Highly recommend them. There is no safe place for non swimmers to snorkel and no floating device that can make it safe. Excellent experience, we had such a great time. Even she enjoyed! I know how to tread water float and propel myself through the water and was able to learn how to snorkel. You will also want to wear a life vest (not just a belt). It's really hard for anyone to understand who doesn't have the same phobia. It is also closed for commercial tours on weekends and state/federal holidays. Sunsets are also phenomenal from this beach. As I did this over and over, it became easier, and then I tried taking a breath. Tour schedules are subject to change without notice. Located on the west side of Oahu and about 5 minutes drive north of Ko Olina Resort, this beach should top your itinerary if you want an exceptional snorkeling experience. John, the manmade part I talked about is I think what you're referring to. Get ready for the best Oahu snorkel tour! You can only add up to 10 items in the list. Dynamite was used to clear away parts of the reef in 1956 so telephone cables could be added to link Hawaii with the mainland. The boards with the see through are pretty lame. So put on your best snorkeling gear and dive right in! Manta Night Snorkel | Kona Hawaii | Manta Adventures Im truly grateful for the gift of their talent and care. Hanauma Bay Snorkeling - The ULTIMATE Visitors Guide Hanauma Bay can be found on the southeast coast of Oahu in the East Honolulu neighborhood of Hawaii Kai on Hanauma Bay Road. 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. Despite its small size, this cove boasts an impressive amount of coral and all of it is incredibly vibrant and healthy. And the rest of the time is ideal for snorkeling as waters are generally calm and you can take your time and explore. Never snorkel anywhere there isn't a lifeguard. Dan taught her how to be comfortable in the water, took her hand, guided her around the Bay. I know there will be some who think this is silly, but it worked for me, and I'm so glad I tried it. Going to Hawaii on vacation when you are a non-swimmer seems like going to Vail and you don't ski or Hershey PA and you don't like chocolate. Just be sure you let the operators know you are a non-swimmer! Email: shorelinesnorkel@gmail.com Cancelation policy - 10 days or more before 100% refund. It is also closed for commercial tours on weekends and state/federal holidays. Any other flotation device will not work. 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. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full. Summer Vacation in Hawaii - Fun Things to Do on Oahu! Just a word of cautionmy Mom can swim and enjoys being in the water, but could NOT snorkel. Guests with heart and cardiovascular issues are not permitted to participate in this activity. Why We Love Snorkeling Hanauma Bay Its a relaxing experience for them and an incredible one for us humans to witness. Bring cash! 3 Chi's you'd be surprised how many non swimmers are taken on snorkel boats and tours. They lived up to their guarantee. Hi Laura, I agree with what Billy jo says. Try your hand at spotting colorful fish, turtles, and even Monk seals! The bay is home to a colorful reef and an incredible amount of sea life, making it the perfect place to see eels, sea urchins, and tropical fish in their natural habitat. I think this is the biggest mistake made by beginners, and will make a huge difference in his experience being positive. The instructor was fantastic! There is parking and public restrooms available, but make sure not to leave any valuables in your car. On a reputable cataman excursion, for example you will be watchd over and you will not have to worry about being knocked off your feet. The Best Snorkeling Spots in Oahu - TripSavvy Answer 1 of 19: Hi all, My sisters and I are planning to visit Oahu for the first time. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Get the vest, and get some fins to help not only to propel you but to keep your feet afloat. She loved it, sparked us on to additional snorkel trips on this vacation. It'll help you get used to the claustraphobic feeling many get. Great coaching for first time. Please submit your request upon booking. Snorkeling here was the only unpleasant part of my Oahu vacation, so much so that my husband rewarded me with a trip to the spa. On our trip in 2009 a couple of us actually got into the little manmade area by Waikiki Beach. Contact Us - Cut-off times are based on the experiences local time. None of us know how to swim. After that, head to deeper water to search for turtles and other marine life. :). Overall, this was an amazing experience that my partner and I highly recommend!!! Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona Hawaii Big Island. Thank you to everyone for making this the best family vacation ever! Learn about the best time to visit Oahu . Meeting point is at the bench tables near the shower and restroom area at Wailea beach public parking entrance. Whether youre enjoying the Pacific Ocean from the shore or jumping off a catamaran, the snorkeling on Oahu is some of the best in the world. 3) Practice in a pool, tub or wherever w/snorkel gear before arrival. After 10 minutes or so, we felt confident and ready. If youre lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle or two. Register and enjoy smoother booking, as well as being able to save your wish list and recently viewed activities. Book an exclusive Hanauma Bay guided snorkeling tour with an expert local guide and explore the best snorkel locations at Oahu's number one snorkeling beach. If you can't swim, don't try to snorkel. Cookie Policy - Kaena Point is located about an hour from Honolulu airport, at the end of Farrington Highway. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experiences start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Great for both kids and adults, this tour includes transportation, snorkel gear, and more! In the summer, north shore waves are more manageable and south shore can get larger swells. What are the issues about kayaking and swimming with dolphins? You only have to put your face in the water, you don't have to dunk your whole head!! Experienced participants will be able to quickly enter the water explore the shallow areas. I'm not quite a non-swimmer, but it's certainly not one of my strong points. In the summer, however, the beach completely transforms into calm waters perfect for swimming. [Oahu] Snorkeling for non-swimmers : HawaiiVisitors - Reddit 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. No, you do not need to know how to swim and flotation devices will be provided. Dan, our guide, was patient and kind. ), There are places you can rent those boards with a clear bubble to see thru (Snorkel Bob's, with a location a few blocks away from Waikiki Beach, rents them for ~$25/week; other places may have them, too). If you need help, come and get me." We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two as well). If its canceled due to poor weather, youll be offered a different date or a full refund. If you are wearing fins and get into trouble with your mask or mouthpiece, you have to bring your feet under in order to stand up. Then he guided us to the reefs where we saw beautiful reef and fishes. Participants are required to sign a liability waiver at the time of check-in. Snorkeling appeals to people from all walks of life, and since Hawaii is the dream vacation destination for so many of us, the combination is irresistible. Any suggestions/comments on how to choose a mask would be appreciated.