Ecological Conservation
Big Island is arguably home to the world's most dramatic and richly varied marine ecosystems. From the lava rock shores of the Kona Coast to the protected sanctity of Kealakekua Bay, there truly is no where else on Earth that offers the incredible experiences our Island provides-including vivid reefs, speedy spinner dolphins, serene green sea turtles (honu) and incredible mantas, just to name a few.
Unfortunately, with nature's abundance comes responsibility. Being the top Big Island Snorkeling Company out there means believing that an incredible ocean adventure is inextricably linked to intensive marine eco-conservation.
Why Big Island Reef Conservation Matters
A healthy, functioning nearshore ecosystem is essential for the well-being of Hawaii. Coral reefs are vital to these ecosystems in the shallow depths-they are a nursery for hundreds of different reef fish species endemic to the islands, and our coastline protection against erosion. Unfortunately these precious habitats are still under threat from climate change, warming sea temperatures and local human stress.
Coral bleaching, damage by people, and pollution from everyday use sunscreens all affect individual live coral polyps. A snorkeling tour out on the Big Island puts you directly in the habitat. It's a truly living, breathing organism, that operators, guides, and customers can all influence positively.
Why Big Island Reef Conservation Matters
Environmental consciousness and regenerating our marine environments is fundamental to everything we do. Responsible tourism is an integral part of our everyday activities and is embedded throughout.
-
Required Reef-Safe practices: We only mandate (and supply) mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Because chemical UV blockers (like oxybenzone and octinoxate) have been shown to cause DNA damage in corals, and reproductive disruptions in marine animals, we will not have those present in our waters.
-
Wildlife Rules are in Place: What a experience seeing Hawaii's ocean animals are but the priority will always remain with the safety of its marine species. The naturalists and captains of this tour strictly follow the State and Federal rules and give ample distance with spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, humpback whales. It's the "look-don't-touch" method, there are absolutely no touch-and-tickle, chase and torment, habituation methods.
-
Understanding and Protecting Coral & Buoyancy: All guests are given a thorough briefing on the guidelines and proper ways to snorkel. We educate on how damaging to these complex, growing structures that we find so intriguing, it is to touch them, stand on them, or kick them with fins, especially when coral grows and accumulates only an inch in decades.
-
Marine Debris Cleanups: Even after your tour is complete, we endeavor to do more. Many of our crew members regularly join coastal and underwater cleanups to collect marine debris, old fishing tackle and plastic waste-all of which present an imminent deadly threat to fish, seabirds and other marine animals.
How You Can Be an Ocean Steward
Conservation is a community effort, and we travelers are a part of it. Supporting tour operators that care for the environment through the preservation of the habitats and marine species of Hawaii when on vacation on the Big Island has an impact.
By choosing a tour that not only takes you snorkeling but educates on the important conservation role played by businesses in keeping the waters off the Kona coast pristine and protected-it makes a difference.
We can’t wait to share it with you in an environmentally conscious and loving way. It will help keep the blue water of Big Island healthy forever.