Coral Gardens is a unique and beautiful reef formation located in a naturally protected bay, on the West-side of Maui, and is home to Green Sea Turtles, hundreds of species of Hawaiian fish like; Parrot Fish, Angel Fish, Trigger Fish and Butterfly Fish. Crabs, octopus and eels are also being full-time residents there too.

The reef formation, at Coral Gardens, provides a canopy of hard coral that is loaded with nooks and crannies that make the perfect dwellings for a spectacular array of marine life. Coral Gardens is an ideal, medium depth to shallow, snorkeling location because the seabed slopes gently away from the shoreline along the West Maui Mountains and is perfect for beginners and intermediate snorkelers.

The high cliffs of the Pali coastline provide protection from the winds and makes this one of the most consistently pleasant snorkel locations. When Molokini is too windy or high seas prevail, one can always count on Coral Gardens to usually provide perfect conditions and be the best spot for fantastic snorkeling conditions.

Maui Classic Charters was one of the original boat companies to first explore this treasured habitat and was able to secure one of the best mooring locations. Centered in the middle of "all the action", the Four Winds II and Maui Magic moorings provide the optimum snorkeling experience! You are able to snorkel right on top of the most spectacular reef formations that is teaming with marine life.

Morning and afternoon snorkeling at Coral Gardens are both great times to enjoy snorkeling at this location. The waters is usually crystal-clear and underwater visibility is typically outstanding. This area is always teaming with fish, so there is lots to see below the surface. Looking down into the water, from up on deck, one can see straight to the bottom and even get a glimpse at the turtles that pop their heads up from time-to-time to breathe.

Simply put, Coral Gardens is one of the highest-rated, and certainly popular, snorkeling spots on Maui! Within just a few minutes of snorkeling here, you can see the widest variety and most diverse marine life collection than any other Maui snorkel location. Although parts of it are accessible by shoreline access, the best coral formations are located farther off the beach, so it is best to snorkel this location from a boat. That is why, next to Molokini, Coral Gardens is the #2 most popular destination around the island.