Maui Scub and Snorkel Trips Combined?

[k2rm]

I will be heading to Maui on Friday and hope to get some warm water diving in. I would like to take a Scuba boat trip that also has snorkeling as I will be going with my non-diving father. Are there any tour operators that you can recommend that will accomadate both snorkelers and divers? I would like to stay away from cattle boats if at all possible. We will be staying in the Lahaina area but I don't mind driving to other areas if it is worth it.

My dad, who is already there, did some snooping and found an operator called "Maui Scuba Tours" as they do both snorkeling and scuba. Any thoughs on them as an operator?

I would also like to do a couple shore dives and possible a night dive. Is there shore diving tours in the Lahaina area?

I am AOW with 46 dives and have been certified since April of 2004. I have mainly dove around the Monterey area so I am looking forward to some warm clear water.

Thanks in advance,
Keith

 

[Wildcard]

Most of the combo tours are cattle boats. I don't know of any small ones but there may be. Shaka Doug does shore dives and some ever so helpful members will most likely pop up and offer to show you around.
Wlecome to the board and enjoy your visit!
Aloha

 

[KrisB]

Actually, I believe most of the smaller boats will take snorkelers, too... but be prepared to pay a lot more!

IIRC, Ed Robinson's takes snorkelers for $10 less than divers...

 

[diversteve]

Extended Horizons in Lahaina will take Snorkelers on their divetrips. In the morning you pay the same rate as a diver - $139 - which seems like a ripoff to me. In the afternoon it's $69 for Snorkelers on their beginner's trip. Divers can do one tank for $99 on the same trip, but they don't offer a 2tank option.

Might check with Lahaina Divers, they have a separate snorkel trip but you might be able to combine it on a divetrip. They have a bigger than normal(for Maui) boat so there'd probably be room. The only problem that I see with them is that they run out to the Cathedrals often, there'd be no place for your dad to snorkel there since they're pinnacles sticking out of deeper water. They used to go to Molokini on Wednesday which would be good for both of you since the moorings are close-in inside the crater.

You might also ask at Pacific Divers in Lahaina. Actually park in their lot, talk to them, then walk down the street to Lahaina Divers on the corner. PD is on Dickenson, LD is on Dickenson at Front.

Another source for Shorediving is Maui Dreams Dive Co. in Kihei. It's about a 45min drive from Lahaina. They also run guided Scooter dives. And snorkeling. I'm sure since it's a shore dive that your dad could snorkel on any dive. I think you meet them at the location anyway.

Another option, although it's kind of a cattleboat, is the Pride of Maui Molokini cruise. It's free snorkeling for most people(after you pay your $86), Snuba option for non-divers or one/two tank dives. It's $40-60 additional for diving. Good post-dive barbeque.

hth,

 

[k2rm]

Thanks for the advice. My dad and I wound up going on the Black Diamond II. It left out of Buzz's Landing. It was a smaller boat that had 9 certified divers (group of 4 and 5 with one divemaster each), 4 introductory divers, and 1 snorkler. It was great since they had a crewmember stay with my dad while he snorkeled and because it wasn't a cattle boat, it was only the two of them snorkeling where we moored. It had a fun crew and seemed well run. The first dive was in Molokini and the second at Turtle Town. Molokini was amazing for diving, this cold water diver couldn't get over the 100+ vis. I would pass on Turtle Town if I were to do it again. Although, my dad really like snorkeling at Turtle Town.

I did a second trip with Lahaina divers by myself (Nob Hill and Second Cathedral). It was also amazing, but the best part was hearing the dolphins under water at Nob Hill.

Well, I am looking forward to diving Maui again, but I now need to get back to 50 degree water reality in Monterey.

 

[Charlie99]

Thanks for the advice. My dad and I wound up going on the Black Diamond II. It left out of Buzz's Landing.

Is that a new boat in Maui? Or do you mean Maui Diamond II out of Maalaea Harbor, which is where The Buzz's Wharf Restaurant is located?

 

[k2rm]

Oops, yes, I meant the Maui Diamond II. (Black Diamond, must have opening ski season on my mind)