Frequently Asked Questions About Snorkeling

Absolutely! The Four Winds is known as “the family fun boat” and is perfect for infants, kids, adults, and seniors. Everyone is welcome, from groups to individuals, looking for a fun day out on the water. We have something to offer for all ages.

Four Winds is the only vessel on Maui to have a glass bottom viewing room (not just a viewing port) that you can actually sit in! It is a 180-degree, total-immersion experience. The steps to the viewing room are steep. We ask you to use caution if wet because the floor can become slippery. Please no food or drinks down in the viewing room.

Absolutely! The Four Winds is known as “the family fun boat” it is perfect for infants and kids all the way to seniors. Everyone is welcome, from groups to individuals looking for a fun day out on the water. We have something to offer for all ages.

No, but a car seat/carrier is welcome.

Yes, we do. Masks sizes are for kids 3+ and we have fins sizes (for children) 8 and up.

Yes, we carry USCG-approved life preservers for all passengers only in the case of emergency. We also have vests for children 20 – 60 pounds and floatation belts.

Our vessels are very safe and stable and we often accommodate pregnant guests. It is always best advised to ask your doctor prior.

We have dedicated staff members monitoring people at all times while in the water dedicated.

While they serve the same function that a lifeguard does, they are not lifeguard certified. However, all our crew members are highly competent trained individuals who are Red Cross certified in both First Aid and CPR.

No, Ma‘alaea Harbor charges for parking. Pleas scan QR code at the harbor and pay their fee’s. Secure Parking Hawaii does tow if parking is not paid for.

Yes. There is plenty of shade for everyone on both her upper and lower decks and inside the cabin.

Credit cards are accepted on board for SUNBA, cameras, and photos. Wet suit rentals and if you would like to leave a gratuity of the crew, require cash.

No, there is room below the seats to stow away any personal belongings you may wish to bring aboard.

No, we do not have transportation services.

Yes, we have 2 restrooms (marine heads) on board that offer you a place to change.

Molokini is always our first choice for snorkeling on our trips. We do not go to Molokini when the wind, swell, or weather conditions make it unsafe or not ideal. We make Molokini 90% of the time on our Morning Snorkel and 40% of the time on the Afternoon Snorkel. When we cannot make it to Molokini, our alternate snorkel spot is Coral Gardens, another top-rated coral reef site. We do not guarantee a specific destination, as your safety is always our top priority.

Occasionally it does happen where we must cancel a trip due to unfavorable conditions such as high surf, rain, or winds. The responsibility for this rests on our U.S. Coast Guard Certified Captain to make the ultimate decision on whether it’s safe. We monitor and check the weather daily and do our best to give notice of cancellation as early as we can. In the event we cancel a trip, we provide a full refund or offer the opportunity to go out on another day.

We provide Sea Boards (large flotations with a clear bottom viewing window) Boogie Boards, floatation belts, and life vests for small children.

Yes! A snorkel class is provided by our expert crew to help make it easy.

No, we provide the use of special prescription masks. We carry optical masks that can compensate from a -2 to -7.

For your benefit, it is very helpful to have some experience in the water. Your safety is our top priority. Our crew is there to assist, but please keep in mind that they will be attending to all our guests. We will provide you with a flotation belt to keep you afloat, but it is important to remain calm, as it will keep you safe and make your snorkeling experience more enjoyable.

We have kid’s shoe sizes 8-11 all the way up to adult shoe sizes of 13-15.

We have 3 different sizes or masks. Our kid’s mask can fit children from 3 years and up. We also have a small adult mask and a large adult mask. Additionally, we offer optical masks for those who were prescription glasses.

Absolutely! If you own your own mask, snorkel, or set of fins that you are comfortable with please feel free to bring it with you.

You will need a beach towel, swimsuit, NON- aerosol sunscreen, a hat or light coverup (in the mornings the weather can be cool), and cash if you would like to leave the crew a tip or rent a wetsuit. You are also welcome to bring a camera.

Shoes on or off… we leave that decision up to you.

On occasion we will see dolphins, but as with all wild animals it is never guaranteed.

You CAN NOT swim with dolphins because they are in their wild natural state. Swimming with them could disrupt them, We follow the Dolphin SMART guidelines.

There are typically no turtles at Molokini because of the far distance away from the shoreline. Our afternoon trip tends to spot turtles when snorkeling at Coral Gardens. As with all wild animals though, it is never a guarantee. We do stop and look for turtles on the way back from our destinations.

You can swim with turtles, but remember they are a protected species so you CAN NOT touch or harass them in any way.

We also have our sister boat, the Maui Magic, that offers the opportunity to swim or snorkel with turtles because of the variations in snorkel destinations.

You can expect to see many variations of fish along with octopus, eel, coral reefs, turtles (at Coral Gardens), and on rare occasions manta rays, or monk seals.

Whale Season in Maui is December through March.

Yes we do!

We have juice, filtered water, sodas, and alcoholic beverages (beer, wine and seltzers served after snorkeling).

We have vegan burgers! If you have special dietary requirements, you are most welcome to bring your own food on board the boat.

Yes, we do! All of our meat products and vegan burgers are gluten-free.

We do offer reef-safe sunscreen as a courtesy on board our boats. If you would like to bring your own please make sure to NOT BRING SPRAY-ON TYPES (it tends to be messy and makes the deck slippery and hazardous). Any waterproof rub-on sunscreen is welcome, although we prefer sunscreen that helps preserve the ecosystem and is reef safe.

The Four Winds was built for stability and a comfortable ride. However, if you think you might or are prone to motion sickness you will want to take measures to prevent it. Due to health laws and the risks we CAN NOT provide ANY medicine on board. There are over-the-counter options available at most stores. We do offer ginger drinks on board.

Children 8 and over are welcome to SNUBA, but previous swimming experience is required.

Yes! You do need to be comfortable with snorkeling and being in the water in order to have the best possible SNUBA experience.

NEVER! You will be accompanied by your SNUBA instructor who is a certified dive instructor. Each raft accommodates two SNUBA participants.

Yes, you can pre-book a spot for SNUBA when making your reservation, however, you are not obligated. It is merely holding your spot because space is limited. Payment is made to the dive instructor at the time of the event.

SNUBA is a cross between scuba diving and snorkeling. You use a respirator to breathe, but the tank is not carried on your back, it stays afloat on a raft above you. You are attached to the tank via a 20-foot hose. You can see more about the difference here.

No, there is no previous experience or any certification needed. Although you do need previous snorkeling experience.

There is a 20-minute on board instruction and then you get to spend approximately 30 minutes doing SNUBA.

Because Molokini is a protected Marine Preserve there is a 10-15 ft. depth limit.

Yes! The Four Winds can accommodate collapsible wheelchairs. Although, while boarding, the passenger will need to be carried or walk up a couple of stairs to get on board.

Yes, we offer full refunds or changes as long as you are within our 24-hour cancellation policy (Groups of 10 or more have a 48-hour cancellation policy).

Yes, in the case of a medical emergency and with a doctor’s note we do offer a refund of your ticket. Please read our terms and conditions page for more information.

No, but it is strongly encouraged. Because our crew works hard to give you the best experience, we do recommend it. Please note, they do not take credit cards for gratuity.

Yes.