Snorkeling in Maui

My favorite thing to do in Maui, and in life, is snorkeling along the south shore. The further south you go the better it gets. I love that you never know what you're going to see. I'll never forget seeing my first sea turtle. It was a life changer. There's nothing better than snorkeling during whale season being immersed in whale songs. 

I didn't start off loving snorkeling. I grew up in the desert with no experience swimming in the ocean. My first boat trip I got sea sick. The first few times I snorkeled, I had panic attacks because I couldn't control myself in the water and I couldn't stop and stand up. Never stand on the rocks only stand in sand! The rocks have delicate life on them. 

If you've never snorkeled before I recommend starting out from the shore rather than taking a boat trip. Being dumped in the middle of the ocean is intimidating for your first time and often times you have to swim quite far from where the boat anchors to the snorkel site. There are plenty of locations along the shore where you don't have to swim far at all before seeing fish. You can just walk out a little ways and then stick your face in the water. Give yourself the chance to get the hang of it. 

It's important to be aware of the ocean conditions. At times it is too rough to go out. You want it looking as flat as possible. Mornings are usually best. You can check the Maui Snorkel Report from the Snorkel store. It comes out at 8:00 am each morning and is usually fairly accurate. But conditions can change quickly. 

Remember to swim near the rocks and not over sand, that's where the fish are!

Octopus

Moray Eel

A sea turtle catches a jellyfish. (This is why we need to keep plastic bags out of the ocean!)

Spotted Eagle Ray

Strange Sea Turtle Antics

Whale songs!

Molokini Crater

More sea turtles.