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Float Your Boat: Which Maui Boat Tour is Right for You?
So you’re on Maui and ready to hit the ocean — great choice! Whether you’re snorkeling with sea turtles, watching whales or dolphins do backflips, or chasing the perfect sunset cruise selfie, your experience starts with picking the right Maui boat tour. With so many amazing tours (all bookable right through Auntie Snorkel!), it helps to know what kind of boat suits your vibe.
Here’s your fun, friendly guide to the different types of boats available for your Maui ocean activities and how to pick the one that makes your day out on the water the best day ever.
Power Catamarans: Smooth Ride with All the Perks
Power Catamarans are basically the floating version of a comfy beach resort. With wide decks, tons of space to move around, and a super smooth ride (thank you, double hulls!), power catamarans are the perfect Maui boat tour for folks who want to relax, snack, sip, and enjoy the views without getting tossed around.
Best for:
Snorkel tours to Molokini Crater or Lanai
Sunset and dinner cruises with open bars and epic views
Whale watching in comfort
Great for: All ages, families, larger groups, and anyone prone to seasickness.
If you’re the kind of person who likes a little thrill with your turtle sightings, rafts and rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) are where it’s at. These zippy little boats sit close to the water, which means they’re the Maui boat tour with more splash, more speed, and more adventure.
Best for:
Adventurous snorkelers
Whale and dolphin watchers who want to be really close
People who think big boats are a little too chill
Great for: Small groups, adventurous travelers, and folks without mobility concerns.
Heads up: These boats aren’t great for very young kids, guests with back issues, or anyone needing extra stability. But if you love a good ocean splash and don’t mind hanging on tight, this is your jam.
Sailing Catamarans: Quiet Luxury with Island Charm
Want the wind in your hair and a mai tai in your hand? Sailing catamarans bring that peaceful, classic Hawaiian vibe with the added bonus of no engine noise (most of the time). These Maui boat tours are ideal for slowing down, soaking it all in, and living your best island life.
Best for:
Romantic sunset sails
Luxurious snorkel trips
Anyone who wants their Instagram posts to feel a little fancy
Great for: Adults, couples, small groups, and eco-conscious travelers.
Departs from: Ka’anapali Beach (must be able to climb and descend stairs from the beach)
Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you pick your perfect ride:
👧 Got kids or grandparents? Go with a powercatamaran — stable, spacious, and easy to move around.
💦 Love adventure and don’t mind a little splash? A raft is calling your name.
🥂 Looking for romance or peace and quiet? Go for a sailing catamaran.
🤢 Prone to seasickness?Power catamarans tend to offer the most stable,smoothest ride.
👨👩👧👦 Traveling with a crew?Power catamarans have plenty of space for larger groups.
💸 Want to save a bit? Shorter raft tours are often the most budget-friendly option.
Bon Voyage!
No matter which boat you choose for your Maui ocean activities, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience on the water. Maui’s ocean is magical, and the right boat makes it even better.
You can book all the tours mentioned above (and more!) right on our website. And if you’re still not sure which one fits your vacation vibe, stop by Auntie Snorkel and chat with one of our Fun Specialists. We’ll help you pick the perfect tour faster than you can say “humpback whale.”
See you on the water!
About
Auntie Snorkel
Auntie Snorkel shop has been serving Maui’s fun seekers since 1985. We're the original South Maui Snorkel Shop. When I bought the shop 10 years ago from Auntie, we decided to keep the name. The name "Auntie" is a term of respect here in Hawaii. I'm living my dream. I get to meet awesome people from all over the world and share with them my love and knowledge of this magical island that I get to call home. We know all the spots. I have lived here since 2001. We're the true definition of a family owned and operated shop. I answer the phones and work the shop along with my family. When you shop with us you're supporting my ohana and for that I thank you!! Why go anywhere else? We're the friendliest, fastest, cheapest and our location is the most epic! Mahalo and Aloha”. ~Mark Noble (Owner & Maui Fun Expert)
Easy, painless rental service. Book online to save money, and then go in to get sized and get your gear. Sarah was incredibly helpful when we came in, and gave us some great tips on how to work around my husband's facial hair, as well as suggestions on where to snorkel. Even got to swim with a sea turtle on my first go at it! Well-stocked shop with great customer service.
Rick L.
This place treats you like a valued customer. It was refreshing as some of the Maui locals weren’t the most pleasant on our vacation here. I was extremely impressed by the service level we received and quality of the gear. We will definitely be back and will go straight here for our rentals. I’m also sending any friends headed to the island to these guys for great service. Thanks again auntys! See ya on the next trip. Mahalo!
Victor C.
Our family rented snorkel gear and boogie boards and the process could not be any more pleasant or smooth. The equipment was in great condition, worked as advertised and very reasonably priced. Burton was extremely thorough in helping us get fitted and identifying all the great snorkeling spots with patience and care. It’s obvious that he knew what he was talking about. If I could give a higher recommendation for Auntie Snorkel’s I would. You can’t go wrong here!
Claire D.
Auntie Snorkel is perfect! Was able to rent all that we needed for the perfect beach day. Very affordable/reasonable. Quick and easy pick up/drop off. Kyle helped us and he was great!! Highly recommend this place for your beach rental needs.
Durian M.
Extremely friendly and helpful staff! Gave lots of tips and even filled out a map of the island for us indicating the best hiking spots. Would recommend
Kanchi C.
Mark and Burton were super helpful and suggested us amazing snorkeling spots around Maui
Lora H.
Jean was awesome. We got A great deal on snorkel, boogie boards, and beach chairs for the week. She was very helpful and getting us fitted for the right size of snorkel gear. Very pleasant person.
