If you're planning a trip to Hawaii, you may have trouble creating an itinerary since you have so many activities to choose from. However, a snorkeling tour should be at the top of your list. This experience will let you see various sea animals and unforgettable sights. Before booking a tour, review this brief guide to learn how to make the most of the occasion.

A Guide to Snorkeling Tour Etiquette

1. Keep a Distance From Marine Life

While on the tour, you'll likely see tropical fish, turtles, dolphins, whales, and other marine life. However, make sure to keep your distance from these animals. Touching, chasing, or harassing protected marine life is unsafe, as some animals will become aggressive if they feel threatened.

Also, don't touch corals. Although they look like rocks or plants, they're actually animals. Touching them can damage their protective layer and leave them vulnerable to infection. Always stay several yards away from any animals to avoid accidentally touching or startling them.

2. Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Normal sunscreen products contain toxic ingredients that can harm the ocean's ecosystem. Search for options labeled as reef-friendly or reef-safe. These products don't contain oxybenzone or octinoxate, which are chemicals that put coral reefs at risk. You should also avoid sunscreens containing parabens, which can contribute to coral reef bleaching.

Mineral-based sunscreens containing titanium oxide and zinc oxide will ensure you're protected from the sun without harming the ecosystem. Some products are even labeled as non-nano, which means their particles are larger than 100 nanometers and can't be accidentally ingested by coral.

3. Avoid Taking Anything

Although taking home a souvenir might seem appealing, you shouldn't remove anything from the ocean. Even if a rock or shell seems unimportant, it might be part of a sea creature's home. Taking certain items may also deprive some animals of food.

Also, don't leave anything in the water. Trash can potentially trap fish and other animals, and some items may even get stuck in an unsuspecting creature's eye, nostril, or blowhole. You should always leave the ocean as you found it to avoid disturbing the ecosystem. 

If you're ready to book a snorkeling tour, contact Maui Activities Store in Lahaina, HI. These concierges offer a wide range of land and ocean activities throughout Maui, including ziplining, kayaking, and surfing. They'll help your family have an unforgettable experience. Visit them online for more information on their snorkeling tours, or call (808) 638-3230 to start planning your vacation.