Maui’s Marine Life

The underwater universe of Maui is so diverse and full of life that it really is a challenge to identify all the species that one is likely to encounter when diving here. Are you up to the challenge of knowing which species make our waters their home? Here are just few of the unique sea creatures you may run into on your Maui snorkeling expedition!

• Dolphins: Dolphins are perhaps the one creature people are most excited about the prospect of seeing. Here in the waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands there are more than fifteen species of dolphins that either live or migrate here. The species most common to Maui and the surrounding islands are The Hawaiian spinner dolphin, Pan tropical spotted dolphin and bottlenose dolphin. Visitors are never disappointed by these intelligent, human-like mammals.
• Humpback Whales: Humpback whales begin to arrive around November in Maui and can remain in the area till May. Many visitors here make whale watching among their top activities during their guided dive tour in Maui. They are often surprised by how surprisingly acrobatic and graceful these creatures are given their enormous size (For example, baleen whales grow to over 50 feet long and can weigh anywhere from 30-50 tons!)
• Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle: These animals are the largest hard-shelled sea turtle in the world and can weigh as much as 300 pounds. Also, they can stay underwater for many hours without emerging to take a breath. (They have been known to stay underwater for as long as five hours without needing to resurface.) Visitors enjoy watching them gracefully glide around eating the various algae and sea grasses around them.
• Hawaiian Turkey fish: Be wary of this fish as its sting, while not poisonous, is quite painful. Because of this, it is recommended that visitors do not blindly reach into dark caves and crevices where this fish waits to ambush its prey. It can be identified by its vertical white stripes, a long single dorsal spine, and extended spines on the pectoral fins.
• Scalloped Hammerhead Shark: Sharks are highly respected and protected here in the islands. The hammerhead is among the most unusual looking sharks in the ocean. They can dive up to 900 feet deep and are incredibly maneuverable. We advise that you be cautious around these sharks and respect their predatory nature.

Those are just a few of the animal specious you could possibly encounter during your guided dive tour in Maui. If you are someone who loves nature and respects all living things in it our scuba packages in Maui are just the things for you. While we cannot guarantee that you will encounter every sea creature you desire to view, we can guarantee that you will enjoy your time with us.