Tunnels Beach Snorkeling

The turtle you are most likely to meet. Greens graze on algae over shallow reef and rest under ledges. In Hawaii they are protected and very used to snorkelers.

Spotting tip: Scan the rocky edges where waves wash over algae, and sandy cleaning stations where fish pick at their shells.

Guardian rule: Stay at least 10 ft away. Never block a turtle's path to the surface.

Chelonia mydas

One of the most endangered seals on Earth, found only in Hawaii. Monk seals haul out on beaches to rest and sometimes swim past snorkelers near shore.

Guardian rule: Stay at least 50 ft away on land and in the water, and 150 ft from a mother and pup. Disturbing them is a federal offense.

Neomonachus schauinslandi

Hawaii's state fish, with a famously long Hawaiian name and bold, painted-on stripes. It patrols shallow, surgy reef and grunts when it is caught.

Rhinecanthus rectangulus

Colorful grazers with fused, beak-like teeth. You can hear them crunch on coral rock, and much of the white sand on tropical beaches passes through them.

Scaridae

A striking black, white and yellow fish with a long trailing fin, often seen in pairs or small groups over Pacific reefs.

Zanclus cornutus

Small, disc-shaped fish in yellow, white and black patterns, usually seen in pairs. Many feed on coral polyps, so they are a good sign of a healthy reef.

Chaetodontidae