A rough‑and‑wild catamaran trip toward Molokini Crater, with failed snorkelling, surprise dolphins, and a spectacular humpback whale breach, proving that even when plans fall apart, Maui still delivers unforgettable moments.
Today, the NCL Spirit made port in Maui, and after a solid breakfast, I joined my fellow passengers for what was meant to be an exciting catamaran trip to Molokini Crater. The plan was simple: sail out, snorkel in crystal‑clear water, see colourful fish, maybe spot a turtle or two. Easy. What could possibly go wrong?
Boarding the Catamaran.
A short coach ride took us from the port to the dock, where one of the crew greeted us with a safety briefing and an overview of the boat. Once everyone was aboard, we set off toward Molokini Crater. The sea, however, had other ideas.
The journey was rough, the sort of rough where you start to wonder whether breakfast was a wise decision. The views of Maui were stunning, though, with windmills lining the hillsides. I ventured up to the top deck for a better look, but before long we were all told to move below deck as the waves grew stronger. From my seat, I watched several people attempt the stairs with varying degrees of success.
Helicopter Training Rescue.
Eventually, we were allowed back on deck. The sea was still lively, and a few passengers lost their footing. While looking out across the water, I spotted a helicopter hovering over a small boat in the distance. A crewman was being winched down to the deck, dramatic stuff. Our Captain announced that it was only a training exercise, not a real rescue. Real or not, it looked dangerous enough to earn my respect.
Molokini Crater … or Not.
As we approached Molokini, the Captain received updates from other boats already there. The verdict was unanimous: the water was far too rough for snorkelling. No one had been allowed in the water all morning. We changed course and headed for a bay on Maui that might be calmer.
At the first alternative spot, a few of us managed to get into the water, briefly. Within minutes, the crew called us back because the current was too strong. I climbed back aboard, disappointed that I hadn’t seen a single fish yet. As we pulled away, a turtle surfaced beside us, but we barely got a glimpse before we moved on.
Attempt Number Two.
We travelled quite a distance to a second location, and this time everyone got into the water. Unfortunately, the sea was still rough, and snorkelling was a challenge. Waves kept flooding our snorkels, and I spent more time coughing up seawater than looking at anything underwater. When I could see, the visibility was poor and marine life was scarce. I tried filming a couple of small fish, but the footage was useless.
After about twenty minutes, we were called back to the boat.
Dolphins and a Whale.
Almost immediately after we were all back onboard, a pod of dolphins swam right through the spot we had just been in. If we’d stayed in the water a little longer, we would have been surrounded by them.
As everyone rushed to the bow to watch the dolphins, I stepped aside to give people room. As I turned toward the back of the boat, a massive humpback whale breached behind us, almost completely out of the water. The sort of breach you imagine but never actually see.
I looked around. Only one lady was near me. “Did you see that?” She had. We were the only two on the entire boat who’d been facing the right direction. And, of course, neither of us had a camera ready.
Back to Shore.
Once the dolphins moved on, the Captain set sail for the dock. We had about an hour before the coach returned, so everyone wandered around the tourist shops. I bought a T‑shirt and then found a small local bar at the end of the shopping centre.
It was happy hour, and a few old boys were propped up at the bar. When I ordered a Wild Turkey, the barman looked surprised, clearly not a common tourist choice. He poured a very generous measure. I handed him a twenty, expecting the worst, but the drink cost only $3.50. Even by Spanish standards, it was enormous. By the time I finished it, I was pleasantly merry.
I returned to the pick‑up point and rejoined the coach for the short ride back to the NCL Spirit. I was disappointed by the snorkelling, but you can’t argue with the weather or the waves. The crew did everything they could to keep us safe and find calmer waters.
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