Turtle Cove A bit of a hike gets you to this hidden gem near Queens Bath. After all, who can resist a flippered friend coming out of the blue? The northwestern-most Hawaiian island is a nesting location for green sea turtles, which means that they come here to lay their eggs between the months of May and September, and each nest may have several hundred eggs. Here are some responsible viewing guidelines recommended by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the State of Hawaii: Always keep a safe distance. They just sit in the water and cool off. Do you have to pay to park at the beaches on the island? Is snorkeling equipment available to rent on the beach? The entire shore is rocky, making playing in the sand or relaxing in the sun pretty much impossible. Not worth it not to mention cruel. Avoid following a sea turtle out too far or you could end up in dangerous waters. In other words: no snoozing here! 2) Join A Boat Tour Of Hanalei Bay. 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Of the three native sea turtles, the Green Turtle (Honu) is the most common. Its an unforgettable experience that youll be able to share with your family and friends back home. Turtle Cave is located within a small bay on the Princeville side of Kauai. Also, are there beach chair rentals? 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. A N Pali raft adventure! The other two sea turtles you may be able to see around Kauai, the Hawksbill and the Leatherback, are both endangered. Scenes from the movie. The best places to watch turtles are at Poipu Beach and Kuhio Shores. As such, late morning and early afternoon snorkeling is typically the best time of the day for snorkeling beaches, when you pair that with the schedule of the tides. Avoid loud noises and abrupt movements which will startle these timid guys. Kauai is known for much more than just its beautiful beaches and natural surroundings, but also of course for the wildlife and marine life which calls the island and its surrounding waters home. boasts clear waters ideal for seeing and swimming near sea turtles. The water in the bay only goes to your kneesif that far. , so get there early if you want to get your group a good spot. Its also common to spot turtles making their way towards the beach. Just across from Nihi Kay Villas, turtles grazing in the shallow waters are easily seen, making it an ideal spot to get up close and personal with these gentle creatures. Sea turtles are my passion. Located on the south shore of Oahu, Waikiki Beach is a stunning stretch of white sand beach that has drawn visitors for decades. 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. If catching glimpses of this ancient animal is on your Hawaii vacation to-do list, there are specific rules to keep in mind due to their rarity. See dolphins, sea turtles, whales, and more aboutour tours. Waimea, HI 96796
Do not pour water over a beached turtle or try to push it back into the ocean. The snorkeling is a very good at the beach, and though there are a great many places for it. Look for the volunteers setting out cones to keep tourists from getting too close. Avoid following a sea turtle out too far or you could find yourself in dangerous waters. 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! The bathrooms are well maintained and there was plenty of parking each day that we went. We also saw seals on the beach and dolphins. . So if youre thinking about a trip to Kauai and want to know when and where to find and view sea turtles, a trip to Koloa Landing and Poipu Beach between May and September will offer a great opportunity! Flashlights, flash photography and even bright street lights are not allowed because sea birds and turtles get confused thinking that they're going towards the sea where the moonlight is, and instead go inland and get hit by cars or attacked by dogs. What restaurants are near Poipu Beach Park? which is a popular spot for snorkeling. Experience the beauty of Kauai and encounter marine life! Show the. The rocky coastline provides a great vantage point where you can simply stand and watch these majestic creatures crawl along or take a nap in the sun. Here, well be giving you the ultimate guide to finding the best spots to see turtles in Kauai. Honestly, if you stay in one spot long enough, you'll see one out in the water. Bottlenose dolphins can be found throughout the year around Kauai. As a resulted, turtles can safely feed in rough surf. Although its real name is called Laniakea Beach, its the most reliable and best place to see turtles in Oahu. Good Luck. It was an awesome experience!!! However, if you want to see sea turtles, visit around sunset and stay through the evening. Your email address will not be published. You'll have to sit down to get wet which is what most visitors do. Sea turtles usually prefer calm water and may come to shore when the weather is sunny and peaceful. Copyright 2019-2023 Hawaii Travel With Kids/Marcie In Mommyland. Hawaii Turtle Tours is considered one of the best tours in all of Oahu, promising you memories that will last a lifetime. This is a great spot for turtle watching from the shore. Once those dates are near, call our Hatchling Hotline (361-949-7163) or check our Sea Turtle Program Facebook Page or Park Facebook Page to find out the latest information about the next scheduled public release. Many families were enjoying the beaches as well as those enjoying the sun and watching the activity and beauty of the area! The best snorkeling is from shore, you don't need a tour. 