Snorkeling Oahu - Dive Companies and Spots
Things to do > Snorkeling - More in this category > Fishing > Hiking > Island Tours > Parasailing > SCUBA Diving > Shopping > SurfingSnorkeling is the easiest and one of the most enjoyable water activities on Oahu. Not only are you introduced to a whole new world under the water, but by snorkeling you get to actually experience it with all your senses. Touch the fish, hear the water lapping around your ears, taste the salty sea air and see first hand the wander that lies beneath the ocean.
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Snorkeling is an appealing option for beginners or those a little nervous of submerging themselves twelve meters under the water such as in scuba diving. There are many places to snorkel around the island, and many of them are easily accessible to tourists. However, like any other sport, each snorkeling site requires a different degree of experience. Be careful, no matter how great a swimmer you think you are.
Oahu offers some great snorkeling spots including the world-renowned Hanauma Bay. This site claims to be Oahu's best snorkeling spot with its wide array of tropical fish and colorful coral. The Bay's calm waters make for a pleasant snorkeling experience for the whole family.
The waters off Waikiki are not as enticing as Hanauma Bay, but the best spot closer to the gigantic tourist town is Sans Souci Beach (in front of the Natatorium). Many families come here because the currents are so gentle and make for much better snorkelling conditions. Magic Island at Ala Moana is also a safer spot for kids to try their hand (or fins) at snorkelling.
The better spots along Oahu's windward shore include Lanikai Beach, Makai Pier and Goat Island at Malaekahana Park. Sharks Cove and the Three Tables in Waimea are only good sites when there is no surf, and the only noteworthy snorkelling site on the leeward side of the island is Electric Beach at Kaha Point.
If you plan to do a lot of snorkelling on your trip, it is a good idea to buy your own equipment as renting will become more expensive in the long run. However, if you want to make snorkelling a day trip then there are snorkelling tours that provide equipment for their customers.
Tommy's Tours (373-5060) run shuttle buses from Waikiki to Hanauma Bay and rent gear for about $15. You will find similar pricing at Hanauma Bay Snorkel Adventure (396-9199) at the Koko Marina Shopping Center. This tour company transports its guests from their hotels in Waikiki to the bay and snorkel gear rental is included. However, it is the visitor's responsibility to cover the $3 entrance fee to Hanauma Bay.
If group tours are not your thing you can always rent your own snorkeling equipment from one of many specialty stores. One such store is Snorkel Bob's (735-7944) on the corner of Kapahulu Ave and Date Street. Rental is inexpensive and you can keep the gear for weeks and use it throughout your entire adventure in Hawaii.
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