It’s been on my bucket list, and I can’t say I have any regrets about finally catching a vessel out to Molokini Crater for a day of snorkeling, sun and good times. As kama’aina, we often don’t get to take the time to do the popular visitor attractions, but this one has been on my list for decades. To be completely honest, I have battled motion sickness my whole life and I am apprehensive about getting aboard boats. But I monitored the weather and thankfully chose a time where all the planets seemed to align nicely.
Without any knowledge of which boat to charter or which cruise was best rated I started doing research online. I wanted a boat that was larger in size so I wasn’t bouncing back and forth — and needed something stable to keep my boat-sickness at bay. After watching videos and combing the Internet, I decided on the Pride of Maui Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkel Tour. They noted on their website various types of discounts and special codes so I used one and got $50 off the tour for two.
I prepared by taking non-drowsy Dramamine the night before and the morning of. We had a hard time finding the boat as it was hidden to the left of the harbor and there was a large group of people headed to another pier so we power walked over to that boat and found ourselves (along with another couple) at the wrong area.
When we arrived at Molokini Crater there were several other boats positioned along the cove. Each had its own section to anchor and area to swim. The water was crystal clear and impeccably dazzling blue. The fish weren’t as abundant as I thought it might be, but it was still an amazing sight to see. The coral was brilliantly alive, vibrant and beautiful. Just looking down at the water or into the water you could see the sea life and the ocean’s bottom so clearly. Our vessel had a wonderful slide and warm shower to invigorate.
After about 45 minutes on-site we boarded the ship again and headed toward Wailea. En route we were hosted to an impressive lunch featuring cheeseburgers (with all the fixings), pasta salad, fresh off-the-grill chicken, vegetarian burger options. The veggie burger was delicious and I really enjoyed every bite. My husband had both a burger and the chicken and we really loved our filling lunch.
Soon afterwards we headed to Turtle Town and I immediately jumped in the water and began snorkeling again. Here there wasn’t as much fish or coral, but we did spot five turtles. Two babies swimming and three large ones sleeping on the sandy bottom.
Once we wrapped up that snorkel, the crew prepared a rum punch for us to drink (the bar was open) and we made our way back to the harbor. The charter provided very good quality snorkels and masks, they also had a specialty ginger drink for those who wanted to battle the motion sickness (I was fine and did great the entire day). All-in-all it was a wonderful experience. I would highly recommend a Molokini adventure. It’s well worth the time, money and memories.
Promotional considerations for Olena, provided by Maui Coast Hotel and Advantage Rent A Car.