Snorkeling and Hawaii go hand-in-hand. It’s like peanut butter and jelly. Hawaii’s underwater landscape is truly a paradise with its beautiful coral reef and marine life. For snorkelers, this is a place that they never want to leave. However, before you go and dive with Hawaii’s sea creatures, you need to know the dos and don'ts when snorkeling. It’s a fun, unforgettable experience hence why you should ensure your safety and comfort throughout. Additionally, you also have to be careful not to destroy what Hawaii offers. Before you dive in, here are some snorkeling tips that you should know when exploring the wonders of Hawaii.
Choose an Appropriate Location
Especially if you are a beginner, you need to do your research that best suits your skill level. You can opt for areas with calm water and gentle currents. Gradually explore other locations when you build up your snorkeling skill. Settle with a place that you’re most comfortable with so you can enjoy your snorkeling adventure.
Invest in High-Quality Snorkel Gear
Snorkel gear that is poor quality can make your experience unforgettable, worse, can put you at risk. Get a mask that suits you perfectly to avoid water leakage, so you can view the underwater beauty. A durable and lightweight pair of fins help you move smoothly and safely, reducing fatigue. Comfortable snorkel gear is vital for a safe and enjoyable snorkeling experience.
Apply Sunscreen and Wear Protective Clothing
No one wants to get burned by the intense sun rays in Hawaii. You should protect your skin by applying reef-safe sunscreen and wearing a rashguard or wetsuit. These prevent sunburn when you enter the water. Additionally, protective clothing can also help you from potential marine life encounters.
Admire Marine Life Respectfully
Hawaii is known to harbor stunning marine life. Please admire them from a distance. Do not touch or harass them, because it can potentially harm them and disrupt their natural behavior. It may be tempting to feed or chase fish, but doing so can be dangerous to their health. This can also lead to human dependency. Therefore, you should stay as far as you can but enough to appreciate their beauty. Treat them with respect, and in return, those marine animals will pose no threat to you. You need to be responsible when snorkeling and help protect marine life.
Don't Snorkel Alone
Although snorkeling is an activity that you can cherish for life, you should never do it alone. Always snorkel with someone or at least in the presence of a lifeguard. You need to ensure your safety for any emergencies. You may experience fatigue or equipment malfunction hence the reason why you need to snorkel with a companion. After all, snorkeling with a loved one can enhance your overall experience.
Don't Remove or Collect Marine Souvenirs
Again, you must respect Hawaii’s everything. Do not take home marine souvenirs. You shouldn't even move them just anywhere you please. Leave all shells and rocks where they belong—in the ocean. Keep in mind that taking home marine souvenirs can lead to ecological problems. Thus, you must play your role in preserving Hawaii’s natural underwater world beauty so the future generation can also enjoy it.
Watch the dolphins with us at Hawaii Ocean Rafting and don’t forget to say Aloha!