<. Youll be swimming with more sea turtles than you can count! We did the non-swimmers snorkeling trip. I am a non swimmer and she made me feel very comfortable in the water. The reef at Wailea Beach is great. Q. Would highly recommend to anyone who is new to snorkeling and is looking to start in a guided manner. Not referring into going to the ocean solo when I don't even do that in a pool haha. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. At first it was just for a second or two before I felt like I would hyperventilate. Youll mostly see tropical fish and turtles feeding off the reef here, though some people are lucky enough to spot an eel. Just speaking frankly, our size and ability is not always welcomed or accommodated well - especially in physical activities. In fact, youll probably have trouble keeping track of all the different kinds of fish you see! Check out our great reviews and join us for a bucket list manta adventure. You need to be aware of the ocean conditions, how they can change in an instant and what to do if you get caught in a rip tide or swift current. :). This is one of the most popular beaches and the best snorkeling locations in Oahu because of the amazing array of aquatic life beneath the surface. Its obvious that the winter months produce bigger waves and choppier water that may not always be perfect for beginning snorkelers, but with such a treasure trove of underwater life and experiences, youd be missing out if you dont include Oahu on your bucket list of snorkeling destinations. During our recent trip to Oahu, I had two different snorkeling experiences. We will be there for 5 days/5 nights. Children 6 years old and above can participate in this activity. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Snorkeling for non swimmer - Oahu Forum - Tripadvisor 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews. Q. Maybe he'd get the bug and feel braver about trying a mask and snorkel. 2001-2023, VELTRA Inc. All Rights Reserved. Hop on one of the catamarans on the beach to check out the honu from the boat or jump in to snorkel. Distance between North Shore and Honolulu, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort And Spa. Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. Sharks Cove is a family-friendly site; there are decent restrooms and showers, plus youll find food trucks lined up on the road. The reason I recommend this is that you can really get into trouble on the beach. Hanauma Bay is closed to the public on Wednesdays & Tuesdays. The reef is teeming with colorful fish of all shapes and sizes. Can't you take swim lessons at a local YMCA or community center? You will also want to wear a life vest (not just a belt). Hanauma Bay Park admission is NOT included. whilst i would think i'm a good swimmer, i get mini panic attacks if i get caught in a rip or get scared so when we went to hanauma bay, we got life jackets and we didn't mind and we found it safe when we were snorkelling. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88623538', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Hawaii for drownings and many take place in 2-3 feet of water. There are also people all around you who could help if you became nervous. Snorkeling is not safe if you don't know how to swim. This was so fun! Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. A. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. Snorkeling in Oahu is a great form of exercise, boosting your cardio health, flexibility and overall fitness level. If you really want to try snorkeling, don't do it from a beach. Snorkeling for non-swimmers - Oahu Forum - Tripadvisor You can also spot tons of fish, whales during season, turtles, eels, and rays in these waters. On the Big Island, a good place for beginners is Kahalu'u Beach just south of Kona. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Experience snorkeling for the first time Swim with Hawaiian green sea turtles and tropical fish Explore the beautiful reef at Wailea Beach Full description Discover the marine biodiversity of Hawaii without knowing how to swim with this snorkeling tour that is designed for beginners. Went as a solo for the activity and theyre very welcoming and you can bring your own camera and I was very confident to get in the water with lessons with an instructor. 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. Alternatively, you may use, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort And Spa. Snorkeling for non swimmer - Oahu Forum - Tripadvisor Sharks Cove is located on the northern coast of Oahu on the Kamehameha Highway. Except the best viewing is out further in the water, where you can float above coral. Life jackets can save your life but they aren't good for snorkeling because they keep your face out of the water. It's the kind of life skill that everyone should try to acquire. I would still like to give it another try while I am in Maui in another 6 weeks:. Kailua Beach Adventures offers options to rent snorkel equipment to explore yourself or book a tour that combines snorkeling with kayaking for an extra epic day. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. The calm waters make it a great spot for novice snorkelers, but even experienced swimmers will be impressed by the sheer number of fish swimming around. So, if your husband really hates the water, just know that this could happen to him before you spend a bunch of money on equipment or an excursion. The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions. Come experience the beauty of Hawaii's most popular snorkeling destination - Hanauma Bay Park! *This photo was provided by Jenifer Delemont. I have a friend that is a non-swimmer, but wanted to try snorkeling. Being a non-swimmer Ive always missed the opportunity to snorkel at world famous Hawaiian islands. It would be worth a try, and it also makes you feel good to say "I snorkeled". You can rent equipment there at the beach and it has a shallow entry and lots of fish and sea turtles. We got to see turtles coral sea urchins and some colorful fish. Suzzy Robinson on Maui can teach you how to snorkel but not swim. I went on the guided snorkeling tour with my 11 year old daughter, both of us have limited swimming experience.
snorkeling for non swimmers oahu