"Great day of whale watching and snorkeling! Both places we snorkeled were fantastic–lots of fish, coral, turtles.”
Verified Review
This luxury private charter for up to six guests begins with a scenic sail across Maʻalaea Bay on a classic monohull yacht, known for smooth sailing and a quiet, intimate feel. Depending on conditions, your crew will guide you to snorkel sites beneath the West Maui Pali cliffs or the lesser-known reefs off North Kīhei—spots unreachable by most tours. You’ll enjoy a guided in-water snorkel, followed by a fresh onboard lunch and breakfast, with high-end gear, soft drinks, and personalized service throughout. It’s a peaceful, crowd-free way to experience Maui’s coast with your own private group.
GUEST REQUIREMENTS
For all ages
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Relaxed sailing and snorkeling
WHAT TO BRING
Just bring yourself and swimwear
CANCELLATION POLICY
Changes or cancellations must be made 48 hours prior.
WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING
4.9★ from 170+ reviews on TripAdvisor
Guests love how this charter feels like sailing with friends rather than joining a big group tour. Many praise the crew’s local knowledge, from pointing out coastal stories to guiding relaxed snorkeling away from the crowds. Reviews often mention how calm and beautiful the sites are, and how the light breakfast and deli lunch make it feel more like a floating picnic than a packaged tour. Families, couples, and small groups say they finish the day refreshed and already planning their next trip.
Come join us on our morning snorkel sail. We begin by sailing around beautiful Maalaea bay which offers offshore steady winds and calm water.
We then sail over to West Maui’s breathtaking Pali cliffs or to a satellite reef off the shoreline of north Kihei for our own private snorkeling spot.
Tucked beneath the cliffs are large coral outcroppings that make for beautiful underwater topography and snorkeling. We have a variety of sites along this coast which are some of Maui’s premier snorkel sites including coral gardens. Only accessible by boat, you and your family can get away from large crowds and enjoy the peaceful serenity of a more private and tranquil spot.
What's Included:
- A light breakfast of assorted local fruits and baked goods
- Deli-style lunch enjoyed onboard after snorkeling
In-water guided tour by the crew
- Top-end SeaSport snorkel gear
- Non-alcoholic beverages: water, juices, and sodas are provided
What's Not Included:
- Alcoholic beverages are not included. However, you are welcome to bring alcohol onboard and we have all the appropriate glassware for serving.
- Gratuity is not included in your charter price
(Private yacht standard generally starts at 20%)Maui Custom Charters is a small, locally owned sailing company run by a tight-knit crew of lifelong mariners who know Maui’s coastline by heart. With just one or two boats and an experienced team at the helm, they focus on crafting private sailing and snorkeling trips that feel unhurried and personal. Their morning monohull sail takes guests to hidden reefs and quiet coves only reachable by boat — pairing steady winds with calm waters and the simple pleasure of a light breakfast, good company, and a reef all to yourself.
Departure: Ma‘alaea Harbor, Slip #76, 11 Ma‘alaea Boat Harbor Road, Wailuku, HI 96793
Check-In: Arrive 15–20 minutes early to find parking, locate Slip #76, and meet your captain at the dock.Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 48 hours notice of cancellation. Inside of 48 hours of charter departure, customers will not receive a refund. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.
FOLIO TRAVELOGUE
Sailing into Stillness: A Private Snorkel Along Maui’s Hidden Reefs
The morning light stretches across Maʻalaea Bay as we step barefoot onto the teak deck of our private yacht. No harbor bustle, no loudspeaker roll call—just six of us, a seasoned crew, and the steady pull of wind in the sail.
As we cut across the water, the cliffs of West Maui begin to rise ahead—rugged, sunlit, and quiet. We anchor in a pocket beneath the Pali, where coral heads bloom below like underwater gardens. The crew hands us snorkel gear and slips into the water with us, pointing out butterflyfish and the slow, silent movement of a turtle passing just below the surface.
“Just six guests, one sail, and a reef to ourselves—it felt like Maui was ours for the morning.”
Afterward, we dry off on deck with fresh towels, still wrapped in salt and silence. A spread of local fruit, baked goods, and deli lunch appears without a rush. We eat in the shade, feet propped on the rail, watching the water slide by. There’s no one else around—just wind, reef, and the sound of soft conversation.
This isn’t just a snorkel tour. It’s a rhythm: slower, more generous. It’s what happens when you let the island breathe with you, not for you.
