We booked this several months before based on good reviews. We arrived a few minutes late but they were still checking guests in. There was parking at the Maui sea center and then a short walk down to the docks. The instructions in the email were accurate to get us there.
When we arrived, we signed a waiver. (All other excursions and activities we did during our vacation with different companies, we were able to sign a waiver online, that would have been great if we could have done that ahead of time).
We got on the boat and most seats were taken because people laid their bags and towels on the seats next to them. It was ok, we stood and held onto a pole and watched everyone rub sunscreen on themselves. It was almost comical 😂 The ship provided a large gallon with a pump of reed safe sunscreen and asked that no spray sunscreen is used. Of note, they recommend you reapply every 45 minutes. So plan to get in/out or you may get a sunburn.
The drive out there was choppy but tolerable. It was windy so we were told we would only be going to Molokai crater. I get sick easy and felt ok going out. We had signed up for snuba and after grabbing a muffin and fruit we were asked to head to the front of the boat for instruction. Our snuba leader, Jason, split us into two groups (4 each group). He showed us equipment we would be using, taught us hand signs and discussed underwater safety. Someone dropped out at this point after hearing what to expect. It sounds like you should be a fairly good swimmer, this isn’t for someone with little to no water exposure. We got fitted for our equipment, signed more waivers, and waited to dock at the crater. The ride out was 7.5 miles and took about an hourish.
They lowered a large grate down into the water and we stepped down and met Jason at the bottom. He got us hooked up to the snuba tank, which floats at the top of the water and has a 15ft line attached to you. The water was really choppy on the surface but nice once you get down underneath. It was important you stayed together and that you didn’t get tangled with your partner.
I was so disappointed that we only snuba’d for such a short time. The ride out was about an hour and the snuba experience was about 35 minutes total but that includes hooking everyone up and getting everyone started. Once you got down, you cruised around for a bit then it was time to come back to the grate. I loved the actual snuba experience, but felt the cost vs time was not worth it and not I would not book it again.
There were several boats (5 total) but we were a bit away from them so I didn’t feel as crowded as some reviews. There were a lot do people snorkeling but since we did the snuba first, I feel like when we actually got in to snorkel (around 9:50) people were already getting out or close to the boat just floating. It was windy and the waves pushed you around a bit but we were able to see some cool fish. My snorkel mouthpiece kept leaking and I had to take it to one of the helpers on a paddle board twice to fix it/get it looked at. She said a little valve had come loose. They aimed for 2 hours of water time and said it several times on the overhead PA system, but by the time everyone got in and out it was a bit less.
The weather did not permit us to go to turtle town. We got anchor and up and headed towards shore. They started cooking lunch. The food was delicious, the burgers were great and they surprisingly moved the long lines through quickly. Luckily we found a spot to sit on the way back. We don’t drink alcohol but they had a lot of it around. Someone spilled his beer all over my husband because I’d the weather. Oh my haha! I heard a group sitting next to us saying they ran out of most of the alcoholic drinks, but we were having sprite and coke and had enough.
The boat was going faster on the way back and the windy was breezing and the waves were big. I started to get sick. I want to recognize the gal that helped me. She was teeny and a local and she was so nice. She asked if I was ok and I told her. She took my husband and plate up to him for me, told me the best place to stand, got me a seaband, and gave me some ice chips. It was so nice of heramd really helped. The boat slowed down a bit as we got closer and it was a little more tolerable.
They had taken some pictures both above and below water but wanted $100 for them. They can airdrop them onto your phone or do a thumb drive. They had about 6 pictures and a video of my husband and I, but the $100 seemed very high priced for my budget and we passed.
The closer to the shore we got, our Snuba instructor brought us a small paper with the cost of that excursion listed. He said he was not part of the ships crew and that we could give him cash, our card, or Venmo him his tip. He would come back around and see what we decided. If we say zero he will know he did not do a good job.
They also came over the PA and askedus to clap and cheer for the crew but that they ultimately would have a tip box to show our support on our way out.
Overall it was fun and I would recommend it to a friend. I did have a good time and just wanted to post as much factual information about our experience in hopes it helps other travelers. The ship/crew did a great job and the experience was good. We wouldn’t have gotten to make it out to snorkel at that crater any other way. We did see 2-3 unique fish we hadn’t seen with any other snorkeling we had done so far. The water was nice and even with the windy weather it was still beautiful. Thanks to everyone who helped make our experience a good one.
My sweet little friend saw me at the end and I told her thanks for keeping me from throwing up! We celebrated and she and gave me a big hug. She made the trip extra special by being so kind. I wish I caught her name. Thank you!
Відповідь від хоста
Sep 2019
Aloha!
We truly appreciate you taking the time to leave such a detailed and honest review of your trip for future guests to see, and for understanding, locations are weather dependent! Molokini is the highlight of the trip, so we do hope you really enjoyed that location.
Our guess is it was Takako that helped you, and she is wonderful. Always knows best when a guest gets a little ill! We will make sure she sees this review!
We do hope the rest of your time on the island was fantastic and you will join us again one day soon.
Mahalo!
-Lawrence S PR COORDINATOR