Maui is famous for a lot of things like great views, incredible hiking trails, pristine beaches, and plenty of places for snorkeling. Not surprisingly, Maui isn’t only a top destination for surfers. The Hawaiian island also draws in snorkeling enthusiasts of all skill levels.
With crystal clear, warm water, wind-protected bays, and several reefs, you can see everything from sea turtles to tropical fish. Thanks to the area’s typically calm water, you can explore Maui’s marine life with a snorkeling excursion whether you’re a beginner or a pro. However, if you’re just getting started snorkeling these tips can help you get the most out of your trip.
Be Careful Where You Rent Your Gear
Okay, so renting snorkeling gear seems pretty simple—after all, you only need a pair of flippers and a snorkeling mask. However, quality does make a difference.
For example, you don’t want to rent a mask with scratches or weird cloud spots on the large plastic lens. This will affect how clearly you can see the marine life. Older snorkeling masks may also have trouble forming a water-tight seal around your face.
The last thing you want is for water to seep into your mask while you’re snorkeling. Something else to consider is whether you want a dry or wet snorkel. If you plan on diving underwater, maybe to get a closer look at a coral reef, a wet mask is usually your best option. However, if you’re new to snorkeling or aren’t planning on going underwater, go with a dry snorkel mask.
Where you rent your snorkeling gear can affect not only equipment quality but also the price. You should expect to pay more if you rent from one of the kiosks on the beach. Stick with gear from your excursion outfit. You don’t have to worry about quality and rental prices are noticeably cheaper. Your excursion guide can also help you choose the best gear for your skill level.
Try Not to Grin
Yes, it’s a bad idea to smile underwater with a snorkel mask on. Why? Every time you smile, your face creases and this loosens the mask’s watertight seal. After a big grin, your mask may fill with water. Now, you’re wasting time trying to get your mask to reseal.
Even though it can be tough not to grin when you spot a green sea turtle or colorful tropical fish, try to hold your smile until you’re back on the boat. Then, you can excitedly talk about the sights while grinning from ear to ear.
Go with a Friend
Maui does have protected coves and bays where the water is almost always calm. If you stay close to the reefs, you’re also snorkeling in pretty shallow water. So, what can go wrong?
Chances are, you’re almost always within sight of your charter boat or people relaxing on the beach. Do you really need a buddy to go snorkeling with you? The answer is yes, and the reason comes down to safety.
An accident can happen in a second and people on the boat or beach may not be able to reach you in time. Snorkeling with a buddy helps ensure you always have a backup if something goes wrong. Besides, it’s always more fun to experience Maui’s marine life with a friend. Some Maui snorkeling excursions even require their passengers to hit the water in groups of at least two.
Try to Time Your Snorkeling Trip
There really isn’t a bad time for snorkeling in Maui. The waters are teeming with marine life throughout the year. However, the time of day can make a difference in what you can see.
The best time to snorkel is usually between 8 am and 3 pm. The sun helps ensure maximum visibility and it’s also when most marine life is active. If you’re relatively new to snorkeling, you want to stick with daytime excursions.
Be Respectful of Marine Life and the Reefs
Many of the coral reefs around Maui are protected. Coral is a living creature and even a glancing touch can harm the reef. This means being careful how close you get to a reef. You don’t want to accidentally kick it with a flipper accidentally.
The protections extend to much of the area’s marine life, for example, green sea turtles. Harming a sea turtle, even accidentally, can result in fines of $15,000 and potential prison time.
Whether it’s your first time snorkeling or it’s a favorite pastime, Maui has excursions for everyone. Remember to be careful where you rent your gear, try not to smile underwater, and respect the reefs and marine life.
Photos by Elaine Bernadine Castro (above) and Miles Hardacre (Main) on Pexels
