Outside in the open ocean the views get even better, but snorkeling here should only be attempted when the waves are flat in the summer months. On the reef running along the beach, you will cross sand and coral areas (3-7ft/1-2m), until you reach a reef drop-off where the depth increases sharply (7-20ft/2-6m). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113246644', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Poipu Beach, which is a bit more protected than Lawai Beach. Salt Pond Park is a smaller beach along Kauai's southwest shore. Elsewhere, the opportunities of getting into the water to snorkel can be counted on the fingers of one hand. In between dives, the seals rest on the beach. Snorkeling tours along the Na Pali Coast are particularly surreal. Especially in Kauai when you can take a snorkeling trip up the famous Napali coast. Whether youll find better snorkeling on the north or south side of Kauai depends on the time of year. Snorkeling Report makes every effort to ensure that all the information displayed on this website is accurate and up-to-date, but no guarantee is given that the underwater visibility and seabed aspect will be exactly as described on this page the day you will snorkel the spot. A restaurant, the Brenneckes Beach Broiler, is found near the main parking lot (70m from the beach). The reef draws in fish and its worth a glance, but its not the best snorkeling on the north side. Kauai has great snorkeling and in a number of spots you'll be able to see plenty of sea life without going too far from shore. The fish swim among the huge rocks, where the water is more shallow. Roughly 50 of the 90 miles of coastline is white sand beach, which makes for easy ocean access. There, shallow coral gardens showcase an incredible diversity of reef fish, including angelfish, clownfish, butterflyfish, but also big marine (), Looking for some of the worlds most pristine and unspoilt snorkeling? (No, the sea urchins are not boring, theyre quite interesting, but they do bore into rocks and reef.) This spot is impracticable to visit in the winter when impressive waves roll down the famous North Shore. Anywhere else we can snorkel in the south? Other places to enjoy snorkeling north shore Kauai are Hideaways Beach and Kauai State Park. A variety of fish have made this area their home. The 2 hour lesson covers basics on land (how to paddle out, timing waves, standing up & balance) followed by an in-water surf session with your instructor. You'll have the option to snorkel and explore the caves, if weather is permitting. 1. 1: Maui Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: Road to Hana (Maui) 6: Maui Itinerary 7: Maui blog posts, The second-biggest island in the chain, much of Mauis appeal comes from its natural landscape and biodiversity, including its two massive volcanoes, whale watching and marine ecosystems, 1: Oahu Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: Oahu Beaches 6: Oahu Itinerary 7: Oahu blog posts. There is a slight to moderate rip current from the east to the west through the spit. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. When looking to snorkel stick to the west of the long sand strip that juts into the ocean, where marine life is more abundant. (Be sure to bring flashlights if thats your plan.) ), and dont forget the Hawaii state fish say it with me now! With its 14 exotic islands Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora being the most well-known, the Societ (), Right in the heart of the South Pacific lies the Cook Islands, some of the most scenic and unspoiled of the subregion, comprising 15 islands and atolls. Here you will find a whole medley of fish, green turtles and, if youre lucky, Hawaiian monk seals, which pay regular visits to the site. Most of the marine life is located in the center of this swimming area. These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You might even see a gigantic manta ray or a teeny tiny seahorse hanging in the water nearby! Any of the beaches will have tropical fish to view, but some locations are better than others. Ocean Conditions - Poipu Beach Resort Association These spots are accessible to anyone with basic snorkeling skills, and feeling comfortable in the water and with his snorkeling gear. Reef fish spend their time not far from shore, and the sea caves to the left are a favorite hangout for bigger fish, along with the outside drop-off. The best snorkeling is on the right hand side of the cove, just to