Day 4: Molokini Crater Snorkel Tour in Maui - June 20, 2011
The heavens above were kind enough to bless me with a rainbow upon my wakening as a birthday gift this morning. Rainbows, snorkeling and Maui - what more could a girl ask for on her birthday?
Snorkeling trips have got to be my favorite type of excursions. I love everything about them. The feel of the vibration of the boat's motors beneath my feet, the sun beaming down on me, the gentle sway of the waves and the ocean breeze blowing wisps of hair every which way. And I'm surrounded by blue beneath and above - the simmering blue of the ocean dotted by bubbling white caps and the serene blue of the sky with its powdery white clouds echoing the waves below. The Maui mountains make an impressive backdrop as we sail onward.
So our snorkeling adventure begins. Off to explore the Molokini crater, a dormant volcano set amidst the vastness of the Pacific. This tour is conducted by the Pacific Whale Foundation and all our guides are college-educated marine activists. Raised by a marine biologist and with my own little biology degree, I think this is cool! As we're traveling to our snorkel site, our guides give classes on fish and the environment out on deck.
After a short trip, the crater looms ahead. Yes! I will pay the 10 bucks for the wet suit top. With water temps of just 71 degrees, I'm wondering how I'm going to survive this. Chasing tropical fish with the underwater camera has my ears popping. But after the swim, all I can think is... Wow! Was that worth it! Crystal clear waters and the most live coral we have ever seen. Before you know it we're off to the next site where turtles are said to abound. Time to suck it up and plunge into the chilly waters again. Two sea turtles joined us in our swim. The way back to the boat was a little challenging, because the winds and surf kicked up. Blue lips when I emerge from below are a testament to just how cold the water is here.
Maui is the 3rd windiest place in the world according to one of the biologists onboard, making for a bumpy ride back to the harbor. Chilled to the bone, I was real impressed with myself for being prepared: long-sleeved shirt and quick dry pants. But to no avail. One big wave splashes through the rails and I am soaked to the bone. That was one cold ride back!
NCL has another little surprise waiting for us when we reach our cabin, chocolate-covered strawberries! we took them out on deck with some decaf coffee and watched the rowers practicing in the waters below.
Tonight's dinner is in Lazy J's Steak House, one of NCL's specialty restaurants. Time to celebrate my birthday. It also happens to be formal night or as NCL calls it, "Dress up or not Night". They believe in freestyling, so everyone pretty much does as they like. We decide to dress up a bit for the occasion. The food was great and we were stuffed to the gills. As we were about to drag our full bellies away from the table, the waiters brought me a cake and sang Happy Birthday. We packed that cake to go!
Tips for this excursion: If you love snorkeling, consider this one because the water clarity was perfect and the coral was beautiful! Take Dramamine if you are prone to motion sickness. Due to windy conditions, this ride may be bumpy with large swells. Take warm clothes for after the snorkel. Due to the winds and cold water, you will be chilly. Rent the wetsuit top. It's worth the money! Take a little bit of cash for the gift shop afterwards.
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