What an experience! My family is definitely beginner/novice in snorkeling so we don't have much to compare this to, however I will say from start to finish we had an awesome time. A few of us on the boat were prone to sea sickness so the crew gave us special oil to dab behind our ears and a wrist band to press on a pressure point to to help. Worked for me! We took the ride out to Molokini, all the while receiving safety and snorkeling instruction. Once there we jumped off the boat and we're given a range to stay within. Beautiful coral, octopus, tons of fish, urchin. Then we went for a little swim... ;) it was a swim to the edge of the reef at a huge drop off! It was scary yet exhilarating! I loved that our guide was in the water pointing out interesting creatures to see. The last leg of the trip was at the turtle cleaning station- named because the turtles go there and get their shells cleaned by a bunch of fish. We came face to face with many turtles. Seeing them up close was breathtaking. The visibility during the turtle swim was not as good as Molokini but still very exciting. Honestly we have a few days left here and I want to go back one more time. read more

i liked this boat trip a lot. we didn't have a lot of time so this was perfect, only about 3 hours. it's a small boat, only holds i think 12 or so, and it's not fancy like some of the others that serve lunch and beer, but i liked that it was so small (made it comfortable and personable, and easy to get in and out of the water). we also went to three different spots, and because it's such a small group, we didn't have to wait around forever for everyone to come back. read more

This is an awesome boat to go on for a snorkel trip. The crew is so fun and really makes the trip a blast! The 3 hour tour we went on was the perfect amount of time for us and we snorkeled three great locations, front and back of Molokini and just off the coast near Kihei to snorkel with the turtles. The small size of the boat makes for a pleasant ride with only a few groups and the crew make it a point to learn everyone's names. Definitely would go on this boat again and highly recommend it for anyone!! read more

We decided last minute to try to go snorkeling at Molokini, after looking at reviews on Yelp we selected Seafire and called- Vicky picked up at the phone at 8pm and quickly had us booked for the next morning. We got there and she got us all checked in, she was very organized. Bonus-we got a discount for booking directly with Seafire :) The boat is fantastic, they are a smaller charter so you don't get packed on with tons of people. The crew was wonderful, they care about you and take the time to assess your skills and make sure you have everything you need to enjoy the experience. They also get you out before the other charters, so you aren't swimming on top of lots of other people :) We stopped on the front of Molokini first, water was beautifully clear and we saw lots of fish and even a few eels. The crew gets out in the water with you and points out specific fish/animals, which was really cool. Next we went to the other side of the island, where the water was definitely choppier but the snorkeling was still good. At this point, three of the folks in my party of four got seasick-again the crew was fantastic. They provided several remedies, and of course, buckets-they were kind and considerate and even let one of the ladies get off the boat before our 3rd stop (snorkeling with the turtles). Again, they got in the water and helped us spot the turtles, which was awesome because the water was murkier here than at Molokini. Overall, the tour was exactly the right amount of time for us and we got to see lots of fish/sealife. I highly recommend Seafire, they take the time to learn your name and make it a personal experience. Truly one of the highlights of our trip, thank you Seafire!!! read more

I had started my week using a different charter company but was very disappointed. My hotel staff recommended SeaFire charters and booked us for our last day on Maui. From the beginning the crew was friendly and enthusiastic about teaching us about reef health. On our boat ride to Molokini and other sites crew members sat down with us and talked about sea creature we would most likely encounter and what made them special. This was by far my best experience and the only boat crew that made sure only reef safe sunscreen was used. Because of their outstanding heart for educating and enthusiasm for the see, I say hats off to Captain Don and his crew. read more

One of my favorite small boats to Molokini. My favorite part of this charter is the group swim out of Molokini and over the crater wall into 250 feet of crystal clear blue water (conditions permitting). The crew is super laid back. NOT a good tour for little kids or people not comfortable in the water or those who do not know how to swim! I like the larger catamarans for the longer duration, food, cocktails and laid-back atmosphere. I like going out on Seafire to avoid the crowds, see more spots (usually 3 or 4 dive sites as opposed to 1 or 2 on the catamarans) and the super-short boat ride to Molokini (10 minutes). An excellent trip. read more

I agree with all the other reviewers as well. A great early morning trip that gets you to the snorkeling spots before all the other huge boats (they were getting there as we left). The crew was very knowledgeable and helpful with everything. You do get some snacks on the way back. Our kind of trip - max amount of time in the water and staying away from all the huge boats full of people. Thank you! read more

