Snorkeling in Kauai
Posted on 05 August 2010 by Katie
Snorkel Gear
Selecting proper fitting and quality snorkel gear will make all the difference in creating an epic snorkeling adventure.
- A Proper Fit: visit one of Kauai’s many dive or surf shops and buy/rent gear which fits properly A Good
- A Good Seal: select a mask which seals to your face even without the strap. Vaseline can help minimize mustache leaks (rub around the seal where the mask contacts your mustache)
- Glasses or Contacts: request a mask with corrective lenses
- Keep Warm: if you chill easily a wetsuit top (wind shirt) can keep you warm
- Get Rid of Fog: soap keeps the fog factor down for maximum visibility. Wash the inside glass of your mask with soap and rinse thoroughly.
Find the Right Location
When and where you snorkel will make a major difference. Preferably, you are looking for calm waters without waves that are protected by reefs. These tropical reefs and corals are where the colorful fish live, so that’s where you’ll want to go. Always check for current ocean conditions before entering the water.
- Coves, Reefs and Bays: Kauai offers many protected snorkeling areas for optimal snorkeling enjoyment. Reef areas offer the most abundant and diverse fish populations. Use the Kauai beach guide to find these spots.
- Time It Right: the water is generally calmer at low tide and in the morning (before the wind comes up)
- Safety First: most reefs have sandy channels which allow for safe, easy entry into the water
Technique: Just Relax
Proper technique will make you a better snorkeler. If you’re a beginner, you may want to seek instructions from a land based or boat based snorkeling tour. Often times, these companies will provide the snorkeling gear for you.
- Just Float: you will surely find that your body wants to float on the surface, start in shallow water and get used to floating while breathing through the snorkel.
- Gentle Motion: simply float and kick gently to move around, waving your arms in the water can startle the fish.
- Snorkels Clear: if your snorkel fills with water, don’t worry. Just clear if with a strong blast of air. Practice in shallow water.
Ready for a fun day of snorkeling on one of Kauai’s beautiful beaches? Get ready for tropical fish, green sea turtles, colorful color and other ocean wildlife.
- Makua (Tunnels) – Tunnels beach offers more privacy than Ke’e with similar ocean wildlife.
- Poipu Beach Park – Not so many fish, but great for learning, Poipu beach is protected and lifeguarded.
- Lydgate Beach Park – Lydgate is protected which makes it another great beach for beginners.
- Ke’e Beach – A popular beach (yes it’s crowded), the end of the road offers a protected lagoon teaming with tropical fish.
Related posts:
- Why Kauai?
- The Beaches of Kauai
- Best Resort Kids Club Activities
- Kauai’s History Revealed
- Beach Wedding Destinations
Tags | Kauai beach, Ke'e Beach, Poipu beach, Recreation, Snorkeling, Underwater diving
