Scuba diving and snorkel tours give participants the opportunity to explore life underwater. As you swim and take in the beauty of the coral reef, fish, and other sea creatures, it’s tempting to reach out your hands and touch your surroundings. Unfortunately, disturbing these underwater environments can have serious ramifications. Before embarking on a scuba diving tour, keep in mind a few reminders as to why you shouldn’t pet or grab what you see. 

3 Reasons Why You Don’t Touch Marine Life During Dive Tours

1. Painful Defense Mechanisms

While coral and other marine life look harmless to the untrained eye, many plants and animals that make their home in the sea have built-in defense mechanisms that can cause minor to severe injuries. Thus, by touching them, you may be susceptible to getting bit, stung, or pricked by sharp spikes or tentacles. 

2. Potential Harm to Sea Creatures

Scuba diving is an outlet to discover new terrain and appreciate the beauty of the ocean. As a visitor in this ecosystem, it’s best to leave every creature to their own devices. Touching, moving, or inspecting marine life with your hands can cause scraps, injury, or the removal of protective coatings and elements that are integral to a creature’s ability to fight infection and parasites. 

3. Upset Balance of Marine Ecosystem

Touching and moving sea life disrupts the balance of the ocean. While petting an eel, collecting coral, or moving shells from the sea floor can seem harmless, this ecosystem is a delicate balance. A human touch can introduce new bacteria or remove a being’s natural defenses from other predators. Thus, a small action could have a ripple effect in the long run that leaves a population of animals susceptible to disease. 

If you’re a local or on vacation in Honolulu, Banzai Divers Hawaii is your leading source for exciting scuba diving and snorkel tours. With professional tour guides and a variety of options, novices and certified divers alike have the opportunity to take in the beauty of the ocean. To schedule a dive tour, call today at (808) 462-8290. For more information on their offerings, from family-friendly tours available for guests aged 10 and over, to their scuba certification courses, visit their website.