Top 5 Best Snorkel Spots on Oahu: What to Know Before Snorkeling in Hawaii

🤿 Dive into the top 5 snorkel spots on the island of Oahu. From the vibrant marine life of Queen's Beach in Waikiki to the serene turtle coves of the North Shore, host Bryan Murphy talks about the must-visit underwater destinations on Oahu.

Learn crucial safety and conservation tips to experience Oahu's breathtaking natural wonders responsibly. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Hawaii traveler, this episode will inspire you to embrace the island's aquatic adventures.

What we discuss on this episode:

• Top 5 Best Snorkel Spots on Oahu
• Safety and Snorkeling Etiquette
• Importance of snorkeling with a buddy
• Using reef-safe sunscreen
• Spotting Hawaiian Sea Turtles
• Explore responsibly and with respect

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Reef-Safe Sunscreen Recommendations
• Snorkeling at Electric Beach Guide
• Where to See Turtles on Oahu
• Sharks Cove Guide
• Snorkel Tours on Oahu

👉 Full show notes and resources can be found here: https://hawaiisbesttravel.com/best-snorkel-spots-on-oahu-podcast/

Transcript

Bryan Murphy: 0:00

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to snorkel in Hawaii? 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. So strap on your fins. We're going to dive into the clear, inviting waters of Oahu. Let's go Aloha. Welcome to hawaii's best. 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. Before we dive into today's episode are are you dreaming of Hawaii's sunny beaches and breathtaking hikes? I know the feeling and the desire to look and feel your best while soaking up the aloha on your trip to Hawaii is invaluable, and I felt that too. And that's where Hungry Root comes in. Imagine a personalized grocery service that understands your health goals and dietary needs and delivers fresh groceries and recipes right to your door. You tell them a little bit about yourself and what your goals are, and they tailor your weekly deliveries to feel you and your family. Hungry Root is here to help you and your family reach and maintain your health goals. Are you ready to embrace the journey of a healthy you in a convenient way? Well, visit hawaiisbesttravelcom. Slash hungry today for 30% off your first order. Let's make healthy happen together. Aloha, my friends, and welcome back to another episode of Hawaii's Best. I'm your host, brian Murphy, here to navigate you through the waters of Oahu's top snorkeling spots. 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.

Bryan Murphy: 1:53

Snorkeling in Hawaii isn't just about exploring the underwater world. 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. Oahu offers some of the best snorkeling spots really in the world. You don't have to be an expert diver to enjoy them. Some of these spots are beginner-friendly as well. 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. 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.

Bryan Murphy: 2:45

Before we paddle out here, let's talk about safety and snorkeling etiquette. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

Bryan Murphy: 3:31

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. This is just an overview of some of the best five spots that I've been able to find. 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. 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. 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.

Bryan Murphy: 4:31

So how did I come about choosing these top Oahu snorkel spots? It's not just about dropping a pin on a map and calling it a day First up. It's about ease of access. We're talking about how simple it is to get into the water and start seeing some of those stunning fish and coral. But safety is a huge deal here, too. 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.

Bryan Murphy: 4:57

Now, another aspect and criteria in these top five is parking. If you've ever circled a lot for 20 minutes trying to find a spot. You know why it's critical. Good snorkeling spots with ample parking are hard to find, and another reason for these that are on the list are facilities. That's another biggie. It's always nice to have somewhere to rinse off, relax in the shade. And, of course, another criteria is the fish and marine life visibility, because really, what's snorkeling without the oohs and ahs? Seeing Hawaii's underwater residents up close, crystal clear waters with thriving marine life are what we're after. That's what we think about when we go snorkeling. 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. All right, so let's go ahead and let's get into the top five snorkeling spots on Oahu.

Bryan Murphy: 5:56

Number five Queens Beach, waikiki. Now I know what you're thinking Waikiki really, just hear me out. This spot is a gem for families and snorkelers of all levels. It's super accessible, right in the heart of Waikiki, and the marine life it's like swimming in an aquarium. 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. It's a safe and gentle introduction to snorkeling. Always take precautions as well, but just know this is a good spot to start out.

Bryan Murphy: 6:28

Number four we paddle out to the North Shore for Kulima Cove at Turtle Bay. This spot is all about the turtles. 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. 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. And don't forget to grab some local snacks on your way. Trust me, watching turtles with a slice of fresh pineapple is perfection.