Great experience on the 7am snorkel trip. Much less expensive than others, better intimate experience, and great crew responsiveness to getting us to the less busy areas. They found us an isolated area where we snorkeled near five large turtles, as well as playful dolphins along the way. The Molokini area was superb (at least until all the others arrived!). Very pleasantly surprised that this supposed no-frills experience was everything you could want and a heck of a lot more convenient to those staying in the Kihei area. Great job! read more

What a great experience! Kelly was so super fun and helpful as well as the rest of the crew. Kids had a blast, saw sharks (not scary ones) turtles, beautiful fish. Totally recommend these guys. We will definitely be doing this again! Thank you Seafire!! read more

Great boat and awesome crew. I had very memorable time and would definitely take Seafire again. The crew went out of their way to ensure everyone had a great time. read more

What a morning! A beautiful day with a lively crew of Captain Don, Dana, and Alan. We snorkeled both at the front and back sides of Molokini, and swam with turtles near the boat ramp. Staff works hard to make sure clients are happy, warm (with extra blankets and sweatshirts), and well-fed (muffins and fresh pineapple). A fabulous morning on and in the water. I heartily recommend and look forward to our next trip to Maui! read more

This was the best snorkeling trip!! The crew was amazing, friendly, and kind. They pointed out interesting fish and things to look for. They were knowledgable and at the end of the trip they provided snacks and drinks. read more

Can't say enough good things about this wonderful charter! The captain and crew were absolutely outstanding. The crew asked, and remembered, everyone's name. It was obvious that they were all concerned about each and every passenger. They were courteous and most helpful. The snorkleing was awesome; we went to three different locations, two at Molokini and one at Turtle Town. We would highly, highly recommend Seafire Charters to anyone who is looking for an unforgetful snorkleing event. We look forward to seeing them again on our next visit! read more

Highest marks for professionalism, personality, value and fun. These guys are without question the best charter you can find. This is not the "mass" charter boat with an army of people on board. This is a smaller charter with high levels of service and accurate knowledge of the things you want to see. This was a great trip. Plus, when you pull up to the snorkeling spots, all the other boats have envy at the "boss" boat you are on. It would be applicable for a trip like you are on, or for search and rescue coast guard specialist. Will certainly be chartering them again. read more

We had a blast on our snorkel trip on the Sea Fire. Captain Don Burns has 45 plus years experience and his crew was great. Sarah was especially helpful for our group. One of my friends had never snorkeled before and they helped with a life jacket and lots of help. I have been on lots of boat trips and this one was the best. We even went to the back side of Molikini Crater and saw a Reef shark. read more

I believe I was on the same trip as Emily R. and I second everything she said. I liked the small group which enables the crew to give personal help. I would like someday to join them for a whale watching trip, if I ever get back to Maui. read more

As a Kihei local I've taken several snorkeling adventures to Molokini. I must say the professionalism and enthusiasm exhibited by the crew 1st class. They gave us way more time than expected. You must ask for Kelly...she is the best and LOVES what she does. Thumbs up to her and the entire crew! read more

You can book one of the larger companies for a snorkel trip to Molokini or you can get a more personal experience here. We are a family of 8 and hoped to have a smaller group on the boat. That's just what we got with Seafire. You can call it no frills but we got everything that made the trip wonderful plus that more personal experience with the crew. You do pay in cash so be aware that you'll need it. There are muffins and cookies to start and they took care of you if there's any chance you'd be seasick (this was a very big deal to me since I always do). Ryan was the captain along with Kelly and Vanessa. These folks know their stuff - especially Kelly, whose effusive personality was such a pleasure! The day we went was really windy and cloudy, not the best conditions and quite a ride on the boat! So we went to the regular Molokini spot (too windy), then went around the back side (also too windy), then went off the coast a bit south of Makena where we finally got in the water. I thought we'd have to turn around and head back, but we ended up seeing a bazillion sea turtles and lots of fish and interesting sea life. They personally fit the equipment, they have blankets and jackets and wet suits if you get cold and they really do escort you while in the water - Kelly was diving and bringing up cool stuff and pointing out all kinds of things. There were more muffins and chips and soda, etc. on the boat. We ended up stopping at two different sites and thoroughly enjoying our trip. What could have been a disaster of a day turned out to be a fantastic experience. I highly recommend these folks. read more

