norkel trips on this vacation. family looks forward to more snorkeling. I couldnt believe myself that I did it!! In the summer, however, the beach completely transforms into calm waters perfect for swimming. John, the manmade part I talked about is I think what you're referring to. I have a friend that is a non-swimmer, but wanted to try snorkeling. You'll enjoy a fun-filled day snorkeling in crystal-clear water, spotting sea turtles and colorful fish along the way. From calm bay areas perfect for beginners to more challenging spots for experienced snorkelers, here are some of the best spots for snorkeling in Oahu. Youll also have to pay an admission fee of $7.50 that goes towards conservation and watch a short video on reef safety before heading down to the beach. I have been to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This experience requires good weather. Take some time to visit the Hanauma Bay gift shop which is open from 8:00AM to 3:30PM. The area is not too deep inside the reef and your natural buoyancy and the saltwater should suffice to keep you afloat. . They really make an effort to respect the wildlife and keep a safe distance from the dolphins, while still giving you the opportunity to snorkel at several different spots along the coast. If you are looking for the best snorkeling locations in Oahu, youre bound to find one from this list that appeals to your experience level and your tastes. Please click here for the Hawaii State Holiday Schedule. Its not your average snorkel tour they take luxury and comfort to the next level aboard a 50-foot yacht. What are the water activities, such as snorkeling, that you could recommend while we are there? Learn more I'll bet he'll be entranced by the underwater beautfy and be able to enjoy it. You will also want to wear a life vest (not just a belt). Register and enjoy smoother booking, as well as being able to save your wish list and recently viewed activities. Went as a solo for the activity and theyre very welcoming and you can bring your own camera and I was very confident to get in the water with lessons with an instructor. Plus, theres no lifeguard. On the south side of this cove, the Pupukea tide pools are a fascinating place for divers to explore. This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. Please submit your request upon booking. You can take this opportunity to continue snorkeling, buy a delicious lunch for the concession stand, purchase souvenirs from the gift shop, or simply relax on the beach and soak in the warm Hawaiian sun and island breezes. I chose to buy snorkel equipment (admittedly pretty speculative since I had no idea whether I'd be successful at this or not) and the guy who sold it to me said "Go on out into the bay, stand in chest-deep water, and try it. We all enjoyed the experience. Now our At first it was just for a second or two before I felt like I would hyperventilate. Divers would submerge and look for the natural sponge in order to trade and make a living. We took our family of 4, parents and teens, 200+ pounds, novice level swimmers to learn/relearn how to snorkel. I have to agree with the poster who said to go out on a boat snorkel trip. All the proceeds for the admission price into Hanauma Bay goes back to the State of Hawaii for the upkeep of Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. The instructor was great, made us feel safe and overall had a very good experience. With a maximum of four people, youll spend some time talking about snorkeling theory, then head to the shallows to practice with some flotation devices. Its truly a snorkelers paradise, and its no wonder that Sharks Cove is one of the most popular snorkel spots on Oahu. Get ready for the best Oahu snorkel tour! This curved bay and state park is known for its year-round snorkeling and convenient accessibility. Many provide the boogie boards or noodles to give you something to hold onto. We do not know how to swim. Spam Jam: Entertainment, food, street closures, etc. Thank you My Splash Snorkeling for the full Hawaiian Maui experience. We did the non-swimmers snorkeling trip. The key to safe, enjoyable snorkeling for a non-swimmer is to find a fairly shallow, reef-protected location that will offer calm, clear water where you can put your feet down and stand up anytime you feel the need. Since 1967, Hanauma Bay has been a protected marine life conservation area and a favorite spot for visitors to enjoy snorkeling off the shore. The reef at Wailea Beach is great. You can park for free in the public lot inside Turtle Bay, just head through the entrance off Kamehameha Highway and follow the signs to beach parking. What is the Manager's Reception at Embassy Suites? The area is popularly known as Electric Beach, a nickname that it gets from an electric power plant thats just across the street. New boat designed for great night time manta adventure snorkel. When are you going to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Q. This did "not" work out for me mainly because I never felt like I could put my feet down. I found it hard to take a breath because, after all, my face was in the water! Any insight to sway on Waikiki accommodations? Kahe Point Beach Park, often referred to as Electric Beach is a great place for the more adventurous snorkelers out there. Any suggestions/comments on how to choose a mask would be appreciated.