Suggestions for snorkeling off shore in February
Does anyone have suggestions for a beach vacation spot with snorkeling off shore in February. We're planning a family vacation over Presidents Day break and would love some leads? Hawaii? Mexico? Easily accessible activities like a pool or day tours would be an awesome bonus. We're traveling with active grandparents and two elementary school age kids.
Aug 16, 2022
Parent Replies
Hi- we just returned from our second trip to Maui this year, and based on what you’re looking for I’d say Hawaii is your best bet. There isn’t a ton of offshore snorkeling in Mexico (Cozumel would be your best bet as the reef is further from shore in the Riveria Maya), and certainly not western Mexico.
Maui has a northern swell in the winter, so the better snorkeling will likely be Kaanapali area through the southern part of the island (Wailea). Maui is pricey, but can be more affordable if you stay in a condo in the Kihei area. If you find a VRBO or AirBnB at Maui Kamole, they have two great pools and have both 1 and 2 bedrooms. Grounds are very nice for condos like this. Otherwise, Maui has a ton of great resort options. We also use redweek.com, which is a site where people list their timeshare weeks for rent, so you’d have more space than a hotel room lots of options, we stayed at the Hyatt both times this year.
Added bonus- that’s right during whale season in Maui, and you can actually hear the whales “talking” while snorkeling. Have a great vacation wherever you end up!
We have gone to Maui in February to snorkel for decades. It is wonderful but I do not know the status of certain beaches like "Fish Bowl" near Makena Beach and Honolua Bay. They shut down the preserves to allow the fish and coral to recover. People were using aerosol sunscreen and non-reef safe formulations which devasted the coral health and population. You have to take into consideration winter trade winds which are different than the summer. But, in February, the whales are out and we usually take at least one whale-watching tour. My mother-in-law joined us from Seattle into her late 80's and she was always game to try out the various beaches.