I'm a first-timer to Maui and I'd like to take a snorkel trip out to one of the other islends, or whatever. I'm more interested in great snorkeling than fancy meals on board, drinks, etc. How much can I expect to pay per person (I have my own gear)? Any suggestions would be MUCH appreciated!
Thanks, Fodorites!

You might try Paragon. I don't remember the cost, but it was a great trip.

I will second the recommendation for Paragon. We did their Molokini snorkel and they are a great outfit. The cost was about $70 per person including continental breakfast & lunch. They do not go to another island (like Lanai) though if that's what you are interested in.

Don't waste your money on a boat trip. Snorkel off the beach: Makena (Turtle Town), Black Rock, and down by Le Perouse (spelling?).

Hi Jan -
My husband and I did Captain Steve's Snorkeling Tour, and we absolutely loved it!! Captain Steve and the rest of the crew were awesome, and we went snorkeling off the coast of Lanai, which was beautiful. We saw beautiful fish and cool-looking turtles. Lunch was included as well (sandwiches, pasta salads, etc.)
This tour had been recommended to us by
by some close friends, and we were not disappointed!
Another thing you can do is ask your concierge when you arrive at yout hotel - in my experience they are always very helpful.
Have fun!!!

Hi Jan, I agree with DDD there is some good snorkeling right from the beach,Makena area is a good example.Going to Molokini is risky at times because if its rough visibility is poor and its almost always crowded with lots of tours and people.Most of the places around the island that rent gear give free for the asking maps/directions to the best shoreline snorkeling spots......check it out.

We used Maui Dive Shop in Kihei and went to Molokini. It was about $30 per person and I thought it was great. We saw much more fish there than any of the beach snorkeling we did.

We also had a great time with Captain Steve ocean rafting-saw dolphins, turtles and even an octopus-and, of course, lots of fish. We also went out to Molokini on a "free" trip obtained when we rented snorkel equipment with Boss Frog-went with fairly low expectations and had a pleasant afternoon. We thought the best snorkeling was from shore at Honolua Bay-went twice and saw lots of turles and great fish-better than Black Rock it seemed to us. Have a great trip.

Just got back today. Wanna save big bucks? Yo don't need a formal snorkel cruise to see incredible sea life!

1.) Black Rock at Kanapali
2.) Kapalua Beach
3.) Honolua Bay

Amazing how easy it was. We were able to get there early...snorkel till I was beat and then get to a nice restaraunt by lunch - way cool!

Some people were useing those water flote tubes.

Get the Maui revealed book or some of the beaches are suprisingly difficult to find!

Go early...surf seemed to be alot smaller and crowds were non-existent. By 10:30...got crowded. Not sure of your swimming ability? Go to one of the Maui dive centers and rent a life Jacket (althouggh you would be amazed at how bouyant you are).

Need to snorkel in the AM. Once winds pick up, waves pick up, and visibilty goes down

I agree with the other posters about not needing a boat tour. However you might want to take a sunset trip on a boat just to get out on the Pacific and view Maui from the sea. Have a drink or two and kick back.