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Snorkel 101: Your New Maui Snorkeling Guide is Here!
Snorkeling in Maui is one of the best things you can do while you’re here—whether you’re chasing sea turtles, cruising over coral reefs, or just trying not to inhale ocean water through your nose (it happens to the best of us). But if you’re new to snorkeling or just feeling a little rusty, you might be wondering: Am I doing this right?
Whether it’s your first time ever or your first time this trip, this guide has everything you need to snorkel smarter, safer, and with way more fun.
🎥 Snorkel 101 Video: Learn From a Legend
Leading the way is our beloved Scott, Fun Specialist Emeritus and snorkel whisperer since 2018. If you’ve rented gear with us in Kihei or Lahaina, there’s a good chance Scott helped you gear up, shared his favorite reef spots, and gave you the famous “don’t-touch-the-coral” talk with a smile.
Now, as he moves on to new adventures, Scott’s leaving us with his now famous Snorkel 101 tutorial. In just a few minutes, he shows you how to properly fit your mask and snorkel, get your fins on, avoid common rookie mistakes, and feel confident before you even get your feet wet.
It’s the perfect crash course—zero pressure, zero judgment, all good vibes.
🧠 The “SNORKEL” Checklist: Your Built-In Safety Reminder
Let’s be real—once you’re standing in the sand with gear in hand, it’s easy to forget everything you were just told. That’s why we created a simple acronym to help you remember the most important stuff:
S – Spray your mask
Apply 1 spray/drop of defog & spread on inside of glass. Dunk quickly in water & shake out.
N – Navigate your fins
Walk backward, or carryfins into/out of the water with mask & snorkel secure on your head.
O – Operate your snorkel
Dry valve keeps water out! Say “shoo” through mouthpiece to clear purge valve at bottom.
R – Respirate, smooth and even
Take some time to establish smooth & even breathing with the snorkel. Check it often.
K – Keep your mask secure
Place your strap high on the back of your head, & just tight enough to hold it in place.
E – Elevate with floatation
Float belts are best for snorkelers comfortable in the ocean. Life jackets for all others.
L – Leave sand at the beach
Pretty please, rinse the sand off your snorkel, mask, & fins before you leave the beach.
It’s everything you need to stay safe, respectful, and relaxed—whether you’re floating at Kam I or diving in at Molokini. And now you can always find it at the Snorkel 101 page!
🏖️ Explore Even More: Free Planning Tools on the Snorkel 101 Page
The Snorkel 101 video and checklist are just the beginning. We’ve packed this page with free tools and resources to help you plan the best snorkeling adventure possible:
📚 Featured Guidebook ArticlesSome of our most helpful (and most-read) snorkeling articles are linked right from the Snorkel 101 page. These include insider tips on:
Avoiding Ocean Hazards – Because Maui’s ocean is fun, but it will humble you if you’re not careful.
Easiest Places to Snorkel – Whether you’re rolling deep with kids or just want an easy-entry beach, we’ve got you.
Each article is designed to give you real, local insight—not the generic stuff you’ll find in a random travel brochure.
🗺️ Maui Beach Guides Interactive Map
Want to know where to snorkel, where to park, where the turtles hang out, or what the restrooms situation is? Our interactive Maui Beach Guides map makes it easy to explore top snorkel spots across South and West Maui.
Each pin includes:
One-click directions and parking tips
Live webcams (where available)
Amenities & facilities
Seasonal fluctuations in weather & waves
It’s like having a local friend show you around—but in map form! And now you can find it right on the Snorkel 101 page!
🌊 Weather & Waves Forecasts
We love spontaneity, but when it comes to ocean conditions, knowledge is power. That’s why we’ve included on the Snorkel 101 page previews of our always updated regional pages that give you:
Wind models
Weather forecasts
Surf forecasts
Tides
More webcams!
Check before you go so you can pick the right beach at the right time—and avoid surprises (like strong currents or cloudy water). You’ll see always updated previews of the current forecast right on the Snorkel 101 page!
💙 A Hui Hou, Scott
Before we wrap up, we’ve got to give one last big mahalo to Scott. Since 2018, he’s helped thousands of Auntie Snorkel guests have safe, fun, and unforgettable experiences on the water. His energy, knowledge, and genuine care for our ocean and visitors have made him a guest favorite and an all-around legend.
Though he’s on to a new chapter, he’ll always be part of the Auntie Snorkel story—and now, part of yours too. Thanks for everything, Scott. We miss you already!
🐢 Snorkel with Confidence
Whether you’re heading to Turtle Town, Black Rock, or out on a boat, snorkeling in Maui should be fun, easy, and safe. With Snorkel 101, your ocean adventure starts with confidence—and maybe even a little laughter.
So check out the guide, learn a few things, then come see us in Kihei or Lahaina for gear rentals, last-minute tips, or just to say aloha. We’re always happy to help.
Auntie Snorkel shop has been serving Maui’s fun seekers since 1985. We're the original South Maui Snorkel Shop. When I bought the shop 10 years ago from Auntie, we decided to keep the name. The name "Auntie" is a term of respect here in Hawaii. I'm living my dream. I get to meet awesome people from all over the world and share with them my love and knowledge of this magical island that I get to call home. We know all the spots. I have lived here since 2001. We're the true definition of a family owned and operated shop. I answer the phones and work the shop along with my family. When you shop with us you're supporting my ohana and for that I thank you!! Why go anywhere else? We're the friendliest, fastest, cheapest and our location is the most epic! Mahalo and Aloha”. ~Mark Noble (Owner & Maui Fun Expert)
Easy, painless rental service. Book online to save money, and then go in to get sized and get your gear. Sarah was incredibly helpful when we came in, and gave us some great tips on how to work around my husband's facial hair, as well as suggestions on where to snorkel. Even got to swim with a sea turtle on my first go at it! Well-stocked shop with great customer service.
Rick L.
This place treats you like a valued customer. It was refreshing as some of the Maui locals weren’t the most pleasant on our vacation here. I was extremely impressed by the service level we received and quality of the gear. We will definitely be back and will go straight here for our rentals. I’m also sending any friends headed to the island to these guys for great service. Thanks again auntys! See ya on the next trip. Mahalo!
Victor C.
Our family rented snorkel gear and boogie boards and the process could not be any more pleasant or smooth. The equipment was in great condition, worked as advertised and very reasonably priced. Burton was extremely thorough in helping us get fitted and identifying all the great snorkeling spots with patience and care. It’s obvious that he knew what he was talking about. If I could give a higher recommendation for Auntie Snorkel’s I would. You can’t go wrong here!
Claire D.
Auntie Snorkel is perfect! Was able to rent all that we needed for the perfect beach day. Very affordable/reasonable. Quick and easy pick up/drop off. Kyle helped us and he was great!! Highly recommend this place for your beach rental needs.
Durian M.
Extremely friendly and helpful staff! Gave lots of tips and even filled out a map of the island for us indicating the best hiking spots. Would recommend
Kanchi C.
Mark and Burton were super helpful and suggested us amazing snorkeling spots around Maui
Lora H.
Jean was awesome. We got A great deal on snorkel, boogie boards, and beach chairs for the week. She was very helpful and getting us fitted for the right size of snorkel gear. Very pleasant person.