Woke early Tuesday with a goal to snorkel Maui’s south shore.

Couldn’t reach folks by phone (too early, only answer machines) so drove to the boat dock in Kihei (pre-dawn, still pitch black) with plans to join an existing tour.  Talked to 2 different groups – both fully booked…on a Tuesday?  Who knew?

Back in the condo, feeling kinda deflated, continued my google search.  Most tours leave at 630am; luckily Kai Kanani in neighboring Kihei additionally had a 9am tour start.  (Thanks Steve for calling – I couldn’t handle another rejection.)

Wait, wait, back up.  Flew 8 hours to Hawaii & snorkeling plans just happen today on the fly?

Truth:  Haven’t swam since Ironman Boulder (August 2014).  8-months of training – completely burned out.  If I never swim another 100 laps at 4am, think I’ll be a-ok.  Wouldn’t miss it.  Truth.

Bigger truth:  Crazy fear of sharks.  Begged my dad to see ‘Jaws’ when I was a kid.  Movie house was full – our seats, front row…which meant everything was HUGE.  Years later, I still shower with my eyes open – shampooing hair & all.  Far as I know, no shark has ever squeezed up household plumbing thru a shower drain.  Yeah…this film wrecked me.

So at age xxx, no scuba or snorkel stories in this guy’s wheelhouse…yet.

Luckily (because life is meant to be lived) when calling home, Ash harassed me (incessantly, over & over – Saturday, Sunday & Monday nights)…until this day arrived – waking early Tuesday, deciding…today, I’m going snorkeling.

Molokini Deluxe Tour
Our most popular tour, snorkel at Molokini Crater and Turtle Town. Great food, beverages and cocktails.
4 Hour Tour | Departs 9:00 AM Daily

 

Just 15 Minutes to Molokini Crater
Start your Maui snorkel tour closer to Molokini Crater than with any other company. Weather permitting, some boats take over an hour to reach Molokini Crater – at Kai Kanani it takes 15 minutes thanks to our exclusive departure location on Maui’s South Side at Makena Beach.

Because of rough sea, toughest part of the day – boarding the boat.

Kai Kanani Sailing ChartersGroups of 4-6 waded out into the ocean.  In between large rolling waves, crew members helped steady folks up a waiting ladder.  Nothing like a huge crashing wave to get you used to the water – LOL>

Aboard the boat: introductions, safety talk, do’s & don’ts, brief snorkel instructions – and WHALES…large humpback whales!  What I didn’t see on Sunday night’s whale & sunset cruise, unexpectedly I saw today.  MASSIVE mammals!

[side note: in 15 minutes, I’m gonna jump in ocean water.  Yikes!]

Anchored the boat near Molokini Crater, lined up early – jumped in.  Done.  No more story – appears I’m still a mighty strong swimmer & had an absolute blast.  Initially hovered on top as instructed, turned on the underwater camera & followed a school of black tropical-stripped fish.  10 minutes in, was ready to dive.  All the cool fish hug the reef 🙂

Due to murky ocean conditions, never saw a sea turtle…or the reef shark that another snorkeler filmed. Just as well – I would’a freaked. HA!  Ended our day cruise with buffet lunch & Mai Tai’s.

So would I do it again?  ABSOLUTELY!

 

Molokini Snorkeling, Maui

 

 

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