Snorkel in Kauai

By Ted Felber

If you are looking for the greatest place to snorkel in Hawaii, you will find Kauai to the one you want to head to. There is an area called the Na Pali coast and it has the most diverse underwater scenery than any other island on the planet. You will only be able to get to this area by water methods as there is no land access. There are many stunning areas with many different species of fish. You may even get lucky and be able to snorkel with some marine mammals as well.

If you are just learning how to snorkel, this will be a great area to start with. If you can swim, you will have no problem snorkeling. If you need help floating, you can wear a life vest and that will give you added protection. Those who are not fit can still enjoy snorkeling and can be successful at it. It is always best to check with your family physician before starting any new physical hobby.

There are a few items you will need to begin snorkeling; these are bathing suit, snorkel, mask and fins. Since the temperature of the water is warm, you will not need a wet or dry suit to snorkel. Good fitting gear is a must when snorkeling. You will also need to apply a waterproof sun block so that you do not get sun burnt. You may also want to wear a tee shirt while snorkeling for added protection.

There are several important safety rules to keep in mind when snorkeling. First, always be aware of the ocean conditions before going out. The Kauai Ocean Report is updated regularly and will have current information that you need. The second safety guide to remember is never snorkel alone. If you are snorkeling for the first time, it's a good idea to have an experienced guide to go with you. Always have a point of reference on shore and check it periodically to make sure you still have your bearings. It's easy to drift farther than you realize when you're underwater.

You want to go snorkeling when the waters are not rough. Make sure you are in an area where this is not much commotion so that the view under the water will be visible. When the waters are not calm, currents can take you to places you do not wish to go and you can lose control. This is not the best way to get the full enjoyment of the surroundings and your snorkeling adventure. You may want to go out early in the day or at low tide when the waters are more typically calm.

You want to keep to the reefs and not travel to far into the sandy areas. There are not many fish or pretty views on a sandy bottom and you do not want to come across any dangerous marine life that you may encounter on a sandy bottom area. You also want to make sure that you avoid sharp areas of coral that can cut you badly.

Finally, if you are ever uncomfortable when you are going out snorkeling, you may want to save it for another day. Safety always comes first and this will make for a more pleasant adventure when you are truly ready.

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