Name: Auntie Snorkel Beach Rentals and Activities
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What are the Check-In Details, Departure Times, and Duration of the Four Winds Afternoon Turtle Snorkel at Coral Gardens?

Check-in time: 1:00 PM
Departure time: 1:30 PM
Return time: Approximately 5:00 PM
Tour duration: 3.5 hours
Availability: Daily

Check-in location:
Maalaea Harbor, Slip #80
101 Maalaea Road, Wailuku, HI 96793

Slip #80 is located on the jetty, the far ocean side of the harbor. Even-numbered slips are on the jetty. The Four Winds is at the very end of the jetty, next to the brown Ferry Terminal Building.

What is the Location and Directions for the Four Winds Afternoon Turtle Snorkel at Coral Gardens?

Maalaea Harbor, Slip #80 (far ocean side of the harbor)

Maalaea Harbor is a convenient starting point for guests staying in Kihei, Wailea, Kahului, Wailuku, and Upcountry Maui.

Approximate driving times:

20 minutes from Kahului Airport (OGG)
20-30 minutes from Kihei/Wailea area resorts
30 minutes from Kaanapali area resorts
45 minutes from Napili/Kapalua area

Parking Information:

Maalaea Harbor offers metered parking. Scan the QR code at the harbor to pay. No free parking is available at the harbor.

Your Auntie Snorkel discounted rate has been activated for the:

Four Winds Afternoon Turtle Snorkel at Coral Gardens!

Maalaea Harbor • Central Maui • Coral Gardens Turtle Snorkel • Lunch and Alcoholic Beverages Included

Questions about this or any other Maui activity? Text or call us at (808) 298-3021 daily. We are fun specialists and island experts, and we can help you pick the perfect Maui activity for your crew. We are Maui family-owned and operated, and we’re Maui’s highest-rated activity and rental shop!

It’s easy to book your Four Winds Afternoon Turtle Snorkel at Coral Gardens right here via Auntie Snorkel.

Auntie Snorkel offers the lowest prices guaranteed!

We will email you an E-Ticket once we complete your reservation.

Free cancellation up to 72 hours prior.

Text or Call (808) 298-3021 Daily!

Auntie Snorkel’s Reviews

Why You’ll Love the Four Winds Afternoon Turtle Snorkel at Coral Gardens

⭐ Coral Gardens: The Best Afternoon Snorkel Spot on Maui

High cliffs shelter Coral Gardens from the afternoon trade winds, making it the ideal afternoon snorkel destination on Maui. The water stays calm and clear even when other sites get choppy, and the extensive Olowalu reef system beneath the surface is home to an extraordinary variety of marine life — including Hawaiian green sea turtles that the crew sees on almost every trip.

⭐ 40+ Years of Excellence — Maui’s #1 Snorkel Tour

Four Winds has been running snorkel tours on Maui for over 40 years and has maintained a reputation as the island’s top-rated snorkel operator. Their longevity reflects the quality of their vessel, the expertise of their crew, and the consistency of the experience they deliver. Guests who grew up coming to Maui with their parents now bring their own kids on this same tour.

⭐ Alcoholic Beverages Included

Unlike many afternoon snorkel tours, the Four Winds afternoon tour includes alcoholic beverages — beer, wine, and seltzers — at no additional charge. A full taco bar lunch, fresh baked cookies, and a selection of non-alcoholic drinks round out the package. A valid photo ID is required for alcoholic beverages.

⭐ A Feature-Packed Catamaran Like No Other

The Four Winds catamaran is genuinely in a class of its own for an afternoon snorkel tour. A glass bottom viewing room lets non-snorkelers observe the reef from above the waterline. A waterslide keeps kids entertained between snorkel sessions. Four boarding ladders mean guests get in and out of the water quickly. Two spacious shaded decks, two restrooms, and a fresh water rinsing station complete the picture.

