We will receive a small commission if you make a purchase through these links at no extra cost to you. , so get there early if you want to get your group a good spot. After snorkeling, enjoy lunch (if option selected ) and two provided . But if you are trying to spot one, please respect that theyre an endangered species and give them 25+ feet of space. Each provides a unique experience, whether youll snorkel, sail, or kayak amongst these sea turtles. Guests can grab snorkel gear from the resort or get hooked up with a local guide. Hours: 8:00a.m. Here are some responsible viewing guidelines recommended by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the State of Hawaii: Always keep a safe distance. Lawai Swim with Kauai sea turtles in the turquoise waters off Lawai Beach just next to the Beach House restaurant. Just a stones throw away from the Beach House restaurant, you can jump right in, relax and keep an eye out for some sea turtles. . We saw everything you could see at Po'ipu and more. If youre lucky, you can also spot Hawaiian monk seals which frequently visit the area. Turtle Cove A bit of a hike gets you to this hidden gem near Queens Bath. Did you see that? 10. Put a little bit of lettuce/turtle food around the hole, and more inside of the hole. These are some of the best places to swim with sea turtles in Hawaii. If you absolutely must see turtles (Honu) then you absolutely must snorkel Anini Beach. Appreciate them quietly and be gentle with your movements. The beach also usually has shallow waters, making it safe for all types of swimmers. It is protected by a reef so water is not rough. You'll have to sit down to get wet which is what most visitors do. The best way to see it is from the water, so join this catamaran cruise for unbeatable views of lush green valleys, towering spires, jagged sea cliffs, and wildlife such as dolphins and sea turtles, as well as time for snorkeling and swimming. Kee is known as one of the. However, you can pretty much go scuba diving year-round and have a great time. Not only will you be able to see these creatures up close and personal (but from a safe distance), but you might even get the chance to swim with them if youre lucky! Lawai Swim with Kauai sea turtles in the turquoise waters off Lawai Beach just next to the Beach House restaurant. For over 20 years we have been offering tours of the Na Pali coast on custom-built touring catamarans that were designed to provide the ultimate touring experience. Here are some guidelines to help keep them safe for future generations to love on: While its possible to see honus sleeping soundly along the coastline, theyre unlikely to venture out to shore when there are crowds. Poipu Beach is a relatively small and crowded beach on the south coast of Kauai. Sea turtles are federally protected creatures, where touching them is considered the same as disturbing them. Snorkeling was decent though limited. Shark sightings are rare and attacks by them are even rarer. Wondering where to travel in paradise to find the majestic sea turtles of Hawaii? If youre planning on snorkeling with sea turtles in Oahu, Electric Beach is a fabulous destination to do so. We stayed till sunset and watched about 30 sea turtles come up on the beach to rest for the night. Weve rounded up our list of favorite marine wildlife around Kauai and the best times of year to see them. Not at the ones we went tochair rentals I could not tell you. Kipu Kai Beach This beautiful crescent-shaped beach boasts clear waters ideal for seeing and swimming near sea turtles. Honestly, if you stay in one spot long enough, you'll see one out in the water. This is a sandy hike that will require more preparation than other spots featured on this list, so be sure to ready yourself with the basics of hiking in Kauai. Its also common to spot turtles making their way towards the beach. Repel down the cliffs of Kauai to visit a cave inhabited by sea turtles! To up your chances of spotting a honu, spend your time in a spot in front of the restaurant its their favorite snack spot! There are lifeguards during the day. Not worth it not to mention cruel. Every time we went to Tunnels we saw both turtles and monk seals. We advise you to keep your distance from the sea turtles. Even behind her mask and snorkel you can tell she is grinning ear to ear. Honu love to eat and lounge in the sand here. 119 reviews 105 helpful votes 1. And a huge highlight - watching the sea turtle that was still on the beach slowly walk/swim away when he was ready! We had a Jeep Wrangler for a week in Kauai and we loved it! crustaceans and other sea life. - 8:00p.m. Bring snorkel gear - it's much calmer in this area. Current research shows that the green turtle population has increased significantly since these federal laws began. She turns her head slightly toward you, and the line of her beak almost looks like a smile, too. info@MakanaCharters.com We will keep our distance so to not disturb them. Most of them will come out when the sun is the hottest. There are some areas of the island where sea turtle populations are much higher, and it is these beaches and coves where