Snorkeling Spots Near Honolulu

Within minutes of bustling downtown Honolulu -- Hawaii’s capital and Oahu’s cultural and commercial center -- snorkelers float on turquoise waters, serenely oblivious to the sounds of the city. These waters, where sunlight refracts in graceful patterns, are brimming with colorful underwater gardens, multicolored tropical fish, coral and turtles. While many snorkeling tours sail out of Waikiki, some nice snorkeling spots await just off nearby shores.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

• The best nearshore spot to see tons of fish is Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, located about 20 minutes from downtown Honolulu. More than 250 species of marine life dwell in the crater-formed bay, many preferring the fringe reef-protected shallows. Colorful parrotfish clean coral as they feed, schools of tang dart by in flashes of yellow and curious elongated trumpet fish are known to approach snorkelers. The preserve, which is closed on Tuesdays, charges an admission fee that is far less than what organized tours charge to transport you there. Just remember to arrive early in order to snag a parking space. The preserve’s educational center provides helpful information and fish ID cards. You can rent snorkeling gear at the bay or bring your own.

Sans Souci, Waikiki

• While Waikiki’s main beach doesn’t enjoy good snorkeling conditions, at the far end of Waikiki, on the Diamond Head side of the Waikiki Aquarium -- across from Kapiolani Park -- Kaimana Beach awaits. The beach, a family favorite that features lifeguards, is known locally as Sans Souci. About 15 minutes from Honolulu, the wide swath of white sand fronts reef-protected turquoise and blue waters that contain two snorkeling spots. The best one is accessed at high tide -- just swim straight out and float over the coral reef teeming with colorful fish. The other spot is for strong swimmers only; currents can be powerful here. It's found along a wall where fish dart in and out of crevices and urchins cling.
• Ko Olina Lagoons

• To the west of Pearl Harbor, at the southern tip of the Leeward Coast and about 40 minutes from downtown Honolulu, Ko Olina Lagoons offers a resort atmosphere and calm waters. The water isn’t perfectly clear here, but the sandy-bottomed lagoons are protected by sea walls, making this an ideal year-round spot for children and beginning snorkelers. Yellow and black-striped convict tang, long-nosed butterfly fish and lots of other species, including urchins, hang out at the walls in each of the four lagoons; the green and turquoise water is only about 4 to 5 feet deep. Turtles cruise through the lagoons, too. The four man made lagoons have a steady ebb and flow of seawater. Adding to the comfort level are soft, sandy beaches, lawns, shade, concession stands, wheelchair access, showers, restrooms and lifeguards.

Considerations

• No matter where you snorkel, don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach. Many stores in Honolulu sell waterproof containers for storing wallets, keys and the like.

  To protect against sunburn -- trade winds make it easy to forget the intensity of the Sun's rays -- reapply waterproof sunscreen after swimming. To help protect the coral, be sure to use reef-safe sunscreen.

  The best time of day to snorkel is in the morning because this is when the ocean is calmest and parking is easiest to find.

  Stores such as Longs Drugs sell snorkeling gear. Be sure, however, that the mask you buy fits correctly or else it will leak. Rental venues include Snorkel Bob’s -- with multiple locations -- and diving shops.

Read More ..... »

The Best Caribbean Beaches for Snorkeling

The Caribbean is known for its sandy beaches and warm weather. Visitors to the region's many islands can also enjoy snorkeling in some of the world's bluest and clearest waters. There are numerous snorkeling sites, and they can be found at some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.

Champagne Beach and Scotts Head Bay, Dominica

• The Commonwealth of Dominica is one of the Caribbean's few remaining 'undiscovered' islands. According to the website Away, the island's Champagne beach and Scotts Head Bay are two of the top snorkeling destinations in the region.

  Champagne beach features underwater volcanic vents that feature warm bubbling water. Scotts Head Bay features various fish and other creatures swimming among sparkling coral.

Antiguan Beaches

• Frommers recommends Antigua's beaches as some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. Considering that the waters off the coast of Antigua have visibility between 50 to 140 feet, that recommendation is understandable. In addition, much of Antigua's waters are very calm.

  Visitors to Antigua have several beaches from which to choose including Cades Reef and Deep bay which features the wreck of the Andes, a ship which sank in 1905 and is home to many schools of fish.

Curaçao Underwater Marine Park, Curacao

• Opened in 1983, the Curaçao Underwater Marine Park runs along 12 miles of Curacao's southern coastline. The park was created to prevent the degeneration of the habitat and the creatures that live there. Visitors can see miles of coral and many shipwrecks that have been there for more than 100 years. The many fish that call the area home add to the snorkeling experience.

Buck Island, St. Croix

• Located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Buck Island is an 840-acre area that features exciting snorkeling and other attractions. It is a national park that is protected by the U.S. National Park Service and was designated a top snorkeling location by Frommers.

  Snorkelers can see corals, crustaceans, sponges and more in the crystal clear waters. The island is also home to turtles, snakes, birds and several plant species.

Provo Island, Turks and Caicos

• Both Frommers and "Caribbean Edge Magazine" list Provo Island as a key destination for Caribbean snorkeling. Situated in the Turks and Caicos, the island is home to two government-designated snorkeling site. These sites, Smith's Reef and Bight Reef, are located at Grace Bay Beach and feature coral reefs, which are located right off the shoreline, and thus are very accessible.

Read More ..... »

Snorkeling in Southern California

The oily yellow-brown fronds of giant kelp float in a tangle on the surface while below, brilliant yellow and orange California Garabaldi dart through the stalks, leopard sharks skim across the bottom and Dungeness crab skitter through the sand. Typical of much of Southern California’s rocky shorelines, kelp forests, the sea life they support, and the clear blue water surrounding them make snorkeling in California a unique experience.

Catalina Island

• Some of Southern California's best snorkeling is at Catalina Island, a desert island about 26 miles off the coast from Los Angeles. The island's best snorkeling area, Lover’s Cove, is south of Avalon, Catalina's only town. The area features shallow water with a rocky entry accessible along a walk path from town. Lover’s Cove is an underwater sanctuary, so the abundant fish, including the bright yellow Garibaldi, Calfornia’s state fish, and other denizens swimming through the kelp forests off the rocky points aren’t timid and often eat out of a snorkeler’s hands. Visibility is quite good, sometimes up to 40 feet or more in depths from 10 to about 25 feet. The water can be quite chilly, however, so a wetsuit might be needed. Several charter companies provide both sea and air transportation from the mainland to Avalon on a regular basis.

Topaz Jetty

• About 13 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles is the Topaz Jetty in Redondo Beach. When the ocean swells are running from the south, conditions on the north side of the granite boulder, man-made jetty are ideal for snorkeling. The area has a sandy beach entry. Depths range from about 12 feet to nearly 40 at the tip of the jetty. On calm days, visibility can be quite good, and the rocks abound with sea anemones and sea stars. A whole variety of different crabs cluster near the rocks on the bottom along with an occasional Pacific lobster or octopus. About 100 yards northwest of the jetty are the remnants of Redondo Beach Pier number three. The remaining pilings are about 40 feet down. Street parking is plentiful on the Esplanade above Topaz Street Beach.

Malaga Cove

• On the southern tip of the Santa Monica Bay between Torrance Beach and Palos Verdes Estates is Malaga Cove. Although the beach entry into the water is over loose rocks that can be treacherous, the area has clear water with visibility up to 40 feet. Kelp forests and mermaid’s-hair sea grass line rocky bottoms that occasionally break into sandy patches in depths of 15 to 25 feet. Garibaldi abound in this area, as do leopard sharks, sea stars, sand bass, calico bass, decorator crabs and bat rays. There are a lot of small schooling fish to swim through, and loads of octopi hiding in the rocky crevasses. Free parking is in a lot on Palos Verdes Drive South, and a sloping foot path leads down to the beach.

La Jolla Cove

• La Jolla Cove is a small beach between two sandstone cliffs a short walk from downtown La Jolla in San Diego County. Due to the clarity of the water, ease of entry and its inclusion as part of the 6,000 acre La Jolla Underwater Park, the cove is extremely popular with snorkeling enthusiasts. Since the clear, shallow waters and kelp forests the area contains are under the constraints of an ecological preserve, the abundant sea life isn’t shy. Garibaldi, half moon, yellow tail, rockfish and schools of sardine are common. From June to November, the shallow bottom entertains large numbers of leopard sharks that come to La Jolla Cove to spawn. Fascinating to watch, leopard sharks are not dangerous to snorkelers. Parking is plentiful in town, and the beach is just a short walk away.

Read More ..... »

Snorkeling at Anahola Beach, Hawaii

Cobalt blue skies, hot pink hibiscus, lush fern green mountain ranges and blood-red dirt pack a visual punch on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai. If you really want to experience an eye-popping variegation of vibrant hues, submerge yourself in the waters fronting Anahola Beach in northeast Kauai. Embarking on a snorkeling adventure here presents “The Garden Isle” in a whole new light.

Underwater

• Anahola Beach is home to a large reef that not only serves as protection from moderate waves, but also provides a welcome environment for Hawaii’s vast sea life. The beach’s waters host a dazzling array of fish, including multicolored angelfish, neon yellow butterflyfish, the greenish-white fork-tailed damselfish and electric blue parrotfish. Hawaiian sea turtles are also regular visitors to Anahola Beach. On rare occasions, you may even spy an endangered monk seal. If you do, respect its space. Given the fragility of the reef’s ecosystem and its inhabitants, remember to follow the cardinal rule of snorkeling: “Look, but don’t touch.” In addition, be realistic when exploring Anahola’s waters. While a variety of flashy fish reside there, you are not guaranteed a close encounter every time you don your snorkeling gear.

