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Booking & Tour FAQs
How far in advance should I book a Redline Rafting tour?
We recommend booking your seats the moment you know the day you would like to come out. We often fill up weeks in advance during busy season, so it’s always best to book early.
Where do Redline Rafting tours depart from?
Our tours depart from the Kihei Boat Ramp at 2800 S. Kihei Road in South Maui. Departing from Kihei puts us close to Molokini and many of the snorkeling and whale watching areas we visit.
How early should I arrive for my tour?
Plan to arrive by the check-in time listed on your reservation. Check-in times vary depending on the tour, so be sure to confirm your specific time before heading to the Kihei Boat Ramp.
How far of a drive is it from where I’m staying?
Kihei/Wailea: approximately 10 minutes.
Drive times from other areas of Maui can vary depending on traffic, so we recommend checking your route and allowing extra time before your tour.
What if I need to cancel a booking?
Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance for parties of 5 or fewer and 72 hours in advance for parties of 6 or more in order to receive a full refund. Private charters require a 7-day cancellation period.
Simply call or text us at 808.698.5837. Cancellations or changes may NOT be made via email.
What happens if weather or ocean conditions are bad?
Ocean conditions can change quickly around Maui. Our captains monitor the weather and conditions and will make decisions with safety in mind. Snorkeling locations may change when necessary, and if Redline has to cancel a tour, we’ll work with you on your options.
Are there any restrictions?
Due to the adventurous nature of this trip, it is NOT recommended for pregnant women, people with back or neck problems, elderly or fragile people, or children under 8.
Are your snorkeling tours family-friendly?
Yes! We have a 2-hour and 5-hour Maui snorkeling tour that are great for families. Just pick how much time you want to spend on the water and how many snorkel spots you would like to see.
Our trips are not recommended for children under 8 years old.
Boat & Onboard FAQs
How big is the raft?
Our raft is 35 feet long and specially customized for snorkeling and sea adventures!
What should I bring on my tour?
We recommend bringing a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, sunglasses, and anything else you’ll want for your time on the water. A light layer can also be helpful on cooler mornings. Space on the raft is limited, so try to pack light.
Can I bring my own gear?
Yes, please feel free to bring your own gear. We also provide masks, snorkels, fins, and other snorkeling equipment free of charge.
Do you have flotation devices onboard?
Yes, we have flotation belts and inflatable life vests for anyone to use.
Is there a bathroom onboard?
Our 5-hour Molokini and South Maui tour has a bathroom onboard. Amenities can vary by tour and vessel, so contact us before booking if having a bathroom onboard is important to you.
Can I just come along for the boat ride even if I don’t want to snorkel?
Yes, we would love to have you along for just the boat ride. Just be aware you will have to listen to lots more of our captain’s humor than the normal passenger!
Will I get seasick on a Redline Rafting tour?
It’s possible to get seasick on any ocean tour, and everyone reacts differently to boat motion. If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s a good idea to prepare before your trip. If you use motion-sickness medication, check the instructions for your specific medication to determine when it should be taken.
Is there food provided on your tours? Will we get lunch? Can we bring food?
On our 5-hour Molokini Snorkeling Tour, we offer Maui cinnamon rolls and fresh fruit for breakfast, along with deli sandwiches and chips for lunch. Soda and water are also available.
Our 2-hour tours do not include food or drinks. If you’d like to bring food, you can bring it in a soft-sided cooler. Please be aware that we have limited space, so we ask passengers to avoid bringing too much onto the raft.
Snorkeling & Molokini FAQs
What locations do your tours visit?
Depending on the tour, we visit Molokini Crater, including the Backwall, the South Maui Coast, Turtle Town, and La Perouse.
What’s the difference between the 2-hour and 5-hour Molokini tours?
Our 2-hour tour is a shorter Molokini-focused adventure that gets you from Kihei to the crater quickly, gives you time to snorkel, and gets you back to Maui with plenty of the day still ahead.
Our 5-hour tour goes farther. Along with snorkeling inside Molokini, the trip can include the Molokini Backwall and additional snorkeling along the South Maui coast, including areas known for Hawaiian green sea turtles. Breakfast and lunch are also included.
What time do Molokini snorkeling tours leave?
Our Molokini tours leave in the morning, with departure times varying by tour. Check the current tour schedule when booking for available departure times and your required check-in time.
Is Molokini good for beginner snorkelers?
The protected inside portion of Molokini Crater can offer great snorkeling conditions, including clear water and plenty of marine life. We also provide snorkel gear, flotation devices, and guidance from our crew.
Ocean conditions can change, however, and you should always stay within your swimming ability and comfort level.
Do you provide snorkeling instruction?
Yes. Our crew can help you get comfortable with your snorkel gear and provide guidance before you get in the water. If you’re new to snorkeling, let us know so we can help you get started.
What if I don’t know how to swim?
Swimming is a very important skill to have before snorkeling, so we recommend practicing in the hotel pool ahead of time.
We do carry flotation belts and are happy to give some guidance on best practices for snorkeling.
Do we swim with the turtles at Turtle Town?
Yes, our 5-hour Molokini and South Maui Snorkel Tour includes a stop at Turtle Town, where swimming with the turtles is commonly one of our guests’ most memorable parts of the trip.
Hawaiian green sea turtles are protected, so it’s important to give them plenty of space while you enjoy the experience. Stay at least 10 feet away, never touch, chase, feed, or block a turtle’s path, and let the turtles decide where they want to go. Our crew will help you enjoy the encounter while respecting the wildlife.
Can I see turtles while snorkeling at Molokini?
While you won’t likely see turtles at Molokini Crater itself, our 5-hour tour makes a stop at a different location where you are more likely to see Hawaiian green sea turtles.
