Snorkeling at Molokini Marine Reserve
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The daytrip to Molokini was fun. Our boat was a catamaran with trampolines in the front. There were about 50 people aboard and we were served continental breakfast after leaving the dock. Our first dive was at “Turtle Town”, a small reef off the Mailea beach filled with sea turtles. It was fascinating to watch the turtles watching us watch them.
Then we headed to Molokini, a half-moon shaped volcanic crater rising about 200 feet above sea level. The reefs were beautiful but show signs of over-use by the dive industry. The corals are not as healthy and bright as they should be and the fish were scattered over the reefs. The state of Hawaii should consider putting this area off-limits for a while to let it recover and recuperate. But it was fun and a great way to spend the morning.
After the dive, lunch was served aboard the boat along with beer and Mai-Tai’s. The ride back to the dock was a riot! The trade winds kick in around noon and the winds were around 40 knots today, blowing against us. The sea and waves battered the boat constantly. Waves went almost over the top of the boat at times. Jerry, Bonnie, Brian and Will stayed on the trampolines in the bow and held on for their lives! They said it was better than a roller coaster. Back at the dock, we were told that this was a normal day and that the waves totally engulf the boat on a strong day!
Copyright © Clifford Kolber 2005