Latest / Hawaii Travel Podcast by Hawaii’s Best: Plan a Better Hawaii Vacation / Top 5 Best Snorkel Spots on Oahu: What to Know Before Snorkeling in Hawaii
Transcript
- 0:00Bryan Murphy: Have you ever wondered what it would be like to snorkel in Hawaii?
- 0:03Bryan Murphy: Well, maybe you're not sure where to go or how to go about planning to snorkel in Hawaii, but if snorkeling in Hawaii is on your bucket list, today's episode is going to be your guide to the most breathtaking snorkeling spots on the island of Oahu.
- 0:19Bryan Murphy: So strap on your fins.
- 0:20Bryan Murphy: We're going to dive into the clear, inviting waters of Oahu.
- 0:24Bryan Murphy: Let's go Aloha.
- 0:28Bryan Murphy: Welcome to hawaii's best.
- 0:29Bryan Murphy: Here you'll learn what to know before traveling, as we discover hawaiian culture, local businesses and the experiences that make hawaii one of the most incredible places in the world.
- 0:40Bryan Murphy: Before we dive into today's episode are are you dreaming of Hawaii's sunny beaches and breathtaking hikes?
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- 1:31Bryan Murphy: Aloha, my friends, and welcome back to another episode of Hawaii's Best.
- 1:36Bryan Murphy: I'm your host, brian Murphy, here to navigate you through the waters of Oahu's top snorkeling spots.
- 1:41Bryan Murphy: Whether you're planning your first Hawaiian adventure or you're a season traveler to these islands, today's episode is packed with tips to help prepare you for an unforgettable snorkeling experience on Oahu.
- 1:53Bryan Murphy: Snorkeling in Hawaii isn't just about exploring the underwater world.
- 1:57Bryan Murphy: It's about connecting with nature, respecting the marine life and immersing yourself in the island's breathtaking beauty From the bustling shores of Waikiki yes, there are some snorkeling spots in Waikiki that have made the list to the serene coves of the North Shore.
- 2:14Bryan Murphy: Oahu offers some of the best snorkeling spots really in the world.
- 2:17Bryan Murphy: You don't have to be an expert diver to enjoy them.
- 2:21Bryan Murphy: Some of these spots are beginner-friendly as well.
- 2:23Bryan Murphy: Today, we're not just sharing our top spots, but we're diving into how to make the most out of your snorkeling adventure, ensuring you're well-equipped, safe and ready to be mesmerized by the wonders beneath the waves.
- 2:36Bryan Murphy: Plus, I have a tip on, where you can most likely view some Hawaiian sea turtles basking in the sun, obviously from a respectful distance.
- 2:45Bryan Murphy: Before we paddle out here, let's talk about safety and snorkeling etiquette.
- 2:50Bryan Murphy: Hawaii's waters are as majestic as they are powerful, and we're here to enjoy its beauty while keeping our ocean friends and ourselves and others safe around us.
- 3:00Bryan Murphy: So I'll share some crucial do's and don'ts to make sure your snorkeling adventure is not just memorable, but also responsible as well.
- 3:05Bryan Murphy: So I'll share some crucial do's and don'ts to make sure your snorkeling adventure is not just memorable, but also responsible as well.
- 3:08Bryan Murphy: So, whether you're floating above the coral gardens of Hanama Bay or gazing at the underwater lava formations at Electric Beach, snorkeling on Oahu is an experience that connects you deeper to the island's natural wonders.
- 3:22Bryan Murphy: Now, when it comes to snorkeling, you never know what you're going to get, but you can bet it's going to be a life-changing experience.
- 3:31Bryan Murphy: Oahu is an incredible mosaic of snorkeling spots, each with its own flavor and charm, and maybe your favorite snorkeling spot didn't make this list.
- 3:41Bryan Murphy: This is just an overview of some of the best five spots that I've been able to find.
- 3:45Bryan Murphy: When snorkeling, though, timing is everything, oahu welcomes us with different seasons throughout the year, summer waters are more clear and calmer for snorkeling, while winter's waters have reduced visibility and are more dangerous, with higher surf.
- 4:04Bryan Murphy: Because of this, it's important to know that certain spots during the wintertime and those high swells, especially on the North Shore of Oahu, like Shark's Cove, definitely don't want to be snorkeling during those periods of time, and you want to make sure you do that during the calmer summer season as well.
