Snorkelling is the activity that comes to mind for anyone who is visiting Oahu for the first time. There are numerous beaches and bays with ideal water temperatures that make Oahu a perfect island for snorkelling. Following are the best places to snorkel in Oahu, as these present calm waters and memorable experience to the visitors.
Hanauma Bay,Oahu
Hanauma Bay is a world known snorkelling spot in Oahu. It is a protected marine life conservation. There is huge variety of fish, estimated to be more than 450 types. It is crowded throughout the year. Therefore, if you are avoiding crowded places and not running after the big name, you may skip it.
snorkeling-at-hanauma-bay-oahu
However, it has become such a huge name in terms of Oahu Snorkelling, that its recommended to have a must visit. You will see people from all age groups form children, couples, families and group of diverse visitors. You must be aware of the entry fees which is $7.50 for adults above 12 years. You can carry snorkelling gear from outside or rent it from inside. There is a detailed article.
Famous for
Lot of fish
Good for all age groups
Great beauty
Challenges
Parking problems
Too much crowded
Entry is not free
Shark’s Cove,Oahu
Sharks Cove is exists in Oahu northern part. The lava rock formation adds a unique touch to the snorkelling spot which is safe from sharks. You will see diverse variety of fish.
sunset-sharks-cove-oahu
The best time to visit is in summer as winter will bring huge waves and currents. It is a public beach without any lifeguards. You can rent snorkelling gear close to the cove.
Famous for
Good variety of fish
Less crowded
Free to access
Parking available on the road
Challenges
Reef shoes are recommended
Only summer months are good to visit.
Suitable for expert snorkelers
Kuilima Cove (Bayview Beach),Oahu
Kuilima Cove is located at the northern part of Oahu closer to Turtle Bay Resort. It is also called Bayview Beach. It is one of the snorkeling beaches in Oahu which is ideal for beginners. Bayview beach has been called Kalokoiki in the history. It is protected on both sides with big rocks called Kuilima Point and Kahuku Point.
Turtle Bay Oahu
It is a fun place for families and toddlers as has a big area covered. There are washrooms, snorkel rental places, food places and free parking nearby. Like other Northshore beaches in Oahu, the waves are calmer in summer. Entry is free despite a lot of hotels have covered the entrance.
Famous for
Ideal for beginner snorkelers
Good for kids and families
Showers and restroom
free limited parking
Water fountain for drinking water
Lot of shades
Good bar next to beach
Challenges
Visibility not good for snorkelling
Reef is not in good shape
Not much fish
A lot of urchins
Sans Souci Beach, Oahu
If you are looking for snorkelling place in Oahu that is close to Waikiki but less crowded, Sans Souci Beach is where you can go. This beach is hidden from tourists and famous among locals. The beach is 10 mins walk from the Honolulu zoo if you are on Kalakaua Ave. There is a parking nearby which is metered. The beach comes with bathrooms and rinse stations. There are chances to see turtles around along with some decent quantity of fish at this beautiful beach. The probability of finding fish is there because it in close proximity of marine conservation area. You will find the sand to be less softer than the Waikiki beach while the water becomes deeper after a few steps.
Queens Beach Honolulu
One thing you must be careful is with the rocks inside water unlike the Waikiki Beach. The environment is definitely there for you to spend some quality time. Although you can find good variety of fish closer to the wall (3 to 14 feet deep) but it can be dangerous due to strong waves hitting the wall. Therefore, it is recommended for expert snorkelers. You can play volley ball and have picnic in the Kapiolani Park next to it. Sans Souci Beach extends it sands to the Queens Beach (another beach) which offers similar experience for sunbathing and tanning.
Famous for
Closer to Waikiki
Less crowded
Lifeguards and rinse stations
Spots for Picnic
Challenges
Rocky at some places
Weather listing must be checked for high currents
Only good for experienced snorkelers
Laniakea Beach,Oahu
If you want to swim and snorkel with a lot of turtles in Oahu, Lainakea Beach gives a high probability for it. At this beach you will find lot of sea turtles and visitors, who come to see them. It is located at the north shore of Oahu. Just like other beaches on North shore, the waters are calmer only in the summer time(June July are best months to visit). Snorkelling is pretty hard for amateur snorkelers. Difficulty of snorkelling comes with a lot of reward as there is lot of fish here along with sea turtles.
You must ensure that you have a 3m(10ft) distance from the turtles otherwise police may fine. You can find parking only at the street on the opposite side of the beach but it can be the greatest headache you will face. Another challenge here is to cross the road as there is lot of noise and crowd. At certain moments, You will find some volunteers who can guide. You must take the water shoes due to rocky nature of the beach.
Famous for
Lot of turtles
A lot of fish
Clean and Beautiful
Challenges
Lot of Traffic
Parking is impossible to find
Rocky beach
Haleʻiwa Aliʻi Beach Park,Oahu
Haleiwa Alii Beach in Oahu can be one of hidden snorkeling spot for expert snorkelers on some days. Normally this beach is famous for surfing events. Other attractions are picnics, relaxing, tanning, and turtles. Due to choppy waves, it may not be a good idea to snorkel in the winter times.
There is a huge park next to the beach with restrooms. You will find lot of parking places and quite less people.
Make sure you are wearing coral shoes due to rocks and bring the snorkel gear. You can snorkel next to the reef for better experience. You can combine your snorkeling plan with a visit to Haleiwa Harbor and Haleiwa town.
Famous for
Lot of turtles
Beautiful beach for pictures
Surf lessons
Lot of parking spots
Showers and restrooms
Surfing competitions
Challenges
Rocky beach
High surf waves in winter
Aside from the above mentioned beaches, there are numerous spots which do offer better snorkelling experience, however, they have their own challenges. At some places there are theft threats, your car window will be easily broken. On some places, the tides are unpredictable.
List of such beaches include Kaena Point, Makua beach.
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