Bryan Murphy: 7:02

All right, sliding into number three, we have Shark's Cove. Despite its name, it's a beginner-friendly paradise for snorkelers thanks to its protective reef, creating a natural pool of wonders, really. 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. Across the street from Sharks Cove you've got food trucks, snorkel rentals, really making a full day adventure spots. Some of our favorite spots there would be Sunrise Shack. They opened up a spot there not too long ago. They got great acai bowls and smoothies and coffee. 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.

Bryan Murphy: 7:54

All right, next up. You knew this was on the list, but Hanama Bay, this nature preserve, is the crown jewel of Oahu's snorkeling spots. 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. Advice here is to get your reservation. Get here early. You're going to need to watch a required orientation video about safety and the bay. And remember parking and entrance come with a fee here. 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.

Bryan Murphy: 8:35

It's Electric Beach on the west side of Oahu. Why is it called Electric Beach? It's right next to a power plant that pumps clean, warm water into the ocean and this attracts all sorts of marine life. This spot is for the experienced snorkeler. That's why I was a little hesitant to put it on the list because, given it's offshore swim. 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.

Bryan Murphy: 9:05

But just remember, safety comes first. Like I mentioned, bring a buddy and be prepared. That goes for any of the snorkeling spots. Always go out with someone and be prepared for a bit of a swim. Honolulu County recently added a lifeguard station here, which is awesome. But don't let that make you relax on safety. This is a spot only for experienced snorkelers. 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. Electric Beach is a great spot, even if you aren't going to go snorkeling. It's a great spot to do like a day trip over there.

Bryan Murphy: 9:44

After diving into those amazing snorkeling spots, let's take a moment to talk about something super important, which is responsible snorkeling practices. Now, I don't want to sound like a buzzkill, but keeping it real snorkeling, as fun as it is, comes with its risks. It's actually the leading cause of accidental deaths among visitors in Hawaii, but don't let that scare you off. Being informed and prepared can make all the difference. 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. 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. There's signs and flags to pay attention to. They're not just decoration, but those are to keep you and the ocean life safe as well.

Bryan Murphy: 10:32

Speaking of ocean life, let's talk about sunscreen. Not just any sunscreen, but reef-safe sunscreen. Those chemicals in regular sunscreen can really mess up the coral life and marine life, and they're actually illegal in Hawaii. So do the reefs a favor and slap on those mineral-based sunscreen and, trust me, the fish will thank you. But I wrote a post about some of the best reef-safe sunscreens that you can get right on Amazon. Actually, I'll be sure I'll link that in the show notes. You can go to hawaiisbesttravelcom, slash episode 120. And a big one. It might go without saying, but it needs to be said. Please don't touch the coral. Coral is not only a vital part to the ocean's ecosystem, but it's also pretty fragile. Even a small touch can cause damage. So keep those fins, hands and everything else to yourself and just enjoy the view.

Bryan Murphy: 11:18

For those new to snorkeling and maybe a tad nervous about jumping in consider taking a snorkeling tour. We have some blog posts as well. I'll link below on some of these spots that offer snorkel tours, so be sure to check that out. Having a tour is a fantastic way to learn the ropes, get comfortable in the water and discover some of the best spots safely. 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. 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.

Bryan Murphy: 11:56

These majestic creatures are not just beautiful. They're a symbol of good luck and longevity in Hawaiian culture. So where can you spot these gentle giants? First up is Papailoa Beach. 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. That's Papailoa Beach on the north shore of Oahu. 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. 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. That just helps keep you and the creature safe. And these guidelines are there to ensure that the turtles can go about their business without the stress or harm. And, honestly, there's something special and truly magical about just experiencing them from a distance, just doing their own nature thing.

Bryan Murphy: 12:51

So, just like that, we've taken a dive into some of the most incredible snorkeling spots that Oahu has to offer. 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. Remember, these spots aren't just locations on a map. They're vibrant ecosystems, homes to countless marine species and part of Hawaii's natural heritage. Exploring them is a privilege, so let's do so responsibly. Keep safety in mind, respect the wildlife and remember not to touch the coral reefs. Please use reef-safe sunscreen, snorkel with a buddy and always, always, keep a respectful distance from our honu friends.

Bryan Murphy: 13:35

For more tips, don't forget to swing by our website, hawaiisbesttravelcom, and there you'll find some blog posts and also podcast episodes. 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. So until next time, be well. 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. Even better, taking a couple extra seconds and leaving a review would be amazing. Either way, mahalo for listening.