Is it safe to Snorkel in Maui? What About Sharks?
This is alot more common question than you may think.
Snorkeling from Shore or from a boat in Maui it is extremely unlikely you will see a shark or get bit etc.
You are far more likely to be in a car accident while driving on Honoapiilani Highway.
(Tiger Shark Swimming at Black Rock Ka'anapali)
Here are some Stats
(In the Hawaiian Islands, since 1828, there have been 116 confirmed shark attacks and only 8 confirmed shark attack fatalities. For Hawaii, that averages out to a shark attack every 1.59 years, and a fatality approximately every 23 years.)
Now all of these shark incidents usually have a few things in common.
1.Murky Water/Turbulent water
2.Fishing/Spearfishing in the area
3.Recent Whale death
If you would like to see an updated list of ACTUAL Attacks/Incidents here in All of Hawaii/Maui check out this website
Here is another one with a list of all the incidents
We do have some tiger Shark Tracking/Tagging here in the islands, It is not a warning system of any type but does show some of the common patterns and where they like to hangout
With all that being said, South Maui has defiantly had more incidents then the rest of the island, Check out the tagging project for yourself and the list of attacks.
(Notice The cities of Kihei/Wailea.)
Now if you would like to go snorkeling and see some reef sharks, (White Tips) there is one place on Maui that they are there about 90% of the time
(Pictured Below is Mala Ramp) It is an old Pineapple pier that has been destroyed by storms and now is a haven for fish and sharks alike.
Now these sharks (White Tip Reef Sharks) are pretty harmless as far as the shark family is concerned they are the puppy dogs of the sea,
During the day they like to sleep under the broken pier underwater and rest sometimes coming out for a brief swim along the bottom of the sea.
(Paddle Boarder Board Bitten in Wailea Maui)
Most Shark Incidents are cases of mistaken identity and they will just swim by check you out and leave,
All in all, You will be just fine! Don't even worry about them.
Don't let this blog or other blogs deter you from snorkeling in the ocean.
It is so rare for to you even see a shark on a fun day of snorkeling. Just relax have fun swim with some turtles and take some amazing photos.
If you would like to go and see some sharks give us a call or email, We know where to find them.
808-214-4743
Shorelinesnorkel@gmail.com
