Dive into Unforgettable Adventures

Maui's Premier Private Ocean Experiences Await!

Hawaiian Monk Seal while snorkeling near Lahaina

About Us

Tropical Guides & Outfitters Maui's Premier private ocean activities company, where you can experience the beauty of the ocean in a personalized and intimate setting. We specialize in private experiences

that are tailor-made to your desires and abilities.

Of course, no trip to Maui is complete without snorkeling! Our private kayak snorkel experience will take you to the most beautiful reefs, where you'll discover the vibrant and diverse marine life that Maui is known for.

For an unforgettable experience, join us on one of our whale watching adventures, where you'll witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Our expert guides will take you to the best spots to see humpback whales, and provide information about their behavior and conservation efforts.

All of our experiences include high-quality gear, fresh pineapple, and filtered water. Our friendly and knowledgeable guides prioritize safety

and education on all of our experiences, ensuring you have an enjoyable

and educational experience.

Book your experience today and see why we're the best private ocean activities company on Maui!

The Private Experience

With our private experiences it's all about you. We understand that every guest has different wants, needs and experience levels. On a private tour you will receive customized attention from your guide who will tailor the experience according to you. Which Makes our private tour the perfect fit for everyone. First-time snorkeler and/or non-swimmer, no problem. Our expert guides will walk you through everything and have you in the water in no time.

The personal touch doesn't stop when you get in the water. Your guide will take you on a guided reef tour telling you about the marine life, coral, and answering any questions you may have. All while being your personal photographer. Taking pictures of the whole experience and sending them to you within hours of your tour at no additional charge. After you snorkel relax on the kayaks and enjoy fresh pineapple and filtered water.

A private experience is also perfect for families with young kids who aren't sure how they will do in the water but want to try and give them that experience. As all of our guides are parents, we know how to help kids feel comfortable in the water and get them to enjoy their experience at their own pace.

Safety is our priority at Tropical Guides & Outfitters. All of our guides are lifeguard, first-aid, and CPR certified so you know you are in good hands.

It's time to break free from the crowds and have the personal experience you deserve!

Choose Your Location

Olowalu and Makena Landing are both beautiful locations that offer vibrant reefs, diverse marine life, turtles, and whales (during winter). We mainly offer both locations for convince to our guests.

Olowalu is on the west side of Maui and is closer for our guests staying in the Maalaea, Lahaina, Ka'anapali, Napili, and Kapalua areas.

Makena Landing is on the south side of Maui and is closer for our guests staying in the Kihei, Wailea, and Makena area.

Although both locations offer what you are looking for, there are some differences between the two locations that might interest you.

We recommend checking out our locations page for a detailed description of both Olowalu and Makena Landing.

We understand that choosing the perfect location for your needs is an important decision. Rest assured that no matter what location you decide our expert guides will give you an epic experience!

Meet the Owner

Aloha Friends my name is Chris, and I am the owner of Tropical Guides & Outfitters. I grew up in South Florida and have been on the ocean or some form of water for my entire life. Growing up my dad was a big scuba diver and had me scuba diving at eight years old, Padi certified by twelve. After high school I was looking for something a little different, so I moved to Colorado.

It was here I started my career as a guide running white water rafting trips. It didn't take long for me to fall in love with the mountains and the rivers and guiding as a whole. It was also here where I met my wife, Sara. I honestly thought I would live my whole life in Colorado but after ten years of being a whitewater rafting guide, I landed a job guiding whitewater in Alaska. This was a dream come true for me, so I headed up to the last frontier to see if I had what it takes.

Turns out Alaska was a perfect fit for me and spent the next five years guiding multi-day trips in Alaska. After what turned out to be my last summer in Alaska (I didn't know it at the time) I landed a job running kayak tours with the humpback whales on Maui. It was at that moment I knew Maui would be my home.

After spending years running tours for other companies Sara and I had our son, and the guide pay was just not enough for all of us to survive on Maui. Then in 2017 we started Tropical Guides & Outfitters. I now have over twenty years of guiding experience and couldn't think of a better career for me.

I have met so many amazing people throughout my career and I look forward to meeting many more. We hope you will join us on the water while you are here on Maui and let me show you the beauty of what Maui has to offer.