- 4:22Bryan Murphy: So it's really about finding that sweet spot when the ocean is just right, inviting you to explore its wonders safely and with the best view underwater.
- 4:31Bryan Murphy: So how did I come about choosing these top Oahu snorkel spots?
- 4:34Bryan Murphy: It's not just about dropping a pin on a map and calling it a day First up.
- 4:38Bryan Murphy: It's about ease of access.
- 4:39Bryan Murphy: We're talking about how simple it is to get into the water and start seeing some of those stunning fish and coral.
- 4:44Bryan Murphy: But safety is a huge deal here, too.
- 4:46Bryan Murphy: We're all about having fun, good time, but keeping it safe and responsible is really at the top of the list, and we look for those spots where you can enjoy the oceans without playing tag with the risks.
- 4:57Bryan Murphy: Now, another aspect and criteria in these top five is parking.
- 5:02Bryan Murphy: If you've ever circled a lot for 20 minutes trying to find a spot.
- 5:05Bryan Murphy: You know why it's critical.
- 5:07Bryan Murphy: Good snorkeling spots with ample parking are hard to find, and another reason for these that are on the list are facilities.
- 5:14Bryan Murphy: That's another biggie.
- 5:15Bryan Murphy: It's always nice to have somewhere to rinse off, relax in the shade.
- 5:19Bryan Murphy: And, of course, another criteria is the fish and marine life visibility, because really, what's snorkeling without the oohs and ahs?
- 5:27Bryan Murphy: Seeing Hawaii's underwater residents up close, crystal clear waters with thriving marine life are what we're after.
- 5:34Bryan Murphy: That's what we think about when we go snorkeling.
- 5:37Bryan Murphy: So when I put this list together of top snorkeling spots on Oahu, I considered all these factors to give you a mix of safety, convenience and, really, visibility of the underwater world.
- 5:49Bryan Murphy: All right, so let's go ahead and let's get into the top five snorkeling spots on Oahu.
- 5:56Bryan Murphy: Number five Queens Beach, waikiki.
- 5:59Bryan Murphy: Now I know what you're thinking Waikiki really, just hear me out.
- 6:02Bryan Murphy: This spot is a gem for families and snorkelers of all levels.
- 6:06Bryan Murphy: It's super accessible, right in the heart of Waikiki, and the marine life it's like swimming in an aquarium.
- 6:11Bryan Murphy: We're talking about schools of vibrant fish, just a stone's throw from the shore For anyone just wanting to get their fins wet.
- 6:22Bryan Murphy: It's a safe and gentle introduction to snorkeling.
- 6:23Bryan Murphy: Always take precautions as well, but just know this is a good spot to start out.
- 6:28Bryan Murphy: Number four we paddle out to the North Shore for Kulima Cove at Turtle Bay.
- 6:33Bryan Murphy: This spot is all about the turtles.
- 7:32Bryan Murphy: It's nestled in a unique location that makes it a haven for these gentle giants and the cove it's like a nature swimming pool, protected and serene.
- 7:41Bryan Murphy: Pro tip, though, would be to shoot for the right side of the cove for calmer waters and a higher chance of seeing the turtles.
- 7:50Bryan Murphy: And don't forget to grab some local snacks on your way.
- 7:52Bryan Murphy: Trust me, watching turtles with a slice of fresh pineapple is perfection.
- 7:58Bryan Murphy: All right, sliding into number three, we have Shark's Cove.
- 8:01Bryan Murphy: Despite its name, it's a beginner-friendly paradise for snorkelers thanks to its protective reef, creating a natural pool of wonders, really.
- 8:11Bryan Murphy: I mean, the visibility here is unreal and, like I mentioned, you want to hit this spot up during the summer season, when it's calmer and clearer, because the waves on the North Shore during the wintertime get really crazy.
- 8:25Bryan Murphy: Across the street from Sharks Cove you've got food trucks, snorkel rentals, really making a full day adventure spots.
- 8:31Bryan Murphy: Some of our favorite spots there would be Sunrise Shack.
- 8:34Bryan Murphy: They opened up a spot there not too long ago.
