Lanai Explorer
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- Lanai Explorer
Highlights
- Adventurous yet comfortable Explorer Class Raft
- Departure from Lahaina Harbor
- Explore beautiful beaches and tidepools on 6.5 hour Landing tour
- Two snorkel locations on the 4.5 hour Dolphin tour
Description
Nine miles across the Au'au channel from West Maui lies the privately-owned island of Lanai. It was once the largest pineapple plantation in the world; now very little pineapple is grown there. The island's economy is centered around the two resort hotels - the Manele Bay Hotel and the Lodge at Ko'ele. Most visitors to the island come over for the day from the island of Maui. The island is very dry and doesn't have the lush beauty found in Maui's rainforests, but Lanai has the longest stretch of coral reef in Hawaii. But the biggest attraction of Lanai is the large pod of Spinner Dolphins frequently encountered on Lanai's southern coast ... watching these marine mammals in their natural environment will surely be one of your most memorable vacation highlights!
The Lanai Explorer is our most popular excursion to enjoy the snorkeling and scenery of Lanai. This large "explorer class" raft offers the fast adventure of ocean rafting but offers some of the creature comforts of larger boats (like shade, comfortable seating, and on-board marine heads).
Packages
Lanai Explorer Dolphin and Snorkel Adventure - 4.5 Hours
Cross the channel between Maui and Lanai, enjoy two snorkel sites from the boat with a total snorkel time of a little over two hours, and siteseeing and dolphin watching along the way … all in a 4.5 hour trip.
Schedule: Monday through Saturday 7:30am
Lanai Explorer Dolphin and Snorkel Rate (SEA2)
$175.99 per Adult, $141.93 per Child (5-12) (Hawaii sales tax included)
This rate includes all taxes, harbor fees, and fuel surcharges
Location
GPS Address: 675 Wharf Street, Lahaina, Hawaii 96761 Click to view map
Details
Check In: Lahaina Harbor slip #11
Vessel: 50 foot Eplorer-class Super Raft with capacity of 36 passengers.
Gear Provided: Snorkel gear, flotation devices
What to Wear: Wear swimsuits and bring a towel and sunscreen. We also recommend a light jacket.
Reservations: Advanced reservations required and we recommend booking this a month or more before your arrival. This event is "RESERVE NOW PAY LATER"; we need a credit card on file to finalize your reservation but we do not charge you for this reservation until a few days before the beginning of your vacation!
Minimum Notice for Cancellations / Changes: At least 48 hours before the start of the event. All tours go out rain or shine.
Restrictions: No one with neck or back injuries or pregnant women allowed. Minimum age for these tours is 5.
Kevin's Activity Tips:
A Lanai dolphin adventure is a must-do on my list of Maui activities. If you have time for two snorkel boat tours, go to Molokini and Lanai. If you only have time for one, go to Lanai!!! The reef there is just as good as Molokini (better in places) with lots of fish and turtles ... and there are a lot less people.
Lanai trips are definitely a good way to go for people staying in the West Maui area (Kapalua, Kahana, Honokowai, Kaanapali, and Lahaina). Lanai trips leave from Lahaina, so much less driving is involved than most of the Molokini boats.
While none of the Lanai trips GUARANTEE dolphin sightings, it is unusual to not encounter dolphins along the south coast of Lanai. Your chances of seeing dolphins is in the 75-80% range on any given day. Lots of people ask if they can swim with the dolphins. The honest answer is "probably not." Snorkel tours have to be very cautious in approaching dolphins ... they are protected marine mammals. Once in a while a boat will stop to snorkel and the dolphins will approach out of curiosity. If this happens, enjoy the moment ... you are truly blessed. Don't plan on it happening. You will likely see plenty of activity just watching them from the boat ... the large pod of spinner dolphins at Lanai is very active. You will likely witness acrobatic behavior and dolphins will probably swim on both sides of the bow of the boat just a few feet away from you.
The Lanai Explorer is our most popular Lanai tour .... it offers the adventure of rafting ... but more comfort than most rafts as there are real seats on board the vessel (you don't have to sit on the innertube sides of the raft unless you want to). The Lanai Explorer also offers quite a bit of shade and has a marine head on board when nature calls.
If you're looking for EVEN MORE adventure around Lanai, check out Ocean Riders Rafting which COMPLETELY CIRCLES the island of Lanai!