It’s a convenient drive to the Kihei boat ramp if you’re staying in Kihei, Wailea or Makena. Zip out to Molokini on a raft to snorkel it’s amazing back wall. Located on the island of Maui, Molokini is a must-do for the bucket list!
The first thing most visitors think when they are planning their snorkeling adventure to Molokini is that you need to take one of those big boats out of Maalaea Harbor. Yes, it’s a long trip from the harbor to Molokini and anyone making that journey would probably want a bigger boat so they can move around and get a little sun or a great shot while in transit. However, for those staying in Kihei, Wailea or Makena, there is a much closer, even quicker option to get out to Molokini crater and it leaves from the Kihei Small Boat Ramp.
Operating out of this small harbor in south Maui, snorkel companies like Redline Rafting can get out to Molokini in only 15 minutes. These customized rafts, are stable, comfortable and a lot of fun. It’s an exciting way to bring you closer to the marine experience. Perfect for small groups and all ages, they not only provide everything a big boat tour does, (breakfast, lunch, drinks and a restroom), they also take you places the big boats can not go.
Redline uses a specially designed raft which is smaller than the big boats and much more maneuverable. They not only have the capability to Molokini’s backwall and snorkel, they can also go inside the crater on the same tour. We guarantee you’ll be able to snorkel somewhere around Molokini on our tour. The backwall, protected from Hawaii’s tradewinds that kick up waves inside the crater, is always calmer and has considerably better visibility. The backwall is full of life, with less people, which always makes for an even better experience.
Snorkel tours leaving from Kihei can get to other places quickly as well. This is not a there and back trip like other raft or boat tours. Redline will take you on a 5 hour adventure that includes snorkeling in some of the most remote coastal locations on Maui, like La Perouse Bay on the Kanaio coast. Here you will find marine life in abundant variety and you might even meet up with a local group of spinner dolphins as the tour explores hidden grottos, caves and bays, only accessible from the water. Far from the towns and resorts, there is no run-off to damage the reefs or developments that have altered the coastline. And, your pictures will reflect what the early European explorers saw when they first visited Hawaii. Truly, it’s a special experience.
Exploring the coast and a couple of stops in Molokini is basically what other boat tours offer, but with Redline a snorkel tour isn’t really complete if you don’t get to take a swim with a group of honu, Hawaiian Sea Turtles. These incredible creatures glide thru the water with such grace, it will make anyone feel cumbersome. Redline’s guides know of a variety of spots where they congregate, to feed or be cleaned. Depending on the conditions, timing and the number of other boats in the area, they choose the best spot for you to have an unforgettable experience. Redline has a great tasting breakfast, delicious lunch, cold drinks and you’ll be more than satisfied with Redline’s tour leaving from Kihei, especially because we let you sleep in later and you’ll still see a lot more than the boats leaving from Maalaea Harbor do! After all, it IS your vacation, right?
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