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. Get ready for a morning unlike any other! If youre planning on snorkeling with sea turtles in Oahu, Electric Beach is a fabulous destination to do so. At Brennecke's Beach, seeing turtles come to feed at the lava shelf is common. These are a few of the best places where to see turtles in Oahu. It is protected by a reef so water is not rough. Loud noises and abrupt movements startle these timid creatures. Snorkeling, scuba diving, and going on a boat tour are the best ways to see these beautiful animals. Turtles in front of Kuhio Shores feeding on the matter on the rocks. Added by Dan Deublein. We would have a car visiting the next property only and not sleeping in our car. On this beautiful stretch of sand, snorkelers can suit up and hit the ocean to spot one of these majestic creatures. Just to the east of Poipu Beach Park there is a shave ice place. Hi redfitgirl, I just got back from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Such a fantastic and amazing display of nature. Have fun!! Somehow you know just how she will respond to friends back home who ask her What was the highlight of your trip to Kauai? Somehow you know that she will remember this moment forever. Dolphins are a beautiful creature that many people associate with Hawaii, and you can find different species of dolphins in Kauai. Appreciate them quietly and be gentle with your movements. While you may not mean any harm by simply touching them, you can face fines of anywhere from $1,000 to $10,500 along with jail time, so DO NOT DO IT! Less than 1,500 monk seals are alive today. 4516 Alawai Rd. In this short guide, we list some of the top recommendations for where to see sea turtles in Kauai, along with advice on the best time of year to maximize your chances of spotting the creatures. Kipu Kai Beach This beautiful crescent-shaped beach boasts clear waters ideal for seeing and swimming near sea turtles. This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travelers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide. Best Time to Spot Turtles at Laniakea Beach. KAUAI. The entire shore is rocky, making playing in the sand or relaxing in the sun pretty much impossible. They have really sharp beaks an strong jams so their bites can case severe brusing and even break bones. It's located between Kilauea and Princeville on Kauai's north shore. I and my 2 sons saw a lots of sea turtles hanging/playing around the "(ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Turtle Cove A bit of a hike gets you to this hidden gem near Queens Bath. These are the most common sea turtles in the area, and they can be spotted around the beaches and shores of Kauai. If you keep 10-20 feet away from them, you can enjoy these beautiful creatures without disturbing them. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Koloa Landing Straight out in front of Koloa Landing Resort is one of the best places to snorkel with sea turtles in Kauai. They go back to the water at sunrise, so youre likely to catch a few on a late afternoon swim. You never know when you'll see a party of green turtles emerging on this pristine beach that's famed for its tide pools. Tropical fish, dolphins, humpback whales, and more can be found in the waters around Kauai throughout the year. What to do? These islands offer great opportunities for both underwater and surface encounters with these creatures. 12 Things You Didn't Know, 3-7 Day Kauai Itinerary for the Best Experience, 14 Spots for the Best Fish Tacos in Kauai, What is Kauai Known For? For Jeep? 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. You may also spot the Bluestripe Snapper, Yellow Tang, Achilles Tang, Parrotfish, and the mysterious Black Triggerfish. Visit one of our poolside Activity Huts for snorkel gear and seasonal recommendations. Just leave lots of space for sea turtles when you see them in Hawaii. A really good beach with lots of room. These include the official Hawaiian state fish, named the Humuhumunukunukuapuaa, and several species of Butterflyfish, including the Pennant Butterflyfish, Raccoon Butterflyfish, the Longnose Butterflyfish, the Milletseed Butterflyfish, and the Four Spot Butterflyfish. Stay to the left for the best snorkeling. Always stay at least 10 to 15 feet away from a sea turtle. Honu visit this spot year round to snack on the plants growing among the rocks. A day of fun and excitement as we journey to the N Pali Coast on board Imiloa, our 40-foot Express Catamaran. If youre worried about a shark attack on your Kauai vacation, you probably shouldnt be. Spouting Horn Kauai turtles are often seen congregating just below the lookout to the right of the horn in a little cove filled with rocks and delicious sea grasses. Swimming along the rocky shoreline by Kuhio Shores Condos, there are plenty of plants growing among the rocks a sumptuous feast for these delightful creatures. A visit to Kipu Kai Beach on Kauai is a must if you are looking to spot the regions famous sea turtles. Do you have to pay to park at the beaches on the island? The lifeguards limited where we could snorkel due to water currents and high waves during our visit. Sea turtles usually prefer calm water and may come to shore when the weather is sunny and peaceful. Please be respectful and keep a safe distance. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); Made with by Wanderly, What is Kauai Known For? Enjoy snorkeling, sea cliffs, pristine beaches, waterfalls, and sea caves. 6) Bask In Breathtaking Sunsets At Ke'e Beach. However, if you want to see sea turtles, visit around sunset and stay through the evening. Makana Charters This is a great beach to come with kids. Guests can even grab snorkel gear from the resort or get hooked up with a local guide. You should be able to find the turtles at a safe distance of 10 to 15 feet away. A calm and inviting beach, Maluaka Beach is hidden from trade winds by the peaks of Haleakala. Have you ever dreamed of seeing dolphins flip and spin over the surface of the water? 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. When we were in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Just keep in mind that the waters there can be a bit fierce, so its not an ideal place for inexperienced swimmers. Hike difficulty: easy - difficult. You can feel your goosebumps even underwater. Waikiki Beach is certainly towards the top as far as the best place to snorkel with turtles in Oahu. We arrived about 6:30pm (in Feb) to come see the turtles and would highly recommend this. We advise you to keep your distance from the sea turtles. Look for the volunteers setting out cones to keep tourists from getting too close. All of these species are protected and any interference with them could result in a fine, so whilst you are welcome to seek out sea turtles in Kauai, be sure to keep your distance and never attempt to touch or move one of them. Swimming here gives you access to an old boat ramp leading to a healthy reef inhabited by lots of fish and turtles. Always give a sea turtle a clear path, taking care not to block their access to land or sea. You and your daughter swim up for air, and burst through the surface cackling with delight. These fascinating creatures have played important roles in the environment and culture of Hawaii's people. The sea turtles that appear at Kholo Bay make a surreal setting even dreamier. When is the Best Time of the Day to See Turtles? Guests can grab snorkel gear from the resort or get hooked up with a local guide. We returned that night for shave ice and to watch the turtles come back. Guests can grab snorkel gear from the resort or get hooked up with a local guide. The ocean speeds here reach the speeds as much as 35 miles per hour. Paradise. 