Maui Snorkeling Tips

Words of advice from the experts on snorkeling around Maui.

Snorkel with a partner.

It can be the clearest of days, the sunniest of skies and the most idyllic of situations. All that aside, it's dangerous to be out in the water all by yourself, so please always snorkel with another person in case something happens. You don't want to be all alone dealing with a medical emergency or with your fin stuck on a rock.

Get out there early in the morning.

It's always tempting when on vacation to sleep in, but truthfully, the best snorkeling is early in the morning when the fish are most active. From a pure safety standpoint, the afternoons are not a time to be snorkeling as it will be windier and wavier than in the morning, thus decreasing the underwater visibility and increasing the risk of getting into trouble. Go early and get clear waters and see lots of beautiful Hawaiian fish and Sea Turtles!

Stay near coral.

The marine life, for the most part, hangs out near the coral and other underwater features of significance. Much like you see more people in a city than in the middle of nowhere off the highway, you will see way more fish, turtles, eels, etc if you stay near the underwater structures and coral heads.

Always wear sunscreen.

Were you reading that? ALWAYS WEAR SUNSCREEN. It doesn't matter if it's cloudy and rainy out, there is all kinds of high UV index here in Hawaii, and you should ALWAYS WEAR SUNSCREEN. In fact, if you burn easily and/or are really fair skinned, you should consider purchasing a black rash guard to cover your upper body. Sitting in the airline seat with a severely burned back is very uncomfortable. Please wear sunscreen, and re-apply it often.

Be respectful of the marine environment.

Please never ever stand on the coral. Standing on the coral usually kills it. Coral is the entire basis for the beautiful Hawaiian marine environment, and is used as a home and source of food for all of the marine creatures. Please take great care and watch where you're stepping and kicking your fins!