the right of an underwater rock line. Snorkeling Maui, Hawaii | A Guide to the Best Spots | Snorkeling Report Located along the majestic Na Pali Coast, Nualolo Kai can only be entered by boat (anchor only, no beach landing allowed) thanks to the 2,000-foot Na Pali cliffs. Please respect the instructions for observing marine life both in and out of the water. | Jakob Owens, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons. Youll easily encounter them both under and outside the water, napping on the beach. If you dont have a problem walking on rocks you could access almost anywhere else. For more information click here! Instead, swim toward shore to detour around the wall, and you will love what you see on the other side! Get The Snorkel Store's Maui Snorkel Report in your email's inbox each morning! This site contains Affiliate Links, which means that we may earn commissions through links you make purchases through. Going in a couple weeks in April and want to know where the best snorkel spots are. Tourists Swimming Where 'People Died' During Wildfires: Maui - Insider Kauai is the perfect place to snorkel. You can easily spend a day exploring Haena. Regularly ranking top among the 10 bestbeaches in the US, Poipu Beach is the most popular beach on Kauais south shore. Unlike most north shore beaches, the water here is usually calm all year long. Keep your flippers crossed, and have a great time! The lack of beach means that its mostly avid snorkelers and divers that make their way here. Enjoy the 17 miles of the Na Pali Coast of Kauai while riding on the 37' Naiad, Kauai Voyager boat. North Shores: Marginal to poor visibilitywith breaking waves Any of the snorkeling destinations within major towns will have several locations from which to rent equipment. Expect a variety of colorful, tropical fish as well as eels, needlefish, and turtles. Day 1 - We should land at about 10:30 am. Is there a daily beach/snorkel/wave report for Kauai? To get here, drive to the SeaLodge condos at the end of Kamehameha Road in Princeville; parking is in the unmarked stalls toward the top of the parking lot. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113236943', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kauai in a couple weeks, just had a couple questions. Thinking of Keokis Paradise for dinner, not reserved yet, but there is availability. It is sandy and shallow here. Once you swim to that stone border, dont try to swim over or climb over it the water is too shallow. For the best fish viewing, swim about 60 yards out to the reef. In summer, chat with lifeguards prior to entering the water. You wouldnt be able to get to these Na Pali locations without a boat of your own, so we highly recommend tours if youd like to go snorkeling here. How to Get Around Oahu: Car, Bus, Bike, and More (a full guide), Should You Rent a Car on Maui? Parking is sparse, so . Mar 27, 2023, 12:50 AM Save Hi, been looking at past posts and most seem to talk about winter vs summer snorkeling spots. For more on how to be a safe and responsible traveler when you visit Hawaii,click here. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. Day 5 - Captain Andys Napali Raft Day Expedition booked. and Terms of Use, Use code TRAVEL23 for 20% site wide + free shipping $45+. It is too shallow there to be safe. There are rainbow colored wrasses, Moorish idol, baby parrotfish, baby unicornfish, baby goatfish (do you sense a trend, here? Youll still want to be careful, but you should be able to find some time to snorkel here during the winter months. From Washington to Texas, these destinations offer U.S. travelers a passport-free island vacation. A visit to Niihau is a unique experience, as the island is typically off-limits to tourists. Site Credit. Where exactly your tour stops along the coast will depend on the conditions and swells. You must take an individual weather, sea conditions and hazards assessment before entering the water. It has walk-in and boat-in reef options, including protected areas for beginners and families, snorkel boat tours along the Npali Coast, and advanced locations with underwater features, like lava tubes, for experienced swimmers and divers. 