Maui Snorkeling Secrets and techniques
The white, soft-as-sugar sand and crystal clear teal waters of Maui make it one of many best locations to snorkel on the planet. The waters are wealthy with sea life, and most of the finest reefs are simply accessible from shore. Or, in case you are feeling adventurous, you’ll be able to take a cruise to Molokini Crater, an underwater sanctuary solely three miles off the Southern Maui shore, which routinely has visibility in extra of 100 toes.
Earlier than strapping on these fins and gliding out into the nice and cozy, clear waters, right here are some things that can assist you get probably the most out of your Maui snorkeling expertise
Maui Snorkeling Fundamentals
If in case you have by no means snorkeled earlier than, it’s a enjoyable and simple exercise that anybody, no matter age, can do. You possibly can deliver your personal gear with you, or hire snorkeling equipment from one of many many dive outlets discovered round Maui. In case you are staying in a resort space, chances are high you’ll find a Maui snorkeling provides retailer only some hundred toes out of your room.
Snorkeling equipment might be rented for anyplace from $1.50 to $10 per day, relying upon the standard and kind of drugs you favor. Upgraded fins, straightforward breathe snorkels, and optical masks will value extra. For the best consolation, hire a silicone mask relatively than a rubber one. The fabric is softer and can type round your face extra simply, providing you with a greater seal.
Along with the fundamental equipment, most snorkel leases embrace a water-proof fish identification card and a bottle of anti-fog liquid. Simply spray or rub the liquid round on the within of your mask earlier than getting into the water, and it’ll preserve your mask from fogging up. If you happen to do not need a commercially ready liquid obtainable, spitting into the mask will accomplish the identical targets.
Attempt your Maui snorkeling gear on within the pool first to familiarize your self with the dynamics. Get used to how the fins really feel, and apply respiration by your snorkel. Bear in mind to maintain the tip pointed upwards, otherwise you’ll find yourself with a mouthful of water. If you happen to do get water in your snorkel, otherwise you dive all the way down to take a greater have a look at thrilling fish life close to the underside, simply give a hearty blow while you resurface. That ought to purge many of the water out of your snorkel.
Getting into the surf might be difficult with fins on, and lots of newcomers discover it nearly unimaginable. If you happen to strap your fins on while you’re nonetheless on the seaside, stroll backwards into the surf till you might be deep sufficient to show and swim. This may preserve the waves from knocking you over. In any other case, simply swim out a bit along with your fins in hand, and strap them on within the water. Many fins are pull-on, making them very straightforward to get on and off while you’re swimming.
In case you are not a powerful swimmer, put on a life vest so as to add buoyancy. The categories designed for water snowboarding are light-weight and should not cumbersome. One other nice method to keep afloat simply is to take alongside a swimming noodle. Simply tuck it beneath your arms and go – it is going to present light flotation with out getting in your means.
Lastly, for a extremely up-close and personal Maui snorkeling expertise, take alongside one thing to feed the fish. Some individuals like to make use of frozen peas, however you may as well buy a commercially made fish meals in a biodegradable pouch on the snorkel store. Two sticks often run about $4.
One phrase of warning, although. The fish will swarm round you, so be ready to your sea life reputation. As soon as they’ve eaten the entire meals, they might even comply with you, in search of extra. Feeding will not be advisable in Honalua Bay, the place the fish have turn into so accustomed to human feeding they’ve begun to get downright pushy about it. These little beggars might even offer you a mild nip attempting to coax a snack from you.
The Seashores for Maui Snorkeling
The huge number of seashores and coral create excellent Maui snorkeling locations alongside the west and south sides of the island. Most of them are nice for newcomers, and lots of spots are shallow sufficient to permit your toes to the touch. For one of the best circumstances, snorkel when the solar is shining brightly – it lights up the colours of the fish and the coral. On the west aspect of Maui, snorkeling is finest earlier than the afternoon winds start to select up and affect your visibility. As well as, the water might be murky when there’s a giant swell or for just a few days following a giant storm, so attempt to embark in your Maui snorkeling journey when the climate is sweet.
Ka’anapali
The expanse of white sand that makes up Ka’anapali might be one of many best-known seashores in Maui. It’s a prime snorkeling spot, particularly alongside Black Rock. This lava jetty extends out into the ocean on the north finish of the seaside and is teeming with colourful fish. You might even spy a sea turtle sometimes, or an occasional octopus. The seaside is lined with resorts and shopping, so there are many services and ample parking. Ka’anapali provides you a memorable Maui snorkeling expertise.
Honalua Bay
Located on the northwest shore of Maui, Honalua Bay is simply exterior the gorgeous village of Kapalua. It’s usually pretty calm, however might be very tough if there’s a giant swell. Swim to the suitable aspect of the bay for one of the best viewing of undersea life. Honalua Bay has a rocky shore relatively than a sandy seaside, so water shoes are useful.
Entry will not be as straightforward right here – you need to park alongside the street and comply with a path all the way down to the seaside. Nonetheless, the hassle is nicely price it as a result of Honalua Bay has one of many highest concentrations of fish of any Maui snorkeling spot Snorkeling Mask with O₂Tech B097MCLCNR.
Kamaole
The seashores of Kamaole embody three separate areas unfold all through the city of Kihei. All the seashores have grassy parks with loads of bushes, and you’ll snorkel alongside the lava outcroppings, which is the place the fish appear to want to collect. Parking is plentiful, and entry to the seashores is simple. You will discover numerous locals at this Maui snorkeling location.
Coral Gardens
This Maui snorkeling spot is situated simply one-half mile north of the tunnel on the freeway that leads from Kahului to Lahaina. The reef is a protracted methods from the seaside, so it is just advisable for superior swimmers until you might be snorkeling from a ship. This can be a great spot to see numerous Maui’s well-known inexperienced sea turtles.
La Perouse Bay
La Perouse Bay is situated south of the village of Wailea, on the southwest tip of Maui. This can be a very personal space for swimming and snorkeling, and it isn’t in any respect uncommon to seek out that you’ve the place all to your self. The water tends to be cooler on Maui’s southern shores, and summer time can produce some giant southern swells. You must be capable of see loads of fish, and you’ll have an excellent view of Molokini Crater. Simply bear in mind to make use of some warning and good water safety habits when having fun with this distant Maui snorkeling space.
Molokini Crater
Essentially the most well-known spot for Maui snorkeling, you’ll be able to solely attain Molokini Crater by boat. When you arrive, you’ll be able to discover the waters throughout the old cone of a long-dormant volcano, and benefit from the pristine waters. The water might be deep beneath the boats, as much as 100 toes in some locations. It’s so clear that some individuals expertise a sensation of vertigo, much like what you’ll really feel when wanting down from nice heights, once they look in direction of the ocean floor.
Along with fish and turtles, you may additionally see monk seals, whale sharks, white-tip sharks, rays, and eels. The abundance of sea life on this underwater sanctuary makes Molokini a must-experience vacation spot to your Maui snorkeling adventures.
If in case you have by no means snorkeled earlier than, Maui is the right place to strive it for the primary time. For individuals who are old execs, Maui snorkeling by no means will get old. It simply will get higher each time.