<. This is the best experience for non-swimmers like me. The reef here is a favorite spot for the areas turtles to come clean, feed and relax. Underwater visibility may be affected in the winter months when the waves are more prevalent, but the rest of the year should feature ideal conditions. Beautiful beaches, the Dole Plantation, and various other sites had us all feeling giddy with excitement. Are prescription snorkel masks available? The whole process (pick up and drop off, fitting for flippers, trolley down to the beach, putting on wet suits (additional option), instructions on technique and guidelines, storage of valuables, etc) was smooth from start to finish. Get there EARLY or the place WILL be full as Hanauma Bay is VERY popular. Call our local Hawaii specialists for any questions about our island tours and activities, Read the Frequently Asked Questions or send us an inquiry. We snorkeled til we were too tired to go on! Kahe Point Beach Park is situated on the southwest corner of Farrington Highway on the west shore. Advanced Reservations For USS Arizona Memorial. You can lose your footing easily, waves can knock you off your feet and there is nothing to hold onto. And it's not just drowning. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. Its a relaxing experience for them and an incredible one for us humans to witness. Go to an aquarium or learn to snorkel. As a non-swimmer too, I can attest that Janis's suggestion is dead-on. Being a non-swimmer (who's almost drowned a couple of times), I'm weird about having my head underwater. Do yourself a favor and book this experience. Book an exclusive Hanauma Bay guided snorkeling tour with an expert local guide and explore the best snorkel locations at Oahu's number one snorkeling beach. I have seen many non-swimmers do this. Just off the coast of Waikiki, youll find the Turtle Canyon reef and if snorkeling with turtles is on your bucket list, this is the place to go. While my kids can swim pretty well, my youngest has a fear of swimming in the ocean. Snorkeling in Oahu is a great form of exercise, boosting your cardio health, flexibility and overall fitness level. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. For more information, please see our If you are visiting for the very first time or have been here before, keep reading to discover the best snorkeling locations in Oahu. Great for both kids and adults, this tour includes transportation, snorkel gear, and more! Legend has it that the lava shoreline on the western tip is where the souls of Hawaiians would jump off into the spirit world to go meet their ancestors. Whether youre enjoying the Pacific Ocean from the shore or jumping off a catamaran, the snorkeling on Oahu is some of the best in the world. Despite its small size, this cove boasts an impressive amount of coral and all of it is incredibly vibrant and healthy. This well-protected cove is nestled on the eastern side of the beautiful Turtle Bay Resort. Because the bay is such a popular tourist destination, make sure you book your tickets at least a day in advance to avoid missing out! Where do I Find the Legal Vacation Rentals? The beach is not usually crowded, but surfers do come from around the world in winter to experience some massive waves. Never snorkel anywhere there isn't a lifeguard. Shoot for a weekday because weekends get super busy and parking can be impossible. The current is strong, so getting in and out can be a workout even if the surf looks small. You don't need to be a great swimmer at Hanauma Bay, just confident in the water. This was my partners first experience snorkeling; she felt safe and at ease with Dans and Chiekos instructions and guidance. (it injures the coral and can give you a nasty cut, too), Otherwise, an aquarium might be more suitable for you - my family loves those! All the proceeds for the admission price into Hanauma Bay goes back to the State of Hawaii for the upkeep of Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Bring your own snorkel gear or rent from one of the hotel kiosks on the beach. Once you arrive at Hanauma Bay, skip the line and head straight into the theater to watch a brief video about the conservation efforts at Hanauma Bay. He was always besides us. Hanauma Bay is the perfect spot for first-time snorkelers or those who may need a refresher on reef etiquette and snorkel safety. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88623538', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Hawaii for drownings and many take place in 2-3 feet of water. The reef is teeming with colorful fish of all shapes and sizes. Edward & Anette. ?" Driving up to the North Shore of Oahu towards our rental for the week, we heard this exclaimed from the backseat several times. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experiences start time. Note: youll need to wade your way through some rocks before getting to this beach so its not ideal for families with younger kids. People 70 years old and above can not participate in this activity. Great for non-swimmers. Turtles are the highlight here; you wont see much other wildlife (besides fish cleaning the sea turtles) from snorkeling as the reef is sandy and shallow. I'm willing to take it because of my years and years of swimming experience in all kinds of waters, but not knowing how to swim would increase those risks exponentially. that being said, snorkeling is literally my favorite activity on earth, take some classes, log plenty of swim hours at local pools and you'll be much more prepared. Plus, I also wear glasses and Shark's Cove is pretty much surrounded by a lava grotto, so I had to walk over that to get to my glasses on the sand. Snorkeling in Oahu Hawaii with Kids "Can we go there! She was on a snorkel boat trip ((ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This was my partners first experience snorkeling; she felt safe and at ease with Dans and Chiekos instructions and guidance. Since its right next to the hotel, the facilities are much better here than at other beaches on the list bathrooms, showers, even a restaurant. The activity provider does not assume any responsibility for your valuables and/or personal belongings. Shark's Cove is known for diverse marine life and rock formations under the surface, which makes it one of the absolute best and most interesting snorkeling locations in Oahu. So in addition to the beautiful reef, youll see lots of tropical fish, eels, and even turtles! A protected marine conservation area since 1967, Hanauma Bay is one of the most popular snorkeling destinations in Oahu and its easy to see why. However, the comment about glasses and magnifying masks made me think. So if youre looking for a place to get up close and personal with some marine life, Three Tables is the perfect spot. We saw lots of fish! Want to be carefree and be one with the ocean? A riptide or current could put you in harms way before anyone else really notices. I didn't want the fins, as I didn't feel in control with them on. I kept doing this until pretty soon I was more aware of what was going on under the water - I could see, and even breathe! ), There are places you can rent those boards with a clear bubble to see thru (Snorkel Bob's, with a location a few blocks away from Waikiki Beach, rents them for ~$25/week; other places may have them, too). But thanks to our super skilled instructor Triston who made me feel safe and comfortable. Absolutely incredible experience. Located on the west side of Oahu and about 5 minutes drive north of Ko Olina Resort, this beach should top your itinerary if you want an exceptional snorkeling experience. We spent some time in the shallows and then went to deeper parts of the bay. I can totally understand what you mean! Best option would be Ko Olina on the west coast. Professional Quailty. I would recommend an experience like that, but I would never recommend that a non-swimmer just head off to go snorkeling in Hawaii - the ocean doesn't always play fair and drownings occur far to frequently in Hawaiian paradise. I would recommend this experience to anyone. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-32312097', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maui once. Anyhow, I wanted to snorkel so bad!! NO ONE should be in the ocean if they can't swim, esp doing something like snorkeling. On Oahu, the ocean conditions can change at a moments notice, so its important to always listen to lifeguards and use common sense. Not to mention, its an incredibly fun and relaxing experience! * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. We saw lots of fish! Ride-alongs are welcome, but must pay the same rate as regular snorkelers. Hi Laura, I agree with what Billy jo says. When the tide is low, the sandy area turns into a shallow spot where locals come to lounge, float around or play games. I've snorkeled twice now, and both times, this is what I did: I got a snorkel mask and tube. There are snorkel jackets and belts specifically designed for snorkeling. Q. He thoroughly enjoyed the experience because of the thoughtful instructors. She loved it, sparked us on to additional snorkel trips on this vacation. It was a life changing experience for sure. Hanauma Bay Park admission is NOT included. I have never swam at all not even in a pool. Do I need to be able to swim to participate? Book a tour with Holokai Kayaks if you dont have access to a boat, proceeds go towards conservation, and you can choose to go with a guide or on your own. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Plan on seeing plenty of fish, turtles, eels, and sea urchins here, but those with sensitive feet may need water shoes to get past the rocky area to access the shore (once youre in the water do not stand on the rocks or coral--this is the ocean life's home). And judging by the number of people in the water with snorkels and fins, it seems like word has gotten out about this little snorkeling spot! With beautiful scenery and plenty of fun in the sun, visiting Hanauma Bay is a must-do activity on . Thank you for everything! Snorkeling here was the only unpleasant part of my Oahu vacation, so much so that my husband rewarded me with a trip to the spa. While this part of North Shore is frequented by people for its legendary surf spots, Kuilima Cove is fantastic for snorkeling all year round too! Message: >I am planning on wearing my contacts with the mask - and am assuming that it is not too hard to get a mask that has a good seal - I don't want to be losing my contacts! We had a wonderful experience as a Non swimmers. There is a marine life nature preserve that allows snorkelers to see up to 300 different Hawaiian fish species in the Hanauma Bay area. This helps support the website and allows us to provide free content. Tigger - Of course. Thanks everyone. Please visit VELTRA Support page to send an inquiry about this activity. If youre a first time snorkelers, you can trust them totally with your intro session. Save your money. There you don't have to worry about being knocked off your feet by an incoming wave. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); Made with by Wanderly, 11 Best Hotels in Waikiki for Couples That Won't Break the Bank, 17 Must Eat Places in Oahu: Where to Find the Best Food, Best Area to Stay in Oahu for First Timers, 17 Fun Things to Do in Oahu When It Rains. I am planning on wearing my contacts with the mask - and am assuming that it is not too hard to get a mask that has a good seal - I don't want to be losing my contacts! We saw two turtles, a moray eel, a tuna tornado, And more fish than you can imagine. Featuring a series of four crescent-shaped coves that are just a short stroll between each other, Ko Olina Lagoons is the best-kept secret in Oahu. Web Visit website. Absolutely wonderful, best guides, great equipment, Very safe and comfortable for a non-swimmer. I'll see about getting a snorkel and mask and acclimate having my face underwater ;-}, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. This top-rated tour quickly sells out two to three weeks in advance, so we suggest making reservations early! It is a scary feeling. http://community.webshots.com/user/lordbalfor, http://www.alohafriends.com/BI_by_ocean.html, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Katherine is a freelance writer who covers Hawaii and California travel for Tripsavvy. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. You can less fish there in very shallow water, allowing non swimmers to see fish safely. I'm another person who is pretty much like your husband in regards to swimming. Minors are required to have a parent or guardian sign their liability waiver. If you need help, come and get me." Children 6 years old and above can participate in this activity. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. . With a maximum of six guests, you will be sure to have a safe and memorable snorkeling experience as you explore the calm and protected waters of Hanauma Bay, and your guide will take you to the best locations to see tropical fish, Hawaiian green sea turtles and other marine creatures. Dolphins hang out here early in the mornings sometimes, as well as tropical fish, turtles and even monk seals. I tried it and was amazed and delighted. Being a non-swimmer Ive always missed the opportunity to snorkel at world famous Hawaiian islands. Standing on coral, kills it, immediately so stand on nothing but sand. Chieko was energetic, caring, and knowledgeable. If youre looking for a truly unique way to experience marine life, try booking a snorkeling cruise along the Waianae Coast. Good luck, and let us know how it turned out for you! Check Out the Newest Tours & Activities on Oahu, Top Waikiki Booze Cruises, Sunset Sails & Daytime Fun Boats, Oahu Hidden Gems Tours & Top Hawaii Unique Experiences, Top 5 Best Polynesian Luau Dinner Show in Oahu, Snorkel Tours from Ko Olina & Waianae Harbor, Explore Oahu's Best Water Activities & Honolulu Watersports, Explore Kualoa Ranch - Jurassic Valley Adventure Park, Oahu Bestseller Tours - Likely to Sell Out Attractions. The ocean is a beautiful, but powerful and unforgiving environment. It's also possible to snorkel wearing a lifejacket; a friend of mine who was even more nervous than I am did this, with some success. You can only add up to 10 items in the list. Highly recommend them. If its canceled due to poor weather, youll be offered a different date or a full refund. Advertising - If you want to ditch the crowds and share a beach with just a few heads, Queens Beach is a great spot to stop by for a peaceful adventure within the Waikiki area. It's a lot easier than I had thought, and I would add my voice to the folks who suggested a calm location where the water isn't too deep. Explore the waters of Hanauma Bay and see all the beauty that this protected nature preserve has to offer. Makaha Beach is one of the best places for snorkeling and swimming but the waters can be a little bit choppy so be sure to check the conditions before you go. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Summer Vacation in Hawaii - Fun Things to Do on Oahu! On a reputable cataman excursion, for example you will be watchd over and you will not have to worry about being knocked off your feet. http://www.civilbeat.org/projects/dying-for-vacation/. I'm relatively sure that the leading cause of tourist death in Hawaii is drowning, and many of those deaths occur while snorkeling. Waimea has full facilities with a lifeguard, bathrooms, showers, parking and changing areas (if the parking is full, try across the street at Waimea Valley). All instruction and personalized attention, 3894 Wailea Alanui Dr, Kihei, HI 96753, USA, Confirmation will be received at time of booking, Not recommended for travelers with back problems, No heart problems or other serious medical conditions, Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level, This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers. It doesn't matter how shallow the water is or how near the shore, shallow water can actually increase the chance of drowning if you are a non swimmer. Its worth getting a video and also we saw different species of fish, reef and a turtle. Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews. We saw so much sea life and swam with 3 sea turtles! The main task will be to convince him! I always have to do this because of my moustache. I wear contacts (the hard type - since I have severe astigmatism). Check out the Holokai or Makani catamarans for a great deal on a Turtle Canyon snorkeling tour. It is unfortunate, but if you can't swim don't snorkel. One really needs to have at least basic swimming skills in order to master snorkeling, which involves learning to breathe through a snorkel while swimming. Guests staying outside of Waikiki will need to go to Waikiki for pick-up. At the shoreline, your expert local guide will go over the basics of snorkeling and swimming in open water, and guests who require flotation devices will be fitted with one to assist them in the open water. But at the end i was able to swim, in the oceanwith no life jacket! It is located on the famous North Shore of Oahu, and it is enclosed by a natural rock barrier that will protect you from the waves as you explore. If anyone has suggestions regarding specific companies on any of these islands, I would appreciate the info. It's a whole new world under there! Bring cash! We've been to Hawaii several times. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Located in Pupukea between Waimea Bay and the Banzai Pipeline, this spot has been a local north shore secret for years. I can't imagine being in the ocean without knowing how to swim - dog paddle & float at least. Archive - Even if you know what you're doing, it's a calculate risk. Book an exclusive Hanauma Bay guided snorkeling tour with an expert local guide and explore the best snorkel locations at Oahu's number one snorkeling beach. Would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this excursion for all qualities of snorkelers. So, if your husband really hates the water, just know that this could happen to him before you spend a bunch of money on equipment or an excursion. Even with that, though, be aware that you don't want to go out too deep, and don't get in a spot where you have to stand on the coral. Youll mostly see tropical fish and turtles feeding off the reef here, though some people are lucky enough to spot an eel. Any changes made after 12:00 local time, 5 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. The instructors were patient and kind and helped both of my kids get comfortable in the ocean. In fact, Turtle Canyon is known as the cleaning station where endangered Hawaiian green turtles come to have their shells cleaned by small fishes. It is also closed for commercial tours on weekends and state/federal holidays. For a serene and sheltered kind of snorkeling experience in Oahu, Kuilima Cove may be the ideal spot. This is one of the most popular beaches and the best snorkeling locations in Oahu because of the amazing array of aquatic life beneath the surface. This is our first time snorkeling and they gave us individualized attention depending on each persons skill and comfort level. They are super friendly very knowledgeable.
snorkeling for non swimmers oahu