12 Best Places to Snorkel in Kauai - Trips To Discover No matter when youre on island, Kee Beach itself is always magnificent. Date of experience: July 2014 Ask NextVacationiswhen about Kauai Bound Thank NextVacationiswhen Walk anywhere down the sloping sand to get into the water. During the summer monthsfrom May through Septemberor when the ocean conditions in the winter are very calm, the north shore offers great opportunities for snorkeling. Not only will you get to experience its untouched, pristine waters, but youll also encounter quite a bit of scenery along the way a snorkel boat tour of the Npali Coast essentially doubles as a scenic boat ride. The south shore is better protected from winter swells, so Poipu Beach is an excellent option for snorkeling during the winter. A large diversity of fish can be seen in the bays, even in the shallows. (This is end of April/early May). There, you will find small tidal pools for snorkeling, home to a variety of marine life and clear, calm waters. The owner was very knowledgeable about snorkel locations and current conditions. Pick up rental car and get early lunch on way to condo, thinking of. Curves of white sand wind their way gracefully down the coast. Good to know: Lehua Crater is a Hawaii State Seabird Sanctuary and home to 16 species of sea birds. RAFT ADVENTURE - Na Pali 1/2 Day Snorkel 2023 - Kauai - Viator There is a chance to swim with a sea turtle here. The snorkeling area is bordered by large lava boulders toward Na Pali on the left, and sand on down the coast. Our 11 favorite Kauai Snorkeling Spots - Love Big Island Learn more about the harmful effects of certain sunscreens in the following video: If Kauai is only one of several islands are visiting, you might be interested in our collections of top snorkeling spots on the Big Island, Maui, and Oahu: We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. The most visited atolls are Rangiroa (), In 1768, the day he got close to Tahiti for the first time, French explorer Bougainville is quoted as saying, "This is heaven on earth!. Hoku Water Sports limits group size to 4 surfers per instructor. We have the 1 pm Kipu ranch ATV tour reserved. Please show your aloha by wearing reef-safe sunscreen, respecting the animals - don't get too close or touch them EVER - and by leaving the beach better than you found it. Before you get in the water to enjoy Poipu Beach, its always a good plan to ask the lifeguards what you ought to be aware of that day. Because the entry and exit are a bit difficult at PKs, this Kauai snorkeling site is rated as intermediate. Lydgate Beach Park on the east side of Kauai is one of the safest Kauai snorkeling beaches and, thus, a top choice for beginners and children. If youre looking for a guide around northern Kauai, be sure to check out ourNorth Shore Driving Tour! Anini Beach 4. The data contained in this website is for general information purposes only, and is not legal advice. This is a great area to bring children as there is little-to-no current or riptides that might otherwise pose dangers to beginner snorkelers and little ones. The seals are native to the islands and regularly visit the area. Its 120 miles of coastline are home to dozens of snorkeling sites for all levels, most of them with free shore access. Pick up rental car and get early lunch on way to condo, thinking of Mark's Place. Free shore access If youre not a seal, its best to swim at Salt Pond in winter, when south shore waves are smaller. One of the best snorkeling spots on the island is also one of the least accessible. It is protected from waves and currents on both sides by rocks and reefs. Once in, youll find a jetty to the left, rocks to the right, and coral rubble in between. It is across from the 149th telephone pole, although at press time the 9 was missing so it looks like pole 14. There are restrooms and outdoor showers, but no other amenities. Heres How to Decide, The Best Time to Visit Hawaii: skip the clouds and crowds, The Best 7 Day Oahu, Hawaii Itinerary Without a Rental Car, Black Rock Beach on Maui: Your Full Guide, How to Plan the ULTIMATE Hawaii Romantic Vacation (youre welcome), 13 Reviewed Hawaii Wedding Officiants: Dont let just anyone marry you, Hawaii in April: Everything to Know For Your Trip. The center is all sand, except for the woody debris that collects on the bottom. Some boats are small, others large. On the reef drop-off, shoals of jacks swim along the reef, while arc-eye hawkfish take up their positions on small coral and lie in wait for their prey. Maui Locals Calling Out Tourists Vacationing on Island After - Insider The beach itself is narrow and backed by steep cliffs, with partial views of the Npali Coast. We are in Princeville until the end of November Thanks :) Report inappropriate content 