Frequently Asked Questions.
What is Zephyr Maui?
Answer: Zephyr Maui is a locally-owned adventure tour company in Kihei, Maui offering small-group guided activities that explore Maui’s coastline, ocean life, and scenic landscapes. Tours include snorkeling, kayaking, whale watching, off-road coastal excursions, and unique experiences like night snorkel tours under the stars.
Where is Zephyr Maui located?
Answer: The main meeting location for many tours is in Kihei, Hawaii. Specific tour start points vary (e.g., Olowalu Beach for kayak tours, Makena Landing Park for night snorkeling). Exact meeting details are provided upon booking.
What types of tours do you offer?
Answer: Zephyr Maui offers a variety of tours including:
Turtle Town Snorkel with Photo & Video
Kayak, Whale Watch & Snorkel
Bronco Off-Road Coastal Tour with Snorkel
Night Snorkel Under the Stars
Sunset Glow Snorkel
E-Scooter Adventure at Turtle Town
First Time Snorkel for Non-Swimmers
(More tours such as food tours are coming soon.)
Are your tours suitable for beginners or non-swimmers?
Answer: Yes — Zephyr Maui offers beginner-friendly options like the First Time Snorkel for Non Swimmers tour where experienced guides support participants step-by-step. Life vests and safety gear are provided on most tours.
How safe are the snorkeling experiences?
Answer: Safety is a top priority. All tours are guided by experienced staff with CPR certification and professional training. Necessary safety gear such as life vests and high-quality masks are included.
What should I bring on my tour?
Answer: Commonly recommended items include reef-safe sunscreen, towel, swimsuit, rash guard or sun shirt, and a camera for photos. Specific tours may have additional suggestions provided at booking.
Do you provide photos and videos of the tours?
Answer: Yes! Many tours include professional photos and videos at no extra charge to help you remember your Maui adventure.
Are your tours family-friendly?
Answer: Yes. Many experiences, such as the kayak and snorkeling tours, are suitable for families and children (age requirements vary by tour).
What age requirements do you have?
Answer: Age minimums vary by tour. For example, certain kayak tours are suitable for ages 7+ or 10+ depending on the activity, while night snorkel tours may require participants to be 10+ or older.
Can I see marine life like sea turtles and whales?
Answer: Yes — many tours explore areas like Turtle Town where sea turtles are frequently spotted. During whale season, the kayak + whale watch tours offer opportunities to see humpback whales.
What is Turtle Town?
Answer: Turtle Town is a popular snorkel destination near Maui known for its rich marine life, including Hawaiian green sea turtles, colorful reef fish, and coral formations.
What is included in the Bronco Off-Road Coastal Tour?
Answer: This half-day tour includes a scenic semi-private 4×4 coastal drive, stops at scenic lookout points, and a guided snorkel adventure with photos and videos included.
How long are your tours?
Answer: Tour durations vary by activity — typically from about 1.5 hours for Turtle Town snorkel experiences to 3–4 hours for combined off-road and snorkel adventures. Exact times are provided during booking.
Do you offer private or customizable tours?
Answer: Yes — some experiences like sea scooter or snorkeling tours offer private options and custom group arrangements available upon request.
Do you operate year-round?
Answer: Zephyr Maui tours are typically available daily, weather permitting. Seasonal variations may apply (e.g., whale watching is best in winter months). Bookings include exact availability.
What happens in the Night Snorkel Under the Stars tour?
Answer: This unique experience uses specialized lighting to explore marine life at night, allowing participants to see nocturnal species such as octopus and lobsters. Guides equip each participant with lights and gear for safety and fun.
How do I book a tour?
Answer: Tours can be booked online through the Zephyr Maui website or by contacting the company directly. Full instructions are available on the booking page.
What is your cancellation or refund policy?
Answer: Cancellation policies vary by tour and booking provider. Full details are provided during the reservation process and in your confirmation email. (Tip: Always review cancellation terms before finalizing your booking.)
Do you offer gift cards or vouchers?
Answer: Yes — gift cards or experience vouchers are available and make great gifts for friends and family visiting Maui.
How do you ensure a personalized experience?
Answer: Zephyr Maui emphasizes small group sizes, hand-picked professional guides, and top-tier gear to ensure personalized attention and an intimate adventure experience.
Is Wailea good for snorkeling?
Yes. Wailea snorkeling is known for calm waters, lava rock reefs, and frequent sightings of Hawaiian green sea turtles, tropical fish, and seasonal whales offshore.
What marine life can I see while snorkeling in Wailea?
Common sightings include sea turtles (honu), butterflyfish, parrotfish, triggerfish, moray eels, and occasionally reef sharks and manta rays.
Is Wailea snorkeling beginner-friendly?
Yes. Many Wailea snorkel spots are suitable for beginners, especially with guided tours that provide flotation devices and in-water instruction.
What is the best time of day to snorkel in Wailea?
Morning hours usually offer the calmest ocean conditions and best visibility.
Do Wailea snorkeling tours include gear?
Most guided Wailea snorkeling tours include mask, snorkel, fins, flotation, and safety briefing.
Are Wailea snorkeling tours family-friendly?
Yes. Many tours are appropriate for families with children, depending on age and swimming ability.
Can non-swimmers snorkel in Wailea?
Yes, with guided tours that provide flotation and hands-on support.
Is reef-safe sunscreen required in Wailea?
Yes. Hawaii law requires reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral reefs.
How long are Wailea snorkeling tours?
Most tours last between 1.5–3 hours depending on location and conditions.
Do Wailea snorkeling tours run year-round?
Yes, weather permitting. Ocean conditions determine daily operations.