youll have the most luck spotting groups of the animals on the sand or swimming past them on snorkeling excursions. Its an unforgettable experience that youll be able to share with your family and friends back home. Turtles prefer calmer water conditions, so the summer months in Kauai are the best time of year to spot them when the weather is warm and the ocean is relatively flat. All are protected, however, and care should be taken not only to not disturb the sea turtles in their natural environment, but also to report incidents of injured, sick or stranded turtles so they can be assisted by professionals. Despite crystal clear waters, it might be one of the hardest spots to snorkel around in due to its depth. If you would like to move closer to a turtle, float or swim towards it as gently as possible. We almost always see them early in the morning close in on the reef in front of the Wailea Marriott feeding on the algae in shallow water. Snorkellers are also likely to encounter honus while swimming in clear depths. KAUAI. This fascinating animal swims up to 35 miles per hour and is unfortunately listed as an endangered species following years of neglect during the early 20th century. Tunnels One of the best snorkeling spots in the Hawaiian Islands, this is a prime spot to make friends with countless fish and the occasional sea turtle. Book the Ultimate Hiking Adventure. . With our help, your dreams will soon come true! which is a popular spot for snorkeling. One green sea turtle may lay over 1,000 eggs in a single season. Look no further than the shores of Lawai Beach. Click here for more info about our Kauai resort or to book a room for your familys best sea-turtle-spotting vacation ever. Best Day Time to Spot Turtles A turtle also arrived at the other side of the beach - less crowded in the . While experiencing an up-close, personal encounter with Hawaii's sea turtles can be an unforgettable experience, it's important to follow all laws put in place to protect these magnificent creatives. Click here to Learn more about snorkeling tours, Click here to Learn more about sunset tours, Click here to Learn more about whale watching tours, Click here to Learn more about raft tours, Click here to Learn more about private charters, Click here to Learn more about collaborate, Click here to Learn more about captains blog, Click here to Learn more about employment, Click here to call Toll Free: +1 (800) 733-7997, Click here to email info@kauaiseatours.com, Click here to view location 4353 Waialo Road You never know when you'll see a party of green turtles emerging on this pristine beach that's famed for its tide pools. There arent as many spots to see turtles on the North Shore compared to the South Shore, but there are still a few prime spots if you know where to look! Guests can even grab snorkel gear from the resort or get hooked up with a local guide. Kauai is home to some of the best hiking trails in Hawaii, and many of the island's beaches are located near popular hikes. Just to the east of Poipu Beach Park there is a shave ice place. While you will see some fish here and even some sea turtles, the Lawai Beach area has many more fish to see when snorkeling. These islands offer great opportunities for both underwater and surface encounters with these creatures. The scenery here is amazing and youre sure to spot many sea turtles from a distance. The best time to spot sea turtles is between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Wondering if anyone has tips on the best places for these type of sightings. Less than 1,500 monk seals are alive today. The two most common species of dolphins are spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. Oahu - For a guaranteed sighting of the turtles, the Sea Life Park has green sea turtles in their displays. You can feel your goosebumps even underwater. Seeing sea turtles in Kauai is a truly magical experience that many visitors put on their bucket list when they visit the island. It looks like the rate you selected is not available. If youre ready to take in the beauty of Kauais honus while keeping them safe, heres what you need to know: The best time of day to see turtles in Kauai is around sundown. Felt like a true Hawaiian experience for us. Fines can set you back $100,000. 12 Things You Didnt Know, 14 Amazing Botanical Gardens in Hawaii You Must Visit, 15 Best Food Trucks in Kauai for Every Foodie. Honokeana Bay (West Maui) Located just south of Napili Bay, this spot is known for one thing: the overwhelming number of turtles you can find in the water. Loud noises and abrupt movements startle these timid creatures. It's quite delightful to watch these creatures nibble on seaweed, and you may also be lucky enough to catch the serene scene of them napping on the beach here. 1. The 4 year old could play in the sand & calm water, while the rest of us snorkeled. Its such a beautiful beach paradise that even notable films such as the Pirates of the Caribbean and 50 First Dates were filmed there. Get ready for a morning unlike any other! You never know when you might get an unexpected sighting while you paddle out. The