"There are sea turtles everywhere, foraging right below our feet, peaceful but fearless. Nothing about them appears passive, so thick skinned and strong. I want to be like that, wise, peaceful and perfectly equipped to deal with anything."
In his new autobiography, Michael J. Fox writes about his decision to pull the plug on Spin City while snorkeling with a wild sea turtle: "... maybe it was just the sublime indifference of that turtle, but a switch had flipped, and depending on how I chose to accept it, a light either just turned on or just turned off."
Our marine biologist crew sails you out to sensitively encounter these ancient mariners, safely foremost for both turtles and those snorkeling. Summer months with calm beaches are the best time to swim the turtle reef. However as long as conditions allow, we can include the turtles in our snorkeling adventures on a daily year-round basis. Our charter encounters are typically intermixed with swimming with turtles, wild dolphin watching or swim, whale watching and expert narration.
"When you look something wild in the eye, and it looks back at you, you see it for the first time."
Discover coral reefs frequented by green sea turtles and tropical fish on our snorkel tours. Look for turtles resting under ledges, at Mother Nature's turtle 'cleaning stations, or' swimming freely. Be especially sensitive to a resting turtle, and never grab a turtle as you could literally drown them (besides it is illegal!)!
If paid the proper respect the turtles can give you a lifetime memory. There are a couple of subtle signs to watch for when near a sea turtle thatsignal you may be too close for their comfort. "Yawning", open mouth movements or head bobbing are clues. A more deeply irritated turtle will "flipper swipe" whereas the turtle swipes a flipper over the forehead area.This is turtle-speak equal to flipping you off! Don't embarrass yourself (or be deemed insensitive) by being flipped off by a turtle, back off if you see that flipper creep up. :-)
Less subtle signs of disturbance can include sudden awakening from a sleep-like state on the sea floor, an increase in swimming speed and diving towards deeper water. Turtles can swim in amazingly fast bursts.
Hale O Honu (Hawaiian for "turtle town") is a snorkel area easily accessible for all ages and abilities. Exceptional visibility and richness of slow-moving marine life ensures a good time for all. Even non-swimmers can participate, as flotation devices are provided.
Snorkeling may be weather dependant, especially during winter months. While animals may still be viewed from the surface, it is not always in our best interest to get in the water... :-)
Wild Side's wildlife tours focus on education and conservation so that an Hawaiian False Killer Whale, incoming interactive relationship can be maintained in the best interest of both humans and dolphins. We strive to foster admiration and deep respect for these wonder-ful marine mammals.
narration.