Capt Dan and the crew we had today were top notch! The surf has been rough and everything was stirred up close to shore so turtle watching wasn't ideal. But Kelly and Brian(?) were great crew helping everyone in the water and on the boat. VERY friendly crew and excellent snorkeling experience at MolokinI! read more

after much research decided to go with this company and i'm glad i did... little boat...very speedy... got to molokini quick ... smooth ride... personal and cozy experience...with a group of about 11 people... not on a boat where they serve you some fancy lunch and haul you out to molokini with 150 other people.. (that can't be good for the fish) ... supporting environmentally responsible companies was a must.... staff was friendly knowledgeable and loads of fun... snorkel gear clean and the staff personally fitted each one of us... got to molokini before the crowds... snorkeled the front and backside of the craters which other boats don't do.. went chasing after dolphins frolicking about our boat after .. (what a treat!) and stopped by turtle town on the way back... the turtles were HUGE! even fed some cute local birdies on the boat with the breakfast muffins they provided us... thanks seafire! read more

We had a wonderful experience with Seafire. We were all snorkeling novices- two adults and two children, 9 and 7, and they made us feel very safe. They were extremely competent and friendly, with two women going in the water with everyone. Kelly was great and Melissa was wonderful with our kids- she has a lot of experience with children and obviously loves children. She was so great with our daughter and made her feel confident in the water. Although our 7-year-old was ultimately too scared to snorkel (no fault of anyone's), Melissa was very sweet with him and got him in the water without pressuring him. Whenever we were out in the water, we felt very safe as there were two staff in the water with us, plus the crew on the boat were very watchful. This was very important to us, being novices and only one of us being a strong swimmer! They had a couple of scuba suits (no additional fee!) which came in handy, as my daughter and I got a little chilly after the first location. We saw lots of sea turtles and the beautiful coral reefs near Molikini and tons of gorgeous fish. We highly recommend Seafire Charters! read more

great time with the family, affordable, easy to get to. we went on a very windy day so we could not go to molokini, instead Capt Don motored us down the coast toward Hana to see some very cool lava caves and arches. he found a calm area to snorkel where the crew took great care of us and our kids, much better than molokini. they passed out some fruit,drinks and muffins - very friendly, great attitudes. coming back to the boat launch was an adventure with huge waves (they passed out rain slickers), saw some turtles and whales. read more

We decided to try Seafire Charters for snorkeling to Molokini while we were staying in Maui in August. Since our hotel was in Wailea we liked the idea of leaving from Kihei rather than traveling all the way up to Lahaina from where many of the charters leave. I'm so glad that we chose them because they could not have been nicer and more knowledgeable. Easy to book the trip and the entire crew was super friendly. We were traveling with two of our children, 12 and 14, and they too felt so comfortable. We are glad we decided not to use a larger boat that offers the drinking and food. I think there were a total of 20 guests, including us, and it was really the perfect size for us. I got somewhat seasick while we were anchored at Molokini (as did a couple other guests), and the crew was so sweet and considerate to me. Captain Don took us back to the boat ramp so we could get off before taking the other guests to see turtle town because he knew I was a little queasy. I would definitely use them again. Even with the seasickness, we all had a great time. You can tell they really love what they do!! read more

Aloha to the SeaFire Crew! Mahalo for a great morning of dolphins, snorkeling, swimming reef's edge and last stop turtle cleaning station! This is our second trip with SeaFire and they are definitely the best! Reservations made directly with Vicky are the best! Kihei Boat Ramp is convenient & clean. We can't say enough about the crew - Dana, Kelly, Capt. Don - they welcome you about - make sure you are fitted with the snorkel gear, rash guards, fins - they are safety conscious & are always watching. If you are the least bit prone to sea sickness - they have everything from seabands to lavender oil - and again - they are always asking if you are okay, comfortable, have any questions, etc. In the water today was Kelly - she watched all of us in the water - she also made sure that we saw fish & turtles. Dana remembers your name - which is nice since you are with the crew until about 11am. They do not rush you - you are in the water the right amount of time - not too long and not too short. THANK YOU AGAIN SEAFIRE CREW!!! We can't wait to come back next summer! read more