- 8:37Bryan Murphy: They got great acai bowls and smoothies and coffee.
- 8:41Bryan Murphy: But just a heads up while you're snorkeling, please respect the protective boundaries of the cove to keep it safe and enjoyable for everyone.
- 8:51Bryan Murphy: All right, next up.
- 8:51Bryan Murphy: You knew this was on the list, but Hanama Bay, this nature preserve, is the crown jewel of Oahu's snorkeling spots.
- 8:59Bryan Murphy: The marine ecosystem here is thriving, protected by its preserve status, offering snorkels a chance to glide alongside schools of fish in vibrant colors you didn't even know existed.
- 9:10Bryan Murphy: Advice here is to get your reservation.
- 9:12Bryan Murphy: Get here early.
- 9:13Bryan Murphy: You're going to need to watch a required orientation video about safety and the bay.
- 9:19Bryan Murphy: And remember parking and entrance come with a fee here.
- 9:23Bryan Murphy: It's a small price to pay considering the experience that you'll get Topping our list, and I was a little reluctant to put this on here, but I went for it.
- 9:32Bryan Murphy: It's Electric Beach on the west side of Oahu.
- 9:35Bryan Murphy: Why is it called Electric Beach?
- 9:37Bryan Murphy: It's right next to a power plant that pumps clean, warm water into the ocean and this attracts all sorts of marine life.
- 9:44Bryan Murphy: This spot is for the experienced snorkeler.
- 9:47Bryan Murphy: That's why I was a little hesitant to put it on the list because, given it's offshore swim.
- 9:52Bryan Murphy: But if you're up for the adventure, you got a buddy with you, you'll be rewarded with a surreal underwater scene, surrounded by more fish than you can really count.
- 10:01Bryan Murphy: But just remember, safety comes first.
- 10:03Bryan Murphy: Like I mentioned, bring a buddy and be prepared.
- 10:06Bryan Murphy: That goes for any of the snorkeling spots.
- 10:08Bryan Murphy: Always go out with someone and be prepared for a bit of a swim.
- 10:13Bryan Murphy: Honolulu County recently added a lifeguard station here, which is awesome.
- 10:19Bryan Murphy: But don't let that make you relax on safety.
- 10:22Bryan Murphy: This is a spot only for experienced snorkelers.
- 10:26Bryan Murphy: Maybe you're staying on the west side, maybe in the Coalina area, and you want to get out of that area a little bit.
- 10:31Bryan Murphy: Electric Beach is a great spot, even if you aren't going to go snorkeling.
- 10:35Bryan Murphy: It's a great spot to do like a day trip over there.
- 10:40Bryan Murphy: After diving into those amazing snorkeling spots, let's take a moment to talk about something super important, which is responsible snorkeling practices.
- 10:48Bryan Murphy: Now, I don't want to sound like a buzzkill, but keeping it real snorkeling, as fun as it is, comes with its risks.
- 10:54Bryan Murphy: It's actually the leading cause of accidental deaths among visitors in Hawaii, but don't let that scare you off.
- 11:00Bryan Murphy: Being informed and prepared can make all the difference.
- 11:03Bryan Murphy: First off, always remember to snorkel with a buddy, like I mentioned, it's not just more fun, but it's a big safety net.
- 11:11Bryan Murphy: Keep an eye on each other and make sure you're both comfortable in the water, you're staying within your limits and, of course, pay attention to the local wildlife regulations.
- 11:21Bryan Murphy: There's signs and flags to pay attention to.
- 11:24Bryan Murphy: They're not just decoration, but those are to keep you and the ocean life safe as well.
- 11:29Bryan Murphy: Speaking of ocean life, let's talk about sunscreen.
- 11:31Bryan Murphy: Not just any sunscreen, but reef-safe sunscreen.
- 11:34Bryan Murphy: Those chemicals in regular sunscreen can really mess up the coral life and marine life, and they're actually illegal in Hawaii.
- 11:40Bryan Murphy: So do the reefs a favor and slap on those mineral-based sunscreen and, trust me, the fish will thank you.
- 11:47Bryan Murphy: But I wrote a post about some of the best reef-safe sunscreens that you can get right on Amazon.
- 11:52Bryan Murphy: Actually, I'll be sure I'll link that in the show notes.
