South Maui: Self Guided Clear Bottom Kayak Tour

Exploring the serene waters off South Maui’s Turtle Town is a must-do for nature lovers. This self-guided clear bottom kayak tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the vibrant underwater world at one’s own pace. With the chance to spot green sea turtles and a variety of reef fish, this 2-hour adventure promises an unforgettable experience. Outfitted with the necessary gear and armed with a fish identification card, participants can embark on a journey of discovery, uncovering the hidden gems that make this region so captivating. But the true allure lies in the freedom to explore and the chance to uncover the secrets that lie beneath the surface.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Maui.

Key Points

• Self-guided clear bottom kayak tour in Turtle Town (Makena Landing), South Maui, with a duration of 2 hours for up to 2 participants.
• High likelihood of spotting green sea turtles, reef fish, and potential sightings of manta rays, spotted eagle rays, and dolphins.
• Seasonal sightings of humpback whales from December to April, with the opportunity to observe their fascinating behaviors.
• Includes kayak, paddles, flotation devices, and a fish identification card to enhance the learning experience.
• Maximum kayak capacity of 450 lbs, with an additional kayak required for groups over 420 lbs.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This self-guided clear bottom kayak tour in South Maui offers a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant marine life of the region.

Lasting for 2 hours, the tour allows up to 2 participants to paddle at their own pace and enjoy the calm waters of Turtle Town (Makena Landing).

Along the way, guests can observe a diverse array of marine creatures, including green sea turtles, reef fish, manta rays, and even seasonal humpback whales.

The tour includes a clear bottom kayak, personal flotation device, paddle lessons, and a fish identification card, ensuring a safe and informative experience.

Priced at $125 per group, this tour provides excellent value for money and the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Activity Highlights

Guests can expect to explore the vibrant marine life of Turtle Town (Makena Landing) during this self-guided clear bottom kayak tour. From the comfort of the clear kayak, they’ll have a chance to observe a diverse array of creatures, including:

Marine Life	Likelihood of Sighting
Green sea turtles	Very High
Reef fish	High
Manta rays	Moderate
Spotted eagle rays	Moderate
Octopi	Moderate
Dolphins	Moderate
Monk seals	Low
Humpback whales (December-April)	Seasonal
Little white-tip reef sharks	Low

The calm waters provide an ideal setting for using the provided squirt gun and enjoying the serene atmosphere.

Pricing and Inclusions

The self-guided clear bottom kayak tour in South Maui starts at $125.00 per group, which can accommodate up to 2 participants.

The price includes a clear bottom kayak with paddles, personal flotation devices, and a fish identification card. Participants will also receive paddle lessons and local tips from the crew.

While groups can’t rotate or share kayaks, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

With a maximum kayak capacity of 450 lbs, groups over 420 lbs should reserve an additional kayak.

This self-guided experience allows visitors to explore Turtle Town and observe diverse marine life at their own pace.

Group Size and Capacity

Limiting the group size to 2 participants, the self-guided clear bottom kayak tour in South Maui ensures an intimate and personalized experience.

The tour has a maximum kayak capacity of 450 lbs, allowing for flexibility in group composition. Groups exceeding 420 lbs are required to reserve an additional kayak to accommodate their total weight.

Life jackets are provided for all sizes, except for children under 30 lbs, who can’t ride in laps.

This considerate policy prioritizes safety and comfort, allowing participants to fully enjoy the serene exploration of Turtle Town without the distraction of a larger group.

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Marine Life and Sightings

On this self-guided kayak tour, participants can expect to encounter a diverse array of marine life in the picturesque Turtle Town (Makena Landing).

Lucky kayakers may spot green sea turtles, reef fish, manta rays, spotted eagle rays, octopi, dolphins, monk seals, and even humpback whales during the peak winter months.

The tour offers a chance to observe these incredible creatures up close in their natural habitat. From the clear-bottom kayak, guests can gaze into the underwater world and use the provided fish identification card to learn about the various species.

With calm waters and the option to engage in fun activities like squirt gun battles, this tour promises an unforgettable ocean adventure.

Seasonal Whale Watching

Humpback whales make their grand appearance in the waters off South Maui from December through April, offering kayakers a chance to catch a glimpse of these majestic marine mammals.

During this seasonal migration, these massive creatures can be spotted breaching, tail-slapping, and engaging in other fascinating behaviors.

Some key things to watch for include:

• Pectoral fin slapping, where whales repeatedly lift their large front flippers out of the water and slap them back down
• Breaching, when whales launch their entire bodies out of the water and splash back down
• Tail lobbing, where whales raise their tails high in the air before crashing them back into the sea

With a little luck, kayakers might witness the whales’ captivating displays while exploring the tranquil waters of South Maui.

Customer Feedback

Customers have offered a mix of feedback on the self-guided nature of the clear bottom kayak tour. Some have thoroughly enjoyed the freedom and independence it provides, relishing the chance to explore Turtle Town at their own pace.

Others, however, have expressed a preference for guided tours, feeling they offer better opportunities for spotting diverse marine life.

While the transportation and value for money aspects have received largely positive reviews, the self-guided format seems to be a point of contention.

Important Considerations

When planning this self-guided clear bottom kayak tour, there are several important considerations to keep in mind.

First and foremost, the ocean conditions are assessed by the crew before the tours, ensuring the safety of the participants.

Plus, the maximum kayak capacity is 450 lbs (204 kg), and groups over 420 lbs should reserve an additional kayak.

Lastly, life jackets are available for all sizes except children under 30 lbs (13.5 kg), and groups can’t rotate or share kayaks, so it’s essential to reserve the appropriate number for the entire group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Water and Snacks?

The tour doesn’t provide water or snacks, so participants should bring their own. Staying hydrated and fueled is important during the 2-hour activity. Packing a small cooler with water and light snacks is recommended for a comfortable experience.

Can We Bring a Gopro Camera for Underwater Filming?

Participants can bring a GoPro camera for underwater filming during the tour. The clear-bottom kayaks allow for excellent views of the marine life, making it a great opportunity to capture memorable footage of the experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Kayak Tour?

The tour has age restrictions – children under 3 years old cannot ride in the kayak, and children over 3 must have their own seat. Life jackets are available for all sizes except for children under 30 lbs.

Can We Request an Early or Late Tour Time?

Customers can request early or late tour times, though availability may be limited. The crew assesses ocean conditions prior to tours and will schedule participants accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Is There a Restroom or Changing Area at the Launch Site?

There’s a restroom and changing area available at the launch site for this self-guided clear bottom kayak tour. Guests can conveniently prepare for their adventure before embarking on the water to observe the diverse marine life.

Recap

South Maui’s self-guided clear bottom kayak tour in Turtle Town offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the vibrant marine ecosystem. Paddle at your own pace, marvel at the abundant sea life, and soak up the serene beauty of the ocean – it’s an unforgettable adventure that promises to leave a lasting impression.

You can check if your dates are available here: