Thursday 25 December 2014

Exploring Hawaii’s Coral Reefs, Part – 1

The mysterious and fascinating depths of the ocean and ocean life has lured many explorers to take the plunge. The Islands of Hawaii situated in pristine, clear, blue Pacific waters is manna to every scuba diver and snorkeler. Hawaii offers all kinds of water sports and marine life, of which the coral reefs that surround the islands form a unique ecosystem and are worth exploring.


Know Hawaii’s Coral Reefs before Diving


When the Earth was a young planet the volcanoes that created the Hawaiian Islands were still buried under the sea. The heat and gases that these volcanoes emitted attracted all kinds of life forms, which made their homes here. When they died, their skeletons were deposited on the sea bed. Over the millennia the volcanoes rose towards the surface and when they reached a depth of about 300 feet, light from the surface was able to filter through. This enabled plants to grow and mingle with the skeletons. As centuries passed by, these calcium rich animal skeletons, plants, shells and algae all combined to form the coral that we see today.

The coral reefs are not just a lifeless feature of the oceans. They are home to myriad types of fish and other water creatures. Exploring these reefs is an unforgettable experience. You will need to be a competent swimmer and have knowledge of scuba diving equipment. Further you will also have to know where the reefs are and where accessing them is easiest, so as to get the best of experiences. This is where an experienced charter boat operator plays a big role. Not only will they be able to take you to the right spots and provide you with the scuba gear you need, they will also take all the necessary precautions needed to ensure your safety.

The Four Types of Coral Formation


Before you take that underwater dive, familiarize yourself with the types of coral reefs found in Hawaiian waters. There are four distinct type of zones of coral formation and these are:
  • Reef Flat. These coral formation are found close to the shoreline and where the water is only 6 feet deep. This part is sparsely populated by the Reef Flat, as the surge of the waves is strong here and washes away some of the loose layers of coral. The corals in the reef flat are known as rose or cauliflower corals and are formed primarily from algae. The Reef Flat Coral is home to a few species of small fish and a variety of invertebrates that prefer to stay near the shoreline.
  • Surge Swept Reef.  This zone covers that part of the reef that is between six to twenty feet under the surface. Although there is a constant roll of the waves, the depth reduces the force and a variety of coral types can be found here. Invertebrates like sea cucumbers and urchins live in this part of the reef, along with a wide variety of fish and eels, many of which cannot be seen elsewhere. This is also where you can find green sea turtles.
  • Reef Slope Zone.  Located at between twenty one to hundred feet down, where the impact of the waves are not that much, the Reef Slope Zone is representative of the more delicate of corals like the finger and rice corals. A large variety of fish, different from those found at lesser depths, cam be seen here, along with the white tip reef shark (which is generally harmless unless it is provoked).
  • Rubble Zone. This is located in the deepest part of the ocean and where the rubble of the coral that is broken off from the higher zones can be found. Although not as exciting as the other zones, it is home to the deep water fish and eels that live here.
The coral reefs of Hawaii offer an incredibly beautiful world to explore and one that should not be missed.

Tuesday 25 November 2014

Tips to Improve Your Snorkeling Technique

Snorkeling is easy, safe and a wonderful way to access the most unexplored part of our planet – The Oceans. It is a great way to see the wonders of nature, to discover the unexpected and is also, a great form of exercise. No special training is required to snorkel, for as long as you can swim, you can snorkel. Whether you are an experienced snorkeler or a rookie, here are a few tips that can maximize your pleasure in discovering the underwater world.

The Mask


  • The fit of the mask on your face should be very secure, leaving no gaps between your face and the mask, so as to prevent water from seeping in. If air leaks in, so will the water.
  • Place the mask over your face, to test the fit, then inhale and hold your breath; the suction should be strong enough for the mask to stay in place, without you having to hold on to it and until such time you exhale.
  • Keep long hair out of the way while placing the mask on. Hair between the face and the mask will affect the secure sealing of the mask. Men with beards and moustaches should apply Vaseline to help seal the mask in place.
  • Defogging of the mask – to ensure clear visibility under water, rinse the interior of your mask with any defogging product, alternatively use a drop of baby shampoo, or spit on it. But if you are in Hawaii, use the crushed leaves of the Naupaka plant that grows near the shore. Rinsing your mask in the ocean water with its salt content, is the most effective way to defog your mask.

Fins


  • Fins are a necessary part of your snorkeling outfit.
  • Choose fins that are not too tight, as this could cause your toes to curl up. Tight fitting fins could cause cramps and could be potentially dangerous.
  • Loose fins on the other hand will slip off your feet. So try various sizes to find the perfect fit.
  • When trying them on, remember it is easier to put them on, when your feet are wet.

Breathing


  • Put on the snorkel and practice breathing with it before you actually go into the water.
  • Put the mask on and test the secure fit as described above.
  • Place the snorkel mouthpiece into your mouth and close your lips around it in the same way a sportsperson does a mouth guard.
  • Do not bite down on the mouthpiece, that will not make breathing easier, and it will also cause your jaws to hurt.
  • Once everything is comfortable, get in the water and allow yourself to float face down as you practice breathing in and out slowly.

Know Your Boundaries

Overestimating your abilities and thinking you can do more than you really can is one of the biggest mistakes that snorkelers make. Overextending yourself can result in all kinds of body aches and pain (the next day, or even sooner). Besides a possibility could arise where others may have to help you while you are in the water. Temperature, currents, visibility surge, and the time of day or night – all these affect your metabolism and how long you can stay in the water and how much you can do. Consequently, every time you do get into the water, your tolerance boundaries will change.

Relax and Have Fun

Hawaii is one of the best places in the world to go snorkeling. To have the best of experiences, charter a boat with a competent captain and crew and a boat that has all the equipment you will need. The crew will take you to the best snorkeling spots; they will take all the precaution needed to keep you safe and ensure that you have the adventure of a lifetime.

Reference:

http://sailhawaii.com/howtosnorkel.html

Wednesday 29 October 2014

Snorkeling With Dolphins

If Flipper, the bottle-nosed dolphin captured your heart and ever since then, you have had that secret desire burning within you to meet these friendly, intelligent creatures, come to tempting Hawaii to snorkel and frolic with them. These lovable creatures mostly live in the shallow areas of the ocean along the continental shelves, so you won’t have to dive deep down to find them. Snorkeling with a pod of dolphins is an incredible adventure for animal lovers, both young and old. An added dimension to the thrill and unique experience is to snorkel among the beautiful reefs of Hawaii and the dolphins you encounter, will capture your heart with their playful and loving nature. 

 

The Dolphins of Hawaii 

 

There are 36 species of dolphins found all over the world, of which, there are 4 species that inhabit the warm Hawaiian waters. The 3 most commonly found species are the Spinner, the Pacific Bottleneck and the Spotted dolphins. The fourth species of dolphins, found in Hawaii, is the Rough Toothed dolphin, which are less commonly seen as they live in deeper waters. The Hawaiian Spinners are shaped and colored a bit differently from other species of Spinners and they are nocturnal. They also are the most commonly seen dolphins as they rest near the shoreline during the daytime. The Pacific Bottlenose are also abundant and they are the show stopper performers that you see putting on the star act at aquariums around the world. 

Kailua Kona on the Big Island is the best spot to go snorkeling with the dolphins. Hawaii has glorious weather year round with a temperature of around 80 degrees, so set sail and explore the seas on a charter boat, meet up with the dolphins and soak in unforgettable moments of adventure and pleasure. Dangle your feet in the water as you sit astride the bow, watch the dolphins as they ride in the wake of the bow, playfully splashing water on you. 

Charter companies operating in Hawaii ply boats that are well maintained, comfortable and well equipped. From snorkels to noodles to wet suits and all that you will need to dive in, to play with the dolphins. Most of the boats offer excellent food and snacks as part of the package.

The captains of each charter boat have regular spots and know exactly where the pods of dolphins hang out. The experienced crew will introduce you to the pod, keeping your safety and the wellbeing of the dolphins in mind. Generally, the crew will introduce you to the gentler, female dolphins rather than the more aggressive males. 

 

Dolphin Snorkeling Etiquette 

 

These trusting gentle creature can be easily hurt and their habitat destroyed. Humans who mingle with them must observe the basics of dolphin snorkeling etiquette. You don’t want to abuse the welcome that the dolphin give. Don’t worry, good marine manners will not limit your fun or interfere with your dolphin interaction. All that you need to do is observe a few guidelines that the boat crew will brief you about. One of the most important rule is, to not disturb them during their rest periods. These are very active animals and getting enough rest is essential for their wellbeing. 

Maybe meeting Flipper was a childhood dream of yours. Maybe you just want to experience something that millions of people around the world have fallen in love with. It doesn’t matter why you go snorkeling with the dolphins; just relax, enjoy the adventure of snorkeling in the azure blue waters of Hawaii and interact, “eyeball to eyeball” with the dolphins. Take back priceless memories that will make a great fireside tale to recount to your grandchildren. 

 

References:

Wednesday 15 October 2014

Whale Watching in Hawaii – Dos and Don’ts

Homo sapiens are not the only ones who like to winter in the tropical climes of Hawaii. Humpback whales also come to Hawaii, from their summer feeding grounds off the Alaskan coast, to give birth to their young.  Whale calves are born without the insulation that blubber provides the adult whales, to protect them from the cold. That makes the 3,500 mile journey, from the freezing cold waters to temperate waters, worthwhile.

Embark on a journey of discovery, as you explore the fascinating underwater world off the coast of Hawaii. From indigenous marine life to seasonal visitors like the humpbacks, the marine life in Hawaii, sports a variety of animal life that adds to the pleasure of a vacation on the sun soaked sand, washed by warm waters and fired by lively luaus. Set sail on a breezy, warm morning, chug out on a Charter boat, to catch these gentle giants at work and play. 

Sharing space with the biggest creatures that live, is an exceptional experience, but some cautionary measures also need to be taken, as the fact is, both whales and dolphins are sensitive creatures and are under threat from habitat degradation, pollution, increasingly busy seas, whaling and other deterrents. So before you head out on your exploratory trip, here are some dos and don’ts to bone up on. 

 

Important Hawaiian Whale Watching Tips

 

  • Humpback whales start to arrive in Hawaiian water in November and stay there until the end of May, when they begin their return journey to Alaska. This is the best time of the year for whale watching. If you are still in the planning stage, keep in mind that within this period, the peak whale season is during February and March, so plan your trip accordingly.
  • The Humpback whales can be seen all around the Hawaiian Islands, but they are more concentrated in numbers around the Big Islands of Kauai and Maui. There are whales to be seen at Oahu too, but not as many as there are on Kauai and Maui.
  • There are places along the coast where you can see the whales. However, a charter boat trip out to where the whales are, is the best way to get close to them in their natural habitat. Experienced crews know where the pods of whales are and will be able to take you there.
  • Responsible charter boat operators would have voluntarily signed up to the Code of Conduct and Ethics of whale watching, as this protects you and the animals. One such code is how close to the pod the boat can go, before the engines are cut, which is approximately 100 yards from the pod. Respect their space and they will respect yours. Though sometimes the more curious ones could approach the boat to inspect the visitors.
  • Once the whale pod has been sighted, sit back and enjoy the most remarkable experience of your lifetime. Remember respect the whales, respect the laws and respect your fellow viewers too.
  • Your boat operator will allow the animal to control their environment and the duration of the encounter. While approaching the whale pod the boat operator will maintain a parallel course with the pod.
  • Good charter operators also follow a code of viewing and manner of approach. The boat operator on approach will keep the boat at or below the no-wake speed and will also coordinate with other vessels in the viewing zone. Time of viewing will generally be limited to 30 minutes.

