Surf, snorkel, and kayak in one Maui morning. I love the small-group surf lesson with an experienced local guide, and I love that the day switches gears to Makena Bay for a kayak-and-snorkel experience where turtles are a big deal. One thing to plan for: the ocean is weather-driven, so rough seas can affect the kayak/snorkel portion.

You meet at Makena Landing Park at 7:00 am, and the flow is simple: about two hours on surfing basics first, then you head to Makena Bay for kayaking (around 2 miles) and about 45 minutes of snorkeling. The price is not cheap, but it bundles surf instruction plus snorkeling and paddling gear, so you’re paying for a full day of coached water time.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Small surfing groups (max six) for more hands-on coaching when you’re learning.
• Beginner-focused surf fundamentals, including how to paddle in, pop up, and read waves.
• Makena Bay paddling on ocean touring kayaks, plus wildlife sightings like sea turtles.
• Roughly 2 miles of paddling and about 45 minutes of snorkeling, so it’s not all just waiting around.
• Local guide energy: many past participants singled out guides like Kyle, Curtis, Greg, Aaron, and Scott for patience and good local spotting.
• Surprisingly good value for three activities, especially if you would’ve booked surfing separately.

How the Maui morning runs: surf first, then Makena Bay water time

This tour is built for people who want more than one Maui water activity, without the hassle of stitching together three separate bookings. You start early at Makena Landing Park, then the day is structured around two skill phases: surfing instruction first, then kayaking and snorkeling in Makena Bay.

The pacing matters. Surf lessons move fast because you’re out there practicing—falling, getting back up, and trying again. After that, kayaking and snorkeling feel like a change in rhythm: still active, but more about cruising the reef area and switching between paddling and slow, controlled snorkeling time.

You’ll also want to know what makes this setup feel special: the surfing segment is designed for first-time surfers. That means coaching doesn’t just say what to do—it teaches the steps in a logical order, including paddling technique and surf etiquette, so you’re not guessing once you’re in the lineup.

Surfing coaching at Kalama Park: what you’re actually learning

Your surf time is two hours long, and the small-group size is capped at six people. That limit is a big deal for beginners. When you only have a few people in the water, you’re more likely to get direct corrections instead of standing around while the instructor watches someone else.

The lesson focuses on the fundamentals:

• how to paddle out using the best method for getting into position
• how to stand up on the board (including timing and body positioning)
• how to read waves before you commit
• surf etiquette so you understand the basics of sharing the water safely

Past participants have praised instructors for being patient and persistent. Names that came up include Ashley, Kyle, and Alex, with people specifically calling out how the instructors worked to get learners on their feet during the session. One common theme: instructors don’t just teach theory—they coach your movement in real time.

There’s also a helpful safety mindset. You learn proper ways to handle yourself in the water, including how to fall or bail, which is often the mental hurdle for brand-new surfers.

A note on the promise (and how to think about it)

The tour states that if you’re not riding waves by the end, your next lesson may be included. I’d interpret that as a motivation to keep working during your two-hour block. Even with coaching, surfing has a learning curve, so you should still expect to be sore and tired afterward—just with fewer unknowns.

Kayaking from Makena Bay: turtles, reefs, and winter whale watching

After surfing, you drive to Makena Bay to continue the day. This is where the tour shifts from “learn a sport” to “experience Maui ocean scenery up close,” from the stable comfort of an ocean touring kayak.

The paddling portion is about two miles. That’s enough distance to feel like you left the starting point, but it’s not so long that you burn your energy before snorkeling. It’s a well-measured effort level for most people who can handle a few hours of active time.

What makes Makena Bay a standout is the wildlife potential. The tour’s description emphasizes snorkeling-and-kayak areas known for:

• sea turtles and colorful reef fish
• winter humpback whales offshore (it’s common to spot them during winter)
• dolphins that may appear any time of year

One of the best parts of kayaking here is how you see wildlife without blasting through it. You’re moving, but not loud or fast. Past participants also credited guides like Curtis and Greg with finding great spots and spending time pointing things out—reef life, ocean behavior, and local details you’d miss if you’re just cruising on your own.

Snorkeling: how the 45 minutes usually feels in practice

Your snorkeling time is around 45 minutes. That timing is actually a sweet spot. You get a meaningful chunk of water time to locate turtles, watch reef fish, and settle into breathing and buoyancy—without turning the day into an endurance event.

If turtles are your priority, you’ll likely be happy here. The tour description and multiple accounts emphasize seeing turtles around the snorkel area. People also mentioned lots of reef life, though a couple of notes suggested snorkel results can vary by day and conditions, with one person wanting more fish activity beyond the turtles.

What you should do to make the most of it

You’ll enjoy snorkeling more if you treat it like a slow search, not a race. Stay calm, follow the guide’s directions, and give yourself a few moments underwater to adjust. If you drift or get distracted early, you can lose the best viewing window. Keep your movements smooth and let the ocean do some of the work.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider going easy during the ride between spots and let the guide know right away. One participant specifically mentioned a guide quickly helping when someone felt sick, and that’s exactly the kind of preparedness you want on a water day.

Stop details: what Makena Landing Park and Kalama Park add to the day

The day includes two named stops: Makena Landing Park and Kalama Park.

