All visitors will be required to watch an educational video in the theater before entering Hanauma Bay, but you will not have to wait in the entrance line. Go with a company that participates in the Dolphin Smart Program like Ocean Joy Cruises. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experiences start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. I'm not quite a non-swimmer, but it's certainly not one of my strong points. Q. I am not a good swimmer and also claustrophobic so the whole breathing with my face in the water gives me the creeps. I am a strong swimmer and more than once have been injured by waves pushing me into rocks, plus being not able to regain my footing. There is parking and public restrooms available, but make sure not to leave any valuables in your car. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. We will receive a small commission if you make a purchase through these links at no extra cost to you. In 40+ years of marriage, I have only been able to get him into the water at Sanibel island, where he could walk waaaay out Conlet, now that I have an idea about your age, let me ask you if your husband wears glasses. The entire Kailua Bay is a protected feeding ground for the endangered honu, so expect to see a turtle or two munching seaweed off the rocks dont forget to keep your distance! Hanauma Bay is the perfect spot for first-time snorkelers or those who may need a refresher on reef etiquette and snorkel safety. One really needs to have at least basic swimming skills in order to master snorkeling, which involves learning to breathe through a snorkel while swimming. 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! A man was paralyzed last week after being slammed into the sand. In fact, youll probably have trouble keeping track of all the different kinds of fish you see! Try your hand at spotting colorful fish, turtles, and even Monk seals! 10 Spots for the Best Snorkeling in Oahu (2023) - Wanderly Id highly recommend this activity. Thanks, Dan! 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. Hanauma Bay is closed to the public on Wednesdays & Tuesdays. http://www.civilbeat.org/projects/dying-for-vacation/. He was always besides us. 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. On the south side of this cove, the Pupukea tide pools are a fascinating place for divers to explore. Snorkeling Tours (Top 10 Best Things to Do in Oahu), Oahu tours The use of the inflatable life vest is ONLY for emergencies. Big Island Snorkeling for Non-Swimmers #1 Kahalu'u Beach Park #2 Kikaua Point Park #3 Hapuna Beach Park #4 Spencer Beach Park #5 Richardson Ocean Park Beginner Snorkeling Is But One Itinerary Item Big Island Snorkel Tips for Beginners Be it planning your first trip to Hawaii or on your eleventh trip, a snorkeling refresher is always a smart idea. A. It is a scary feeling. Highly recommend, especially got kids who need a little extra patience! Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. I found a place where I wasn't around a lot of people or reef, and. Just be sure you let the operators know you are a non-swimmer! We've been to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. up and drop off, fitting for flippers, trolley down to the beach, putting on wet suits (additional option), instructions on technique and guidelines, storage of valuables, etc) was smooth from start to finish. Some of the fish you might be lucky enough to see include the blue spine, unicornfish, parrotfish, and bullethead; and some snorkelers claimed to have seen rays, dolphins, and even turtles gathering here. My husband does not swim and will only reluctantly go into the water. Since this is a very popular tourist spot, its best to arrive right when they open at 6 a.m. to avoid the crowds. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. If its canceled because the minimum isnt met, youll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Divers would submerge and look for the natural sponge in order to trade and make a living. Hanauma Bay can be found on the southeast coast of Oahu in the East Honolulu neighborhood of Hawaii Kai on Hanauma Bay Road. He thoroughly enjoyed the experience because of the thoughtful instructors. Its no secret that the ocean can be a dangerous place but this lagoon is encased by artificial breakwaters,keeping swimmers safe from rip tides. The ocean is a beautiful, but powerful and unforgiving environment. This tour is recommended for people 6 to 70 years old. A. Hanauma Bay is closed to the public on Wednesdays & Tuesdays. Hi Laura, I agree with what Billy jo says. Cookie Notice Get the vest, and get some fins to help not only to propel you but to keep your feet afloat. On our trip in 2009 a couple of us actually got into the little manmade area by Waikiki Beach. The Koolina area on the west side of the island encompasses several resorts with public beach access. Children 6 years old and above can participate in this activity. Guests staying outside of Waikiki will need to go to Waikiki for pick-up. Please visit VELTRA Support page to send an inquiry about this activity. Thank you for your support! Try practicing in the pool where you are staying to learn the breathing. The instructor was fantastic! This is by far the best way to spot a variety of fish species, dolphins, and turtles. This top-rated tour quickly sells out two to three weeks in advance, so we suggest making reservations early! Register and enjoy smoother booking, as well as being able to save your wish list and recently viewed activities. Oahu. Snorkeling for Non-Swimmers for First Time - Wailea Beach . In the summer, north shore waves are more manageable and south shore can get larger swells. 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. If youre lucky, you might even spot the Hawaii state fish, humuhumunukunukuapua'a (reef triggerfish). The main task will be to convince him! Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. Snorkeling for non-swimmers - How to do it in a safe way Contact Us - Its a relaxing experience for them and an incredible one for us humans to witness. If youre looking for a truly unique way to experience marine life, try booking a snorkeling cruise along the Waianae Coast. Please submit your request upon booking. However, the comment about glasses and magnifying masks made me think. The best experience ever! For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full. Overall, this was an amazing experience that my partner and I highly recommend!!! Katherine is a freelance writer who covers Hawaii and California travel for Tripsavvy. 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). I went on the guided snorkeling tour with my 11 year old daughter, both of us have limited swimming experience. A pristine section of Kailua Beach on Oahus east side, Lanikai is widely known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Phone +1 808-677-1277. In addition to a stunning bay, theres a beautiful beach park behind Makaha Beach with astounding views of the landscape. We will be back.. Great experience they took such care of us specially my mom who is way afraid if water! Absolutely wonderful, best guides, great equipment, Very safe and comfortable for a non-swimmer. Can't you take swim lessons at a local YMCA or community center? My husband isnt a swimmer. Swimming with turtles in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. Ocean conditions change with the seasons. What to wear: Swimming suit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, change of clothes. We saw turtles and tons of fish. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. You only have to put your face in the water, you don't have to dunk your whole head!! I tried one of those once, while learning to snorkel and couldn't see a thing through it!! Plus, in a moment of panic a piece f coral could suffer an untimely death. Would try again, I cant say enough about this team of guides. 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Bring your own snorkel gear or rent from one of the hotel kiosks on the beach. But at the end i was able to swim, in the oceanwith no life jacket! I know there will be some who think this is silly, but it worked for me, and I'm so glad I tried it. Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Tours - HawaiiActivities.com Come experience the beauty of Hawaii's most popular snorkeling destination - Hanauma Bay Park! The sandy shores tend to be less populated with fish, and murky, too. ;). Learn how to enjoy your time at this protected beach, and also how to keep the marine life and the coral reef safe as you have fun snorkeling. Today. Maybe a last resort for your husband to try would be one of those styrofoam boards with a viewing glass built right into it. Check out our great reviews and join us for a bucket list manta adventure. A riptide or current could put you in harms way before anyone else really notices. One thing to try to get your confidence up before venturing into the ocean is trying it out in a swimming pool. Great for both kids and adults, this tour includes transportation, snorkel gear, and more! The main area on the right is for more intermediate swimmers, but there is a calm tide pool area that is great for kids on the left side. I saw on TV once people that were snorkeling where they had like boogie boards with a clear bubble to see through. Learn more Technically, snorkeling is just like floating horizontally on the surface of the water and requires little actual swimming, so even non-swimmers can do it. It is located next to the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of Oahu. Once you arrive at the snorkeling spot, he will stop the board and gear you up for snorkeling. snorkeling for non-swimmers? - Honolulu Forum - Tripadvisor 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. Because the bay is such a popular tourist destination, make sure you book your tickets at least a day in advance to avoid missing out! It breaks the coral and gives you NASTY cuts on any unprotected surface. There is a wide range of marine life to explore, including Hawaiis state fish, called the humuhumunukunukuapuaa. 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. Great for non-swimmers. Snorkeling for NON Swimmers - Hawaii - Cruise Critic Community It was frightening for her to have her face in the water while breathingshe panicked and couldn't get over that feeling. And the rest of the time is ideal for snorkeling as waters are generally calm and you can take your time and explore. What are the water activities, such as snorkeling, that you could recommend while we are there? Your first. Please click here for the Hawaii State Holiday Schedule. Sharks Cove is located on the northern coast of Oahu on the Kamehameha Highway. 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. This activity is not wheelchair accessible. Just speaking frankly, our size and ability is not always welcomed or accommodated well - especially in physical activities. 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. 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). Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Bring cash! What are the issues about kayaking and swimming with dolphins? New boat designed for great night time manta adventure snorkel. Can I come along even if I don't want to snorkel? Coral flats make up much of the bottom, with large rocks scattered around and a multitude of different fish species. What is the Manager's Reception at Embassy Suites? I've snorkeled twice now, and both times, this is what I did: I got a snorkel mask and tube. I think this is the biggest mistake made by beginners, and will make a huge difference in his experience being positive. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Its possible to satisfy all of your underwater curiosities while doing something you love. Ride-alongs are welcome, but must pay the same rate as regular snorkelers. We got to see turtles coral sea urchins and some colorful fish. Its a beautiful beach for lounging, which makes it a perfect options if not everyone in your group wants to get in the water.