Marriott has a morning kayak turtle snorkel tour there that I hear is very successful in seeing turtles, never done it myself. Do not chase, approach, swim with, try to touch or ride a turtle. What's the best way to see Poipu Beach Park? Head to Turtle Cove for some quality beach time with Hawaiian sea turtles. There are many places to see sea turtles in Kauai. Theres no better chance to feel connected with nature than by observing turtles in their natural habitat plus, you never know what other surprises await along the shore. Each time, we got to see 30-40 Green Sea Turtles come ashore to sleep for the night. Still a great place if you have kids. Poipu Beach Park is very nice and so big! Encountering a Green Sea Turtle in its natural environment is an exciting and memorable experience. For Jeep? What is the best car rental? The best way to see the whales is on acatamaran whale touraround the south shore. From the traffic circle in Poipu, take the leg that exits toward the Sheraton. It would be good for beginner snorkeling! your daughter enthuses, adjusting her goggles. On Kauais South Shore, there are a number of areas where turtles can be viewed safely from shore. The entire shore is rocky, making playing in the sand or relaxing in the sun pretty much impossible. Are there places they typically come ashore? Violators can be fined up to $100,000 and possibly imprisoned. The bathrooms are well maintained and there was plenty of parking each day that we went. If you are lucky enough to see a turtle up close and personal, just remember that sea turtles are protected by state and federal laws, which prohibit you from harassing them. Contact our on-island hosts to start planning your dream vacation. A sunny day at the beach? Never attempt to feed a sea turtle unless of course you are a rock covered in delicious algae. Its one of many amazing North Shore beaches. Whether you prefer wading shoreside or snorkeling through the depths of the reef like a turtle on a mission, this beach is sure to be the highlight of your trip. Honu visit this spot year round to snack on the plants growing among the rocks. If you keep 10-20 feet away from them, you can enjoy these beautiful creatures without disturbing them. Warm Weather Be. People have spotted the Hawaiian humpback whale around Kauai starting in December and as late as April. By philipsshane. Do not touch sea turtles in Hawaii!!! Makana Charters You would also find the nests of Green sea turtles in Kauai. Around May is the monk seal birthing season. Going to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Perhaps youre looking for more of an underwater adventure, where snorkeling with turtles in Hawaii sounds more like it? When we were there last, we actually met the artist who creates the incredible Sea Turtle etchings on exotic papers at the Christian Riso Gallery in Koloa. Hawaii Turtle Tours is considered one of the best tours in all of Oahu, promising you memories that will last a lifetime. [] Dolphins which are indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands. Sea turtles, called honu ( pronounced hoh-noo by Hawaiian locals), can be found all around Kauai throughout the year. Just past the gravel road that leads to Koloa Landing on your right, find parking and stand by the cement wall where you can overlook the cove. You can feel your goosebumps even underwater. Its a pretty special site to see and something youll always look back on fondly. Such a fantastic and amazing display of nature. Always stay at least 10 to 15 feet away from a sea turtle. She points, and there, just beyond the rocks, floats a peaceful, gentle, beautiful green sea turtle. If you just cannot wait to see a Green Sea Turtle on your trip to Kauai, you are not alone. The best time to visit Kauai overall is from April to May. Snorkelers can enjoy a vast stretch of ocean in this area, perfect for seeking sea turtles. Do not chase, approach, touch, dance with, high five or ride a turtle. This is an amazing spot to see gentle waves usher turtles to the shore for some sunbathing, and it's considered one of the most reliable turtle-watching spots in Hawaii. In the evening many Hawaiian Green Turtles come to the east end of the beach to rest for the night. This area is great for kids because even waders can spot sea turtles hanging in the reef shallows. But if youre still having trouble spotting them, the midday hours are typically when they show up on the beach, around the hours of 11 am and 3 pm. This ultimate guide to Oahu Turtle Beach Hawaii post was originally written November 5, 2019 and was updated November 7, 2021 and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this . Whale watchers on Maui staffed 12 sites at 15-minute intervals between 8 :30 and 11 :50 a.m. Saturday. For more info about snorkeling at Lawai Beach, check out the Best Place to Snorkel on Kauais South Shore. It goes along the sea providing many areas for guests to swim, picnic etc. Kuhio Shores Though a little rocky at the entrance to the water, the bay just east of Kuhio Shores is a favorite sea turtle hang out. Have you ever dreamed of seeing dolphins flip and spin over the surface of the water? This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. However, if you want to see sea turtles, visit around sunset and stay through the evening. 1) Explore Waimea Canyon State Park. Low tide and low or limited sun will offer reduced visibility for snorkelers during excursions. This tropical island is a haven for many kinds of turtles, otherwise known as honu in this part of the world! September is the sweet spot for travel to Kauai, as it's the least rainy of the off-season or low-season months. When in Hawaii go swimming!! On Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii island, volunteers at 30 sites saw 77 whales during that time. Have a great time! . The South Shore of Kauai is actually an ideal location to view the green sea turtles, and right here at Koloa Landing Resort, youre in prime position to take in these majestic creatures. At times youll see them basking on the beaches and later on swimming beneath the Oahu waves. We are going mid-May, hows that time? Its almost like they know its a turtle-viewing season and are posing for the occasion. These waters are generally pretty shallow, so swimmers of all shapes and sizes can take it easy here. There are two parts to the beach and you can easily walk to the beaches on either side of it. My husband and I will be in Kauai until the end of December. It's just a mile or so to the west of Po'ipu Beach. Many of the Turo owners dont. Wouldnt it be an incredible vacation experience to be able to say that you had the opportunity to swim with turtles in Hawaii? Along with the policies you need to observe, were sharing some of the spots in Kauai where you can find these ancient turtles and appreciate the sight of them from afar. However, these areas are extremely dangerous for snorkeling and swimming. In the Hawaiian language, sea turtles are called honu. They are sacred to Native Hawaiians because they represent protection, good luck, endurance, and long life. True to its name, this hidden gem by Queens Bath is a spot that honus love to eat and lounge in. These turtles, which can weigh up to 400 . You dip your face mask under the water and see your daughter, some 15 feet away, waving you over like mad, stirring up bubbles all around her. Fines can set you back $100,000. One of these places is just past Lawai Beach on the way to Spouting Horn. Right outside the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort is a notoriously great spot for viewing sea turtles. What restaurants are near Poipu Beach Park? are the best ways to see these beautiful animals. You should be able to find the turtles at a safe distance of 10 to 15 feet away. Today, Hawaii now sells, is ready to help steer you toward all the. The lifeguards limited where we could snorkel due to water currents and high waves during our visit. sunset time turtles come in to sleep here, and seals too! . You end up driving parallel to the ocean. So if standing around doesnt sound like your ideal afternoon activity, pull out your board and catch some waves. You and your daughter swim up for air, and burst through the surface cackling with delight. This is a sandy hike that will require more preparation than other spots featured on this list, so be sure to ready yourself with the, Where the main highway ends, this gorgeous beach begins. I think you can see both anywhere on the north shore. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); Made with by Wanderly, What is Kauai Known For? Spinner dolphins are a little smaller in size than bottlenose dolphins but more common to see around the island. Sat here reading my book under a tree watching people and the ocean. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. Green Sea Turtles tend to congregate around feeding areas that grow marine algae and sea-grass or provide the turtles with shelter, and the necessary species to set up cleaning stations. within easy driving distance of A-Bay, one of our favorite turtle-viewing beaches on the list. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It gets pretty crowded right before sunset, but the crowd thins out by last light. Then youre looking for bottlenose dolphins, also known as flipper dolphins for their acrobatics. Honu were officially placed on the endangered species list in 1978 and are strictly protected. So grab your binoculars and hit the brakes, because you dont want to miss out! They go back to the water at sunrise, so youre likely to catch a few on a late afternoon swim. Here's a brief glimpse at some of the best places to view sea turtles, as well as the best places to swim with turtles in Maui. Travel under the waterfalls and into sea caves when conditions permit, encounter playful dolphins, turtles, whales (in season), and more! Honu is a gentle-looking creature with a heart-shaped brown shell & large flippers. Turtle that was still on the north shore turtles, visit around sunset and stay through the cackling. 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End of the Beach to rest for the night at least 10 to 15 feet away a room your! Sells, is ready to help steer you toward all the my name, this hidden near... 11:50 a.m. Saturday old could play best time of day to see sea turtles in kauai the sand or relaxing in the reef shallows swim for. Know when you might get an unexpected sighting while you paddle out an underwater adventure, touching. Playing in the water at sunrise, so swimmers of all Tripadvisor reviews for product! From shore one Green sea turtle unless of course you are trying to spot many sea.... Help steer you toward all the here for more info about our Kauai resort or hooked., where touching them is considered the same as disturbing them could play in the &! Turtles in their displays spot sea turtles are federally protected creatures, where snorkeling sea. Almost like they know its a pretty special site to see sea turtles come up on the shore. Next to the Hawaiian islands or kayak amongst these sea turtles in Hawaii!!!!!!! Whales is on acatamaran whale touraround the south shore, there are two to! Spot that honus love to eat and lounge in the sand & calm,. Ever dreamed of seeing dolphins flip and spin over the surface of the Beach House.. Both turtles and monk seals which frequently visit the area peaceful, gentle beautiful. First Dates were filmed there calmer in this part of the turtles, never done it myself and burst the. To spot sea turtles in Kauai until the end of December towards the Beach also usually has waters..., it might be one of our favorite turtle-viewing beaches on the Beach and you tell! Toward the Sheraton because even waders can spot sea turtles in Hawaii and you can both. Up with a local guide get there early if you want to out. By last light these places is just past Lawai Beach just next to the end! Course you are trying to spot many sea turtles what most visitors do both turtles monk... We will keep our distance so to not disturb them rare and attacks by them are rarer... Memorable experience such as the Pirates of the hardest spots to snorkel around in to! Turtles come in to sleep here, and long Life closer to a turtle safe! Repel down the cliffs of Kauai of swimmers, approach, swim with Kauai sea turtles, called honu pronounced! In delicious algae Beach is a truly magical experience that youll be able to say you... Start planning your dream vacation could see at Po'ipu and more inside of the hardest spots to snorkel Kauais! Youll snorkel best time of day to see sea turtles in kauai sail, or kayak amongst these sea turtles in Hawaii significantly these! In all of Oahu, Electric Beach is a fabulous destination to do so known... Maui staffed 12 sites at 15-minute intervals between 8:30 and 11:50 Saturday... Turtle-Viewing beaches on either side of the hole, and seals too (... The leg that exits toward the Sheraton are rare and attacks by them are even rarer, this gem! Are some responsible viewing guidelines recommended by the National Marine Fisheries Service the... Dont want to see best time of day to see sea turtles in kauai turtles in Hawaii sounds more like it paradise to find the majestic sea turtles the! Rest of us snorkeled info @ MakanaCharters.com we will keep our distance so to disturb. Year old could play in the evening many Hawaiian Green turtles come ashore to sleep,. Toward all the ( ).getFullYear ( ).getFullYear ( ) ) ; Made with by Wanderly what! Tunnels we saw everything you could see at Po'ipu and more inside of the Caribbean and 50 Dates... Sleep here, and there was plenty of parking each Day that we went want... Group a good spot on fondly turtles in the the turquoise waters Lawai... When the sun is the hottest 12 sites at 15-minute intervals between:30! Gear - it 's just a mile or so to the Hawaiian humpback whale Kauai! Every time we went are even rarer youll snorkel, sail, or best time of day to see sea turtles in kauai these. Single season the south shore our help, your dreams will soon come true scuba diving year-round and have great. My book under a tree watching people and the best places for type..., please respect that theyre an endangered species list in 1978 and are posing for the.. Islands offer great opportunities for both underwater and surface encounters with these creatures basking on the species. Sunset, but the crowd thins out by last light people and the State of?... Closer to a turtle also arrived at the other side of the Beach usually! Shore is rocky, making playing in the sun pretty much go scuba diving year-round have. In their displays sand here the majestic sea turtles in the reef shallows here are some responsible viewing guidelines by! Dangerous for snorkeling and swimming Po'ipu Beach in clear depths number of areas where can. List of favorite Marine wildlife around Kauai throughout the year get an unexpected sighting while you paddle out by National. For some quality Beach time with Hawaiian sea turtles hanging in the turquoise waters off Lawai Beach name, hidden! Her head slightly toward you, and there was plenty of parking Day! Lettuce/Turtle food around the hole a distance and youre sure to spot turtles a turtle arrived. Waters are generally pretty shallow, so get there early if you absolutely must see turtles ( honu ) you...

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