Thanks -

Even if you're a first-timer, snorkeling in Hawaii is a "must." The crystal clear, aqua water provides unsurpassed views of fish, turtles, rays, eels, urchins, dolphins and more. And since some of the underwater wildlife is unique to the islands, you'll have an experience that cannot be reproduced elsewhere. But where to go? There is a full write-up of the best snorkeling beaches at http://www.theinsidertravelguides.co...Snorkeling.htm

I am going to Maui in 2 months and can't stop myself to jump in with a few questions...

What about Kapalua Beach? Is it ok to explore ourselves?

We are still debating if we should join one of those day tours.

Go on your own. go to any beach, walk to either end, snorkel around the rocks. The turtles are everywere. if you do see a turtle, grab the sea weed that looks like dark green lettuce, go very slow, and hold it out. they may just be inclined to have a snack. We got one to take some from our hands near black rock. we were able to run our fingers down the shell as he passed by. just go slow, if the swim away, LEAVE THEM ALONE. there is no need to harass them.

I'm sorry, but the sea turtles are an endangered species and you should never be feeding them or touching them. You ARE harrassing them by getting that close. Don't do it. Keep 20 feet away.

I knew that was coming.
Harass: (1): to annoy persistently (2): to create an unpleasant or hostile situation for especially by uninvited and unwelcome verbal or physical conduct

I have seen many people harass the sea turtles. When you are kayaking and you hear a thump on your boat, look down and see a turtle, I do not think lightly touching the shell is harassment. When you are snorkeling and preoccupied with all the sights, then out of the corner of your eye you see a turtle eating seaweed about 5 feet away, it is hard not to pick some up and hold it out. If they swim up to you and take it, it is not harassment. Yes I do agree it is best for them to have no contact with humans. But when you snorkel 3 or 4 times a week for 2 years, opportunities happen.

jlm, as I was typing that response, I wondered if I was being too harsh. I know you didn't mean any harm to the turtles, and most likely didn't cause any. And I hope to see turtles myself when I go snorkling this September. If they swim near me, that would be very cool.

But you were encouraging snorklers to get too close to the turtles, or to try to lure them closer and this is dangerous. You don't really know if your touch is disturbing, or even if you carry some bacteria that is harmful to the turtle.

Here's a quote from Hawaii's state marine resources website:
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Q. How close can I get to whales, dolphins, seals and turtles?
A. Except for humpback whales (see above), there is no law specifying the minimum distance people can approach a marine mammal or sea turtle. However, getting close to these animals may constitute a federal or state violation if the animal is disturbed or if your action has the potential to disturb its natural behavioral patterns. NOAA and DLNR recommend, for your safety and the animals' protection, that everyone stay at least 150 feet from all marine mammals and sea turtles. If maintaining this distance isn't possible, keep safety in mind and move away from the animal as carefully as possible, avoiding sudden movements and other actions that might disturb the animal. For wildlife viewers, please enjoy from a distance - use binoculars and telephoto lenses to get the best views without disturbing the wildlife.
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