Mala Wharf Shark and Turtle Shore Dive for Certified Divers

Overview

The Dive Maui Mala Wharf shore dive is one guided tank on the sunken pier a short walk from the Lahaina shop, for certified divers aged 10 and up in groups of 4 or fewer. It suits divers wanting turtles and whitetip reef sharks for $120 without a boat. The drawback is carrying 35 lb of gear into the water.

Highlights

• One guided dive of up to an hour on the Mala Wharf pier, collapsed by Hurricane Iniki in 1992 and now a reef with turtles, whitetip reef sharks, octopus, eels, nudibranchs and frogfish
• Maximum 4 divers per PADI instructor; rental gear and an 80 cu ft tank included for $120, with a second tank the same day for $50 (operator site, October 2026)
• Turtle guarantee: if you see no turtles, the operator gives a second dive free
• Starts 7:30 AM daily (Greetwell also lists a 12:00 PM check-in); total time 2–3 hours including gear-up and the walk from the shop
• Rated 10/10 on Expedia and 4.9 from about 1,700 operator-wide reviews on Greetwell as of October 2026

What to Expect

1. You check in at 7:30 AM at the Dive Maui shop at 1223 Front Street, show your certification card and get fitted with rental gear.
2. You walk from the shop to the Mala Wharf entry with your gear; the operator says you must be able to carry about 35 lb into the ocean.
3. After a short surface swim you descend onto the sunken pier, which lies in shallow water close to shore.
4. The instructor leads you under and through the old dock pilings, where green sea turtles rest and whitetip reef sharks are commonly seen.
5. The dive lasts up to an hour depending on your air, then you return to the entry point and walk back to the shop.
6. If you saw no turtles, you can take a second dive at no charge; otherwise a second tank the same day costs $50.

What to Bring

• Certification card
• Bathing suit and towel
• Hat and reef-safe sunscreen
• Water

Restrictions and Requirements

• Certified Open Water divers only, minimum age 10
• Refresher dive required if your last dive was more than 2 years ago
• Must be able to carry 35 lb of gear into the ocean and swim comfortably in it
• Not suitable for non-swimmers, pregnant women, wheelchair users or people with heart, back or other pre-existing medical conditions

Cancellation Policy

A 48-hour cancellation notice is strictly enforced. Cancellations received less than 24 hours before the start are charged 100%, and arriving after the group has left is charged in full. Checked October 2026 on Greetwell.

Location

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Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii

Meeting Point

Dive Maui shop, 1223 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96761; the dive site is a short walk from the shop

Check-In

7:30 AM (Greetwell also lists a 12:00 PM slot)

Parking and Getting There

Shop front lot or free overflow parking across the street; do not park in front of Snorkel Bob's

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact