Look a Humuhumunukunukuapua`a in the eye or maybe a Hawaii turtle when you snorkel Kauai. There is more to see in the beautiful underwater world that surrounds our Kauai vacation rentals. You will meet fish that are unique to Hawaii and also enjoy a Kauai family adventure that is fun for all ages. No experience necessary. Read our Kauai Guide below and enjoy a Kauai vacation highlight!
Kauai Snorkeling – Our Top 6 Tips.
1. Equipment can be rented locally from $9 to $35 a week. An advantage to renting is that your gear can be fitted properly and you have more room in your luggage to bring home Kauai souvenirs. Another suggestion is to buy your own from Wal-Mart, Costco or K-Mart during your Kauai vacation.
2. Find the perfect Kauai beaches from our list below. Best time to snorkel is during the morning when fish are more active. Look for them around coral rather than out in the open sea. Ocean conditions need to be calm for the best visibility with little surface wind. Even on a cloudy day you will need sunscreen that is safe for coral.
3. Snorkeling is more about floating so stay relaxed in the water. Fish prefer that too! Avoid standing on coral to protect the reef.
4. Watch our Ocean Safety video. Never snorkel alone or turn your back to the ocean. If in doubt, check with a lifeguard first.
5. Na Pali Boat tours are another way to enjoy this Kauai activity. Snorkel gear provided. Our guest concierge can help find a tour for you.
6. Do not feed the fish. We highly encourage our guests to enjoy the ocean environment as nature intended. Fish feeding disrupts the natural balance of ocean ecosystems and stimulates algae growth which is harmful to coral as well as disrupts the natural diversity of marine life. Please help keep our reefs healthy by not allowing or promoting this practice.
Top Kauai Beaches for Snorkeling
North Shore Kauai Beaches
Kee Beach: Stay to the right when entering. The reef enclosed lagoon has crystal clear water in summer.
Tunnels Beach: Teeming with tropical fish. Best snorkeling in center area. More parking is available at Haena.
Anini Beach: Featuring the longest and widest reef in the Hawaiian islands and a 3 mile stretch of sand.
South Shore Kauai Beaches
Poipu Beach: Best spot is right of Nukomoi Point. A rock jetty also has a safe snorkeling area.
Lawai Beach: Next to the Beach House restaurant and one of the most popular snorkel places on the South Shore Kauai.
East Shore Kauai Beaches
Anahola Beach: Local favorite with sandy bottom and gentle slope. Ocean side of the reef is for experienced snorkelers.
Lydgate Beach: Large seawater pool has plenty of fish to see and is protected by a stone breakwater.
West Shore Kauai Beaches
Salt Pond Beach: Historic salt beds nearby. Snorkel inside the reef near the rocks for best fish viewing.
If you have favorite Kauai snorkeling places or suggestions, we invite your comments on this topic. Mahalo!