I enjoy having friends and family visiting with us on Maui, it makes us do stuff that we've been delaying doing,mainly because of the lack of time. So when my in-laws were visiting with us last week, not only did we share some of things we do on regular basis with them, but we also did some of the activities that we have been wanting to do,but did not have the time for.
For a fun and adventurous water activity, we chose a snorkeling trip with BlueWater Rafting. We went with them last year when some friends visited us, and enjoyed it so much that we decided to do it again this year. The difference between them and other outfitters is mainly the boat. BlueWater Rafting uses rafts versus the catamarans used by other outfitters. On the raft, most of the seating is on the pontoon,and one is guaranteed to get wet.
The rafts go very fast, and depending on the water swell and waves, the ride can get bumpy and rough. Before boarding, they give their clients a chance to back out if they are pregnant, or have any neck or back problems. I will add to that,if you are prone to sea sickness, you might want to consider something calmer. For everyone else, I highly recommend this activity. One gets a fun boat ride, beautiful snorkeling, fun crew, and whatever else the Pacific Ocean has in store that day.For a non-surfer, it is as close to riding the waves as one can get.
The raft departed from the Kihei Boat Ramp at about 0700 am, and headed south to the otherwise inaccessible Kanaio coast for spectacular views of the island, and magnificent lava arches, grottos and sea caves. The crew was very knowledgeable about lava flow, and the formation of these nature wonders, and we had the chance to absorb the unspoiled beauty of the Volcanic Kanaio Coast.
The highlight had to be entering one of sea caves. What a magical experience!
After all that rugged beauty , we had the pleasant encounter of many pods of spinner dolphins in La Perouse Bay, which by the way is accessible by car and offers great chances for snorkeling and swimming with dolphins.These playful mammals can put on quite the show!
After a muffins and fruits breakfast, we had the chance to snorkel in a beautiful spot somewhere along the south shore.Fantastic coral formations and plenty of colorful fish, in crystal clear calm waters.
The ultimate destination for any snorkel trip one takes on Maui , is Molokini. A crescent-shaped volcanic crater that forms a small islet,where the water is crystal clear, and the fish are happy and teaming.
Unfortunately, the water swells are not always cooperating with boats to get there, and that day we could not snorkel inside the rim of Molokini. However, BlueWater Rafting is one of the few boats that have access to the back side of Molokini, where water forms what is known as the elevator effect. Instead of the waves crashing into the back side of the crater, they go up and down, and so does the snorkeler.It was a very cool experience, and the fish were big and swam right toward us. A truly nature bonding experience!
Cold deli sandwiches were served at some beautiful spot out in the ocean, and the exhilarating ride home was very memorable.
A great way to spend a day in paradise!
Comments (10)
This looks like so much fun. Love the dolphins! I sometimes see them on the coast of NC and I always get excited.
Posted by Annie | May 13, 2009 6:33 AM
Posted on May 13, 2009 06:33
Hi Candi, wow what a fun activity to do! Awesome photos and descriptions of your adventure. And being so close to those beautiful dolphins, very cool!
Thanks so much for sharing your fun weekend with us! Have a great day...is it 4 more sleeps now?
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | May 13, 2009 7:04 AM
Posted on May 13, 2009 07:04
Hi Candi, Having fun this morning catching up on my fave bloggers. Love the info on this post and will be sure to keep this idea for our next trip to Maui. the caves and dolphins must have been a big thrill for your In-laws. What a treat!
Posted by Barb Cabot | May 13, 2009 7:57 AM
Posted on May 13, 2009 07:57
Annie, wow, I would love to see dolphins in NC! You know, my family lives just outside of Myrtle Beach, but I never spend any considerable time in NC, one day I will!
Kathy, YES, 4 more sleeps!!WooHoo!!
Barb, welcome back, I am sure you had a great time with you daughter, and the concert you attended sounds awesome!
My in-laws loved this boat trip.
Posted by candi | May 13, 2009 11:37 AM
Posted on May 13, 2009 11:37
Wow, those small boats really can take you in close, we have only done the snorkeling by catamaran, need to tuck this away for another time.
Posted by Marcia | May 13, 2009 2:29 PM
Posted on May 13, 2009 14:29
Whee! That looks like so much fun. And how beautiful!
Posted by Amy | May 13, 2009 3:01 PM
Posted on May 13, 2009 15:01
This is just gorgeous! Sounds like a great day! I love snorkeling and I love dolphins so I think I'd enjoy this...
Posted by Chiocciola | May 13, 2009 3:53 PM
Posted on May 13, 2009 15:53
Marcia, yes, these smaller boats are amazing. And as far as I know, they are the only boats that go to the caves on Maui.
Amy,it is a lot of fun.
Chiocciola, I think you will love this.
Posted by candi | May 13, 2009 4:00 PM
Posted on May 13, 2009 16:00
I would love to do this someday! It looks like so much fun! I love being on boats. Thanks for the tip.
Posted by girasoli | May 17, 2009 5:37 PM
Posted on May 17, 2009 17:37
Nice dolphins pictures.
Posted by White Water Rafting Scotland | November 11, 2009 12:21 AM
Posted on November 11, 2009 00:21