Safety

• Anahola Beach is situated on the windward side of Kauai. Consequently, it is subject to more inclement weather than beaches on the sunny leeward side. Cloudy skies and high winds produce strong currents in Anahola’s shallow waters. These conditions can prove detrimental, whether you are a beginner or advanced snorkeler. Rip currents are strongest at the mouth of the Anahola Stream, which feeds into the ocean near the center of the beach. Avoid snorkeling here; instead, stick to the east side of the beach where calmer waters prevail. A lifeguard is present at Anahola Beach seven days a week, during daylight hours only.

Facilities

• Breaks from snorkeling can be spent strolling on the soft, golden sand that covers Anahola Beach’s nearly half-mile-long shoreline. The crescent-shaped beach sports stunning views of the Kalalea Mountains and a plethora of local flora. Soak in the scenery while picnicking under shady coconut and ironwood trees. The beach also includes restrooms, showers, water fountains, picnic tables and grills. Overnight camping and fishing are allowed with proper permits. Parking is free in the beach’s dirt lot located just steps away from the sand and water. A grassy area and small playground are also nestled near the parking lot.

Crowds

• Due to its secluded location, Anahola Beach is far from being a tourist magnet. To access the beach you must veer off the beaten path. Turn off Kuhio Highway at the 13-mile marker onto Kukuihale Road. Drive a mile, then turn onto the dirt road that leads to the beach’s parking lot. Despite its remote locale, Anahola is not entirely crowd-free. The beach sits on Hawaiian Home Lands, as dictated by the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. The legislation ensures homesteading for Native Hawaiians. Given its proximity to local homesteads, the beach fills up quickly on weekends and holidays. It also gets congested in the height of the summer season and during extended school breaks in fall, winter and spring. Crowds are sparse mid-week and in the early morning hours. Arrive before noon to secure parking.

Read More ..... »

Good Snorkeling From the Shore in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Florida is home to the only barrier reef along the continental United States and Fort Lauderdale is one of the premier spots where snorkelers can appreciate it. At the northern end of the 350-mile multi-tiered natural reef, the warm waters support vibrant marine life. Eighty shipwrecks create mature artificial reefs, supplemented by 75 more artificial reefs positioned over the past 20 years to foster new growth. In places, the reefs are as close as 75 yards from shore and shallow enough to be seen from the surface.

Snorkeling Off the Beach

• At John U. Lloyd State Park in Dania Beach, an offshore reef teeming with tropical fish and sport fish, Florida lobster and lots of coral formations are about 100 yards out. At Vista Park Reef in Fort Lauderdale, a short swim takes snorkelers to a reef where coral formations as high as 3 feet are seen in depths of 10 to 20 feet. Nearby, just east of the Sheraton in Fort Lauderdale, swim about 75 yards from the public beach to a fairly shallow site. Half a mile south from the Pompano Pier, the snorkeling site is more of a stretch; experienced swimmers will be rewarded with wonders about 350 yards from the shore where the coral reef depth is less than 20 feet.

Wreck of the SS Copenhagen

• One of Florida's best known shipwrecks, SS Copenhagen, lies in the waters just three-quarters of a mile from Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. Here, the steamship schooner carrying coal crashed into a reef and sunk in 1900. The historic site is both scuba- and snorkel-friendly, accessed by many local excursion boat operators. Even closer to shore, a new artificial snorkel trail has been created, considered one of Florida's best shore dives. Dedicated by underwater explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau in 2002, an authentic 1930s anchor is supplemented by recreations of 16th century cannons and a ballast pile using molds based on historic models. Sunk in less than 15 feet of water just 200 feet off the beach south of Anglin's Pier, the site is marked with a white swim buoy. This recreated wreck project of the Marine Archaeological Council is already home to stingrays, spiny lobster, nurse sharks, conger eel and colorful reef fish of many varieties.

Fort Lauderdale Twin Ledges

• Some snorkelers enter the water right off the quieter north end of Fort Lauderdale Beach. A bit farther out, with more dense marine life activity, Fort Lauderdale Twin Ledges is a natural coral reef only half a mile offshore from Las Olas Boulevard and Sunrise Boulevard. With a depth of only 7 to 20 feet, it's an ideal spot for snorkelers to view lace, sponge and brain coral formations and abundant fish. A Sea Experience vessel, with two 3-foot by 9-foot glass windows, visits the reef twice daily.