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. This was the. Have fun!! While you will see some fish here and even some sea turtles, the Lawai Beach area has many more fish to see when snorkeling. This is a great beach in a good location but is losing its appeal as it gets more and more crowded. Many conservation efforts are trying to maximize the number of offspring that survive this nesting period each year, so whilst there may be more turtles on the shores of Kauai, there may also be stricter measures to stop tourists from getting too close. Hi redfitgirl, I just got back from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Looking for the best spot in Kauai to check out some sea turtles? Are you actually staying somewhere on the island of Maui? We had a Jeep Wrangler for a week in Kauai and we loved it! A dream for boaters and swimmers, Maluaka Beach also isn't only a great spot for seeing green sea turtles, but is also a top spot to see all kinds of fish, crustaceans and other sea life. Jordan Tan/Shutterstock. Visiting Hawaii (the Big Island)? Dolphins are a beautiful creature that many people associate with Hawaii, and you can find different species of dolphins in Kauai. Unfortunately, its not easy to get to this crescent-shaped beach, as there are no roads or trails leading there by land; you can try joining a snorkel tour or kayaking over. The best time to see turtles in Hawaii is summer (May-October). If you would like to move closer to a turtle, float or swim towards it as gently as possible. Theres no need to be the tortoise and the hare when it comes to finding turtles on the South Shore of Kauai theyre everywhere! 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. We are looking for people to hike with or/ and share a car with as we dont drive. Just make sure to admire them from afar a fine would be an expensive souvenir to take home with you! 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. Weve rounded up our list of favorite marine wildlife around Kauai and the best times of year to see them. On Kauais South Shore, there are a number of areas where turtles can be viewed safely from shore. Are there places they typically come ashore? Tropical fish, dolphins, humpback whales, and more can be found in the waters around Kauai throughout the year. If you are on Kauai, call the Division of Aquatic Resources at 808-645-0532 or 808-274-3344. We arrived about 6:30pm (in Feb) to come see the turtles and would highly recommend this. For a fun way to see turtles on Oahu, book one of Holokai Catamaran's tours. Show the animals your respect by watching them from afar. However, they do swim in the waters around Kauai year-round. We did snorkel here with the turtles but came back twice for the sunsets and to see the turtles come onto the beach in the evening. In fact, most of the rocky shoreline on the South Shore provides feeding habitat for turtles. . Lawai Swim with Kauai sea turtles in the turquoise waters off Lawai Beach just next to the Beach House restaurant. Slow down the pace of your Hawaiian adventure with a turtle-watching excursion. The species tend to hunt for food more between midday and later afternoon, so if you're planning a trip to spot Kauai sea turtles, later in the day is the best time. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-4575321', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kauai last January we saw monk seals daily on Poipu beach and Shipwreck beach on the south shore. Always keep the prescribed distance from a sea turtle. One green sea turtle may lay over 1,000 eggs in a single season. The scenery here is amazing and youre sure to spot many sea turtles from a distance. Prices drop even more in October and November, when room rates may be half the . Right across Poipu Beach Park, youll find Brenneckes Beach which is a popular spot for snorkeling. Honu love to eat and lounge in the sand here. Is this good for beginner snorkeling, no more than 4 ft of water? At dusk, a number of green sea turtles come out of the water in this area. Brenneckes Beach is the best place to go if youre looking for a turtle-spotting experience that doesnt involve getting your feet wet. We also saw a monk seal on the beach and whales in the distance. Waking up early will be key for watching the humpback whales breach the surface of the water. Scenic and spectacular, A-Bay is a crescent-shaped beach defined by its white sand and fringed palms. ! She blows water out her snorkel. Top Kauai Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks: See reviews and photos of Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks in Kauai, Hawaii on Tripadvisor. If youre heading to Hawaii with kids and want to teach them a bit about Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, youre in luck! Dolphins and pilot whales out in open water seen on tour boat. Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks. Loud noises and abrupt movements startle these timid creatures. Such a fantastic and amazing display of nature. Kipu Kai Beach This beautiful crescent-shaped beach boasts clear waters ideal for seeing and swimming near sea turtles. With fine sand and lots of algae, it truly makes a lovely resting point for turtles who have been out in the water all day. As long as you stay mindful of the rules around interacting with the species, planning a trip to some of the best beaches in the summer means youre pretty likely to spot a turtle or two and get the chance to appreciate this incredible sea creature. Thank you. However, you can pretty much go scuba diving year-round and have a great time. Heres 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. The beach also usually has shallow waters, making it safe for all types of swimmers. )the best time to spot sea turtles coming on the shore is midday, typically from around 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A sunny day at the beach? Watching the many turtles crawl ashore to sunbathe was a delightful show. Do not chase, approach, touch, dance with, high five or ride a turtle. For Jeep? Shell Me About It: The Best Places to See and Swim with Sea Turtles in Kauai. True to its name, this hidden gem by Queens Bath is a spot that honus love to eat and lounge in. This area is great for kids because even waders can spot sea turtles hanging in the reef shallows. If youre worried about a shark attack on your Kauai vacation, you probably shouldnt be. The Best Things to Do in Kauai, Hawaii. 