What is Turtle Town in Maui?
Turtle Town is a stretch of reef along South Maui famous for its high concentration of Hawaiian green sea turtles.
Are turtle sightings guaranteed at Turtle Town?
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but Turtle Town has one of the highest turtle encounter rates on Maui.
Is Turtle Town protected?
Yes. Turtles are protected under federal and state law. Touching or harassing turtles is illegal.
How close can you get to turtles?
Guests must remain at least 10 feet away to comply with wildlife protection laws.
Is Turtle Town good for beginners?
Yes. Guided Turtle Town tours are suitable for beginners and first-time snorkelers.
Do Turtle Town tours include photos and video?
Many guided tours include complimentary photo and video packages.
What time is best for Turtle Town snorkeling?
Morning tours typically provide calmer conditions and better visibility.
Is Turtle Town safe for kids?
Yes, when participating in age-appropriate guided tours.
Can I snorkel Turtle Town without a guide?
Yes, but guided tours offer safety oversight, wildlife education, and better positioning.
Why choose a guided Turtle Town tour?
Guides enhance safety, help locate turtles ethically, and provide marine education.
Where is Makena Landing?
Makena Landing is located in South Maui near Wailea and Makena State Park.
Why is Makena Landing popular for snorkeling?
It offers protected coves, coral reefs, and frequent turtle sightings.
Is Makena Landing good for beginners?
Yes, especially in calm conditions and with guided tours.
Can you kayak from Makena Landing?
Yes. It’s a popular launch point for kayak snorkel tours.
What marine life is common at Makena Landing?
Sea turtles, reef fish, rays, octopus, and seasonal whales offshore.
Is Makena Landing crowded?
It can be busy midday; early mornings are quieter.
Are restrooms available at Makena Landing?
Facilities are limited; guests should plan accordingly.
Is Makena Landing good for night snorkeling?
Yes — it’s one of Maui’s best locations for guided night snorkel tours.
Do tours operate year-round at Makena Landing?
Yes, weather and ocean conditions permitting.
Is Makena Landing suitable for families?
Yes, with guided tours and age-appropriate activities.
What makes Maui snorkeling tours unique?
Maui offers volcanic reefs, crystal-clear water, and abundant marine life.
Are Maui snorkeling tours beginner-friendly?
Yes. Many tours cater specifically to beginners and non-swimmers.
What is included in a Maui snorkeling tour?
Typically includes gear, guides, safety briefing, and marine education.
Do Maui snorkeling tours visit Turtle Town?
Many South Maui tours include Turtle Town or similar reef systems.
How long are Maui snorkeling tours?
Most last 1.5–4 hours depending on the experience.
Are boat snorkel tours better than shore tours?
Both offer benefits. Shore tours provide intimacy; boat tours access remote reefs.
Can kids snorkel in Maui?
Yes, age minimums vary by tour.
Is snorkeling in Maui safe?
Yes, when guided and weather-appropriate.
Do Maui snorkeling tours include photos?
Many premium tours include complimentary photo packages.
When is the best season for snorkeling in Maui?
Snorkeling is excellent year-round; summer typically offers calmer seas.
Are kayak tours in Maui safe?
Yes. Tours are guided, include safety instruction, and use stable kayaks.
Do I need experience to kayak in Maui?
No prior experience is required for most tours.
What types of kayaks are used?
Sit-on-top ocean kayaks designed for stability.
Are kayak tours physically demanding?
Moderate fitness is recommended, but tours are paced for beginners.
Can kids join kayak tours?
Yes, depending on age and conditions.
Do kayak tours include snorkeling?
Many Maui kayak tours include snorkel stops.
What should I wear on a kayak tour?
Swimwear, sun protection, and water-friendly footwear.
Are kayak tours weather-dependent?
Yes. Tours may be rescheduled due to wind or swell.
How long are kayak tours?
Typically 2–3 hours.
Are kayak tours eco-friendly?
Yes. Kayaking is one of the most environmentally friendly ocean activities.
When is whale watching season in Maui?
Typically December through April.
What whales are seen in Maui?
Humpback whales migrate to Maui waters each winter.
Can you see whales from kayak tours?
Yes, during whale season sightings are common offshore.
Are whale sightings guaranteed?
No, but Maui has one of the highest whale populations in Hawaii.
Is whale watching safe?
Yes. Tours follow strict marine wildlife regulations.
How close do tours get to whales?
All vessels maintain legal distance requirements.
Is whale watching good for kids?
Yes — it’s a memorable and educational experience.
Do whales breach in Maui?
Yes. Breaching and tail slapping are common behaviors.
Are whale watching tours noisy?
Kayak-based whale watching is quiet and non-intrusive.
What time of day is best for whale watching?
Morning often provides calmer conditions.
Why choose Maui kayak tours?
They offer quiet, close-to-nature exploration of reefs and marine life.
Are Maui kayak tours beginner-friendly?
Yes. Most tours are designed for first-timers.
What marine life can be seen on Maui kayak tours?
Turtles, dolphins, whales (seasonal), and reef fish.
Are Maui kayak tours guided?
Yes, professional guides lead and educate guests.
How far do you kayak?
Distances vary, typically short and manageable.
Do Maui kayak tours include snorkeling?
Many tours include snorkel stops.
Is kayaking in Maui safe year-round?
Yes, conditions permitting.
What should I bring on a kayak tour?
Sun protection, water, and a sense of adventure.
Can couples or private groups book kayak tours?
Yes, private options are often available.
Are Maui kayak tours environmentally responsible?
Yes — kayaking minimizes environmental impact.