Ultimate Guide to Snorkeling on Kauai

If you would like the opportunity to observe underwater sea life without all the complicated equipment needed for scuba diving, then snorkeling might be your sport. Snorkeling is a fun recreational sport that does not require any special certification. The Hawaiian Islands are ideal for snorkeling, and Kauai in particular has some great snorkeling spots throughout the island. This is a guide to snorkeling on the island of Kauai.

There are a number or snorkel rental shops throughout the island if you decided to leave your own gear at home. If you are not into renting gear, you can buy gear relatively inexpensively at some of the big box stores on Kauai.

If you have never snorkeled before, there are two outfits that offer guided snorkeling tours. Aloha Kauai Tours offers their SeaFun Guided Snorkel tour for about $80. They pick you up and take you to a safe snorkeling location and provide drinks and snacks. Seafun Snorkel tours are one of the best on the island; they can help anyone enjoy snorkeling. At the Princeville Hotel, Hanalei Watersports also offers guided snorkel tours for $45.

The north shore of Kauai has some great snorkeling beaches, but the snorkeling here is seasonal. The best times to snorkel on the north shore of Kauai is from May till September. Ke'e Beach is great for snorkeling, tons of fish, clear waters and turtles. Tunnels is another beach on the north shore that is great for snorkeling. The ocean is a rainbow of colors and truly amazing. Make sure you bring your waterproof camera.

The east shore also has some great beaches for snorkeling, as long as the seas are calm. Lydgate State Park is one of the best snorkeling parks on the island. The beach features bolder protected pools that allow for relatively calm water perfect for snorkeling. Nukoli'i Beach Park can also be a good place for snorkeling, but only when the waters are calm.

On the south shore of Kauai Po'ipu Beach Park is a great place for snorkeling, especially when the north shore is swelling with waves, Po'ipu is calm like a swimming pool. Kiahuna Beach, which is right in front of the Sheraton Hotel, is one of the most user-friendly beaches on the island and is nice for snorkeling. Lawa'i Beach is calm and good place for beginner snorkelers, except when the tide is high.

The seas on the west side of Kauai are a little less predictable and there are few protected swimming areas, and therefore know known safe snorkeling beaches.

If you want to swim with the fishes, get your mask, snorkel and fins, and get in the water. Kauai has some of the most beautiful fish in the entire world. This guide to snorkeling on Kauai will help get you started.