Swimming with turtles is a memorable and invigorating experience you can enjoy during a trip to Hawaii. Five of the world's seven species of sea turtles make Hawaii's waters their home. They display a gentle nature, innate curiosity, and willingness to interact with divers and snorkelers. Keep the following tips in mind to create a fond memory and ensure your encounter with turtles is comfortable and safe.

How to Swim with Sea Turtles

1. Maintain Distance

Keep a distance when swimming with turtles. Although sea turtles are docile and friendly, they're also wild animals who swim rapidly away from any perceived threat. Maintaining space is not only respectful, but it follows the law. Six species of sea turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act, making it illegal to touch, disturb, or harm them.

2. Avoid Feeding Sea Turtles

Feeding sea turtles may seem harmless, but it encourages a range of health problems and behavior which can further endanger these creatures. Overfed sea turtles are at risk of health problems, including mobility-limiting obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, hand-feeding turtles may encourage them to see all humans as potential food sources. As a result, they may approach boats, whose propellers can injure or harm them, or those who would illegally harvest them.

3. Don't Litter

Researchers estimate that roughly 8 million tons of plastic waste enter the ocean every year. Plastic shopping bags, bottles, food packaging, and non-plastic materials can resemble the foods sea turtles consume, such as jellyfish, marine plants, and small fish. The ingested litter can lead to choking and digestive issues, and entangling items like nets and bags can prevent turtles from reaching the surface for air. After every beach visit or boat trip, make sure you clean up after yourself and leave no litter behind.

If you want to make lifelong memories and swim with turtles, schedule a snorkeling tour with Sea Maui in Lahaina, HI. They offer three distinct snorkeling tours to introduce visitors to the stunning diversity of Maui's marine life, along with relaxing sunset cruises and private charter boat services. Visit their website for more information on swimming with turtles, and call (808) 732-6284 to book a tour today.