10 Things NOT To Do When Snorkeling

10 Things NOT to Do When Snorkeling

Snorkeling can be an incredible way to explore underwater worlds, but ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience requires awareness of a few key “don’ts.” Here are the top things you should avoid doing when snorkeling.

1. Don’t Abuse Your Snorkel Gear

Proper snorkel gear maintenance is key to a successful snorkeling experience. Here’s how to care for it before, during, and after your snorkel:

• Rinse with Fresh Water: After each use, rinse your mask, snorkel, and fins in fresh water to remove salt, sand, and debris that can damage the material.
• Dry in the Shade: Avoid direct sunlight, as it can degrade the silicone and plastic over time. Let your gear air dry in a cool, shaded area to preserve its quality.
• Store Properly: Keep your gear in a dry, clean, and cool location to prevent mold and mildew. Avoid cramped spaces that may warp the mask or fins.
• Use Anti-Fog: Applying a little anti-fog solution to your mask will help maintain visibility. Rinse it out lightly before putting it on to ensure clear sight. We provide free defog with every snorkel set rental!
• Check for Wear and Tear: Regularly inspect your snorkel and mask straps, as well as the snorkel’s purge valve, to ensure they’re in good condition and let us know right away if you need help with your gear.

Taking care of your snorkel gear not only keeps it functioning well but also ensures a safe, enjoyable snorkeling experience each time you head out. So follow these tips to keep yourself, your gear, and the marine environment protected.

2. Don’t Harass Marine Life

Getting too close to marine animals can stress or even harm them, as well as put you in potential danger. Always maintain a respectful distance, especially from larger marine life like turtles, sharks, or rays. Keep your hands to yourself, and avoid following or trying to interact with wildlife. Let the animals’ natural behaviors be your show! It’s now more important than ever for all of us to do our part to protect Hawaii’s unique ocean ecosystem. Learn more about Marine Protected Species of the Hawaiian Islands here. 

Furthermore, coral reefs are living organisms, and even a gentle touch can damage or kill them. Standing on coral can be destructive to the delicate reef ecosystem and may even injure you if the coral is sharp. Keep your fins off the reef, and float horizontally as you snorkel. This protects both you and the vibrant underwater world. Learn more about coral from our recent feature article: Coral Restoration in Hawaii.

3. Don’t Wear Harmful Sunscreen

Many sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are harmful to the life cycle of coral reefs. Instead, choose a reef-safe sunscreen, avoid peak sun hours between 10am-2pm, or wear a long-sleeve or long-pants rash guard to protect your skin from the sun without negatively impacting the environment.

Both the State of Hawai’i and the County of Maui have passed legislation banning the use of non-mineral sunscreens, prescriptions excepted. Learn more about that here. Also, be sure to check your sunscreen active ingredients label, even if it claims to be “reef safe.” If the active ingredients are anything other than non-nanotized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, it’s not reef safe. 

4. Don’t Snorkel Alone

Snorkeling alone poses several risks due to the unpredictable nature of the ocean. Strong currents can develop suddenly, changing wave patterns can catch swimmers off guard, and unexpected issues like cramps, dizziness, or a gear malfunction can occur at any time. A buddy provides critical support in these moments, helping to stabilize or assist with flotation if you’re struggling, or alerting nearby help if needed. Additionally, snorkeling together adds a layer of situational awareness, as each person can keep an eye out for marine hazards or large sea creatures that might be in the area.

Aside from safety, snorkeling with a partner enhances the experience simply by sharing it with someone else. Spotting a colorful fish, sea turtle, or other unique marine life is even better when shared. Buddies can also take turns capturing underwater photos or videos and help each other stay oriented, especially in spots with complex reef formations. Overall, the buddy system offers both practical safety and enriches the snorkeling adventure.

5. Don’t Feed The Fish

Don’t be that guy! Feeding fish while snorkeling might seem like harmless fun, but it can seriously disrupt the marine ecosystem. Fish that rely on humans for food can lose their natural foraging instincts, potentially affecting their health and survival. This shift in behavior can lead to fish congregating around snorkelers, sometimes displaying aggressive or defensive behavior, as they anticipate food.

Beyond this, the introduced food can draw larger, potentially dangerous predators to the area, creating unsafe conditions for snorkelers. Plus, the unnatural food disrupts the balance of the marine food chain, impacting everything from small fish to coral health. Observing fish in their natural behavior is both safer and a more genuine way to appreciate the beauty of marine life. If that’s not enough, it’s actually illegal to feed fish in some of Maui’s specially managed areas, like Molokini and Kahekili.

