Maui Snorkeling Guide

Maui Shore and Boat Diving & Snorkeling Tips

Learn what type of snorkeling is best for you: from the shore or from a boat.  We also have shared a few snorkeling tips!

 

Snorkeling from the Shore

Caution should always be exercised when going snorkeling along the coastal areas. Check with the life guard (if there is one on duty) to get more information about the ocean conditions. If the Red Flags are flying that means the water is unsafe to go into. Watch the ocean for 5 – 10 minutes to see what the waves are doing. It’s always best to snorkel with a friend. Avoid swimming in shore break areas. Always check water depth. Never dive into unknown water or shallow breaking surf. Generally, the winds come up in the afternoon causing larger waves, wind chop and murky water. So… plan your beach activities for the morning. Be sure to wear sunscreen. The sun in Hawaii will burn you before you know it. In the winter the water is a bit cooler (about 72 – 74 degrees compared to over 80 degrees in summer) so don’t stay in the water too long or you might catch a chill. Standing or holding on to coral will kill it (yes, it is alive). Be careful about not to step on sea urchins. Their spines have a poison in them that can make you ill. Apple cider vinegar or urine (yes, urine) will help take the sting away. If you start feeling sick, go to a doctor. Please don’t feed the fish.

 

Maui Snorkel Boat Destinations

For the first time snorkeler or someone who wants the convenience of just walking off the end of a boat to reach a great snorkeling spot, a boat trip could be the way to go. You can go to MOLOKINI which is one of the most popular snorkeling areas in Hawaii. Molokini is a marine reserve and a bird sanctuary. Fish are so tame they will come right up to you and try to eat out of your hand. You will see a variety of tropical fish and maybe a reef shark if you are lucky. During whale season the boat trip out to Molokini will let you enjoy whale watching as well. Snorkel trips to LANAI have become more popular in recent years and is less crowded than Molokini. Snorkeling at Hulopo’e Bay on Lanai is a special experience. It is teaming with fish and lots of dolphins first thing in the morning. If you’re looking for one of the most unique and rewarding snorkeling adventures, try kayaking to remote snorkel spots not accessible by motorized boat. You might even have the extra thrill of having dolphins surround your kayaks, manta rays fly out of the water next to your kayak, or humpback whale babies swim by and give you a curious glance.

 

Snorkeling Tips

If it is your first time snorkeling (or even if you’re an expert) you might want to rent or purchase a dry purge snorkel. It keeps the water from getting into your snorkel which gives you peace of mind. Silicone masks will fit your face better and are less likely to leak. Be sure you keep the hair off your face when you put your mask on. Any hair in your mask will also cause the mask to leak. If you have a mustache, a silicone mask is a “must” as is a little vaseline jelly on your mustache! Silicone snorkels are more comfortable in the mouth if you are planning on spending any time at all in the water. There are some great deals to be had on renting snorkeling gear, optical masks, dry snorkel sets, boogie boards, view boards, surfboards and more. Visit this snorkel shop for great prices plus an internet special. Now… Let’s go snorkeling…