The Magic Merman Snorkel Charters — Local services in Maui

The Magic Merman Snorkel Charters: The Highlight of Hawaii.

My partner and I were picked up shortly before 9am on Ka’anapali Beach, with approximately 16 others in their custom 40' boat.

Before boarding, we were met at the edge of the beach by crew members (Captin Derek, and Austin) who asked us all about our snorkeling/diving/surfing adventures to help get us excited for the day, and better assess our level of experience before we hit the water.

When we were ready to board, Captian Will ushered us from the beach to the boat (which was a fun ride in and of itself), where we were met by Emma and Shasta, the other 2 crew members who would be assisting us in and out of the water that day.

Before leaving, the crew went over the safety features, explained the process, and provided us with both hot and cold beverages for the ride.

We ended up going to 3 different locations to Snorkel. Once arriving at the first location, Shasta took a dive and investigated the area and noted that there was a lot of current; it was decided that we would move to a different location so that we wouldn't all have to fight with the water all morning.

The second location (where we spent approximately 45 minutes) was wonderful. This was my first snorkel, and I could not have been more pleased. The water was warm, the coral was plentiful, there were hundreds of fish, turtles, and beautiful spots to explore, and if you had a question Shasta and Emma were both there with you in the water to answer them, or give you tips.

The third location took us to a pier where we were met by a dozen turtles to swim with (but don't get too close or it's a $10,000usd fine, and a $2,000 reward for the one who reports you haha).

Between the second and third location, the crew offered beverages, fruits, breads, chips, and wraps to the guests (as well as ginger candy to me because I decided to drink the sea at the second location and make myself sick); and while I don't recommend drinking the ocean, they have you covered if you do.

All in all, it was wonderful, and we will 100% book with them again when we return in 2023.

The highlight of this adventure for both my partner and I was the intimate size of the tour. I don't like a lot of crowds, and when traipsing around Maui, you'll find nothing but crowds. When we first arrived at Ka’anapali beach, we saw upwards of 100 people boarding one of those huge commercial snorkeling tours, and I remember us both exclaiming how much better this was than that.

Sure, you get a huge "fancy" boat, but they fill that huge "fancy" boat, and you end up in the water with those same 100 people you boarded with, and their 200 flippers in your face.

The crew knew each and every one of our names and genuinely wanted us to have an amazing experience.

In summation, they deserve all the 5-star reviews, and we can not wait to book with them next we are in Maui.

Thanks for a great time!

Nicole and...

Absolutely LOVED our snorkel trip with Captain Will, Shasta, and Emma in Maui. Our family group of 7 (three adults with vast scuba and snorkel experience, three teen girls, and a snorkel-hesitant 6-year-old) had an amazing time. Captain Will's piloting skills are excellent - almost as good as his playlist! Seriously, sitting at the fore of the boat as CCR blasts from the speakers and we crash over the first set of waves... it's a vibe. Captain Will guided us through some rough waves and a brief squall with (relatively) minor bumps. At one point, my kiddo (the 6-yr-old) was experiencing some anxiety over the squall and waves and the Shasta and Emma were SO helpful in getting us to the back of the boat, handing us towels to cover up, loaning jackets, and checking on us.

The weather is just part of the adventure and was totally worth it. We so enjoyed our time at Hanauma Bay - beautifully clear water with excellent wildlife viewing. The kiddo had her fill of snorkeling after about 10 minutes, and Captain Will was gracious in letting her hang with him on the boat so us parents could enjoy our time in the water. Uninterrupted time to snorkel in a beautiful and vibrant location, knowing our kiddo was being cared for by friendly and caring staff?! PRICELESS.

Shasta and Emma - our guides - were knowledgeable and friendly as well. Super helpful in describing wildlife, sharing entertaining stories, and explaining some of the changes Maui's reefs have experienced over the years. We genuinely enjoyed hanging with them.

We didn't get to stay at the second location - Mala Wharf - as long as we hoped, mostly owing to weather issues. What a magical spot to snorkel though! A well-known sea turtle cleaning station, Mala was blissfully uncrowded of other boats/snorkelers, and super fun. We saw a white-tipped reef shark, along with about 8-10 turtles, and also explored a bit of the undersea architecture left behind from the former pier.

Refreshments and snacks on board were excellent - lilikoi cream cheese is my new favorite spread for banana bread.

Tips for future guests: DO bring Bonine (less side effects than Dramamine IMO) to have on hand and take one a bit before you depart if the sea looks rough. DON'T bring a ton of stuff. DO bring a wetsuit if you don't like cold water. The water's cooler than you may think, especially out by Mala. DO tip the crew - they've earned it.

I wish we could have gone out with The Magic Merman and crew for a second trip. My husband, brother, and I have been on dozens of snorkeling/scuba charters around the world, from Australia to Palau to the BVI, over the decades. Magic Merman ranks as one of our top 3 experiences for a charter and crew. Mahalo to Austin, Derek, Captain Will, Shasta, and Emma for lovely hospitality and a super...

Highly recommend the Magic Merman Snorkel Charters! Derek & Austin provided detailed (&accurate) logistics, and greeted us on the beach before riding out to their specially designed tour boat. (Coast Guard Grade & accommodated a smaller number of guests for a more customized experience… perfect to tailor instructions and/or 1x1 assistance for ‘nervous’ first time snorkelers without shaming those of us challenged with adjusting gear no matter how many times we’ve snorkeled!).

Shasta was a phenomenal mermaid in the water and Naturalist on board teaching about the behaviors. Exceptional hospitality included cold beverages, fruit, banana bread, and wraps for lunch (& peppermint towels to sanitize afterwards!). Derek piloted the boat expertly—navigating nimbly to identify and speed alongside spinner dolphins (leaving other bigger boats behind!) and yet very politely yielded to the position of other tour boats while cruising to/from and docking at both sites.

We saw several turtles, an abundance of colorful varieties of fish, eels, and at least 4 octopus/octopi due to Shasta’s keen eye and pointing patiently underwater until everyone could see. Derek & Shasta educated us in the water and on the boat with brief yet interesting explanations of different types of fish we saw and dolphin factoids.

We’ve been on other large boat snorkel and dolphin tours…and the bigger the boat, the more people jockeying for limited seating, gear, and refreshments….and kicking feet in your face while trying to enjoy the experience. Definitely put ‘the Magic Merman’ at the top of your list—support a local small business with an exceptionally skilled, knowledgeable, and kind crew, differentiated boat, hospitality, and refreshingly personalized experience. We’ll be back for snorkeling ..,and whale watching season with friends & family! (And in case you are wondering.… this TLTR review wasn’t written by ChatGPT but a real couple that knows that the ‘Aloha’ and ‘Ohana’ spirit can’t be...