Tempted to book Lanai snorkel tours?
Maui County is home to some of the greatest whale watching and snorkel tours. One of the hidden snorkel destinations is on the island of Lanai.
We're here to give you the scoop on snorkeling and booking your next snorkel tour to Lanai is an experience you won't soon forget. Here's why.
Why Snorkel in Lanai
The small island a ways off the coast of Maui is home to some amazing snorkeling and sea life. Not only is it departed from the bustling shores of Lahaina, Kihei, and Makena where the waters are crowded therefore sea life is few and far between, but it is an entirely unique ocean experience.
If you are looking for an all inclusive and out-of-the-box sea tour you cannot forget about Lanai. It lends itself perfectly to small group tours and those looking for an all day adventure as the journey to the island is an experience in and of itself.
Lanai offers a paramount experience when compared to its neighbor Molokini. Not only is it less crowded (Molokini can have up to 1,000 snorkelers at once in the crater) but you have the chance to see spinner dolphins and sea turtles versus sea life that is less common in more visitor populated destinations.
Preparing for your Lanai Snorkel Tour
There are a few things you need to keep in mind when preparing for your snorkeling trip on Lanai. The biggest thing and of most importance to us is reef safe sunscreen.
Because you will be going to areas where it is less populated with humans and more populated with the beautiful and majestic sea life that exists here amongst the Hawaiian Islands, it is important that we do everything in our power to preserve it. This includes on the most basic level wearing reef safe sunscreen to protect the coral reef.
Luckily, many local stores and supermarkets sell reef safe sunscreen– all you need to do is look for the label or ask someone that works there! Make sure to check the ingredients because some brands label themselves as reef friendly sunscreen but they have just swapped one chemical for another. Select a reef safe sunscreen with Zinc or minerals only. If you can't pronounce the ingredients it don't buy it. We offer complimentary reef safe sunscreen made locally on Maui for our guests in case you forget to bring your own!
The temperature of the water off the coast of Lanai ranges anywhere from 70 to 80 degrees– although like most oceans it gets colder the further off the coast and in the channel you get. Make sure that you dress appropriately and bring a rash guard or top should you feel you need it. Bringing a rash guard also helps and protects against UV rays and therefore sunburns that may occur during your snorkel excursion. Our snorkel tours also rent wetsuit tops which are very beneficial for added warmth and sun protection when snorkeling.
Wearing reef safe sunscreen is a great way to respect the 'aina. Respecting the 'aina, in essence, means respecting the land (and those that inhabit it). Other ways to be pono (show respect) are to make sure that on your Lanai Snorkel Tour you don’t don't approach closer than federal regulations or touch any of the sea life (including turtles and dolphins) and that you are not disrupting the natural habitats of those sea creatures you are viewing. Also do not step or walk on coral. Our coral reef is the source of life in the ocean and life on land. Always listen to your snorkel guide for best tips while snorkeling around turtles and the coral.
Everything else is provided for you on our snorkel tours. Snorkel gear, flotation devices, food and snorkel instruction. Just bring a towel!
Snorkel in Lanai
Snorkeling in Lanai is an amazing and unrivaled experience. If you are looking for an unmatched adventure that would lead to stories for years and the envy of all your friends make sure that you book this!
Just make sure that you are keeping yours and the life around you’s safety in mind so that generations after you can also experience all that this excursion has to offer.