Sailboat. Sunshine. Salt water. Snorkeling. Snacks. If that sounds like a recipe for your personal paradise, a Maui private sailing charter may be worth a place in your plans. With your own group aboard, you can talk with the crew about the kind of day everyone wants.
Our outing with Maui Custom Charters left us with fond memories of S/V Nova and its crew. The right boat, group size and departure time make a difference to a day on the water. For more of the sailing experience itself, read our NOVA sailing review.
Plan a Maui Private Sailing Charter for Your Group
Start with the full head count. Maui Custom Charters lists a maximum of six guests on each of its two sailboats, S/V Artemis and S/V Nova. Infants and children count toward that limit. Don’t reserve for six adults and assume a baby can come as an extra passenger.
Tell the company how many people want to snorkel and how many prefer to stay aboard. A private outing works best when the crew knows about different comfort levels before departure. You can enjoy sailing and views without making everyone get into the water.
Ask about boarding steps, the route to the restroom, shade and movement around the boat if anyone in your party has access needs. Boat length alone won’t answer those questions.
Artemis or Nova: Which Sailboat Suits You?
S/V Artemis
Artemis is a 47-foot Leopard sailing catamaran. Its twin hulls create a different deck layout from a traditional monohull, with bow trampolines and princess chairs for enjoying the view. The shaded cockpit, galley and swimming platform are useful features to discuss when choosing your outing.
S/V Nova
Nova is a 42-foot Catalina MKII sailing monohull. It has a shaded cockpit, a galley, a hot freshwater shower and a boarding platform with a swim ladder. If feeling the boat lean under sail is part of the appeal, ask the captain about the experience and likely conditions.
Both boats have cabins and marine restrooms, but those features don’t mean an overnight stay is part of an ordinary day charter. Confirm the itinerary you’ve actually booked so everyone knows what to expect.
Our Four-Hour Snorkel and Sail
We had an amazing time on S/V Nova’s four-hour private snorkel and sail. Our trip included breakfast, beverages, pūpū and snorkel gear, with sailing along the Māʻalaea, North Kīhei and Pali coastline. Coral Gardens and Olowalu were among the snorkeling areas we discussed with the crew.
Departure times, food, route and price depend on the charter you choose. Ask for a complete quote for your date and boat, and tell the crew about dietary needs before departure.
The Crew Made the Day
I’ve been on many boat tours on Maui, but having time to sit and talk story with the captain was a memorable part of this one. Captain Anna, who is from Maui, was kind, helpful, friendly and easygoing, with plenty of stories from her time on the water.
Captain Makana, our first mate on that trip, helped with sailing duties, led our snorkeling adventure and prepared food and beverages throughout the day. We couldn’t have asked for better service from the two of them. Mahalo, Anna and Makana!
The crew on your departure may differ. If a particular captain is part of why you’re booking, ask about availability rather than assuming the same people will be aboard.
Compare the Total Maui Private Sailing Charter Quote
Ask whether your quote includes the vessel, captain, crew, food, drinks, harbor charges, taxes and gratuity. Also confirm the minimum charter length and cancellation terms. Comparing a total-vessel price with a per-person tour price can be confusing until you put both on the same basis.
Pick the experience first: snorkeling and sailing, a sunset outing, a seasonal whale watch or a custom celebration. Then discuss the timing with the captain. Wind and sea conditions affect the route, and wildlife sightings aren’t something a booking can guarantee.
What If You Have More Than Six Guests?
Ask about the company’s two-sailboat option or its larger powerboat, Marjorie Ann. These are different arrangements. The current FAQ says Marjorie Ann can take up to 13 guests for afternoon outings, but it doesn’t offer snorkeling on that vessel.
After our Nova trip, we recommended Maui Custom Charters for small wedding parties, groups of friends and close family members. Sailing is a ton of fun, and you can’t beat the views on Maui. To discuss your own Maui private sailing charter, call (808) 874-1110 and describe the day your group has in mind.
We’re a small group of full-time Maui residents that LOVE exploring and writing about what we think is the best place on Earth: The Island of Maui, Hawaii! Expect many more articles, reviews, photos and videos of Maui and all of the Hawaiian Islands. ALOHA!
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