⭐ SNUBA Available for a Deeper Dive

For guests who want to go deeper than snorkeling allows without the full equipment of scuba, SNUBA lets you breathe underwater from a tank above the surface while a certified scuba diver stays in the water with you. It’s offered daily at Coral Gardens for $75 per person and is a guest favorite for those with previous snorkel experience.

⭐ Red Cross Certified Crew in the Water With You

Every crew member holds Red Cross certification along with CPR and First Aid training. Crew members station themselves both in and out of the water during snorkeling, so guests at any level feel supported. The instructional snorkel class before entry sets everyone up for success.

⭐ A Later Start That Keeps Your Morning Free

Check-in at 1:00 PM and back by 5:00 PM — the morning is entirely yours. Whether you’re using it for breakfast on the beach, another activity, or sleeping in, the Four Winds afternoon tour is built for guests who want their ocean adventure to happen on a civilized schedule.

What’s Included in the Four Winds Afternoon Turtle Snorkel at Coral Gardens

✔ 3.5-hour snorkel cruise departing daily at 1:30 PM

✔ Snorkel stop at Coral Gardens (Molokini Crater occasionally, weather and conditions permitting)

✔ Spacious catamaran with glass bottom viewing room, waterslide, four boarding ladders, two shaded decks, two restrooms, and fresh water rinsing station

✔ Snorkel gear: mask, optical mask, snorkel, and fins

✔ Flotation devices: sea boards, boogie boards, flotation belts, and life vests for young children

✔ Instructional snorkel class before water entry

✔ Crew in and out of the water; Red Cross certified, CPR and First Aid trained

✔ Deluxe taco bar lunch (see menu below)

✔ Fresh baked cookies for dessert

✔ Alcoholic beverages included: beer, wine, and seltzers (valid photo ID required)

✔ Non-alcoholic beverages: sodas, POG juice, and filtered water

✔ Winter whale watching (December through April)

✔ Infants under 3 ride free

✔ E-Ticket emailed from Auntie Snorkel after booking

✔ Free cancellation up to 72 hours prior

What Does the Four Winds Afternoon Turtle Snorkel at Coral Gardens Look Like?

See for yourself in this preview of the snorkel tour experience.

What Can I See on the Four Winds Afternoon Turtle Snorkel at Coral Gardens?

Ocean conditions vary daily and wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Coral Gardens sits on the edge of the vast Olowalu reef system, one of the most productive marine environments on Maui’s south shore. The crew sees sea turtles on nearly every trip.

✔ Hawaiian green sea turtles cruising along the reef — the star attraction at Coral Gardens

✔ A huge variety of tropical reef fish from the Olowalu reef system

✔ Colorful coral formations and reef structure

✔ Eels, rays, and other reef inhabitants

✔ Glass bottom viewing room views for guests who prefer to stay dry

✔ Seasonal humpback whale watching during the boat ride (December through April)

What’s on the Menu?

A full deluxe lunch is included along with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the tour. Four Winds promotes sustainability by using reusable plates and dishes on board.

Lunch: Build Your Own Taco Bar

Mahi-mahi
Vegan Beyond Burger taco meat
Guava pulled pork
Hot dog
Mexican quinoa salad
Green papaya tropical slaw

All meat items are gluten-free. Beyond Meat and salads are gluten-free and vegan.

Dessert

Fresh baked cookies

Beverages (Included)

Beer, wine, and seltzers (alcoholic; valid photo ID required for guests 21+)
Sodas, POG juice (passion, orange, guava), and filtered water

Good to Know

A valid picture ID is required for all guests who plan to drink alcoholic beverages. Dietary restrictions and allergies should be noted at the time of booking.

Who Should Book the Four Winds Afternoon Turtle Snorkel at Coral Gardens?

