FAQs
We want your Maui snorkeling experience to be the very best and your boat ride to be pleasant, comfortable. We are also more than happy to answer any and all questions over the phone or via email too! Our knowledgeable and very friendly staff is available from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (Hawaii Standard Time). We consider every single question important!
Is this a kid-friendly activity?
Maui Magic is an adventure snorkel, we do not permit children under 5 for this trip. For the families with the younger kids, check out the Four Winds, our “family fun boat”. SNUBA is also offered to children over the age of 8 on both boats.
What if I am pregnant?
Our vessels are very safe and stable and we often accommodate pregnant guests. It is always best-advised to ask your doctor prior. We are also often asked if it is ok to go snorkeling on your period, the answer is yes.
Do you have a lifeguard?
We have dedicated staff members monitoring people at all times while in the water. While they serve the same function that a lifeguard does, they are not lifeguard certified. However, all of our crew-members are highly competent trained individuals who are Red Cross certified in both First Aid and CPR
Is there free parking?
No, Ma‘alaea Harbor, has metered parking. When you arrive at the harbor, you must scan the QR code to pay by credit card.
Is there a shaded cabin?
We have built-in awnings that cover the upper and lower decks. We recommend bringing a hat, light jacket, and plenty of rub on sunscreen for extra sun protection.
Do I need to bring cash or credit card?
Credit cards are accepted onboard for merchandise purchases, SUNBA, cameras, etc. However, please bring cash if you would like to leave gratuity for the crew.
Are there lockers onboard?
No, there is room below the seats to stow away any personal belongings you may wish to bring aboard.
Do you provide transportation?
No.
Is there a place to change onboard?
Yes, we have a restroom (marine head) on board that offer you a place to change.
What does “Molokini weather permitting” mean?
Molokini is always our top choice for our 1st snorkel destination, however your safety comes first and foremost. We do not go to Molokini when the wind, swell, or weather conditions make it unsafe or not ideal. We make Molokini 90% of the time on our Morning Snorkel. When we cannot make it to Molokini, we choose alternate snorkel stops depending on the best snorkel conditions. We do not guarantee any specific destination, as your safety is always our top priority.
Will I get seasick or experience motion-sickness?
The Maui Magic was built for stability and a comfortable ride. However, if you think you might or are prone to motion-sickness you will want to take measures to prevent it. Due to health laws and the risks we CAN NOT provide ANY medicine on board. There are over the counter options available at most stores. We do offer ginger drinks onboard.
What type of added flotation devices do you have?
We provide boogie boards, floatation belts, and life vest for children.
Do you provide snorkeling instruction?
Yes! A snorkel class is provided from our expert crew to help make it easy. From non-swimmers to the first-time snorkelers our crew can assist you.
Do you have to be able swim to snorkel?
Actually, you DO NOT NEED TO KNOW HOW TO SWIM in order to snorkel with us. We offer multiple floatation devices to assist you and keep you afloat while in the water.
What size fins do you have?
We have kids shoe size 8-11 all the way up to adult shoe sizes of 13-15.
What size masks do you offer?
We have 3 different sizes or mask. Our kid’s mask can fit children from 5 years and up. We also have a small adult mask, and a large adult mask. Additionally, we offer optical masks for those who were prescriptions glasses.
Can I bring my own snorkel gear?
Absolutely! If you own your own mask, snorkel, or gear that you are comfortable with feel free to bring it. We offer everything you need, but if you want to purchase your own snorkeling gear we recommend Costco as the best place to buy snorkeling gear.
Do I have to wear my prescription glasses when I snorkel?
No, we provide the use of special prescription masks. We carry optical masks that can compensate from a -2 to -7.
Can I wear my shoes onboard?
Shoes on or off we leave that decision up to you (in most cases).
Are wheelchairs okay?
No.
What should we bring on board the boat?
You will need a beach towel, swimsuit, NON- aerosol sunscreen, a hat or light coverup (in the mornings the weather can be cool), cash or credit card for anything extra you might want to purchase while on board or for gratuity. You are also welcome to bring a camera.
Do we need to bring sunscreen and if so what kind?
We do offer reef safe sunscreen as a courtesy on board our boats. If you would like to bring your own please make sure to NOT BRING SPRAY-ON TYPES (it tends to be messy and makes the deck slippery and hazardous). Any waterproof rub- on sunscreen is welcome, although we prefer sunscreen that helps preserve the ecosystem and is reef safe.
Will we see dolphins/ can I swim with the dolphins?
On the Maui Magic Tour we see dolphins about 60% of the time, but as with all wild animals it is never guaranteed. You CAN NOT swim with dolphins because they are in their wild natural state. Swimming with them could disrupt them. We follow the Dolphin SMART guidelines.
Will I see turtles/ can I swim with turtles?
There are typically no turtles at Molokini because of it distance away from the shoreline, so our 2nd location is where we will snorkel with sea turtles. Our snorkel time is typically an hour at Molokini and then an hour at the 2nd spot (determined by the captain). As with all wild animals, it is never a guarantee. Hawaiian Sea Turtles are a protected species so you CAN NOT touch or harass them in anyway.
What marine life can I expect to see?
You can expect to see many variations of fish along with octopus, eel’s, coral reefs, sea turtles (at the 2nd snorkel location) dolphins, and on rare occasions manta rays, or monk seals.
When is whale season?
They come in November and begin to leave in April.
Do you have vegetarian or vegan food options?
We do have a vegetarian/vegan burger. If you do have special dietary requirements you are most-welcome to bring your own food onboard the boat. Please note that the veggie patties are cooked on the same grill as the meat items that we BBQ for lunch.
Are alcoholic beverages extra?
No, all drinks on board are free, and are served after you are finished in the water. We only ask that you drink responsibly, and do not drink and drive. We also have juice, filtered water, and sodas.
Do you actually cook onboard?
Yes we do! We use charcoal BBQ grills to cook fresh hot lunch right on board.
Do you offer gluten-free food?
Yes, we do! The trip includes a tropical fruit breakfast, and for lunch the burgers and hot dogs are gluten free without the bun. We also have lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and onions that can accompany your hot off the grill burger, and Maui potato chips on the side.
Can my child SNUBA?
Children 8 and over are welcome to SUNBA, but need previous snorkeling experience.
Do I need to know how to swim to SUNBA?
Yes! You do need to be comfortable with snorkeling and being in the water in order to have the best possible SNUBA experience.
How deep can SNUBA go?
Because Molokini is a protected Marine Preserve there is a 10-15 ft. depth limit for SNUBA.
How long is the SNUBA?
There is a 20-minute onboard instruction and then you get to spend approximately 30-minutes doing SNUBA.
Is there any certification necessary to SNUBA?
No, there is no previous experience or any certification needed to try SNUBA. Although you do need previous snorkeling experience.
What is the difference between SNUBA and snorkeling?
SNUBA is a cross between scuba diving and snorkeling. You use a respirator to breath, but the tank is not carried on your back, it stays afloat on a raft above you. You are attached to the tank via a 20 foot hose. Snorkeling you use only a mask and fins.
Should we reserve SNUBA ahead of time?
Yes, you can pre-book a spot for SNUBA when making your reservation, however you are not obligated. It is merely holding your spot because space is limited. Payment is made to dive instructor at the time of event.
Will I SNUBA alone?
NEVER! You will be accompanied by your SNUBA instructor whom is a certified dive instructor. Each raft accommodates for two SNUBA participants.
Do you have gift certificates?
Yes.
Do you cancel during bad weather?
Occasionally it does happen where we must cancel a trip due to unfavorable conditions such as high surf, rain, or winds. The responsibility for this rests on our U.S. Coast Guard Certified Captain to make the ultimate decision on whether it’s safe. We monitor and check the weather daily and do our best to give notice of cancellation as early as we can. In the event we cancel a trip we provide a full-refund or offer the opportunity to go out on another day.
Do you offer refunds for tickets purchased?
Yes, we offer full refunds or changes as long as you are within our 24-hour cancellation policy.
Can I get a refund if I had a medical emergency that prevented me from giving proper cancellation notice?
Yes, in the case of a medical emergency and with a doctor’s note we do offer a refund of your ticket. Please read our terms and conditions page for more information.
Is tipping required?
No, but it is strongly encouraged. Because our crew works hard to give you the best experience we do recommend it. Please note, they do not take credit cards for gratuity.