Our Sail Maui Molokini Snorkel and Sail Experience

We had an amazing time on a Sail Maui Molokini Snorkel tour recently! Our kids are at the age now that they appreciate the ocean in a new way. This means snorkeling when conditions allow and the ability to go a bit beyond the shoreline for a little more adventure. Our daughter is still a bit young for a snorkeling experience but our son, now 8, was eager to climb aboard his first sail boat to explore Molokini with Adam. 

If you’re seeking a family-friendly, sensory-friendly adventure on the waters of Maui, Sail Maui’s Molokini Snorkel and Sail trip is an experience we can’t recommend enough. Adam and our our son recently hung out on this tour and returned with glowing reviews that left us all eager to book again. I’d definitely recommend this snorkeling trip to our clients or anyone visiting Maui with kids who are a bit older and confident ocean swimmers!

A Relaxing, Sensory-Friendly Experience during the Sail Maui Molokini Snorkel

One of the standout features of the Sail Maui experience is its sensory-friendly, mellow and spacious atmosphere, which are key points our family takes into consideration with every activity we plan. The boat itself holds a maximum of 48 passengers and there was plenty of room to relax onboard and enjoy a quiet journey. Our son loved having space to himself to bop around and enjoy the ride.

Smooth Sailing to Molokini

The trip to Molokini Crater itself is incredible. Everywhere you look there is a sight to take in. Whether the jewel tone of the deep ocean or the view of Maui trailing behind you, it’s an adventure for the senses for sure. When it came time to snorkel, the crew made accessing the water easy and hassle-free, perfect for beginners or kids who may need a little extra time to get comfortable. For kids (or grown ups) who may not want to snorkel the entire time, there’s plenty to observe from the boat while others enjoy the water. Our son snorkeled for a few minutes and fully enjoyed kicking back on the mesh trampoline for the rest of the time one the water.

Packing Essentials for a Comfortable Day aboard the Sail Maui Molokini Snorkel tour

The tour is long, which is good, but requires some advance planning, especially with kids. We recommend packing a few essentials to ensure everyone stays comfortable and protected throughout the day:

• Reef-friendly sunscreen: Sail Maui actually provide this onboard as a complimentary extra, but if you have a favorite face stick or full body sunscreen feel free to bring it along.
  
• Hat and light jacket: Protecting your face and neck is super important. We recommend a hat that buckles under the chin as it does get breezy on the water. Hats that cover the neck are especially useful.
  
• Wetsuit top: Maui is warm but snorkeling for an extended period can get chilly. We love this wetsuit top one by O’Neill for kids, a long wetsuit zipper option or shortsleeve wetsuit that may be a bit easier for some. If you want to stay out longer or make the transition into the water easier, we recommend a wetsuit top. Added bonus – sun protection!
  
• Pelican phone case: This iPhone case was a game-changer for us! We captured all the photos and videos blogged here using this device. It’s kid-friendly and obviously waterproof, making it easy for our son to get involved capturing video and images too.
  
• Snacks: Lunch is provided, but you can never go wrong having some of your child’s favorite snacks and “safe foods” on hand. We love a good bento box for this purpose, they last forever and having a reusable container comes in handy.

Shaded Comfort for the Long Haul

If you can’t tell, we’re big on sun protection! Our Sail Maui trip offered plenty of shade. This made the trip much more enjoyable for everyone as it can get pretty hot in the direct sun after awhile.

Sail Maui Molokini Snorkel and Sail Experience has a Delicious, Kid-Friendly Lunch

Lunch was a hit with Adam and our son. Sail Maui provided provide fresh, healthy wraps from Fork and Salad and plenty of yummy fruit. As I mentioned above, we also brought along some extra snacks so hangry didn’t happen!

Tips for a Smooth Ride

The journey to Molokini Crater is undeniably amazing, but it’s worth noting that it can be a long ride. To avoid sea sickness, we always take a dose of Dramamine before setting sail. It’s a small step that makes it more likely our family will enjoy the ride. Ginger candies are good too!

A Memorable Adventure

From the serene sail to Molokini to the vibrant underwater world and low-key environment, Sail Maui’s Molokini Snorkel and Sail trip is a perfect way to experience the magic of Maui as a family! Adam and our son returned home with stories and pictures that, admittedly made me a bit envious but eager to explore once our daughter is a bit older. Whether you’re snorkeling enthusiasts or just looking for a unique way to connect with Maui’s natural beauty, this trip is a must-do and tops our list of Molokini snorkeling adventures for families.

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