- 11:55Bryan Murphy: You can go to hawaiisbesttravelcom, slash episode 120.
- 11:58Bryan Murphy: And a big one.
- 12:00Bryan Murphy: It might go without saying, but it needs to be said.
- 12:02Bryan Murphy: Please don't touch the coral.
- 12:03Bryan Murphy: Coral is not only a vital part to the ocean's ecosystem, but it's also pretty fragile.
- 12:08Bryan Murphy: Even a small touch can cause damage.
- 12:10Bryan Murphy: So keep those fins, hands and everything else to yourself and just enjoy the view.
- 12:15Bryan Murphy: For those new to snorkeling and maybe a tad nervous about jumping in consider taking a snorkeling tour.
- 12:20Bryan Murphy: We have some blog posts as well.
- 12:23Bryan Murphy: I'll link below on some of these spots that offer snorkel tours, so be sure to check that out.
- 12:28Bryan Murphy: Having a tour is a fantastic way to learn the ropes, get comfortable in the water and discover some of the best spots safely.
- 12:34Bryan Murphy: Plus, those guys know a thing or two more than I know about snorkeling and where to find the coolest marine life and maybe some other spots that aren't on this list as well.
- 12:44Bryan Murphy: A little bonus, because if there's one thing I know, everyone loves seeing a Hawaiian green sea turtle or honu as they're known locally.
- 12:52Bryan Murphy: These majestic creatures are not just beautiful.
- 12:54Bryan Murphy: They're a symbol of good luck and longevity in Hawaiian culture.
- 12:58Bryan Murphy: So where can you spot these gentle giants?
- 13:00Bryan Murphy: First up is Papailoa Beach.
- 13:03Bryan Murphy: Especially during the less crowded times of the year, if you're lucky, you might just find yourself swimming alongside a honu or watching one gracefully float glide by.
- 13:12Bryan Murphy: That's Papailoa Beach on the north shore of Oahu.
- 13:16Bryan Murphy: The other spot is actually right next to Shark's Cove, so while you're there snorkeling, you might have an opportunity to actually spot a sea turtle as well.
- 13:23Bryan Murphy: If you come across a sea turtle in the water or on the beach, to make sure you keep your distance of about 10 feet.
- 13:29Bryan Murphy: That just helps keep you and the creature safe.
- 13:32Bryan Murphy: And these guidelines are there to ensure that the turtles can go about their business without the stress or harm.
- 13:38Bryan Murphy: And, honestly, there's something special and truly magical about just experiencing them from a distance, just doing their own nature thing.
- 13:48Bryan Murphy: So, just like that, we've taken a dive into some of the most incredible snorkeling spots that Oahu has to offer.
- 13:54Bryan Murphy: From the family-friendly shores of Queens Beach in Waikiki to the experienced snorkelers paradise at Electric Beach, each spot offers its own unique slice of underwater wonder.
- 14:05Bryan Murphy: Remember, these spots aren't just locations on a map.
- 14:09Bryan Murphy: They're vibrant ecosystems, homes to countless marine species and part of Hawaii's natural heritage.
- 14:16Bryan Murphy: Exploring them is a privilege, so let's do so responsibly.
- 14:19Bryan Murphy: Keep safety in mind, respect the wildlife and remember not to touch the coral reefs.
- 14:24Bryan Murphy: Please use reef-safe sunscreen, snorkel with a buddy and always, always, keep a respectful distance from our honu friends.
- 14:32Bryan Murphy: For more tips, don't forget to swing by our website, hawaiisbesttravelcom, and there you'll find some blog posts and also podcast episodes.
- 14:41Bryan Murphy: For more tips, don't forget to swing by our website, hawaiisbesttravelcom, and there you'll find some blog posts and also podcast episodes to help you plan your next trip to Hawaii.
- 14:46Bryan Murphy: So until next time, be well.
- 14:52Bryan Murphy: Aloha, if you've ever found any value in listening to our podcast, it would mean the world to take a couple of seconds and rate the podcast with five stars in whatever app you're listening to.
- 15:05Bryan Murphy: Even better, taking a couple extra seconds and leaving a review would be amazing.
- 15:07Bryan Murphy: Either way, mahalo for listening.