Island Divers – Oahu Swim with the Turtles

Island Divers- - Oahu Swim with the Turtles - 2.5 Hours Turtle Snorkeling Oahu Tour Experience the magic of Maunalua Bay! Swim and snorkel with the gentle sea turtles and enjoy the beauty of the underwater world of the Pacific Ocean. Visit a reefs where we snorkel with turtles every day, both on the surface and underwater. It is a 2.5 hour tour dock to dock. All snorkeling equipment is included. Turtle snorkeling guides are in the water and provide basic instruction on snorkeling for first timers. Floatation is provided, and there are even underwater scooter powered rescue floats for weaker swimmers. About: The tour visits Koko Crater in Maunalua Bay. The green sea turtles come here to rest under the ledges and they feed on the algae that grows on the surrounding reef. While you can see them around the ledges and reef, the closest viewing is generally when they come to the surface to breath. Many fish species are also in the area. Your guides will be able to tell you what you are seeing. The Turtle Snorkeling Oahu Site: The captain will maneuver the vessel to a submerged mooring. These moorings prevent anchor damage at sites we visit daily. A crew member will enter the water to secure the vessel to the mooring. It will then be time to begin snorkeling with turtles! Generally, more experienced swimmers will enter the water first, as they are usually eager to get wet. Less experienced swimmers will be offered the chance to hold onto the large rescue floats for assistance. Once you in the water you will be able to look down and see the bottom. You will be able to see the turtles resting or feeding there. But wait, it gets better. Turtles breathe air. Every few minutes turtles will swim to the surface to breathe. This is when the close up encounters happen. Don’t Touch the Turtles: Beside being illegal, it is also not a good idea for many reasons. Firstly, these turtles trust us not to harass them. They see snorkelers and scuba divers every day. And every day we don’t harass them. There is a level of trust between human and turtle. We ask you to respect this, not because it is illegal to touch a turtle (it is), but because it is the right thing to do. In addition, we will have to remove you from the water for the remainder of the trip. We are serious. Don’t touch the turtles. How Close Can I Get? Well think social distancing, which is pretty close. Also, these turtles do trust us and may come closer. That is okay, just remain still and resist the temptation to reach out and touch them. Also, when they are coming up to breath, leave them a clear path to the surface. They will take about 5 breaths and then head back down to the bottom. Available Days: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday Closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day Times: Check in at 9:30am. Departs at 10:00aam Duration 2.5 Hours Meet at Island Divers Dive Shop GPS: 377 Keahole St Suite E-101, Hawaii Kai, Hawaii, 96825 In Hawaii Kai Shopping Center next to L&L's Island Divers does not offer transportation. Public Transportation is available with Uber or Lyft. There is a fee to use any of them. Hawaii Tickets For Less Cancelation Policy: A 72 hours notice is required for a refund. Only exception is a note from a local doctor. No-shows" will be charged full. What to Expect: Boat departure 9:30 am snorkeling instruction and free rental gear rescue floats to assist no so proficient swimmers in accessing the best spots Boat return to the dock at noon A second 1pm trip may be available What’s Included: Use of all snorkeling equipment Positive flotation appropriate for skill level In water guides and instruction What's Not Included: Beverages & Food - , Grocery and liquor store conveniently across the parking lot from the boat. What to Bring: Swimsuit in water sun protection towel Optional gratuity Beside the Green Sea Turtle, What Else Will We See? The ledges that you see underwater are the remains of collapsed lava tubes. All kinds of reef fish and coral are down there, about 30 feet. The first fish that you will notice will be the ones that live in the water column above the bottom and will be closer to you. Some of these species are: The black triggerfish – a relative of the state fish, it is an all black fish with an intricate pattern of dark green/purple on its face. The Hawaiian Sargent – you will be able to identify this damselfish by its oval shape and pattern of dark bars across the body (think prison bars) The pennant butterfly fish – white and yellow alternating pattern across the body of the fish with a long streamer pennant coming of the top of the fish The state fish – the humuhumunukunukuapuaa. Yes, that is really the name. It is also a triggerfish. This one you will need to look for on the bottom. It is mostly orange with a yellow V lade sideways on it back half. Other Possible Sea Life Sighting: Moray eels on the bottom Small white tip reef sharks (zero danger) Dolphins! Eagle rays And we have even seen Monk Seals (critically endangered) Humpback whales in season