So, you know that snorkeling is one of the best things to do in Hawaii during your vacation.
But, how much does it actually cost to go snorkeling in Hawaii?
It really can be FREE! And yes, that’s kind of.
So what is this kind of free snorkeling?
Well, there are places to go snorkeling in Oahu or another Hawaiian island that don’t require any additional cost. They are free beaches in Hawaii. On Oahu, this includes snorkeling at Sharks Cove and snorkeling in Waikiki.
See more about free beaches for snorkeling in Hawaii:
But the reason that these are kind of free activities is because you’ll have to buy the snorkeling gear before you go to Hawaii, and that’s definitely not free! But once you arrive, it’s free snorkeling in Hawaii! No snorkeling tour necessary, and no beach admissions fee necessary.
Certainly, there are snorkeling tours in Hawaii or snorkeling beaches that you may want to pay for, but if this is an area that you’d rather not budget for during Hawaii vacation, it’s possible to put these costs into your budget before Hawaii vacation!
How much is snorkel rental in Hawaii?
Another point of consideration is whether or not you want to wait to rent snorkeling gear in Hawaii, or if you do want to buy it ahead of time.
Why would you NOT want to rent snorkel gear?
- Once you’ve gotten used to your own snorkeling gear, you can feel good for all future snorkeling activities knowing that you can confidently use your equipment, without worry of receiving snorkel rental that doesn’t fit you properly. This may be especially important if you’re snorkeling when you don’t know how to swim so you can get some snorkeling practice in at home at your local pool or lake.
- If you’re going to more than one beach to snorkel in Hawaii, it may make more sense to bring your own gear in order to save money.
Why would you WANT to rent snorkel gear?
- If snorkeling is a one-time activity for you (good call to make it snorkeling in Hawaii! ;)), and you don’t foresee any more snorkeling activities in the near future, it may make more sense to just go for the snorkel rental in order to save money.
- By renting snorkel gear in Hawaii, it frees up space in your luggage as it’s extra beach gear that doesn’t need to go on your Hawaii packing list. The fins are what take up the most space, so you may also consider getting the mask and snorkel set like this one, and then renting the fins only when you get to Hawaii. (These things can also help you pack your suitcase better!)
Cost of snorkel rental
So, the cost of snorkel rental in Hawaii can of course vary.
But to give you at least some sort of idea, for a single day, you can expect to pay around $20 to rent a mask and snorkel together, and around $9 to rent just fins. This is how much rental costs near two of the most popular snorkeling beaches in Oahu. For more, have a look here:
- Shark’s Cove rental – Shark’s Cove is a free snorkeling beach on the North Shore, and there is a rental shop across the street from the beach
- Hanauma Bay rental – Hanauma Bay has an entry fee, and you rent gear in the paid portion of the beach park
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
How much is snorkel gear when you buy your own to bring to Hawaii?
Now, the cost of being fully prepared for a snorkeling trip or a beach trip can once again vary.
But to give you an idea, here are some things that you may want to consider getting before you go snorkeling in Hawaii, and you can have a look to see how much each item costs.
- A standard snorkel set like this one or a full face snorkeling mask like this one
- Fins like these
- This type of case so you can take pristine underwater pictures with your camera. (It’s cheap!)
- This type of pouch so you can take your valuables with you in the water!
- This personal buoy or this flotation snorkel vest so your family on the beach can spot you out in the water in an instant!
- These types of UV protection shirts to wear so you don’t burn under the strong tropical sun rays when you’re in the water! You’ll find shirts for women, men, and kids, so have a look! If you’re on a desktop, look to the far left column and select which type of shirt you’re looking for. Otherwise, type into the search bar women, men, girls, or boys!
- These types of beach shoes if you’re not wearing fins so that you can protect your feet from sharp rocks hidden under the sand on the beach and in the water!
- This type of beach bag that’s open air to start the drying of your beach gear after you’re done snorkeling to get ready for the next beach day!
Where to go snorkeling in Hawaii
Now, for the best spots for snorkeling in Hawaii, a good place to start would be to have a look at the areas that are protected by the state of Hawaii.
And for that, have a look to the marine life conservation districts, which are located across the Hawaiian islands in Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island.
- 3 districts for snorkeling in Oahu: See here
- 3 districts for snorkeling in Maui: See here
- 5 districts for snorkeling on the Big Island: See here
These aren’t the only spots for snorkeling in Hawaii, but there’s a good chance you’ll see some worthy marine life in these areas!
HAPPY HAWAII SNORKELING!
oahu things to do >> oahu beaches – oahu snorkeling | oahu hikes | oahu hawaiian culture || what to pack for hawaii – what to wear hiking in hawaii
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling