ALOHA!
So you’re thinking of heading to the North Shore of Oahu during your Hawaii vacation, and you want to see about getting some snorkeling in along the beaches of the North Shore!
Are there good spots to snorkel on the North Shore?
If you’ll be headed to Hawaii in the summer, there are a few different snorkeling spots you can choose.
Why just the summer?
In the winter, the North Shore beaches basically turn into a surfing mecca.
It’s when the waves come alive. Good for surfers, but not so good for snorkelers!
So if you’re headed to Hawaii in the winter months and are excited to get in some snorkeling, the North Shore may not be a good option.
But you can give a try to other snorkeling spots on Oahu.
Otherwise, for snorkeling in the summer…
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!
3 of the top spots for snorkeling on the North Shore
Here is the quick list of the top snorkeling spots that are on this page:
Map of North Shore snorkeling spots
For the visual of where these North Shore beaches are located, see the Oahu snorkeling map below!
As you will see, these beaches are pretty close to each other.
This means that if you want to go beach hopping on the North Shore and create your own snorkeling tour on Oahu, that might not be such a bad idea!
This map is best explored on a computer, on your mobile device’s web browser, or through the Google Maps app. (It doesn’t work as well within the Pinterest app.)
more things to do on the north shore – north shore beaches – north shore hike
beaches on oahu – snorkeling spots on oahu
what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear snorkeling – what to wear hiking
Shark’s Cove
Oahu has 3 marine life conservation districts in which there are protected areas.
One such district is on the North Shore and includes Shark’s Cove.
The area of nearby Three Tables Beach and Shark’s Cove combine to make up the North Shore’s Pupukea marine life conservation district.
Out of the 3 snorkeling spots listed on this page, Shark’s Cove is located between the other 2.
Shark’s Cove is a bit of a more sheltered area which is one of the reasons that makes it a prime snorkeling spot on the North Shore.
This is a rocky entrance to the water, and not much of a beach area, so if you won’t be wearing fins when snorkeling, beach shoes like these can be a good idea.
These are the other districts that also make for good snorkeling spots on Oahu.
Just across the street from Shark’s Cove you’ll find food trucks and a spot to rent snorkel gear on the North Shore.
more: sharks cove snorkeling – snorkel rental on north shore
Waimea Bay
Located about a mile south of Shark’s Cove is Waimea Bay Beach Park.
During the winter, Waimea Bay becomes one of the hot spots for surfing.
But in the summer, you can find the water to be calm enough to become a good spot to go snorkeling.
more: things to do near waimea bay
Kuilima Cove
A few miles from Shark’s Cove in the opposite direction of Waimea Bay to the north is Kuilima Cove.
This North Shore snorkeling spot is located on the grounds of Turtle Bay Resort.
There is public beach access, so you don’t need to be a hotel guest in order to go snorkeling here.
Similar to Shark’s Cove, Kuilima Cove is also somewhat sheltered from waves.
This is what can make it a good snorkeling spot in the summer.
Because of the way it’s protected, this may be the one beach that you may try your luck at in the winter to see if there are desirable snorkeling conditions, if you are in the area.
Things to maybe pack for your North Shore snorkeling trip!
Now, here are some things you just may want to consider adding to your Hawaii packing list so you’re ready for snorkeling in the sun when you’re snorkeling on the North Shore!
- A standard snorkel set like this one or a full face snorkeling mask like this one
- 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!
- 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! If you’re on a desktop, use the far left column to filter by women, men, girls, or boys! Look at these types of quick-dry swim shorts too, for women and men!
- These types of beach shoes so you can protect your feet from sharp rocks hidden under the sand!
- 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!
HAPPY NORTH SHORE SNORKELING!
more things to do on the north shore – north shore beaches – north shore hike
more things to do on oahu | map >> best snorkeling spots – best short hikes – waikiki beach – east oahu – central oahu
what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear snorkeling – what to wear hiking
There are affiliate links on this page. Among other partners, as an Amazon Associate, I may receive a commission.
🐠 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