Is Molokini Crater safe for snorkeling?
Molokini is a protected marine area, and the waters inside the crater can often be calm and sheltered, making it a popular snorkeling location.
Our tours provide safety briefings, professional crew, life jackets, and flotation belts. Ocean conditions can always change, so our crew will assess conditions on the day of your trip.
Can you snorkel at Molokini without a tour?
Molokini is located offshore from Maui, so you need a boat to reach the crater. Most visitors experience Molokini by joining a permitted boat tour that can safely transport them to the snorkeling area.
Are there any beginner-friendly snorkeling spots in Maui?
Yes! Great options include Ulua Beach, Maluaka Beach, and Olowalu. These spots can offer relatively calm, shallow water and opportunities to see reef fish and turtles when conditions are favorable.
Our Molokini snorkel tours also offer great opportunities for beginners to explore.
What marine life can I see while snorkeling at Molokini?
Molokini is home to a vibrant reef ecosystem with approximately 250 marine species, including triggerfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, moray eels, whitetip reef sharks, and more, along with numerous hard coral species.
During the winter months, you may also spot humpback whales while traveling to and from the crater.
What is the best time of year to snorkel in Maui?
Snorkel tours run year-round. We are blessed with great snorkeling and clear water throughout the year.
Winter, typically December through April, also brings humpback whales to Maui, giving guests the chance to combine snorkeling with seasonal whale sightings.
What are the best snorkeling spots in Maui?
Top snorkeling destinations in Maui include:
- Molokini Crater – Clear water and rich marine life
- Turtle Town / Turtle Arches – Frequent turtle encounters
- Coral Gardens – Beautiful reef areas
- Ulua, Maluaka, and Olowalu – Popular shore snorkeling options
How do I get to Molokini Crater for snorkeling?
From South Maui, Redline departs from Kihei with a roughly 15-minute boat ride to Molokini.
Can you snorkel the Backwall of Molokini?
Yes! The Molokini Backwall is part of our 5-hour Molokini and South Maui adventure when conditions allow. Unlike snorkeling inside the crater, the Backwall drops dramatically into deep water and offers a very different side of Molokini.
Whale Watching FAQs
When is whale watching season in Maui?
Maui’s humpback whale season generally runs from December through April, when North Pacific humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters.
How long are Redline’s Maui whale watching tours?
Our Maui whale watching tour is approximately 1.5 hours long, giving you plenty of time to search for humpbacks without taking up your entire day.
Where do your whale watching tours depart from?
Our whale watching tours depart from the Kihei Boat Ramp in South Maui.
Are whale sightings guaranteed?
Humpback whales are wild animals, but during whale season there are typically plenty of whales in the waters around Maui. Redline offers a whale-sighting guarantee during our whale watching season. Check the current tour details for the terms of the guarantee.
What might we see on a Maui whale watching tour?
Every trip is different. You may see humpbacks breaching, tail or fin slapping, mothers with calves, competition groups, or whales simply traveling through the water. Because these are wild animals, we never know exactly what they’ll be doing until we get out there.
Can you hear whales during a Redline whale watching tour?
Yes. Redline uses an onboard hydrophone that can allow guests to listen to humpback whale songs when whales are vocalizing nearby.
Why choose a raft for whale watching?
Our rafts offer a small-group experience and excellent views from close to the water. Their size and maneuverability also make for an adventurous way to experience Maui’s humpback whale season.
Are Redline’s whale watching tours educational?
Yes. Our crew shares information about humpback whale behavior, migration, and the marine environment throughout the trip, and guests are always encouraged to ask questions.
Can I see whales during a snorkeling tour?
Yes, it’s possible during whale season. While whales are wild animals and sightings can never be predicted, guests often have opportunities to spot humpbacks while traveling between snorkeling locations during the winter months.
Private Charter FAQs
Can I book a private Redline Rafting tour?
Yes! Redline offers private charters for families, friends, wedding parties, corporate groups, and anyone who would like to enjoy the boat with just their own group.
How long are private charters?
Redline offers both 2-hour and 5-hour private charter options, so you can choose the experience that works best for your group.
What can we do on a private charter?
Private charters offer more flexibility to shape your time on the water around your group’s interests.
Depending on the season, ocean conditions, and length of your charter, your trip may include snorkeling, Molokini, South Maui sightseeing, marine life, or whale watching.
Can we customize our private charter?
That’s one of the advantages of booking a private boat. Your captain can help shape the experience around your group’s interests while taking the day’s weather and ocean conditions into account.
Where do private charters depart from?
Private charters depart from the Kihei Boat Ramp in South Maui.
What is the cancellation policy for private charters?
Private charters require a 7-day cancellation period in order to receive a full refund.
Reviews
Friendly crew with charming sense of humor, Seth and Chase were very safety conscious. They also knew and used our names! Best food ever on a boat in Maui! Snorkeling the back side of Molokini up close was beautiful. Saw and heard whales! Saw turtles! Boat was super comfortable. Crew shared lots of information about history and geography and nature! The Five hour tour passed way too quickly. Could have spent all day happily with this tour!
These guys keep it simple and fun! Had an amazing morning on the water (super glad for good weather). Regardless, I like my adventures to have excitement and spontaneity. I appreciate the good communication between boats to help clients see all that’s available. Super chill and professional crew, keeping the mood light with an emphasis on safety. Thanks for a great snorkeling experience.
We went on two 7:00 a.m. whale watching trips with Redline. The crew was very professional and really made an effort to find whales for us to watch. We saw babies, mothers, and a competition pod of males chasing a female. The captain made sure we got the best views making sure the sun wasn’t in our eyes for photos. Great to be in a small boat to get closer to the action.
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