1-10 of 10 replies Sorted by 1 1. The water stays shallow shockingly far out and maintains a depth of around four feet. We will be in Kauai in a couple weeks, just had a couple questions. Lydgate Beach Park was created by a couple who wanted a safe space for children to swim in the ocean. Click to Navigate The best snorkeling spots in Kauai, a complete guide Kauai, boasting the dramatic landscapes of the Napali Coast, is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. If youre just getting used to swimming and snorkeling, you may want to stay in the shallows just off the beach. Hideaways Beach is the best snorkeling in Princeville, as long as the waves are small. Tiny Prince Kuhio Beach (aka Lawai Beach) hosts a busy reef underwater, so the Kauai snorkeling here is fantastic. 1: Kauai Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: The Npali Coast 6: Kauai Itinerary 7: Kauai blog posts. Best Snorkeling Beaches on Kauai - Hawaii Guide We try to reply to messages within 24 to 48 hours. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page. The water height in the sea entrance area is reasonable, but you will not necessarily be within your depth. There is also an excellent reef at Hideaway Beach, but it does not provide as much protection from large waves of wintertime. Lifeguards stand watch, and beach facilities make your day at the shore an easy one. Snorkeling Report 2016-2023. You don't have to do the hiking portion. You will reach Kepuhi Point, which is quite exposed and should be snorkeled only when the ocean is perfectly calm. Keep your flippers crossed youll get to see it happen! Kauai has some of the best snorkeling conditions in the world. The warm, clear waters of the Solomon Islands offer year-round snorkeling in whats often referred as the Coral Triangle, the area that possesses the worlds highest levels of marine biodiversity. I have even seen a Hawaiian cleaner wrasse here! The outer area is for experienced snorkelers and divers only, and should only be accessed when the waves are very small or the ocean is flat. , but it is also an excellent place to snorkel. A. There are lots of casual options to chose from. Want travel inspiration sent straight to your inbox? For more Princeville snorkeling, hike down to SeaLodge Beach for seclusion and a pretty lively underwater world. Its updated daily, and the info comes from the lifeguards themselves! The area does have some strong currents, however, so consider another location during the winter. A water camera or GoPro is always a good idea. instructions to redeem purchase. Whats the best snorkeling spot on Kauai? All Rights Reserved. This area has awesome snorkeling and generally good swimming conditions during the summer. This Kauai snorkeling site is protected from the open ocean by a rock wall. Overview: Underwater lava tubes and large rocks create a wonderful habitat for sea creatures of all kinds at Tunnels Beach. With its canyons, breathtaking cliffs beaten by the ocean and luxuriant vegetation, Kauai truly deserves its nickname, the Garden Island. Poipu Beach is actually two crescent-shaped beaches, separated by a tombolo with snorkeling on either side of the spit from the beach to the island. Overview: Keiki Pond or childrens pond is a walled-off section of Lydgate Beach Park that creates a safe, calm swimming area for small children. Youll enjoy the graceful coronetfish, several species of butterflyfish, and the ever popular humuhumunukunukuapuaa. Makua Beach, also known as Tunnels Beach, is located on the north coast of Kauai and is one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Youll find calm, swimmable waters throughout the year, here. 12 Best Kauai Beaches #1 Ke'e Beach VIDEO, Photos, Directions, Facilities & More - click here *Public Restrooms *Outdoor Showers *Picnic Tables *Kid Friendly Beach *Lifeguard Ke'e Beach is one of the last Kauai beaches reachable by car. 5 hours 30 minutes. It can also be tricky to find a parking space nearby, because of the numerous no-parking areas near the path to the beach. Free Cancellation. Kauai is Hawaiis oldest island and the extensive reefs have had time to develop there. We love Cool Cat on Maui. Facebook Emergency Notifications Get Involved. The cove here is medium sized, and home to colorful fish of all shapes and sizes. Wear reef-safe sunscreen: Hawaii's ocean and coral reef are precious resources. Kauai, boasting the dramatic landscapes of the Napali Coast, is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. (Are