This tour is a great fit for:

Families with children of all ages — infants under 3 ride free, and the waterslide, glass bottom viewing room, and temporary tattoos keep all ages entertained
Anyone who wants alcoholic beverages included in an afternoon snorkel tour
Sea turtle enthusiasts — Coral Gardens is one of Maui’s best spots for close-up turtle encounters
Guests who want a later departure and a spacious, feature-packed catamaran
Adventure seekers interested in trying SNUBA for the first time (add-on, $75; prior snorkel experience required)
First-time snorkelers who want an instructional class, crew support, and flotation devices available

For a longer morning snorkel tour with more time at Molokini Crater, check out the morning Molokini snorkel tours available from Auntie Snorkel. Browse the full selection of Maui snorkel tours for more options.

Are There Special Restrictions for the Four Winds Afternoon Turtle Snorkel at Coral Gardens?

⚠️ Any participant under 18 years old must be accompanied by a paying adult aged 18 or older.

⚠️ Infants under 3 ride free. Children 4-12 receive a discounted rate.

⚠️ A valid picture ID is required for all guests who plan to drink alcoholic beverages. Minimum drinking age is 21.

⚠️ Strollers are not permitted on board. Infant carriers are OK.

⚠️ Non-aerosol reef-safe sunscreen only. Aerosol sunscreen is not permitted on board.

⚠️ Large bags and valuables should be left at the hotel. Limited storage is available on board.

⚠️ Guests should be comfortable in open ocean conditions.

⚠️ Must be able to board and exit the vessel independently.

⚠️ Not recommended for guests with serious back, neck, or mobility issues.

⚠️ Pregnant guests or those with medical conditions should consult a physician before booking.

⚠️ SNUBA is not available to first-time snorkelers. Guests must have prior snorkel experience and be strong swimmers.

⚠️ Snorkel location and wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Coral Gardens is the primary destination; Molokini is rarely accessible in the afternoon due to trade winds.

Pro Tips from Your Fun Specialists

Check in at 1:00 PM — the boat departs at 1:30 PM and leaves on time
Bear left onto the jetty when you enter the harbor and head all the way to the end; Slip #80 is next to the brown Ferry Terminal Building
Maalaea Harbor uses metered parking with QR code payment — bring your phone for parking payment
Bring a valid photo ID to enjoy the included alcoholic beverages
Apply non-aerosol reef-safe sunscreen before boarding — aerosol sunscreen is not allowed on board
Pack light; large bags and valuables should stay at the hotel
Leave strollers at the hotel; infant carriers are fine
If prone to motion sickness, take preventative measures before boarding
Book SNUBA in advance if you plan to add it; it’s $75 per person and prior snorkel experience is required
Rent a GoPro from Auntie Snorkel before your tour; professional underwater photography is also available for purchase through Marine Images on board
Wetsuits are available to rent for $10 if you tend to get cold in the water
Bring cash to tip the crew – they earn it!

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Four Winds Afternoon Turtle Snorkel at Coral Gardens

Will I go to Coral Gardens or Molokini?

Coral Gardens is the primary afternoon destination. Afternoon trade winds make Molokini Crater rarely accessible in the afternoon, so guests should plan on Coral Gardens. The exception is December through April, when the tour shifts to a Whale Watch and Molokini Crater combination. Coral Gardens is ranked among the world’s top snorkel sites and is the better turtle-watching location of the two.

What makes this tour different from the Malolo afternoon snorkel?

The Four Winds afternoon tour is 3.5 hours (vs. 3 hours for the Malolo), includes alcoholic beverages in the ticket price (vs. purchased separately), serves a full taco bar lunch (vs. hot dogs and chips), and features a waterslide, glass bottom viewing room, and four boarding ladders. The Malolo departs from Boss Frog’s and visits Molokini or Coral Gardens; the Four Winds primarily visits Coral Gardens.

Both are excellent — the choice comes down to what features matter most to your group.

Are sea turtles common at Coral Gardens?

Yes. The crew sees Hawaiian green sea turtles on almost every trip. Coral Gardens sits on the edge of the Olowalu reef system, one of the most turtle-rich snorkel environments on Maui’s south shore. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but this tour gives guests one of the strongest chances of a turtle encounter available on any afternoon snorkel.

