Maui snorkeling tour companies give conflicting guidance on whether non-swimmers can participate, with some welcoming them aboard with flotation gear while others bar them entirely. Hawaii’s Department of Health recommends staying out of the ocean if you cannot swim, even with flotation devices.
- Pride of Maui and Alii Nui allow non-swimmers with flotation gear and guide support, while Maui Snorkeling requires guests to swim independently in deep water.
- Hawaii’s Department of Health advises non-swimmers to stay out of the ocean entirely, even when using flotation devices — stricter than some operators’ policies.
- Operator websites lack consistent pre-boarding screening standards, leaving safety assessment largely to guests’ self-reporting.
- The inconsistency could expose guests to unexpected risk and operators to liability if an incident involves a non-swimmer who was cleared to enter the water.
Source: Beatofhawaii
Share this article