• Makena Landing Park is where you meet (starting at 7:00 am) and where the morning kicks off. Expect an early start, gear handling, and the first stage of getting you ready for surfing.
• Kalama Park is the next key point in the schedule, and it’s part of where the surfing portion is set up. Think of it as the transition spot that gets you from morning logistics into the water session.

Then, once surfing is done, you’ll drive over to Makena Bay for kayaking and snorkeling. Since transportation to/from isn’t included, you’ll want to have your own plan for getting between points the way the tour explains it to you. If you don’t want any driving on vacation days, this is the part that could feel annoying.

The guide factor: why local coaching changes everything

A surf lesson can be “watch and hope,” or it can be coaching. This tour aims for coaching—and the small group size makes it more realistic.

Past participants repeatedly credited instructors for being:

• patient (especially for first-time surfers)
• attentive with individual tips when someone struggled
• focused on helping people catch waves within the session

Names that showed up with praise include Kyle, Ashley, Alex, and photo-support from Kylee in some cases. On the kayaking/snorkeling side, guides like Curtis, Greg, Aaron, and Scott came up, with comments about local knowledge, safe group management, and even practical help like ginger ale when someone felt unwell.

You don’t need a background in any of these sports. What you do need is someone who can explain what to do while your body is busy trying to learn it. That’s what these guides seem to bring.

Gear, comfort, and the small wins you’ll notice

This isn’t a “bring your own everything” situation. You’re provided with the core equipment:

• surfboard, water booties, and rash-guard
• snorkeling equipment
• late model ocean touring kayaks
• beachside safety and paddling instruction
• light refreshments

A rash-guard and booties are more than comfort. They protect you from sun and board contact. Since the surf learning curve includes falls and repeated attempts, you’ll be grateful you don’t have to manage thin supplies that don’t fit.

Also: it’s a long day of ocean time. Even when food isn’t described in the main inclusions, multiple participants talked about lunch being a big part of the value. If that’s still part of the experience on your date, it’s a major plus because you’ll burn energy surfing and paddling.

Price and value: what $216.14 buys you on Maui

At $216.14 per person, this is a meaningful spend. But it’s also a bundle: surfing instruction plus snorkeling plus kayaking equipment and guided safety.

Here’s how I’d judge whether it feels like a good deal for you:

• If you would’ve booked surf lessons separately, you’re effectively getting the paddling and snorkeling segments as part of the package.
• You’re getting guided instruction, not just access to equipment.
• You’re combining active sports in one morning-to-midday structure, which saves you time and planning.

Multiple people specifically said the combo felt like better value than splitting activities across different companies. That matches the logic: three activities, one morning schedule, and gear included.

The main reason to hesitate on price is if you’re coming with low energy or a strong preference to do just one activity. This day is meant to keep you moving.

Who should book this Maui combo (and who should skip it)

This tour fits best if you want:

• a first-time surf lesson that focuses on basics and wave-reading
• a guided Makena Bay paddle where wildlife is the point
• a full water day with structured time, not open-ended wandering

It’s not recommended for children aged 5 and under, which matters if you’re traveling as a family.

Also, be honest with yourself about exhaustion. Several participants described the day as very tiring. You’re surfing, paddling, and snorkeling in one block. If you want a calmer vacation day with minimal exertion, this may feel like too much.

Finally, if you’re very sensitive to how instructions are delivered, pay attention to the style. One past participant felt some coaching was too forceful for their taste. Most others praised the patience and calm, but teaching style can vary by instructor and conditions.

Weather and timing realities: plan for the ocean, not perfection

This experience depends on good weather. If conditions are poor, it may be canceled and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Even on good days, surf and ocean conditions can shape the experience. One participant reported that the day ran shorter than advertised, and another experienced a partial cancellation where snorkeling/kayaking was canceled due to big waves but surfing went on. So treat the ocean like the boss. The tour team adapts, and sometimes not everything you hoped for stays in play.

Should you book Paddle, Snorkel and Learn to Surf on Maui?

I’d book this if you’re excited by a morning that actually teaches you something—surfing technique you can use right away—and you also want a guided wildlife-focused water session in Makena Bay.

Skip it or think twice if:

• you dislike driving between spots on vacation days
• you’re hoping for a super-relaxed schedule
• you’re worried about being tired after back-to-back ocean activities

If you do book, you’ll get the most out of it by showing up ready to practice, listening closely at the safety brief, and treating the surf and snorkeling parts as two separate skills—one for learning, one for slow watching.

If Maui is on your list and you want turtles plus waves in the same day, this combo is a strong bet.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour runs about 5 hours (approx.).

Where do I meet, and what time does it start?

You start at Makena Landing Park, 5083 Makena Rd, Kihei, HI 96753, USA, at 7:00 am. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is transportation included to and from the locations?

No. Transport to/from locations is not included.

What equipment is included?

You’ll get surfboard, water booties, and a rash-guard for the surf lesson, plus snorkeling equipment and ocean touring kayak gear for the paddle/snorkel portion.

Is this suitable for beginners at surfing?

Yes. The surf lesson is designed for first-time surfers learning the fundamentals, including paddling in, standing on the board, and surf etiquette.

How many people are in the group?

The surfing lesson is capped at six people. The overall experience notes a maximum of 10 paddlers per guide and a maximum of 10 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.