On our recent trip to Kauai, Dustin’s uncle (Larry) and father (Paul) tagged along with us to visit this beautiful island. Since Larry had never snorkeled before, so we were picky as to where to take him. Kauai is the least developed of all the major Hawaiian Islands, it has pristine water and plenty of unique species of fish and other ocean creatures. However, depending on the season, the ocean current can be quite strong and extremely dangerous. Below are our recommendations for the best snorkeling spots in Kauai for beginners. These snorkeling spots are also perfect during winters when the swells are too strong.
Kauai Snorkeling Safety and Etiquette
The coral reef is a VERY delicate LIVING organism. It is also home to tons of vibrant living sea creatures. So PLEASE, make sure to avoid stepping on, touching or disturbing its inhabitants. Reef-safe sunscreen is also a must! Regular sunscreens will damage our precious, already fragile reef. Also, stay at least 30 ft away from the Green Sea Turtles. They are protected by law.
It is also very important to pay attention to your surroundings when snorkeling. The ocean currents can get very strong. They can overpower even a strong swimmer if you venture out of the protected areas. The best rule of thumb before getting in the ocean is to observe the water for 20 minutes before entering. Make sure to observe the current and aware of any obstacles such as rocks.
Poipu Beach Park
If you want to see the sea turtles, go to Poipu Beach! Especially early in the morning around sunrise. The turtles usually sleep on the sand for the night. In the morning, they go back into the water. Remember, the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles are protected by law. Please give them plenty of space and DO NOT touch or harass them. Besides the turtles, if you’re lucky, you can also spot Hawaiian monk seals. This is partly the reason why Poipu Beach is one of the best snorkeling spots in Kauai.
There is a medium-sized cove here for snorkelers and swimmers. This cove is home to tons of colorful fish and sea creatures. The best way to enter is in the sandy area near the rock wall. If you are facing the water, this will be on your left. Once you enter, you’ll want to go toward the right-hand side of the cove. If you swim closer to the shore it will take you around a rock wall that sticks up just under the surface of the water.
It is a great place to swim, but you have to be careful, as the water level rises and falls you can get slammed down onto the rocks and that wouldn’t be fun since it is jagged lava rock. Once you pass the wall you will be in the spot that has the best snorkeling. The good thing is, there are lifeguards here. However, if you are a beginner, stay close to shore!
The surrounding areas of Poipu beach are worth exploring as well. This place is gorgeous during sunrise and sunset. Make sure to give yourself some extra time to do this place justice.
Lydgate Park, Keiki Pond
This pond at Lydgate Park is the perfect place for beginners. The water here is protected from the open sea all year round because of a man-made rock wall. Although there is no coral reef there, there are tons of colorful fish swimming near the outer rocks.
Lydgate Park is family-friendly. Besides the beautiful, sandy beach, it also has lifeguards, restrooms, shaded picnic tables, and a huge playground. This snorkeling spot in Kauai is a unique one. You’ll constantly see new fish arriving all the time. They are carried in by the waves that wash over the rock walls. We even saw a barracuda when we were there! If you want to see a turtle though, this is not the spot to be. You’ll have better luck at other snorkeling spots in Kauai such as Anini or Poipu Beach.
The water at the pond is very shallow at the entry. You will have tons of time to get your gear ready and adapt to the water. The middle of the pond can be around 10ft deep. Most of the fish will hang out around the large rocks just inside the rock wall. Be careful when you’re exploring around here. The waves can make it over the wall and hit you. Because of the sandy bottom, the center of the pond can be murky.
Anini Beach
Anini Beach is hands down one of our favorite snorkeling spots in Kauai, for beginners and experienced swimmers alike. The reef along the coast of Anini Beach is one of the longest in Hawaii. The water here can get quite shallow, especially during low tide. Because of this, it becomes a popular snorkel spot for beginners and intermediate to advance snorkelers. The coral reef here at Anini beach is full of colorful fish and sea turtles. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see a giant manta ray.
There is plenty of parking at this beach. Once you get down to the beach, the reef is about 300 ft or so to the right of the boat ramp. We were told by Lisa, a local marine biologist, that this spot here is known as the turtle cleaning station. If you’re willing and capable of swimming out about 60 yards or so, you can see tons of the protected Green Sea Turtles.
Since turtles can’t reach their backs, they must find other ways to keep their shells free of algae and other things. These things can slow the turtle down and it probably itches. Therefore, besides finding a reef that provides shelter and plenty of food, turtles also set up a cleaning station. This is where all the algae eaters such as angelfish, tangs, or damselfish live. The turtles take turns, often sharing or presenting themselves to the fish so they can eat all the algae off their shells. It was quite interesting to watch. Please make sure to pay attention to your surroundings and don’t go too far out into the strong current.
If you’re a beginner, stay in the shallow area. You don’t have to go too far out to see beautiful fish and sea creatures. Anini beach is also gorgeous during sunset. So plan to stay to watch the beautiful sun setting over the still water.
Don’t forget to check out our blog on some super cool things to do in Kauai such as tubing through the sugar plantation, take a Zodiac Boat Ride along Na Pali Coast, hike to the top of Waipo’o Falls in Waimea Canyon or the off the beaten path Kalepa Ridge trail.
If you do island hopping, you can check out on some fun things to do on Oahu and the Big Island such as Top 10 off the beaten path things to do in Oahu, Top 10 things to do on the Big Island, exploring Kaumana Lava Caves, hike Kiholo – Queens Bath Hike, or taking scenic drives through Kapoho Kalapana Road Scenic Drive, Chain of Craters Road – Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or Onomea (Pepe’ekeo) Scenic Drive – Hilo.
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RECOMMEND GEAR:
Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
• Sunscreen:
Make sure to use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen to protect our reef and marine wildlife. We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter – Zinc Oxide – Coral Reef Safe and All Good Sport Sunscreen Lotion – Coral Reef Safe (3 oz)(2-Pack) or Stream2Sea SPF 30 Reef Safe Sport Tinted Sunscreen.
• Snorkel mask
We use OUSPT Full Face Snorkel Mask.
• Fins
These are the ones we used, U.S. Divers Trek Fin – Compact Snorkel Fins and U.S. Divers Proflex FX Fin.
• Towels and beach gears
You’re going to the beach, so this is kind of obvious.
• Water shoes or sandals
Definitely recommended because the lava rocks are very sharp and will get very hot in the sun. Vy uses UBFEN Women’s Water shoes. Dustin has UBFEN Men’s Water shoes.
• Flotation belt
If you’re not a very good swimmer, a flotation belt will help you be more comfortable in the water. Vy uses these every time she goes snorkel.
CAMERA GEAR:
• Camera:
Sony a7 III
Gopro Hero 7 Black
• Lenses:
Sony 24 -70mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T Zoom Lens
Sony 18 – 250mm f/3.5-6.3 High Magnification Zoom Lens
• Accessories:
Bobber – Floating Hand Grip for GoPro HERO Cameras
