The islands of Oahu and Maui provide plenty of opportunities to not only spot but even swim with sea turtles. It’s an unforgettable experience that you’ll be able to share with your family and friends back home. Don’t miss one of these opportunities to swim with turtles in Hawaii when you’re there visiting.
Are you allowed to swim with turtles in Hawaii?
Waikiki Beaches — Yes, It’s Possible to Swim with Turtles in Waikiki. Waikiki is a long stretch of beach with many areas for swimming and snorkeling. Although your odds of swimming with turtles is not as high as other beaches on this list, it’s incredibly easy to walk out of your hotel and hop in the water.
How much does it cost to swim with turtles in Hawaii?
Oahu Best Oahu Turtle Snorkeling Tours
| Oahu Best Oahu Turtle Snorkeling Tours | RATES | DURATION |
|---|---|---|
| Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran | $80 | 4 hours |
| Hidden Gems of Oahu with North Shore Turtle Snorkeling | $94 | 8 hours |
| Oahu Snorkel Cruise: Swim with Turtles in the Wild | $100 | 4 hours |
| Catamaran Sail and Snorkel on Oahu | $147 | 3 hours |
Is it illegal to touch turtles in Hawaii?
It is illegal to touch or harass sea turtles as they are all protected by the Endangered Species Act. An officer with NOAA was notified about the violation by NOAA’s Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program, as the man added the hashtag #monkseals to his post of him touching the marine mammal.
Can you swim with turtles in Maui?
Yes, you can swim with turtles on Maui, and there are ample opportunities to do so, but you have to be aware of how important these animals are in Hawaii. Hawaiian green sea turtles are federally protected, and it is therefore illegal to harm, harass or hurt them.
What is the fine for touching a turtle in Hawaii?
$1,000 to $10,500
What is the fine for touching sea turtles in Hawaii? The fine for harassing or touching a sea turtle in Hawaii runs $1,000 to $10,500. The crime needs to be reported to the police for action to be taken.
Do Hawaiian turtles bite?
Normally, they are docile creatures that only bite when threatened.
How close can you get to turtles in Hawaii?
How close can I get to sea turtles? A. There is no law specifying the minimum distance people can approach a sea turtle. However, getting close to these animals may constitute a federal or state violation if the animal is disturbed or if your action has the potential to disturb its natural behavioral patterns.
What beach on Oahu has turtles?
Laniakea Beach
Located on Oahu’s North Shore, Laniakea Beach offers such frequent sightings of the Hawaiian green sea turtle that locals simply know it as “Turtle Beach.” This is an amazing spot to see gentle waves usher turtles to the shore for some sunbathing, and it’s considered one of the most reliable turtle-watching spots in
Can you snorkel at Turtle Beach?
Things to do at Oahu’s Turtle Beach
You can also go snorkeling at the beach and watch the turtles in the water, along with other fish. Turtles like the area because it has a lot of coral and rocks. That being said, it is not the best for swimming.
What happens if a sea turtle touches you?
Not only does touching turtles cause them stress, but the bacteria on your hands can actually be harmful to turtles. Not to mention, it’s illegal to touch or harass a sea turtle in a lot of places!
Why you should not touch turtles in Hawaii?
Observation guidelines: Turtles are generally not afraid of people. They are, however, protected by law, and it’s illegal to touch them as was done here. Do not chase or scare turtles, hinder their movement, or swim within 20 feet.
Can you touch green sea turtles in Hawaii?
Can I Touch The Turtles? No. Hawaiian green sea turtles are federally protected and it’s illegal and harmful to touch or harass them. In order to be a responsible snorkeler, be sure to give turtles plenty of space and make an effort to not overcrowd them.
Why are you not supposed to touch sea turtles?
Many animals, including turtles, rays and many species of sharks, can become vulnerable to harmful bacteria through human contact, leaving them susceptible to disease. These creatures rely on bio-films (a kind of protective slime) to keep out infection, which we can compromise through touch.
Can you get sick from touching turtles?
Turtles can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings, even while looking healthy and clean. These germs can easily spread to their bodies, tank water, and habitats. People can get sick after they touch a turtle or anything in their habitats.
Which Hawaiian island has the most sea turtles?
Hawaii (Big) Island
– The Kohala Coast might be one of the most abundant areas for Hawaiian green sea turtles.
Why can’t you pick up baby sea turtles?
Baby sea turtles are super fragile, and you can easily damage their soft shell and organs or even break their food sac if you don’t handle them extremely carefully. Both hands should be used wearing latex gloves or similar.
Do turtles like being touched?
Turtles prefer to be alone, and they never welcome being picked up and handled. Because turtles aren’t affectionate, don’t like to be held, stroked or cuddled and don’t play with toys, many people lose interest and cease to take proper care of them.
Why are turtles sacred in Hawaii?
To the Hawaiian people, sea turtles or “Honu,” are sacred creatures. They embody good luck, protection, endurance and long life.
Is it safe to swim with turtles?
Sea turtles are gentle in nature, but they also have the ability to bite with their sharp beaks they use for eating algae off the reef, sea urchins, fish, squid and jellyfish! The safest way to snorkel with sea turtles in Maui is to swim slowly and calmly in the water. Keep your distance and observe the turtle.
What is the best time of year to see sea turtles in Hawaii?
summer
The best time to see turtles in Hawaii is summer (May-October). During this time, the waves are calm and the water and sand are much warmer than in the winter months. The best time to spot sea turtles is between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM.