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Scuba and Snorkeling in Kauai | |
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This information is compiled to assist guests who rent our Condo at the Cliffs Resort. If you've arrived at this page as a result of a web search on Kauai Diving, we hope you benefit from the information. And if you need lodging, thank you for considering us. |
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Enjoying the underwater life in Kauai is a must-do adventure on Kauai.
Approximately 680 species of fish live in the Hawaiian Island Chain. Like a kaleidoscope, colorful reef fish offer viewers an ever changing vista
below the ocean's surface. Anyone can snorkel. Those with
experience in Scuba can enhance their underwater experience to the next level.
Another option is snuba. Snuba is simpler than either scuba or snorkeling, yet allows the visitor more time up close to fish. One operator in Poipu specializes in snuba. Most of Kauai's boating companies offer snorkeling as part of their tour and will stop in areas where colorful fish are known to gather. Trained crew members help with gear and provide tips on how to make the most of your adventure. Another option is to go with experts who specialize in shore based excursions. If you're new to the island or new to snorkeling, it make sense to get professional help until you learn the basics. SCUBA & SNORKEL INFORMATION Always try your gear on before entering the water. Friendly green sea turtles are a highlight of snorkeling and diving in Kauai. All turtles in Hawaiian waters are endangered species, and therefore protected by international law. There is a $10,000 fine for disturbing them. Coral and mollusks (underwater creatures that live in shells) are animals. Please don't break off "souvenir" pieces or remove them from their natural environment. Leave everything where you find it for the next person to enjoy. Wear waterproof sunscreen SPF 15 or better. |
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BEST PLACES The best places to dive are determined by your dive-master. They are familiar with the conditions and the underwater experience. The best know and one of the best dive spots on the south shore is the caverns. It is directly off the Poipu beach resort area. The site consists of a series of lava tubes interconnected by a chain of archways. A constant parade of fish stream by. Even the shy lionfish can be spotted lurking in crevices. Brightly hued Hawaiian lobsters hide in the lava's tiny holes and turtles swim past. The north shore offers a magnificent dive know as the Oceanarium northwest of Hanalei Bay. Here, you will find a kaleidoscopic marine world in a horseshoe-shaped cove. From the rare long-handled spiny lobsters to the more common eels, taape, and nudibranches, the resident population is one of the most diverse on the island. The topography is pinnacles, ridges, and archways covered with cup corals and black coral trees. Significantly better than the main island of Kauai is the small island Niihau located 27 miles southwest of Kauai. Boats leave from Port Arthur and make an open water crossing. The best places to Snorkel are determined by the weather conditions and does vary from North to East to South to West Shore. Some popular spots are discussed here. Once you have determined the appropriate locale, click on the above links for a web page of recommended sites. The best place to purchase or rent snorkel gear is probably Snorkel Bob's in Kapaa. The store has a wide range including RX lens snorkel masks. If your snorkeling will be just a day or two around the North Shore, consider Pedal N' Paddle. |
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TOUR OPERATORS If you wish to go snuba or scuba you will need to hook up with a tour operator/dive-master. If you are interested in snorkeling, you may elect to use a tour operator or freelance off one of the many beach accessible areas. The list below is compiled from the yellow pages and from the leaflets that are available at Lihue Airport by baggage claim. Use the information to call ahead and get some ideas on planning your vacation. We recommend waiting until you are on the island and have a chance to observe local conditions before actually booking. Tour operators with a website are likely to be larger
operations. |
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SNORKEL OPERATORS NORTH SHORE
Hanalei Water Sports 808-826-7509 Kauai Sea Tours 808-826-7254 Snorkel Depot 808-826-9983 Captain Zodiac 808-826-9371 or 800-422-7824 Captain Sundown's NaPali Sail 808-826-5585
www.captainsundown.com
DIVE OPERATORS NORTH SHORE Hanalei Water Sports 808-826-7509
Ocean Quest 822-3589
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SNORKEL OPERATORS WEST SHORE Blue Dolphin Charters 808-335-5553. www.kauaiboats.com 63 foot catamaran or 56 foot trimaran with snorkel stops. Port Allen departure. The Catamaran Kahuna 808-335-3577
Holo Holo Charters 808-335-0815 Mana Divers 808-335-0881 Makana Charters and Tours 808-335-6137 or 888-335-6137 DIVE OPERATORS WEST COAST Bubbles Below Scuba Charters 808-332-7333 www.bubblesbelowkauai.com |
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SNORKEL OPERATORS EAST SHORE Aloha Kauai Tours 808-245-6400 www.alohakauaitours.com
Rainbow Runner Sails 808-632-0202 Snorkel Bob's 808-823-9433. Snorkel Cat adventure Tours 808-635-7333 Captain Don's Ocean Adventures 808-826-6264. DIVE OPERATORS EAST SHORE Sacred Seas Scuba 808-635-7327 or 877-441-3483
www.sacredseasscuba.com
Ocean Odyssey Dive Tours 808-245-8681
www.kauaiboats.com . Watersports Adventures 808-821-1599 Wet-N-Wonderful Ocean Sports 808-822-0211 Dive Kauai Scuba Center 808-822-0452 or 800-828-6515 Scuba Cat Divers 808-639-4722 |
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SNORKEL OPERATORS SOUTH SHORE AAA Napali Riders Ocean Rafting 808-742-6331 www.napaliriders.com Zodiac boats leave from Port Allen and include snorkel stop.
Poipu Zodiac Tour 808-742-7422
Kauai Snorkel Tours 808-742-7576
SeasPort Divers 808-742-9303 Snuba Tours of Kauai 808-823-8912
DIVE OPERATORS SOUTH SHORE
SeasPort Divers 808-742-9303
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OTHER WEBSITES More information on Snuba. Identifying locations worldwide. Information on some Kauai Sea Life. www.hawaiiscubadiving.com Good overview of diving on Kauai. Includes review of dive companies.
www.tropicalsnorkeling.com -- Lists popular snorkel spots in Kauai
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