How safe is snorkeling in Maui?

Shark safety when snorkeling in Maui. If sharks are scaring you away from snorkeling in Maui, keep this in mind: Hawaii has more than 9 million visitors each year. Since 1995 there have been 120 shark attacks, with five of them fatal. The odds are in your favor that you'll be able to swim and snorkel safely here.



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Avoid swimming, surfing, or snorkeling in murky waters or harbor entrances. Sharks are frequently spotted in these areas because they can sense their prey's electrical fields using their ampullae of Lorenzini organs. Sharks, in turn, can hunt for their prey while remaining invisible.

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More Hawaii visitors drown while snorkeling than during any other activity. If you intend to go snorkeling in Hawaii, you should be an experienced ocean swimmer familiar with the risks and dangers associated with high surf, strong currents, and waves breaking in shallow water.

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Incidents of sharks biting people in Hawaiian waters are very rare, occurring on average at a rate of about three or four per year. Fatal shark bites are extremely rare, especially considering the number of people in Hawaii's waters. People who enter the water need to recognize that there are hidden dangers.

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Don't enter the water at dawn, dusk or night when sharks are most active and/or moving closer to shore to find food. Be aware that some shark species, like tiger sharks, are always active, no matter what time of day.

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That said, despite the small numbers and rarity of attacks, data also shows that Maui has a disproportionately higher number of shark incidents than any other island.

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Don't swim/surf/dive near harbor entrances, river mouths and channels, especially after heavy rains. These types of waters are known to be frequented by sharks. Don't wear high-contrast swimwear or shiny jewelry. Sharks can see contrast well.

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We encourage travelers to consider visiting other areas of Maui (including Kahului, Wailuku, Kihei, Wailea, Makena, Pa?ia and Hana), as well as the other Hawaiian Islands of Kaua?i, O?ahu, Lana?i, Moloka?i and Hawai?i Island.

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Maui generally enjoys some of the best water quality on earth. Sometimes during winter storms on Maui, Molokai and Lanai water quality can be compromised temporarily by water runoff that carries excessive sediment, nutrients, and pollution called Brown Water Events, characterized by brown-looking water.

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If you want to avoid your biggest chance of having a shark encounter on Maui, just avoid the ocean during the early and late hours. A Few More Tips: Do Not urinate in the ocean, and Do Not enter the ocean while bleeding or while having any open wounds. Natural Resources website.

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Fins. In addition to a mask, you should also bring along fins for your feet. They help you propel yourself through the water and fight the moving currents. Make sure your fins are adjusted beforehand to fit your specific shoe size so they work properly and are comfortable to wear.

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