Snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay is a magical experience for marine wildlife enthusiasts. The waters are teeming with vibrant coral reefs and tropical endemic fish. You might also see Hawaiian green sea turtles (known as Honu) gliding through the water.
Remember to follow proper snorkeling etiquette to protect the reef and ocean animals. Here are some simple tips to make your snorkeling adventure more memorable:
1. Get There Early
If you have never snorkeled before, it is normal to be nervous about your first experience. However, it is a remarkable activity that offers incredible marine life viewing. The waters in Kona teem with vibrant reefs that attract tons of tropical, endemic fish species, including angelfish, parrotfish, and triggerfish. Guests can also see Hawaiian green sea turtles, known locally as Honu, gliding gracefully through the water. Additionally, it’s not uncommon to spot pods of dolphins frolicking near the boat or, during the winter, humpback whales in the distance.
If possible, try to get to your snorkeling location early. This will allow you to enjoy the experience with less crowds. It will also give you a chance to familiarize yourself with the ocean and its conditions. The last thing you want is to be caught in a rip current, which can pull even the strongest swimmer out to sea. To avoid this, stay close to the shore and swim parallel to the beach until you are free from the rip current’s pull.
In addition, getting there early will give you a better chance to experience two of the best snorkeling locations in Kona. These include Kahaluu Beach Park, Magic Sands Beach, and Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay. All three of these sites offer a stunning underwater habitat that is great for beginner snorkelers.
If you’re lucky, you may encounter a pod of playful spinner dolphins in the bay or, during the winter, catch sightings of humpback whales. In addition, you’ll be able to explore carved out sea caves and remnants of old lava tubes.
2. Go During Low Tide
The water clarity and marine ecosystem are important factors to consider when planning a Kona snorkeling adventure. However, you also want to choose the right time of day for your tour to ensure that you have the most enjoyable experience possible. It is best to avoid rough ocean conditions and high winds, which can hinder your ability to observe the stunning marine life that inhabits Hawaii’s pristine waters.
For instance, if you are planning to visit the famous Kealakekua Bay on your tour, make sure to go there during low tide so that you have access to the reef and its diverse marine life. This snorkeling spot is located within Pu’uhonua O Honaunau State Historical Park, which was once a refuge for Hawaiians who were defeated in battle or had broken kapu (sacred law). It is home to some of the wildest and most unique fishes, including parrotfish, triggerfish, and tiny octopi.
Tide pools are another popular snorkeling attraction in Hawaii, and they’re especially beautiful during low tide. These mini-caves are home to all sorts of sea creatures, from small crustaceans to brightly colored coral. At Honaunau Bay, you can see schools of bright yellow tang, trumpetfish, and more flitting around the tide pools. There is a good chance that you will encounter one of the famous Hawaiian sea turtles here as well, but don’t forget to respect their space; they need 30 feet of distance from humans at all times.
You can use a website like Tide Forecast to plan your snorkeling tour during the best time of day. The site will give you a better idea of the ocean’s conditions than the rough guides you might find in a weather forecast or at a local information desk.
3. Watch the Fish
When snorkeling, it’s important to remember that the ocean is a living ecosystem. The more you respect marine life, the better your experience will be. That means not feeding fish or touching coral reefs, and keeping a safe distance from marine creatures. The best way to practice this is by going on a guided tour with an accredited Kailua-Kona snorkeling company. They’ll be sure to outfit you with everything you need, and they’ll know the best places for you to see marine life in a healthy, thriving state.
For example, at Kealakekua Bay, one of the most popular snorkeling spots on the Big Island, you’ll be able to explore a beautiful marine preserve that looks like a rainforest underwater. The bay is a protected marine area, and the coral and sea life are incredibly vibrant. The water here is also crystal clear, with visibility up to 80 feet. You can expect to see a variety of marine life, including stingrays, tropical fish, and even dolphins (although swimming with dolphins was made illegal in Hawaii in 2010).
You’ll find this amazing snorkel spot at the south end of the Mauna Lani resort property. The entry point is shallow and easy to enter, with a small fringing reef protecting the area and a sandy strip for your feet. As you snorkel further out, the water gets deeper. This is the ideal place for beginners and for those who want to get their feet wet but aren’t ready to dive just yet.
Then you can head further out to explore lava rock cliffs, stunning sea caves, and remnants of old lava tubes. As you snorkel around, you may be lucky enough to see a dancing spinner dolphin or seasonal humpback whales!
4. Be Prepared
As you venture out into the sea, you must remember to respect marine life and keep a respectful distance. Coral reefs are delicate, and the best way to enjoy them is by looking, but not touching. It is also important to avoid disrupting the natural habitat of marine animals and avoiding feeding them. Lastly, it is a good idea to bring a waterproof camera or phone to capture your snorkeling trip and share with others.
Snorkeling is a wonderful activity to experience in Hawaii, and there are many different ways to make it a memorable adventure. By following the tips listed above, you can ensure that your snorkeling trip will be a great one!
Picture this: You are laying flat on the ocean floor with 7 other people. Intense lights illuminate the water below. A dark diamond shape appears in the water, and as it moves closer you realize that it is a Manta Ray. Swimming closely with these majestic creatures is a surreal experience that will stay with you long after your vacation is over. The ability to do this during sunset or nighttime adds an element of magic that will create memories to last a lifetime! If you’re looking for an unforgettable ocean adventure, night swimming with manta rays offers a magical and surreal experience unlike any other.
This is just a small example of the many amazing experiences that can be had by snorkeling in Kona. There are a variety of snorkel tours that take place throughout the day, and each one will provide its own unique experience. If you are a beginner, we recommend booking a tour with a trusted local company that offers snorkeling lessons and equipment rentals before heading out on your own. This will allow you to become familiar with the gear, learn how to use it properly, and practice breathing techniques before heading out on your own.
5. Have Fun
Snorkeling is one of those travel adventure activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It can be done almost anywhere in the world, in all sorts of bodies of water from lakes to bogs and even oceans. It can be a great way to get in touch with nature and see the incredible sea life that lives beneath the surface. It is also a fun and unique activity to enjoy with family and friends.
While snorkeling is not necessarily easy, the benefits of it definitely make it worth the effort. It is a fantastic way to explore the marine life that exists in Hawaii, and it can be an unforgettable experience for anyone who chooses to participate. However, it is important to remember that snorkeling is not without its risks, and it is always recommended to be safe and cautious when exploring new waters.
The best thing about snorkeling is that it can be a great bonding experience for families. Not only is it a fantastic way to spend time together, but it also instills a sense of responsibility and respect for the marine life that lives under the sea. It is an excellent way to teach children the importance of protecting and taking care of the environment, and it can be a memorable and life-changing experience for everyone in the family.
Honokohau Bay, otherwise known as Two Step, is a wonderful spot for snorkeling in Kona. This is a coral reef area that offers a wide variety of fish species, including needlefish, yellow tailed coris, manini, goatfish, and Moorish idol. It is also home to sea cucumbers, threadfin butterflyfish, and saddleback wrasse. This is an interesting and historical location as it was once a place of refuge for any Hawaiian who had broken kapu (sacred law). Sea turtles are frequently seen at Honokohau, so it’s important to keep a 10 foot distance from them when in the water.
