Snorkeling With Turtles in Maui Turtle Town

First of all, “Turtle Town” isn’t an actual place. It’s actually a term locals and tour operators use for several spots off the south coast of Maui where green sea turtles are abundant, mainly in Maluaka Beach, near Makena and Nahuna (where the best beaches on Maui are).

These areas have rocky reefs where sea turtles like to feed and rest all day, so they’re great places to see turtles in their natural environment.

While there’s no guarantee you’ll see turtles at any given time, visiting these snorkeling spots will increase your chances of spotting them.

Why Maui for Sea Turtles?

Maui’s waters are perfect for green sea turtles. These gentle giants are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and love the warm, clear waters of Hawaii, especially off the coast of Maui.

The island’s coral reefs are a rich source of algae, their main food source.

The calm waters, especially in South Maui, are perfect for resting and feeding grounds for the turtles. On top of that, since these protections were put in place in 1978, sea turtle numbers have been increasing, making a Maui Turtle Town snorkeling guide even more special.

But they’re still vulnerable so it’s important to respect their space and snorkeling responsibly.

Cost of Swimming With Turtles in Maui

While you can snorkel and swim with turtles in Turtle Town, there are several tours you can join and it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.

Turtle snorkeling tours range from $60 to $150 per person depending on the duration and what’s included. For a more affordable option, you can rent snorkeling gear for $20 to $40 and head to popular spots like Maluaka Beach or Honolua Bay where turtles are often seen.

In addition, if you plan to go scuba diving in Maui, prices may be higher than this, so budget accordingly.

Some areas may have a small parking fee, so you should also keep this in mind.

However, guided tours offer the added bonus of local knowledge and safety so are a great choice for first-timers. Whether you choose a tour or go solo, swimming with Maui’s turtles is an affordable activity in Maui.

Timing is everything when snorkeling with turtles in Maui. The best conditions are in the calm mornings when the winds are low and the water is clear, for maximum visibility to see turtles and the reef.

Turtles are around year-round but you’ll see more of them during the summer months when they come closer to shore to nest.

If you want to see the most turtles, plan your snorkeling trip for the summer. While Turtle Town is a great place for snorkeling, Molokini Crater is also worth checking out, so consider that too!

However, keep in mind that you need to book a tour to Molokini Crater in order to snorkel there, so make sure to book early before they sell out!

As exciting as it is to see sea turtles, remember these guidelines when going snorkeling with turtles in Maui:

• Keep a safe distance (10 ft): Getting too close to the turtles disrupts their behavior and stresses them out. Plus, touching is harmful and illegal.
• Never chase or try to ride them: This should be a no brainer but these are wild animals not amusement park attractions.
• Do not feed them: Human food disrupts their feeding patterns and damages the ecosystem. Observe them in their natural state and resist the temptation.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen: Protect the reefs the turtles call home. Reef-safe sunscreen doesn’t contain chemicals that harm corals so the reef stays healthy.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Be mindful of currents, other marine life and other snorkelers while enjoying the underwater beauty. This ensures safety and prevents accidental disruption.
• Report any sick or distressed turtles: You can make a big difference by just being aware. Contact the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) at (888) 256-9840 if you see anything unusual as they have trained responders ready to help.

Beyond Turtle Town: Other Sea Turtle Spots in Maui

While a Turtle Town snorkeling trip should be on your list, Maui has more in store for you. Several other areas are great for snorkeling with turtles in Maui, and these include:

• Olowalu Reef (Lahaina): A popular spot for green sea turtle sightings, often found swimming around coral formations and relaxing in cleaning stations where smaller fish clean them of algae.
• Honolua Bay (West Maui): Clear waters and abundant marine life make this a great spot to see sea turtles and other fish.
• Ho’okipa Beach (North Shore): Besides world-class windsurfing, this beach is also popular for turtles. Remember, observe them from a distance and respect their habitat.

If you see a turtle while snorkeling in any of these areas, remember the same guidelines apply. Treat them as you would in Turtle Town. Enjoy the beauty of them while keeping them safe and their habitat intact.