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. Hiking. Good Luck. This is a very well maintained beach with attentive lifeguards who watch to make sure guests are not bothering the seals or turtles that sometimes beach on the island area near the beach. Because Hawaii has some of the best beaches for viewing these magnificent animals, you'll have a greater chance of catching a glimpse of these graceful creatures from a safe distance (or by venturing out into the water! your daughter enthuses, adjusting her goggles. Even if they make it to the sea, hatchlings are a favorite snack of bigger creatures, and only one in 1,000 eggs will survive to adulthood. 1. Whether you see a honu on land or in the water, maintaining a safe distance is essential. The best time to spot sea turtles is between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Dont allow the name to mislead you, because Cockroach Cove is another great place for Oahu snorkeling with turtles that you wont want to miss. During the summer, the sea is calmer, and they come ashore to bask during the day. You can find spinner dolphins swimming near Kauai year-round. Not worth it not to mention cruel. Right outside the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort is a notoriously great spot for viewing sea turtles. We are using Turo now. However, monk seals are most often seen around Kauai if seen at all. Make sure to set your alarm early and head on over to Poipu Beach! If youre lucky, you could see dozens of sea turtles or more at once around popular feeding and congregating locales for the creatures. In terms of where specifically to go, Brenneckes Beach is a prime viewing location, as is Whalers Cove, Lawai Beach and the aptly named Turtle Cove. During this time, the waves are calm, and the water and sand are much warmer than in the winter months. Bring your snorkel gear and come see the turtles! $ Quick Bites Healthy Vegetarian Friendly, $$$$ Hawaiian Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options, $$$$ American Seafood International. So where is the best place to see sea turtles in Kauai? These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. We saw 2 monk seals on different parts of the beach. If you want to spot some, be sure to suit up for a late afternoon swim. We saw turtles while snorkeling on south shore at beach right next door to Kuhio Shores. Honolua Bay (West Maui) Kaanapali Beach's Puu Kekaa (West Maui) Kapalua Bay (West Maui) Keawakapu Beach (South Maui) Makena Landing (South Maui) Maluaka Beach (South Maui) 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 One note of caution however is that millions of years of evolution have made sea turtles remarkably adapted for life in the ocean. 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. There are three species of sea turtles native to the Hawaiian Islands: the Green, the Hawksbill, and the Leatherback. With a history of ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards, Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. When and Where is the Best Place to View Sea Turtles in Kauai, Seeking Sea Turtles: Kauais South Shore is a Snorkelers Dream, Hear it from the Pros! 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. Located on Oahu's North Shore, Laniakea Beach offers such frequent sightings of the Hawaiian green sea turtle that locals simply know it as "Turtle Beach." Honu love to eat and lounge in the sand here. The mid-day munchies kick in for these sea creatures too, so late afternoon also works. Its considered the best place to see Kauais famed turtles. But it is also their will that amazes us. You will also find several species of sea turtle, as well as the densest population of the most endangered species in the world: Hawaiian Monk [], Your email address will not be published. Even behind her mask and snorkel you can tell she is grinning ear to ear. Tunnels Beach is a prime spot to make friends with countless fish and the occasional wandering honus. We saw tons of turtles around queen's bath in Princeville and had a seal lumber up the beach for a nap while we were snorkeling at Tunnels. Swimming here gives you access to an old boat ramp leading to a healthy reef inhabited by lots of fish and turtles. Travel under the waterfalls and into sea caves when conditions permit, encounter playful dolphins, turtles, whales (in season), and more! What does Aloha Mean? This tropical island is a haven for many kinds of turtles, otherwise known as honu in this part of the world! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Best Time to See Turtles in Kauai. Trip itineraries for top destinations to visit around the world. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Full guides on the top bucket list travel destinations to inspire your wanderlust! Fines can set you back $100,000. The scenery here is amazing and youre sure to spot many sea turtles from a distance. On Kauais South Shore, there are a number of areas where turtles can be viewed safely from shore. Have you ever dreamed of seeing one of the most majestic marine creatures in their natural environment? So grab your binoculars and hit the brakes, because you dont want to miss out! Violators can be fined up to $100,000 and possibly imprisoned. Her flippers have a leopard-like pattern and her green back looks as mottled as the mossy rocks beneath her. Once you are comfortable snorkeling, our favorite spot on the island was right at our condo, Kuhio Shores, at Lawai Beach. Come on! And shes back underwater to keep tabs on her new friend. The turquoise waters off Lawai Beach just next to the Beach House restaurant offer a picturesque spot to hang out with Hawaiian sea turtles. Since Hawaii's sea turtles are a protected species, it is a federal crime to touch them. 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. The best time time of day for spotting sea turtles at Laniakea is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., although they may be spotted other times of day, such as just before sunset. Sat here reading my book under a tree watching people and the ocean. 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