6. Don’t Ignore Safety Briefings

Before heading out on a snorkel adventure, it’s common for gear providers and operators to give a thorough safety briefing. This isn’t just a formality—these briefings cover essential information about local conditions, potential hazards, and tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in the water. It’s tempting to zone out, especially if you’re already a confident swimmer or seasoned snorkeler, but paying close attention can make a world of difference. Every location has unique features, from strong currents and rocky areas to the presence of delicate coral reefs or protected marine species, all of which may require special care and awareness.

One highlight of renting your snorkel gear at Auntie Snorkel is our renowned Snorkel 101 briefings. These are particularly invaluable for both beginners and experienced snorkelers, as they cover not only the basics of the local ecosystem but also provide a hands-on demonstration on how to fit and use snorkel gear safely. Auntie Snorkel’s Fun Specialists explain how to properly secure your mask, use your snorkel, and prevent common issues like fogging or leaks, which can quickly turn an exciting adventure into a frustrating one. So, listen up, follow the advice, and make the most of the knowledge your guides share—it’s your ticket to a safe, smooth, and spectacular snorkel experience.

7. Don’t Stray Too Far From The Group Or Shore

In the excitement of exploring, it’s easy to drift farther than intended. But, staying close to your group, guide, or the shore is crucial for safety. Straying too far can expose you to strong currents and low-visibility areas, which can disorient even the most experienced snorkelers. By sticking with your group, you avoid these risks to yourself, and even help protect restricted areas that may be off-limits to preserve marine life.

Following your guide’s lead ensures you’re safe and respectful of the environment. Staying close, staying aware, and following local guidelines allows you to enjoy the underwater world responsibly, maximizing safety and fun for everyone.

8. Don’t Panic If You Encounter Unexpected Situations

Snorkeling can sometimes lead to unexpected encounters, whether it’s spotting a larger animal or getting caught in a current. If you feel anxious, pause, take deep breaths, and remain calm. Floating calmly helps you conserve energy, making it easier to resolve the situation. Slow, steady movements are usually enough to help you stay safe until you can return to a more comfortable area.

Some basic knowledge is always helpful in staying calm. For example, if you find yourself caught in a rip current, don’t swim directly against it; instead, swim parallel to the shore until you’re out of the current, then head back to safety. Also, marine animals are generally uninterested in humans and will keep their distance if you remain calm and non-threatening. Plus, avoid splashing or making sudden movements, as this can startle wildlife or worsen your situation in a current. Slow, steady movements will help you navigate safely, allowing you to stay in control until you can return to a more comfortable area. With calmness and patience, you can handle most situations with confidence, making your snorkeling experience both safer and more enjoyable.

9. Don’t Overestimate Your Abilities

Snorkeling might look simple, but it requires basic swimming skills and comfort in open water. Ocean currents, varying depths, and waves can catch even confident swimmers off guard, especially if they’re new to snorkeling. Before choosing a spot, take a moment to assess your swimming level and comfort in open water—it’s easy to misjudge the physical demands of snorkeling.

Luckily, we at Auntie Snorkel offer a wide selection of flotation devices, such as vests and float belts, that give extra support, allowing new snorkelers to stay afloat with less effort. Using these aids not only boosts safety but also lets you focus on enjoying the underwater scenery without stress. Embracing these safety supports ensures you have a safer, more comfortable experience, allowing you to make the most of your time in the water.

10. Don’t Forget To Check The Forecasts

Always check the water and weather forecasts before you snorkel, even if it’s calm at the moment. Wind, waves, and tide shifts can change conditions quickly, making it dangerous out in the water.

Some snorkeling areas have lifeguards to watch out for these changes and provide you with extra safety. Some of the best spots with lifeguards include Kamaole I, Kamaole II, and Kamaole III beach parks.

Staying informed about the forecasts yourself lets you enjoy your time safely and ensures a smoother experience. You can always utilize our in-shop Fun Specialists for help figuring out where and when would be safest to snorkel. Plus, we offer you free and always up-to-date Weather & Waves forecast pages available any time of day on our website!

Snorkeling offers an incredible opportunity to witness the wonders of marine life, and by keeping these “don’ts” in mind, you’ll help protect both yourself and the underwater ecosystem. Enjoy the beauty and magic of the ocean while respecting and preserving it for future generations!