you excited, yet?) Please help protect these for generations to come by wearing reef-safe sunscreen on your visit! Looking at The Fresh Shave in the afternoon as I just read today that it is like Ululani's in Maui, our favorite shave ice. Researchers probe for answers to snorkel-related fatalities Address. Your contribution will help the snorkeling community find sites and enjoy the underwater world! Located in Wailua, on the island's east side, Lydgate Park is a smaller cove tucked away and shielded from the rest of the ocean. We will be in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ), and sea cucumbers. Snorkeling in Kauai is not considered the best in the Hawaiian archipelago, but the island offers a dozen good snorkeling spots. One thing is very true; French Polynesia is an underwater paradise. The advantages of snorkel spots that are protected by reefs are two-fold. Finally, Kee Beach, at the very end of the road, is the gateway to the Napali Coast. You should be a strong swimmer to explore this area. Shallow crescent-shaped bays with colorful fish and sea turtles, Deep offshore area visited by several shark species, Shallow sandy lagoon with reef fish and sea turtles, Pipeline and fringing reef with fish and sea turtles. Hanauma Bay, a gorgeous turquoise bay located only a few minutes drive from Honolulu, is by far the most visited snorkeling spot in Oahu, but there some oth (), Maui is the second biggest island in Hawaii and one of the most visited. The Na Pali coast may be 17 miles of pure "Garden Isle" splendor, but there's even more to explore beyond its 4,000-foot cliffs. Good to know: In the winter, snorkeling here is dangerous and not recommended. Poipu Beach: Near the rocky area that separates Poipu from Brenneckes Beach, youll often find turtles eating. Known to locals as Makua, this beach sprawls across the North Shore. Hours: 8 am-5 pm daily. The water is beautiful there, and you will see some fish. (If you want a better look, hike up to the cliffs or take a boat.) Keep to the left at the fork in the road (going right leads to the north side of Kalihiwai Beach). Kauai, Hawaii: N Pali Catamaran Sail and Snorkel Tour 2023 - Viator Kauai Snorkel Sites - Snorkel Bob's You can snorkel all over Kauai, but the best snorkeling spots are found on the north and south shore. Snorkel Rental - Review of Kauai Bound, Lihue, HI - Tripadvisor Its sheltered waters and easy-to-access beaches make Oahu a good option for shore snorkeling. Snorkeling in Hawaii soon? In fact, there is no beach at all; instead, you enter the water via a concrete boat ramp and snorkel the rock walls that line the coast in Hanakaape Bay near Poip. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. The Hanalei region is the most famous area for snorkeling in Kauai. Occasionally sighted at sea at Tunnels Beach, rare in Kee Beach, On all spots, even a few meters from the shore, On all spots, common on Kee Beach reef flat, On all spots, common on Tunnels Beach drop off, Shallow lagoon and reef drop off visited by monk seals, Shallow crescent-shaped bays with colorful fish and sea turtles. Between sitting down to breakfast and lunch, you'll spot whales, snorkel amongst turtles and rays, and . Image: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson. You will also encounter sharpnose mullet, sergeant majors, schools of Hawaiian flagtail (aholehole) and maybe even a pufferfish! This spot have a free shore access: you can go snorkeling there freely and without having to book a tour or pay an entrance fee. You must be logged in to post a comment. If you recently snorkeled this area and noticed some changes compared to the information contained on this page, please contact us. Good to know: The water here gets deep quickly and drops off considerably (its also used as a boat channel). If youre looking for great places to snorkel year-round, stay tuned until the end, where well also answer other questions like where to rent equipment. Jobs Have Your Say Volunteering Once you arrive at Tunnels, youll notice sand channels running through the reef. You can help us keep this page up-to-date by uploading your pictures to the photo gallery, or by sending us your comments via the contact form, Our top12 best snorkeling spots to see sea turtles, Our top10 best snorkeling spots to see sharks, Our top10 best snorkeling spots to see rays, Our top10 best snorkeling spots to see starfish.
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