

Are snorkeling equipment and flotation devices included?
Yes, all snorkel gear and flotation devices are provided, making it easy to jump in and explore.

Is the lunch suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Vegan beyond burgers are available upon request, and the menu includes options like pasta salad and fresh island fruit for all dietary needs.

What drinks are included in the open bar?
Guests can enjoy premium Hawaiian beer, wine, Mai Tais, vodka, rum, soda, tropical juices, and filtered water. Must be 21+ with valid ID.

Can children participate?
While suitable for many, the tour is not recommended for unaccompanied minors or those over 95, and non-swimmers may find it less suitable.

Do I need to bring my own towel or sunscreen?
Towels are not included, so bring one, along with biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen.

What if I cannot swim?
This tour is best suited for confident swimmers; non-swimmers might find it challenging to fully enjoy snorkeling segments.

Is parking easy at the departure point?
Yes, parking at the Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Resort is available for $8 with validation, but arrive early to avoid traffic and ensure a smooth start.

In summary, this Maui snorkeling trip offers an excellent mix of marine adventure, scenic cruising, and culinary delight. Whether you’re a first-time snorkeler or a seasoned water lover, the thoughtful touches from crew, the quality food, and the chance to see turtles and dolphins make it a compelling choice to add to your Maui plans.

You can check if your dates are available here: