Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
large boats can fit upward of 149 people, and while that's a crowd, there's no arguing with
the price. Its five-hour tour to Lana'i departs at 9am. It's only $80 for adults; each paying
adult is allotted one child free of charge. Unlike other boats that dock at Manele Harbor,
the Pacific Whale Foundation cruises snorkel off the boat, with the two preferred destina-
tions being either Kaunolu (Shark Fin Cove) or the Manele reef outside of the small boat
harbor. The level of customer service on a boat this size isn't quite the same as on the more
intimate vessels, but for families who are on a budget and want to go snorkeling for the
day, it's tough to argue with the affordability.
During summer, a smaller adventure rafting tour departs Lahaina for Lana'i at 7:30am.
The price is significantly higher ($119 adult, $75 child), but you get a much more person-
alized experience than on the larger boat and you're able to hug the shore for a better view
of the undeveloped coastline. Another summer rafting excursion ($55) departs at 10:30am
to snorkel along the West Maui coastline instead of going all the way to Lana'i. All trips
for Pacific Whale Foundation check in at the storefront across the street from the famous
banyan tree, and loading is by the main loading dock of the harbor where you will wait for
one of the crew to escort you down to the boat.
Also during summer (many of these boats defer to whale watches in the winter),
La-
haina Cruise Company
(877/500-6284,
www.lahainacruisecompany.com
) has a fleet of
aging but functional diesel boats that offer snorkeling charters to Lana'i and along the
coastline of West Maui. While much of the focus for these boats is on whale-watching dur-
ing the winter and cocktail cruises in the evening, there are still snorkeling charters avail-
able for those who are on a budget. The cost of the snorkeling tour is an affordable $79 for
adults, and trips are offered Monday-Saturday on vessels that can accommodate up to 149
people.
Captain Woody's
(808/667-2290,
www.captainwoody.net
) operates charters of only
six people for private excursions. Fishing, snorkeling, and seasonal whale-watching can all
be included in these small group tours, and six-hour tours usually depart from Mala Ramp
at 7:30am.
RAFTS
For those who don't like crowds, there are a number of rafts that have small group sizes
and place you closer to the water than any other type of vessel. Due to their bouncy nature,
however, rafts aren't recommended for women who are pregnant or anyone with back
problems, and if you're prone to seasickness, they won't be the best option since the waters
can often become rough during the afternoon. Some companies will swap their snorkeling