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. They might even pop their head up to check you out! We are going mid-May, hows that time? Want to avoid not seeing a sea turtle during your entire Hawaii visit? Free parking directly across the street was convenient. within easy driving distance of A-Bay, one of our favorite turtle-viewing beaches on the list. The water there is a little stronger but we were beginners. If anyone interested please contact me at +17144069862. This isn't a great spot for beach-going or swimming. Snorkeling, scuba diving, and going on a boat tour are the best ways to see these beautiful animals. This beach isnt just the perfect place to see turtles, its also great for surfing too. Maui has several turtle tours that you can choose from that are also worth mentioning. If youre lucky, you can also spot Hawaiian monk seals which frequently visit the area. Here's where you can find these ancient turtles in Kauai. Private snorkeling tours are also available and theyll even allow you to come up with your own itinerary. Then just like that, she pushes off the rocks and swims toward the depths, her flippers waving like wings. Best Day Time to Spot Turtles A turtle also arrived at the other side of the beach - less crowded in the . People have spotted the Hawaiian humpback whale around Kauai starting in December and as late as April. Where Can You Swim with Turtles in Hawaii? Nearby you can rent different beach gear to snorkel or boogey board. Visit one of our poolside Activity Huts for snorkel gear and seasonal recommendations. When honus are feasting on the algae close to shore, they usually raise their heads out of the water, which makes for an adorable sight when youre sharing the waters with these gentle animals. So, the best time of the day to see sea turtles in Maui is between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Have you ever seen sea turtles in Maui? DON'T FORGET THE GO PRO.. Definitely have the camera's ready . Still a great place if you have kids. 12 Things You Didnt Know, 14 Amazing Botanical Gardens in Hawaii You Must Visit, 15 Best Food Trucks in Kauai for Every Foodie. These islands offer great opportunities for both underwater and surface encounters with these creatures. Answer 1 of 21: What are some good places and time of day to potentially see some sea turtles? Kee Beach Where the main highway ends, this gorgeous beach begins. This is one of the best swimmable beaches on Kauai and a prime spot to see turtles hang out. Thank you for your support! Privacy Policy for Hawaii Travel with Kids, Lahaina: Turtle Town Snorkel & Whale Watch, Lanai: Half-Day Snorkel Sail From Kaanapali Beach, Premium Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour, Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkel Tour with Lunch, Free printable sea turtle life cycle lap book, Free 7 Day Email Course: How to Plan a Trip to the Big Island Like a Pro. There are plenty! Perfect feeding grounds mean that these gorgeous sea creatures are easily spotted if you just wait long enough. They have really sharp beaks an strong jams so their bites can case severe brusing and even break bones. Have you ever dreamed of seeing dolphins flip and spin over the surface of the water? This beach is loved by locals and tourists alike for its excellent snorkeling and incredible views. During the summer, the sea is calmer, and they come ashore to bask during the day. Visited: January 2023. 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. If you want to see turtles in the water, Lawai Beach is your best bet. Trip itineraries for top destinations to visit around the world. Enjoy snorkeling, sea cliffs, pristine beaches, waterfalls, and sea caves. Read my full guide to Turtle Beach Oahu. On a catamaran tour with Kauai Sea Tours, a guide will explain the history of whales around Kauai and take you to the perfect viewing areas. At Brennecke's Beach, seeing turtles come to feed at the lava shelf is common. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These are a few of the best places where to see turtles in Oahu. If you encounter a sea turtle that is stranded or injured, report it immediately to a lifeguard or to the. $ Quick Bites Healthy Vegetarian Friendly, $$$$ Hawaiian Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options, $$$$ American Seafood International. 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. Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head State Monument, Oahu. 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. When only visiting for the 8 hours of the cruise ship being in port. On Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii island, volunteers at 30 sites saw 77 whales during that time. 6) Bask In Breathtaking Sunsets At Ke'e Beach. Besides getting close to these magnificent creatures, its also an excellent opportunity to grab some killer vacation shots as well as being surrounded by a variety of fish underwater if you plan to snorkel. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-4588998', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Queen bath" area. Go kayaking and snorkeling on this two-in-one-tour Explore Hanalei River, Hanalei Bay, and spot local wildlife All necessary gear and training is provided, plus lunch on the beach Lunch Use of Snorkeling equipment Water resistant dry bags Kayak Hanalei 5-5070A, Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714, USA Open in Google Maps If youre looking for amazing vistas of sea turtles, the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail should be your first stop in Kauai. Less than 1,500 monk seals are alive today. Nesting season for sea turtles happens between May and September each year, so the chances of seeing turtles on the beaches are much higher. info@MakanaCharters.com
What to do? The best time to visit Kauai overall is from April to May. Bring your snorkel gear and come see the turtles! It was my first time snorkeling so I can't compare it to anywhere else, but a sea turtle swam right in front of me, and there were so many fish and sea urchins to look at it. Green sea turtles are threatened, but not yet endangered. (808) 338-9980
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