MAUI ECO TOURS

High tides and feeding turtles!

On our paddle this morning out of Makena Landing we were greeted with an amazing "post storm" sunrise.  The ocean was calm and the water was quite clear, and a little bit chilly for some of us.  As we eased into our first snorkel stop of the day I noticed something about the turtles, they were few and far between.  After making several passes along the outside of the reef, I decided to lead my clients towards the inside.  The ocean has a good way of letting you know what is going on with the currents, swells, and tides, so we pay attention to it.  Knowing we were in a secret spot known for 5-6 (sometimes up to 10) Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles,  and we had only seen 2, it was time for me the guide to get busy.  In a major effort to create that amazing turtle experience with my clients, we loaded into our kayaks and we headed out to a new spot.  Just as we were warming up from our first dive it was time to splash again.  With the burden of trying to produce that unforgettable experience for my clients I led them over to the go-to-spot for finding turtles during a high tide situation.  As we approached the lava rock outcropping we were greeted by what we had come for.  There were several turtles feeding on the brown algae which grows on the rocks.  Watching Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles feed is one of the most enjoyable experiences I have ever had and I enjoy sharing with our guests.        

Happy Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle)!!!

Today we swam with a dozen or so honu in the calm, blue water. Our friend, Stumpy (the three-fin honu) made an appearance.  Honu can live for 80+ years and travel 300 miles to the Northwest Hawaiian Islands to lay their eggs.  Honu are working their way off the endangered species list as a result of conservation and education.  Still, you should always keep your distance and never touch or disturb them.  It is magic to swim gently beside them.

Winter weather means whales are near!

Sitting on the slopes of Haleakala drinking hot cocoa with one thing on my mind, WHALES.  There is no better time to be in the Hawaiian Islands than during the winter months.  The weather is perfect, the water temperature is refreshing and the North Pacific humpback whales are here for their yearly pilgrimage.  We saw some spouts in the distance today which means it is only a matter of days before we start our Whale Watch tours.  To have a close encounter with a 45 foot, 45 ton marine mammal is quite exhilarating and will leave you with a great respect for these beautiful creatures.

MAUI ECO TOURS

Had a great morning on the water today.  The sunrise was spectacular!  We were accompanied by 70 Hawaiian Spinner dolphins as we kayaked our way through the beautiful, blue Maui ocean!!