Maui & Lanai: Semi-Private Eco Raft Snorkel & Dolphin Tour

4.81

(242 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to finish my coffee before we were already bouncing out past Lahaina, the raft skimming so close to the water I could taste salt in the air. Our guide—Kaleo—grew up here, and you could tell by the way he laughed with everyone and pointed out little things I’d never have noticed: a flash of silver fish under the surface, or how the clouds always hang over Lanai in the morning. I didn’t expect to feel so much like part of a family group, but it was just us and maybe eight others, all squinting at the horizon for dolphins.

The first pod showed up before I’d even managed to get my fins on properly. They moved fast—sleek shadows darting right alongside us—and Kaleo started telling us about their habits, how sometimes they’ll come check you out if you’re quiet enough. He wasn’t kidding; one actually surfaced so close I could see its eye. The water felt cooler than I thought it would (maybe nerves), but once we slid in for snorkeling off Lanai, everything slowed down. There was this moment where all I could hear was my own breath and distant clicks from somewhere below—maybe more dolphins? Or just my imagination running wild.

Afterwards, back on board, someone passed around pineapple and these soft pastries that tasted like vanilla and something else sweet—no idea what it was but I ate two. There were jokes about who looked funniest in their snorkel masks (definitely me), and Li from our group tried to say “mahalo” properly—Kaleo grinned but didn’t correct her. The sun came out strong as we drifted back toward Maui; I leaned against the side of the raft with wet hair sticking everywhere and just watched the cliffs go by. It’s strange how quickly you settle into that rhythm out there—you know?