Can you snorkel from shore in Hawaii?

Can you snorkel from shore in Hawaii? On O?ahu. Don't let the name scare you away from Shark's Cove on the North Shore of O?ahu—this rocky bay with clear, shallow waters is one of the top snorkeling and shore-diving locales in the world (and no, sharks aren't common here).

Do you have to go deep to snorkel?

Snorkeling is primarily for shallow waters used along with the eye-covers and ear covers. If you try to go deeper with the snorkel having a ball valve, even then it should not be beyond 10 feet unless your are a trained diver. For deeper waters, use scuba diving equipment.

What happens if water gets into your snorkel?

Water can enter the snorkel and face mask in a variety of ways. This is normal and should not be a cause for concern. You can blow out the water through the snorkel if you feel any discomfort. If the face mask is full of water, you can tilt your head back to allow the water to drain out.

Do you wear a life jacket when snorkeling?

In case you are an experienced snorkeler and you want to enter some slow currents, make sure to wear a life vest. This saves your energy and adds to your safety. Their bright colors make you more appealing in the water as well. Currents can be very dangerous.

Where is the best place to snorkel from the beach?

Do you see sharks while snorkeling in Hawaii?

They are the white reef tip, black reef tip, sandbar and scalloped hammerhead shark. My wife, who has snorkeled several times a week since moving here in 2013, has seen approximately 10 sharks in total, all of the reef tip variety. She has seen them in Lanikai in Kailua and right off the shelf at Ala Moana Beach Park.

Is snorkeling better in Maui or Honolulu?

Snorkeling is hands-down much better on Maui. Oahu does have some great snorkel spots, but if you want to get into the water, snorkel easily, and not have the ocean too overcrowded, Maui is your place. Plus, you'll see turtles everywhere.

Is it safe to snorkel in Hawaii?

You'll want to keep a safe distance from the underwater animals (as many of them could be endangered) and never stand on or touch the reef, as it is extremely fragile and can easily cut you. Snorkeling tours are safe, well-organized, and know the best spots for viewing sea turtles and fish.

Are Hawaii beaches swimmable?

The Big Island Early in the year you might see migrating humpback whales offshore, and all year long the water is perfect for swimming, bodyboarding, and snorkeling, though as is true on most Hawaiian beaches, the surf will tend to be higher in the winter months and far gentler in summer.

What to do if you see a shark while snorkeling in Hawaii?

Leave the water quickly and calmly if a shark is sighted; if you see a shark, alert lifeguards or other swimmers immediately. Keep pets out of the water as their erratic movement can attract sharks. Be aware that using bait to lure fish may also attract sharks.

Can you snorkel from the beach?

You can snorkel from shore but you may need to swim 15 minutes or longer to reach the best section of the reef with the most fish and turtles. By boat, your guides stop at the exact snorkel location, so you can spend more time snorkeling with marine life than swimming to the right spot!

Can you snorkel off the beach in Hawaii?

While it is a good way to see some amazing snorkeling spots, like around Lanai or Molokai, a boat isn't required. Erica and I grab our snorkel gear and head into the water at our favorite beaches. There are ample white-sand beaches with excellent snorkeling 40 to 70 feet away from the shore break in Maui.