Felt comfortable. I've never snorkled before but plan to on my visit to Oahu in March. Great coaching for first time. I've been a swimmer since I was 5, I participate in a summer swim league from ages 8-14, I grew up near Lake Michigan which can have some intense swells and current.The ocean, especially in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. You only have to put your face in the water, you don't have to dunk your whole head!! I found a place where I wasn't around a lot of people or reef, and. 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. *This photo was provided by Jenifer Delemont. It's a whole new world under there! Snorkeling for Non-Swimmers for First Time - Wailea Beach 138 Ratings Live Guide Instant Confirmation Group Tour E-Ticket 1.5 hr Learn about the culture as Triston paddle through the magnificent coral-sea garden of Wailea point. 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. Information provided on this website is for entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. Just like most beaches on the north shore, Waimea Bay is best explored during the summer months when ocean conditions are less rough. You will also want to wear a life vest (not just a belt). 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. We would love to go with them again on a different adventure when we return to Maui. My family are meseramized at my ability and love of snorkeling and yet being unable to swim. I am not a strong swimmer at all, and because of a scary experience when I was younger, still have trouble putting my face in water. The guide were phenomenal. Email: shorelinesnorkel@gmail.com Cancelation policy - 10 days or more before 100% refund. Privacy Statement - We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. As a lifelong myopic, I can tell you that not being able to see well does NOT add to one's confidence in the water! Thanks, Dan! Dolphins cant get enough of this side of the island, and they love the protected areas close to shore. Dont let the name fool you Sharks Cove isnt known to contain sharks (except for perhaps a couple of tiny white-tipped reef sharks). A. Hanauma Bay is closed to the public on Wednesdays & Tuesdays. I know, it's kinda hard to snorkel without having your face in the water :), I have several non-swimmers in my family, so I understand where you're coming from. 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. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. Kaena means the heat in Hawaiian, and the beach is located on the northwestern tip of Oahu, in Ka'ena Point State Park. Q. Thank you to everyone for making this the best family vacation ever! On our trip in 2009 a couple of us actually got into the little manmade area by Waikiki Beach. New boat designed for great night time manta adventure snorkel. With its protected status, tranquil waters, and 35,000-year-old geological history, Hanauma Bay is a must-see stop on your trip to Hawaii. Edward & Anette. I have been to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you're visiting Oahu soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Oahu Visitor Guides. We used them for our kids when they were little, and they work better than nothing at all. The water around Kahe Point is warm from a nearby power plant, which draws a plethora of exciting aquatic life to the area. I've snorkeled twice now, and both times, this is what I did: I got a snorkel mask and tube. How many? Since 1967, Hanauma Bay has been a protected marine life conservation area and a favorite spot for visitors to enjoy snorkeling off the shore. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-32341869', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Waikiki many times with my wife who is a very strong swimmer. Participants are required to sign a liability waiver at the time of check-in. This was so fun! Youll be swimming with more sea turtles than you can count! During our recent trip to Oahu, I had two different snorkeling experiences. 3 Chi's you'd be surprised how many non swimmers are taken on snorkel boats and tours. Thank you My Splash Snorkeling for the full Hawaiian Maui experience. In addition to a stunning bay, there's a beautiful beach park behind Makaha Beach with astounding views of the landscape. Even if you know what you're doing, it's a calculate risk. 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! And it's not just drowning. Kahe Point Beach Park, often referred to as Electric Beach is a great place for the more adventurous snorkelers out there. Hanauma Bay is a very special place. norkel trips on this vacation. The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions. 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. (I feel as if I am going to panic if my face goes in the water, or if I am over my head, especially somewhere besides a pool where there are no sides!) Never snorkel anywhere there isn't a lifeguard. This is the best experience for non-swimmers like me. Privacy Policy. The beach is not usually crowded, but surfers do come from around the world in winter to experience some massive waves. Download your copy of our 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. :) My mom isn't a swimmer; she was a good sport when we took her out on a kayak/snorkel trip on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Please click here for the Hawaii State Holiday Schedule. Hanauma Bay is closed to the public on Wednesdays & Tuesdays. Snorkeling off the Hawaiian island of Oahu is one of the most awe-inspiring activities any ocean lover could imagine. I really like to thank Ali for the quality one on one time with me due to my fear of being in the ocean because i dont know how to swim. Its best to snorkel here when the water is calm, as the fine sand can make the visibility a bit cloudy. For first time snorkelers I would recommend Hanauma Bay on Oahu. Hanauma Bay Beginner Snorkel Tour with Expert Guide & Waikiki Transportation, Please click here for the Hawaii State Holiday Schedule. What is the leeward side vs. the Windward side of Ohau? 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). If its canceled due to poor weather, youll be offered a different date or a full refund. This did "not" work out for me mainly because I never felt like I could put my feet down. Chinatown, Historic Honolulu and Aloha Tower self walking tours, Hawaii Down Memory Lane (Hawaii in the Past), The Official List of Legal Vacation Rentals on O`ahu, Hotel In Waikiki Outrigger Reef VS Outrigger Waikiki Beach. You can rent equipment there at the beach and it has a shallow entry and lots of fish and sea turtles. Beginner snorkelers will feel safe and comfortable learning about the sport during this small-group class. Aain, extremely happy with our experience, highlty recommend For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full. Even she enjoyed! In the summer, however, the beach completely transforms into calm waters perfect for swimming. None of us know how to swim. Your first. The park offers lovely space for relaxing on a grassy area lined by palm trees. We snorkeled til we were too tired to go on! If anyone has suggestions regarding specific companies on any of these islands, I would appreciate the info. Divers would submerge and look for the natural sponge in order to trade and make a living. I tried one of those once, while learning to snorkel and couldn't see a thing through it!! The beaches are beautiful, and the water is clear and calling you. Sunsets are also phenomenal from this beach. Scuba Diving Magazine even gave it the distinction of being one of the twelve best shore dives in the world. Kahe Point Beach Park is situated on the southwest corner of Farrington Highway on the west shore. Sharks Cove is located on the northern coast of Oahu on the Kamehameha Highway. This well-protected cove is nestled on the eastern side of the beautiful Turtle Bay Resort. 