Snorkeling with Green Sea Turtles in Maui

by Keith and Heather Nicol

       Maui offers a variety of snorkeling opportunities and on a recent trip we had a chance to swim with Green Sea Turtles.  We were based in Kihei so most of the places we explored were near this location. Green Sea Turtles that we saw ranged in size from 60 cm to over a meter is size. Although these turtles are awkward on land they are remarkably graceful in the water. The ones we saw swam slowly although apparently can swim over 50 km/hr when they have to. They can also hold their breath for up long periods of time and if resting it may be along as 6-7 hours. These turtles come to shore sporadically to rest and to lay their eggs. 

Green Sea Turtles make for a memorable snorkeling experience

     We had the most success along the shore between Polo Beach and Wailea Beach.  You can base yourself on either beach and by swimming along the rocky shore between these 2 beaches you may have the luck that we did by seeing several large Green Sea Turtles just off shore. Be aware of waves and wind along this shore since once you commit to this swim there are no easy exits since the shore line is rough with jagged lava along the entire route.  We also saw commercial snorkeling vessels using this area so this suggests this area is particularly good for viewing these turtles. 

We had the most luck spotting turtles near Wailea Beach

   We also had luck seeing turtles at Mokapu-Ulua Beach and this area would suit snorkelers with less experience since the reefs are much closer to the beach. In all cases remember that these turtles are endangered and they should not be touched or harassed. If you don’t snorkel you can often see turtles hauled out on the beach at Ho’okipa Park in the late afternoon. Snorkeling with turtles was certainly one of big highlights of our recent trip to Maui. For a video of swimming with turtles click: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmzYpoOV3Qk

Turtles hauled out at Ko'okipa Beach Park