Hawaii Snorkeling Packages

A multitude of Hawaii snorkeling packages tempt the vacation planner with a variety of amenities. Even someone who isn't that fond of water sports should plan on spending a few hours exploring the living coral reefs off the Hawaiian island shores for an unforgettable vacation experience. Equipment rental fees are usually included in the price of Maui snorkeling tours so the potential snorkeler needs only a swimsuit, beach towel, and sunscreen. At some point, either on the beach or on the boat, each customer will be fitted with a mask, breathing tube, fins, and a flotation device. Basic instructions on breathing through the tube and clearing one's mask will be given by a qualified instructor. A tour boat, such as a catamaran, most likely will take customers off the shore for their snorkeling experience. But there are maps on the internet that show places where easy beach access allows snorkeling without going out to sea on a boat. Though this is a great option for experienced snorkelers, the novice will benefit from the expertise of trained tour guides.

Several Hawaii snorkeling packages offer amenities such as complimentary transportation from major hotels, which is especially beneficial to vacationers who don't want the expense of a rental car. The snorkeling cruises may take several hours and often include meals or a snack buffet depending on the time of day. Other amenities may include a festive evening luau once the boat returns to shore or the opportunity to purchase a personalized video of one's snorkeling experiences. Marine specialists are often on board to give education information on the sights one can expect to see beneath the water and guidance on the proper etiquette for preserving the fragile coral reef.

The coral reefs that snorkelers see while on their Maui snorkeling tours are usually small fringing reefs located close to shore. From a geological standpoint, the coral reefs of the Hawaiian island chain are young. A coral is a marine organism that secretes a hard calcium carbonate and depends on sunlight. The reefs develop over long spans of time from these and other marine organisms, microscopic skeletons, and sediments. As the sea level rises and land sinks, the coral reef grows away from the shore and develops into a barrier reef. The barrier reefs act as a buffer between strong ocean waves and the shoreline. The only true barrier reefs are found on Kaneohe Bay on O'ahu and along the north coast of Kauai. Swimmers, snorkelers, and divers are urged to avoid harming the fragile reefs. They should never be touched and certainly no one should stand or walk on them. Doing so can harm and even kill the entire colony.

The state of Hawaii is actually an enormous Pacific Ocean mountain range and the eight islands that comprise the state are peaks arising out of the warm tropical waters. The largest, Hawaii, is often referred to as the Big Island. The second largest, lying just north of Hawaii, is Maui, which is known by two nicknames, Valley Isle and the Magic Island. With 729 square miles, it boasts 120 linear miles of shoreline and is a popular tourist destination. The dormant Haleakala Volcano, called "House of the Sun," rises over 10,000 feet above sea level. Its caldera, or depression, is twenty-one miles across and 4,000 feet deep -- about the size of Manhattan.

Though just about any of the Maui snorkeling tours offer an enjoyable experience, a popular spot is the crescent-shaped, Molokini Crater Ocean Preserve. This caldera forms a cove that is protected from wind and strong currents by the towering Haleakala Volcano. It's a perfect place for beginners to get the hang of snorkeling. But advanced snorkelers love this protected marine sanctuary, too, because the water is so clear that visibility is often at a hundred to even a hundred and fifty feet. The underwater seascape is breathtaking with sea caves and lava arches, green sea turtles, colorful fish, and, at times, even dolphins and a few shark species. "For I know that the Lord is great," wrote the Psalmist, "and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places" (Psalm 135:5-6). The simple activity of floating through water with a mask and fins enables the venturous vacationer to see God's underwater creation. Wow!

There are so many things to do on the Big Island and its neighbors. That's why some Hawaii snorkeling packages include other adventures, such as helicopter rides, sailing ventures, or scuba diving. Other popular snorkeling sites are the Pawai Bay Marine Preserve and Kalaeloa, also known as Turtle Town because of the numerous green sea turtles that come here to nest. The most common turtle is the green sea turtle which is the largest of the hard shell species. These giants reach full maturity when they are about twenty years old, but may live to be eighty. Full grown green sea turtles can weigh over 350 pounds.

Vacation planners can find Hawaii snorkeling packages that include a variety of desired amenities and options. While swimming in the clear, warm waters of this tropical paradise, be on the lookout for exotic and colorful marine life and the playful dolphin. Newcomers especially will want to plan Maui snorkeling tours that cater to their skill level and that feature a marine specialist or naturalist as a guide.

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