Snorkeling Vessel Excursions

• Snorkel off of a dive boat to get farther out in the warm turquoise waters. Charters by Sea Experience, South Florida Diving Headquarters and Dixie Divers are three of the many operators with years of experience who know where the best wrecks for snorkeling are located. As a convenience, equipment is included and children under age 10 are typically free of charge. Bring a swimsuit, towel and a camera. If friends or family members don't want to jump in, they'll get a great view through the glass-windowed boats. Avoid going after a storm when choppy or murky water reduces underwater visibility.

Read More ..... »

Snorkeling and Diving on Molasses Reef, Florida

Clear water, shallow depths and an incredible array of vibrant coral and marine life help make Molasses Reef one of the most popular dive and snorkel sites in the United States. Visibility can reach up to an astounding 100 feet, boasting some of the best underwater views in the state that keep swimmers -- atop the water or below the surface -- coming back for more.

Building a Reef

• Molasses Reef is part of the Florida Reef Tract, the only living barrier reef in the continental United States. About 5,000 square feet of Molasses Reef was destroyed when a freighter ran aground there in 1984, but a team of marine specialists transplanted coral clippings from other reefs in 2003 and the area has thrived. The great visibility throughout Molasses Reef is because of its shallow depths -- much of the reef is in 15 to 30 feet of water, although it goes as deep as 70 feet -- and its proximity to the Gulf Stream, which clears some contaminants from the water.

Catch a Boat

• Pretty much every dive shop in Key Largo goes to Molasses Reef on a regular basis. Silent World Dive Center and Horizon Divers are two well-known options, and both limit the number of passengers on the boat so you're not stumbling over other people to get into the water. Most dive shops choose the sites they'll visit based on weather and water conditions, so it's a good idea to call a day ahead and ask if they're planning to go to Molasses Reef before booking your spot. Make it clear you want to hit Molasses; the staff may not be able to guarantee anything, but most charters take site requests into consideration.

Up Top

• Once you're in the waters of Molasses Reef, prepare to be dazzled. Snorkelers should stay in the northern section of the reef, where the reef's spur and groove coral formations sit in depths ranging between 15 and 40 feet -- making for some of the best visibility in the Keys. You'll swim above huge brain coral colonies, staghorn coral, star coral and more, and will be able to spot the grunts, jacks, angelfish, parrotfish and sea turtles that frequent the area.

Down in It

• Divers can swim here or head south to deeper areas. This is the domain of nurse sharks, and you'll likely spot some goliath grouper. The fire coral caves are a series of small swim-through caves where parrotfish and angelfish hang out, and you can enter the larger swim-through cave known as the Hole in the Wall. Nearby, you can see remnants of past shipwrecks, such as a winch and an old Spanish anchor.

Read More ..... »

Snorkeling Near Fort Myers, Florida

The beaches near Fort Myers, on Florida's southwest coast, offer easy access to prime snorkeling spots, many of which are just a few swim strokes from the sand. The Gulf of Mexico along this stretch has clear, calm waters and vibrant marine life — even novice snorkelers can hope to spot manatees, dolphins and leatherback sea turtles.

Hitting Bottom

• About 30 miles south of Fort Myers lies Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, which is dominated by a pristine beach on its western edge. Bring your own snorkel gear to parking area 2 of the park, toward the southern end, and swim out about 200 feet from the shore to reach a hard-bottom reef that runs parallel to the beach. The reef is in about 10 feet of water, so visibility is great to spot grunts, sea robins and other reef fish.

Shell Crazy

• Though Cayo Costa State Park is due west of Fort Myers, you have to drive a winding route and take a ferry or private boat to reach this barrier island. There's no reef to attract large amounts of marine life, but snorkeling in the shallows can reveal sand dollars and seashells hidden beneath the seabed. Dolphins, manatees and sea turtles are also known to visit these waters, so keep your eyes peeled for a close encounter. After swimming back to shore, you can continue your shelling adventure among the myriad shells that get washed up daily.

Underwater Forest

• Just a few miles north of Cayo Costa is Stump Pass Beach, another barrier island in the Gulf. The white-sand beach is a gorgeous sight, but head to the southern end, where the vegetation encroaches onto the shore, for the best snorkeling in the park. Fish congregate around the branches and roots of fallen trees that sit in the shallows. Generally calm water makes for great visibility, so look for sharks' teeth hidden in the sand, as well.

Turtle Power

• A little more than an hour's drive north from Fort Myers will take you to Casey Key Beach. Snorkelers at this beach tend to gravitate toward the south jetty, as small fish often cluster around the rocks. The main attraction for lovers of marine life, however, are the leatherback turtles that frequent the area. These behemoths are most often seen during spring months, when females come to lay eggs. Leatherback turtles are a protected species, so don't interfere with their actions, and do not touch any nests you might see on the shore.

Read More ..... »