Molokini Snorkeler and Diver on same boat

[Ren127]

I'm headed to BI and Maui end of June. I've had luck finding several people who will take me as a diver and my mother as a snorkeler in Kona (Manta Ray trip), but I'm having trouble finding someone that will take both of us together to Molokini. Any suggestions? I'd really prefer to not be on a cattle cruise. We're staying at Grand Wailea and the reservations person acted like they could accommodate us both but I'm guessing not the best place to choose.

Also, on BI we're staying at Kona Village- does anyone know anything about their dive operations? I haven't been able to find anything searching the boards... we'll have a rental car on both islands so I'm thinking I may be better off to strike out and go with one of the operations suggested here.

 

[DiveMaven]

The problem with trying to accommodate a diver and snorkler at Molokini Crater is that the diving and snorkeling sites are in two entirely different spots. The snorkeling is typically close into the wall where all the "regular" snorkel boats have their assigned bouys to tie off to, whereas the dive spots are toward the outside edge of the sunken part of the crater, and often the boats don't tie off and do live boat dives instead.

Many of the dive operations will take snorkelers but be warned that the snorkeler won't likely be taken to the best snorkeling spots, instead the boat will go to the best dive site. If you choose one of the snorkel boats to dive from, I've heard they often cut the dives pretty short to accommodate the schedule and have heard dives being as short as 30 minutes.

 

[WoodyLompoc]

Do you have a buddie, or are you planning on diving solo if you dive from a snorkeling boat?

In my experience (before the entire family was certified) a diver on a snorkel boat has more fun than a snorkeler on a dive boat. A diver on a snorkel boat will most likely be sans guide though.

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

Before I became a scuba instructor, I worked on a couple Molokini snorkel boats and I know of no Molokini snorkel boat that allows divers to dive sans guide. Some of my most memorable Molokini moments have happened in the shallows under the snorkel boats.

​

 

[efmuth]

I have dove with Kona Village, they are great and it is very easy. It is basically valet diving, they take care of everything for you.
Jimmi who is in charge worked with the Cousteau's for many years and is a lot of fun.
They have great gear too ScubaPro and Aladdin computers.
I don't know about snorkelers going out on the boat, you should call and talk to them.

 

[scottitheduck]

Try Pride of Maui. Had a diver this morning who had the same situation this past weekend....

G

 

[Rock2r]

As per the above post: Pride of Maui. Went out with them a year or so ago. I dove and my wife didn't. Large boat, good eats and there were only two of us diving along w/a DM (Randy).

We went in first at both locations and headed the opposite direction from the snorklers. I recall we both got a good 50 minutes per dive. No complaints, would use them again if in the same situation w/ non-diving spouse.

Regarding Kona: Been there twice in the past 8 months. Went with Big Island Divers both times. Great time had, however, no snorklers on the boat.

 

[BUGBAGGER]

If you have two days to spend snorkeling and diving in Maui and want two different excellent experiences I would also recommend Pride of Maui for both a snorkeler and diver at Molokini. You will even get a second dive/snorkel stop at Turtle town along the south shore.

Then, on another day treat yourself to a luxury catamaran sailing, snorkeling, and diving excursion with Alii Nui on one of the four days per week that they go to a site they call Turtle Point. This is the Olowalu reef which will give you more variety and an absolutly spoil you rotten experience aboard the boat. You will be on site for about 2 1/2 hours at the reef. You'll only get one dive but your wife will get to do a reef tour with the marine naturalists in the water while you tour the reef with a dive guide.

If they still offer the same amenities you'll get a tropical breakfast, snack, catered lunch buffet and champagne, wine, beer, juice or other refreshments after the diving/snorkeling is done. They have hot water showers and towels and complimentary sunscreen. The baot is made for 100 but they only book it half full.

Have fun with your plans!

 

[Acanthurus]

I'm headed to BI and Maui end of June. I've had luck finding several people who will take me as a diver and my mother as a snorkeler in Kona (Manta Ray trip), but I'm having trouble finding someone that will take both of us together to Molokini. Any suggestions? I'd really prefer to not be on a cattle cruise. We're staying at Grand Wailea and the reservations person acted like they could accommodate us both but I'm guessing not the best place to choose.

Also, on BI we're staying at Kona Village- does anyone know anything about their dive operations? I haven't been able to find anything searching the boards... we'll have a rental car on both islands so I'm thinking I may be better off to strike out and go with one of the operations suggested here.

Two dive ops we used last Feb when we were in Kona was Sandwich Isle Divers and Dive Makai. The first has a smaller boat - max 6 - while the latter has a slightly larger boat - max 12. We really enjoyed both ops - pleasant people and took us to great spots where there was really no one else diving. Give either of them a try

Not sure about the snorkelling though .

 

[Black_3000psi]

Before I became a scuba instructor, I worked on a couple Molokini snorkel boats and I know of no Molokini snorkel boat that allows divers to dive sans guide. Some of my most memorable Molokini moments have happened in the shallows under the snorkel boats.

​

"that" is a money pic for sure.