A Beginner’s Guide to Snorkeling on Kauai
Are you planning a trip to Kauai and looking for an exciting underwater adventure? Snorkeling is the perfect opportunity for you! As a beginner, it’s essential to know the basics of snorkeling to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started and have a great time while doing it.
What is Snorkeling?
Snorkeling is a popular water activity that involves swimming with a snorkel mask, fins, and a snorkel tube. The mask allows you to see underwater, the fins help you move through the water, and the snorkel tube allows you to breathe while your face is submerged. Snorkeling is an excellent way to explore the underwater world without the need for scuba gear.
What Do I Need To Know Before Snorkeling In Hawaii?
If you’re an experienced snorkeler, you can go ahead and skip this section. But for those looking to get a basic understanding of snorkeling in Hawaii, this can help familiarize you with the activity.
Safety First
While we’ll cover basic snorkeling safety more in-depth later on in the article, safety is the most important part of snorkeling. Some golden rules of snorkeling in Hawaii: always snorkel with a buddy, avoid touching sea life or getting too close to marine animals, check the surf report, and do a bit of research on your snorkeling destination. There are a variety of beaches on Kauai that are perfect for beginners. These are normally lifeguarded beaches with not a ton of waves or currents present.
What Not To Touch When Snorkeling In Hawaii
As we said earlier, stay away from sealife and other marine creatures. Avoid touching coral reefs, sea urchins, or shells that you can’t 100% identify. Certain shells can be poisonous! We cover a more in-depth guide on what not to touch if you’re looking to learn more.
Make Sure Your Snorkeling Gear Fits
Before you embark on your snorkeling adventure, it’s essential to choose the right gear. Here are some tips for selecting the right gear:
- Mask: Choose a mask that fits well and seals tightly around your face to prevent water from entering. Try on different masks to find one that is comfortable and provides a clear view.
- Snorkel: Look for a snorkel that is the right length and diameter for your face. A snorkel that is too long or too short can make it difficult to breathe. Some people opt to snorkel without a snorkel, but we recommend starting with one if you’re a beginner.
- Fins: Choose fins that fit snugly and are comfortable to wear. Fins help you move through the water with less effort, allowing you to stay underwater longer.
What Time Of Year Is Best For Snorkeling On Kauai?
In general, the best months for snorkeling are the summer months when beaches are calmer, and the surf is not as rough. Winter months bring stronger currents which can make some beaches potentially dangerous for snorkeling or swimming. If you’re visiting Kauai in the winter, ask around local snorkel shops for good winter snorkeling beaches. Coming to Kauai in the winter is still an amazing time, regardless of what you’re looking for.
Will I See Sharks Snorkeling In Hawaii?
Sharks are in the waters of every Hawaiian Island, including Kauai. That being said – shark encounters or attacks are extremely rare if you follow some basic ocean safety rules. If you see a shark – swim to the closest safe point. Avoid wearing shiny objects, entering the water with open/bleeding cuts, and avoiding low visibility conditions. There’s plenty you can do to minimize your chances of encountering a shark, and you can prepare yourself for an encounter with a shark.
What To Bring With You Snorkeling
You’ll want to bring more than just your snorkeling gear depending on where your headed to go snorkeling. Of course, you’ll want the basics like a swimsuit, towels, and a change of clothes.
Make sure you bring reef-safe sunscreen. If you plan on being out for a long time, we recommend bringing water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized. Snorkeling can get pretty tiring! Water shoes that protect your feet can also be extremely useful. If you’re unsure about what you need for a certain snorkeling trip, ask your local snorkel shops!
Basic Hawaii Snorkeling Etiquette
While snorkeling can be an exciting and fun activity, it is essential to follow proper snorkeling etiquette. Here are some guidelines to follow when snorkeling:
- Respect the marine life: While snorkeling, it is important to remember that you are a guest in the marine life’s home. Do not touch or harass marine life, and give them plenty of space.
- Do not touch the reef: Touching the reef can harm the coral and other marine life living there. Remember to keep your fins and hands away from the reef.
- Avoid standing on the reef: Standing on the reef can also harm the coral and marine life living there. If you need to rest, float on your back instead.
- Don’t litter: Do not leave any trash or waste behind when snorkeling. It can harm the marine life and damage the environment.
- Be aware of other snorkelers: When snorkeling in a group, be aware of other snorkelers in the area. Avoid kicking or bumping into them and give them plenty of space.
- Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen To Protect The Environment: Hawaii’s coral reefs are delicate. By using reef-safe sunscreen, you protect the local environment and wildlife, along with yourself!
- Don’t Feed Any Animals: Do not feed any animals, whether they’re in the water or outside of the water.
- Don’t Touch Turtles: Touching turtles or any wildlife in Hawaii is illegal and punishable with fines or even jail time!
Best Beginner Snorkeling Spots & Beaches On Kauai
For beginners looking to ease into the amazing underwater world of Kauai, these spots are for you.
Anini Beach
A popular spot for all sorts of activities – including snorkeling! Anini Beach boasts calm waters, amazing views, and plenty of amenities nearby. Anini Beach has one of Hawaii’s largest reefs, making it a great spot to introduce yourself to snorkeling. It’s well-known for seeing all sorts of marine life like turtles, fish, and maybe even manta rays. Overall, Anini Beach is a great place to get started.
Poipu Beach Park
If you’re on the South Side and want to try snorkeling for the first time, Poipu is a great option. Poipu Beach Park is a great beginner spot, as long as there isn’t a big south swell. Although most of the area at Poipu Beach has a sandy bottom, there’s a small rocky area to the right with some coral, fish, and usually a few other people.
Lydgate Beach Park
The park has a large protected area, which is ideal for calm and safe snorkeling. The beach is protected by a man-made rock wall, which helps to break the waves and provide a sheltered environment for snorkelers. Additionally, the park features two large rock-enclosed pools, which are great for beginners to practice their snorkeling skills in a calm and controlled environment. The water at Lydgate Beach Park is pretty clear, and visitors can expect to see a variety of fish and marine life while snorkeling here.
Kauai Snorkeling Safety Tips
Snorkeling can be a safe and enjoyable activity if you follow some basic safety guidelines:
- Swim with a partner: Always swim with a partner and stay within sight of each other.
- Know your limits: Don’t push yourself beyond your snorkeling comfort level. If you feel tired or uncomfortable, it’s time to head back to shore.
- Stay in shallow water: Stick to shallow water, especially if you’re a beginner. Avoid areas with strong currents or rough waves.
- Watch for marine life: While snorkeling, keep an eye out for marine life. Give them plenty of space and never touch them.
- Check the weather: Check the weather forecast before you go snorkeling. Avoid snorkeling in high winds or storms.
- Check The Surf/Tide Report: The surf and tide report will let you know if there are risks of rip currents etc. In general, low tide can be better than high tide for snorkeling.
- Pay Attention To Any Warning Signs: Some beaches will have warning signs up if there are any hazards present, such as strong currents or shark advisories. These signs are there for your safety!
- Research Your Snorkeling Location: The ocean is always changing, along with the shores. Be sure to look into where you’re going snorkeling so you can plan accordingly.
Snorkeling Boat Tours
If you’re a beginner snorkeler, booking a snorkeling tour can be a great way to experience the underwater world of Kauai safely. Tours are led by experienced guides who can show you the best snorkeling spots on the island and provide you with all the necessary snorkeling gear.
During snorkeling tours, you’ll have the opportunity to see a variety of marine life that normally isn’t seen too close to shore.
Kauai Snorkeling Tours with Kauai Sea Tours
If you’re interested in heading off-shore for a snorkeling adventure – come book with us at Kauai Sea Tours! Our experienced captains know some of the very best snorkeling spots of Kauai, and can give plenty of helpful information for beginners. It’s truly an experience you don’t want to miss. Reach out to us to learn more or book today!
Explore Kauai’s Underwater World!
Snorkeling is a fantastic way to explore the underwater world of Kauai. With the right gear and safety precautions, snorkeling can be a safe and enjoyable activity for beginners. Remember to choose the right gear, follow safety guidelines, and explore the best snorkeling spots on Kauai. Book your snorkeling adventure with Kauai Sea Tours today and experience the beauty of Hawaii’s underwater world!