What is SNUBA and who is it for?

SNUBA is a bridge between snorkeling and scuba diving. You breathe underwater through a regulator connected to an air tank floating above the surface, without needing full scuba certification. A certified scuba diver stays in the water with you throughout. SNUBA is available daily at Coral Gardens for $75 per person and is suitable for guests who have previous snorkel experience and are strong swimmers.

Are alcoholic beverages really included?

Yes. Beer, wine, and seltzers are included in the ticket price and served on board. A valid picture ID is required for all guests 21+ who plan to drink.

Is this tour good for young children?

Yes. Infants under 3 ride free, children 4-12 receive a discounted rate, and the boat features a waterslide, glass bottom viewing room, and temporary tattoos that kids love. Flotation devices and life vests for young children are available. Note that strollers are not permitted on board; infant carriers are welcome.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. An instructional snorkel class is offered before guests enter the water, flotation devices are available, and crew members are stationed both in and out of the water throughout snorkeling. Guests of any swimming ability can participate.

What is the cancellation policy?

Auntie Snorkel offers free cancellation up to 72 hours prior to your tour.

Why Book the Four Winds Afternoon Turtle Snorkel at Coral Gardens With Auntie Snorkel?

⭐ Best-Value Tickets for Maui Snorkel Tours

⭐ Secure Checkout with Easy Cancellation Up to 72 Hours Prior

⭐ Real Local Support from Our Family-Owned Lahaina and Kihei Shops

⭐ Personalized Help Choosing the Right Maui Activity for You

⭐ Trusted by Thousands of Happy Maui Guests

More About the Four Winds Afternoon Turtle Snorkel at Coral Gardens

Prime Afternoon Snorkeling at Coral Gardens

The high cliffs sheltering Coral Gardens from the afternoon trade winds are not just a nice bonus — they’re the reason this spot works so well when other sites don’t. While Molokini Crater becomes increasingly challenging to access as afternoon winds build across the channel, Coral Gardens stays calm, clear, and productive. The Four Winds crew made this their afternoon home for a reason.

Turtles, Not Just a Possibility

Most snorkel tours list sea turtles as something guests might see. At Coral Gardens, the Four Winds crew sees them on nearly every trip. The Olowalu reef system that extends beneath Coral Gardens is one of the largest and most turtle-rich reef environments in Hawaii. Guests who have snorkeled at Molokini multiple times and never seen a turtle often see their first at Coral Gardens.

The Catamaran Is the Experience

The Four Winds catamaran is part of the experience. The glass bottom viewing room lets non-snorkelers observe the reef in real time while those in the water explore. The waterslide gives kids (and plenty of adults) an activity between snorkel sessions. Four boarding ladders mean no queue to get back on the boat. Two shaded decks mean everyone finds a comfortable spot.

A Taco Bar That People Actually Talk About

The build-your-own taco bar — mahi-mahi, vegan Beyond Burger, guava pulled pork, Mexican quinoa salad, green papaya tropical slaw, fresh baked cookies — earns its own mention in guest reviews. For a 3.5-hour afternoon tour, this is a genuinely surprising level of food quality. Fresh baked cookies at the end are a detail guests remember.

40 Years and Counting

Not many tour operations last 40 years in a competitive market like Maui. Four Winds has done it by delivering a consistent, high-quality experience that guests return to and recommend. The crew reflects that longevity — these are professionals who know Coral Gardens, know the turtles, and know how to make a group of strangers feel like they’re on a private charter.

Location: Four Winds, Maalaea Harbor, Slip #80, 101 Maalaea Road, Wailuku, HI 96793

Learn More About Maui Snorkeling from Auntie Snorkel’s Fun Specialists

Auntie Snorkel’s Maui Guidebook offers all our Island Expert knowledge at your fingertips to help you find the perfect Maui activities for you. Learn more about Maui snorkeling in the articles below.