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. On the eastern side of the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahus north shore lies Kuilima Cove, one of the best spots for beginner to intermediate snorkeling on the island. (She stayed in the boat while we snorkeled! This beach is part of the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District, which prohibits fishing around this area. The boogie boards are way lame, the way to really enjoy yourself is with a snorkel and mask. My kids (5 and 3) play there and we have no real fear since it is so calm and shallow. Great for non-swimmers. I would encourage you to try this, and then if you just can't seem to do it or get used to it, then try the boogie board. I wear contacts (the hard type - since I have severe astigmatism). Generally shallow, protected coves. Give it a try, under supervision, and you never know, you might even enjoy it. I almost chicken out but I am glad I didn't, I would have missed so much!!!!! 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. I have a friend that is a non-swimmer, but wanted to try snorkeling. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. ?" Driving up to the North Shore of Oahu towards our rental for the week, we heard this exclaimed from the backseat several times. This snorkel tour in Oahu might just be what the doctor ordered. Snorkeling can be traced back thousands of years, with divers using hollow reeds as snorkels and little else in the early days. Since it is a protected lagoon, youre pretty much limited to tropical fish here, but sometimes you can spot a turtle. Some of the rocks in the cove can be sharp, so wearing reef shoes or fins is recommended. A. Absolutely wonderful, best guides, great equipment, Very safe and comfortable for a non-swimmer. Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. Try your hand at spotting colorful fish, turtles, and even Monk seals! Snorkeling for Non-Swimmers for First Time - Wailea Beach 149 Reviews Badge of Excellence Kihei, United States Share Save to Wishlist From $145.00 Lowest Price Guarantee Select Date and Travelers Check Availability Reserve Now & Pay Later Secure your spot while staying flexible Free cancellation Up to 24 hours in advance. i couldn't find a place to find a lifejacket in waikiki but maybe it was in ABC shops and didn't realise it? We saw lots of beautiful fish and lovely coral! When are you going to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Kaena Point is located about an hour from Honolulu airport, at the end of Farrington Highway. 3) Practice in a pool, tub or wherever w/snorkel gear before arrival. This nature preserve is home to a wide variety of marine life, making it a great spot for snorkeling. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This area comprises several beachfront resorts that offer public beach access. It is unfortunate, but if you can't swim don't snorkel. Archive - Many provide the boogie boards or noodles to give you something to hold onto. We took our family of 4, parents and teens, 200+ pounds, novice level swimmers to learn/relearn how to snorkel. Learn to swim, it's never too late, take lessons at the Y, it's worth it! There is public parking available for all four lagoons from sunrise to sunset that is first come-first served, or you can pay for valet parking at one of the resorts (like the Disney Aulani Resort). By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. Take some time to visit the Hanauma Bay gift shop which is open from 8:00AM to 3:30PM. 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 think it would be cool to go snorkeling, but didn't know what the options would be for non-swimmers. If youre lucky, you might even spot the Hawaii state fish, humuhumunukunukuapua'a (reef triggerfish). and our If you forget your gear or dont have any, cross the street to rent snorkels, masks and fins there are also a few food trucks and a grocery store to grab some lunch or shave ice after a snorkel sesh. You can less fish there in very shallow water, allowing non swimmers to see fish safely. Go to an aquarium or learn to snorkel. This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. This includes, but not limited to, change of the activity date/time, package, the number of participants, etc. We do not know how to swim. Contact Us - You don't need to be a great swimmer at Hanauma Bay, just confident in the water. Maybe he'd get the bug and feel braver about trying a mask and snorkel. The hosts were very kind with working through any fears in the water and also pointed out and brought up cool sea creatures. So in addition to the beautiful reef, youll see lots of tropical fish, eels, and even turtles! Also known as Electric Beach because of the electrical plant that shoots warm water into the sea that the ocean life loves, Kahe Point is best left for advanced swimmers. Please submit your request upon booking. Ko Olina Marina, 92-100 Waipahe Pl, Kapolei, HI 96707-4293, USA. The waves and currents are strong in winter from November to February, so the best snorkeling is during the summer months. There is a wide range of marine life to explore, including Hawaiis state fish, called the humuhumunukunukuapuaa. This place is excellent for a family with kids as they can swim safely and wade about in this open-air aquarium. Summer Vacation in Hawaii - Fun Things to Do on Oahu! Would try again, I cant say enough about this team of guides. Guests who are pregnant are not permitted to participate in this activity. We all enjoyed the experience. With so much aquatic life in one of the most pristine settings in the world, it's easy to see why so many people continue to flock to Oahu each year to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Any insight to sway on Waikiki accommodations? Alternatively, you may use, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort And Spa. After 10 minutes or so, we felt confident and ready. Can't you take swim lessons at a local YMCA or community center? That way you will be familiar with the whole breathing through the snorkel thing and can focus your attention on the cool fishies below you. Tour schedules are subject to change without notice. If you really want to try snorkeling, don't do it from a beach. That does not come easily to some people even though they can swim well. At the opening of these pipes, the water is several degrees warmer than the rest of the ocean and this warmth attracts shoals of marine life. If you can't swim, it could be disastrous, either to you or to any patch of coral you might try to stand on. Book one activity and receive a coupon for {{string_target}} off your second activity.