You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page. In season – that is, from October to April (with a peak from December to February) – it can be dangerous to swim, as the bay is only partially sheltered. Pretty good fish, neat coral and rocks. This is bar none, the best spot on Oahu to snorkel, skin dive and scuba dive. Use Google Maps or your preferred navigation system to get there. It is really sad that the waves get too big in the winter time. Great area to dive with overhangs, walls, crevices, etc. Sharks Cove forms a little circular bay that you can explore in its entirety if the sea conditions permit. I was at Shark's Cove in Late August and it was amazing. About half the divers had them. The conditions here can be dangerous, especially during the winter swells, so snorkel at your own risk. Tips for Your Trip and FAQ. You will enter the water from the shore (beach, pontoon, ladder, rocks) or from a boat. Sharks cove surf report. It was a shallow dive (25 ft) with about 25 ft visibility.
If you follow the coast west, you'll see some impressive rock formations, including one known as the Cathedral. What to Bring When Snorkeling at Shark's Cove. Watch the sunset at Sunset Beach– Don't forget to watch the sunset at one of the best places on the island to watch a spectacular sunset.
We concluded that this is among both of our best dives ever. Amenities: Small rinse showers, bathrooms/port-a-johns, food trucks across the street. Most of the dive is at 20-30 feet along the wall. For a first dive it would be fine, however, to stay toward the middle and enjoy just being under clear water. It feels just like a maze, and I just get lost every time I'm there, and I always seem to be low on air. But once in a while a swell can emerge in the summer as well, so pay attention when you arrive. Shark's Cove in Oahu, Hawaiian Islands | Zentacle - Scuba Diving and Snorkel Reviews, Maps, and Photos. There are days when people reported seeing vast amounts of marine life close to shore and others where people snorkeled all around and didn't see much. DO NOT attempt without proper training and calm conditions) The elevator is a vertical lava tube that descends directly down (25-30 ft) to a cavern. We had beautiful conditions, clear visibility, and almost no surf. Snorkel out to the middle and then take a heading of North out to the 2nd point on the right. Going to the right, you run into a VAST array of lava tubes, swim-throughs, alcoves and caves. Actually I saw more colorful fish within the shoreline. Other interesting things were a purple nudibranch, spotted eel and the juvenile puffers. Not too many cars get broken in there due to the amount of beach traffic.
The surf tends to get large during the winter months and flat during the summer months. Sergeant, Blackspot. The dives were good, minimal surf and first was at low tide. I suggest just taking what you need as opposed to bringing your whole beach bag – I usually just leave my towel and flip flops on the beach.
Mullet, Sharpnose – school. I went to this site 3 days in a row at 3 different arrival times and NEVER had trouble. The entry involves walking down a rocky trail, and entering where a lot of underwater boulders are present. You will be following the shelf. I would say I had a great time if it were not for the fact that I lost my wedding ring in there. Shark's Cove: Everything You Need to Know About Snorkeling this Popular Cove (2023. We checked the right side and then spent the remainder of the dive on the left side. This part of the coast is popular with tourists, and there are many restaurants, snack bars and hotels along the main road.
At the moment water temperature is 71°F and the average water temperature is 71°F. Layout of Pupukea beach park. Saw Turtles and coming through one of the caverns (15 feet through) was picturesque, absolutely astounding like swimming in a big fish aquarium. I'd dive there again. The elevator is an EXTREMELY hazardous entry. Shark's Cove: Your Guide to Snorkeling on Oahu's North Shore | Self-Guided Audio Tours. Under the right conditions the entry is reasonable. I was in the water by 7 and out by 9 when the bulk of the people showed up. It's definitely a colorful mix, and they tend to swim in large schools. The lot gets a little full, but you should be able to find parking without much effort. Since the coral is crushed by the winter surf, very little here, compact shapes only, no soft coral.
Rocky coastal area & tidal pools teeming with small fish for snorkeling, plus showers & restrooms. Once you go down it makes for a nice dive, little surge and a few swim throughs. While there are shallow parts, big wave breaks make this area a little more challenging and dangerous to swim in. If you prefer guesthouses or want to find a different hotel, I recommend searching on I use this to book accommodation when I travel and can usually find a good deal on their site. Sharks cove snorkeling conditions today article. Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Driving Directions From Waikiki. Once you dive down, follow the northern wall of the cove out to the open water. Here's the cove with the entry on the left. We dove here four times this week and every dive was fun. This is a must dive spot!
The facilities are excellent: restrooms, showers, walking distance to grocery store, shouting distance to EMS (Fire station shares a parking lot), and the parking is only tight on the busiest of weekends. They are smaller in size and therefore less intimidating. You must be logged in to post a comment. Level: Free shore access. The reef is also very sharp. Be sure to wear booties/water shoes while getting in, because the entrance can be rocky. Hugged the edge of the rock/shore face and found numerous caves and swim-throughs. For the cavern and cave divers, it's a fun place to explore. First of all, don't be put off by the name.