So before you charter your boat, check out the operators and don’t be afraid to ask questions so that your whale watching excursion is an incredible adventure.

 

References:

Monday 29 September 2014

Whale Watching – 45 Tons of Grace

One of the most spectacular displays of marine life is that of a huge whale performing the seemingly impossible, when it leaps out of the water. The Kohala or Humpbacked whales, one of the largest whales in existence, migrate from their hunting grounds in Alaska to the warm waters of Hawaii, to mate and calve.

Measuring up to 52 feet in length and weighing up to 45 tons, one would imagine them to be lumbering behemoths but in reality are graceful acrobats that effortlessly glide through their natural habitats and occasionally “breach.” When a Kohala propels almost half its massive body out of the water, performs a graceful pirouette and lands on its side with a huge splash, it is said to be “breaching”. To watch a Kohala spout a fountain of water high in the air, carve a graceful arc through the water, to just leap high in the air in an act of pure exuberance is to watch nature in some of its purest and most perfect moments.

The Experience of a Lifetime

These majestic, gentle giants are a protected species. If you have never seen a whale up close, within the permitted parameters, now is the time to experience the most unforgettable adventure in your life.

A “dream” vacation in Hawaii will launch you into a seascape of activities and the adventure of a lifetime is to watch pods of Humpbacks sing and cavort, in their mating grounds. They are not creatures to be feared because they actually are very friendly and curious about the watchers themselves who get to witness them. The Kohala are known to often swim up close to the vessels. Not to fear, the boats used for watching the whales are sturdy, and the type used by Coast Guards, Police and Navy for rescue operations. The boats undergo strict Coast Guard safety regulations to ensure that all safety gear are in place.

Hawaiian waters are normally very calm so the trip out to watch the whales will be tranquil.

Why Hawaii?

The Humpbacks travel over 3,500 miles from the Gulf of Alaska to Hawaii in less than 2 months. They come to give birth to their young. The 75 degree waters of Hawaii is the ideal environment for the Humpbacks to calve and raise their young, as the newborn calves do not have blubbers to protect them against the cold waters of Alaska.

There are so many reasons to go to Hawaii. The climate, the beaches, the food, the unique culture, and ethos of the islands are unlike any other, from the rest of North America, or even the rest of the world. Whether you want to go and chill out on the beaches, explore the many water sports on offer, or visit the rain forests and volcanoes, there is something for everyone on the islands

One Day is All You Need

There are a large number of companies offering day long whale watching trips. You board the private boats, head out into the clear, warm ocean waters and spend the day close to the whales, dolphins and all kinds of other marine life. You can even spend some time in the water yourself, if you are inclined to do so. Lunch, snacks, sodas etc. are usually available, to satiate hunger pangs, for a day on the high seas.

If you haven’t been to Hawaii, start planning your trip. If you have been there but have not seen the Kohala, a return trip is called for. Those who have been whale watching will need no encouragement to do it again – it is one of the few truly memorable experiences that are worth repeating.

References:

http://www.whalewatching.com/index
http://blog.sailtrilogy.com/ten-facts-about-whale-watching-in-maui/

Wednesday 24 September 2014

The Hawaiian Interlude

Groggy mornings, loads of coffee to keep you functioning as you motor on your way to work and back again home after battling with peak hour or backed-up traffic, only to repeat it once again the next morning. It is time to take that break and why not, when those golden beaches, hula dancers, luaus, volcanoes and tropical forests of Hawaii, are just a plane ride away.

Laze in a hammock, sipping Pina Coladas or Hawaiian Margaritas, relax under an umbrella of coconut trees and sway gently to the wafting sea breeze, lull your senses into that bliss of untold peace and comfort.

Pssst….that is not all! Lying in wait and a hand’s throw from your little nook, is a whole world of magical mystery just waiting to be discovered. A trip to Hawaii without visiting the mysteries of the sapphire and turquoise waters, would be a mission unaccomplished. Take a trip on the “Glass Bottom” boats to be engulfed in a vast sea-world of color and beauty. An incredible range of marine life will come alive with giant sea turtles, dolphins, sting and manta rays, whales, sea lions and an amazing variety of brightly colored coral reef and fish, floating by. 

Snorkel, Snuba and Scuba

To explore the wonders of the underwater world in Hawaii, you can either snorkel, scuba dive or “Snuba”. The scuba diving experience in the warm Hawaiian waters is a unique experience, unlike any other elsewhere in the world. One foray and you will be back for more.

 

The Coral Reefs - Heart of the System

At the heart of Hawaii’s unique marine ecosystem, are the coral reefs that run for 1200 miles, along the coastline of the Islands. Approximately 70 species of stony or reef-building corals can be spotted at normal snorkeling depths. These massive reefs are home to countless forms of ocean life and provide protection, as well as nourishment. The most common corals in Hawaii are Lobe Corals, which is the major type of coral reef along the coastline of Hawaii. The other three types of corals that are found around the Hawaiian coastline are rice coral, blue coral and cauliflower coral.

Charter boats are available in plenty and the experienced charter companies know exactly where to take you, so that your underwater experience is the best. The boats are all equipped with safety gear, are sturdy and have to satisfy strict Coast Guard regulations.

 

Malma i ke kai

Hawaiian culture and beliefs are closely knit with the life in the waters and the meaning of the Hawaiian phrase “Malma i ke kai”, means “to take care of the ocean and all life that inhabits it.” For the Hawaiians, their home is not a group of islands in a huge ocean but rather a “sea of islands.” This means that the land and the sea are inextricably intertwined and one cannot exist without the other. With this history, background and culture, is it any wonder that the Hawaiians are so proud of their unique marine ecosystem and work so hard to care for it? For the visitor, this means that time spent on or in the water, is an experience that is to be treasured.

To heighten your experience of ocean life, especially, if you would love to see the teeming life in the warm Hawaiian waters, then make sure you go snorkeling. You can snorkel with the dolphins or the curious green turtles, watch the coral fish dart in and out of the colorful, waving coral reefs. Words cannot describe that inexplicable, lifelong impression that one visit to the underwater world can leave. Book those tickets, meet us for the most unforgettable experience in your lifetime.

 

References:

Thursday 18 September 2014

Manta Rays love our lights

They love to come right under us to feed on the plankton from our high powered lights.


Wednesday 10 September 2014

45 Manta Rays

September 21, 2014. We had a record number of Manta Ray at our Manta Heaven. Lately, each night we’ve had high numbers of Manta’s and calm water.

What a great time of year to be out snorkeling with the Manta’s.

Monday 8 September 2014

Dolphins love our boat

As we ride along the dolphins come over to our boat to get a free ride from the wake we are pushing under water. We get a real close look at them and it’s a great photo moment for our guests.

Our viewpoint off the bow gives us a chance to watch dolphins swim along with us

Wednesday 21 May 2014

Manta Rays

The manta ray tour has become one of the most popular activities. This summer seems like it will be the busiest ever. Don’t miss this one. 

Manta Ray excursion

Tuesday 25 February 2014

Customer satification counts

Captain Ron, wanted to drop you a line about a couple things. First our adventure on February 2nd (Super bowl Sunday) with captain Carl & Kira it was a super trip with my wife Margie and daughter Danielle. I am a poor swimmer to say the least but Ki ra was able to pull me around and get me right into the dolphins several times, it was great. We saw whales everywhere including a baby that came out of the water numerous times giving us a real show. This is our second time out with Coral Reef and your respect for the wildlife and your wonderful crews we would not go out with anyone else.

Thank you so much!!
RD
Rapid City, South Dakota
Humpback whale