Explore a hidden gem snorkel spot on the North Shore of Oahu during this self guided snorkelling tour of Shark’s Cove!
Explore a hidden gem snorkel spot on the North Shore of Oahu during this self guided snorkelling tour of Shark’s Cove!
Snorkelling Shark’s Cove is not to be missed if you love to snorkel and explore underwater! Known to locals as one of Hawaii’s best shore snorkelling spots, Shark’s Cove is a small rocky bay that is part of Pupukea Beach Park on the North Shore, and it boasts clear shallow water and a variety of marine life from butterfly fish and parrot fish to needlefish, eels, turtles and more! Though its name might suggest otherwise, there are no sharks to be found inside this shallow little cove and the name is actually derived from the shape of the cove from above!
On the southside of Shark’s Cove are the Pupukea tide pools which are great for wading and observing sealife for those who don’t wish to snorkel and also younger children. A short walk from Shark’s Cove is Three Tables Beach which is a great location to start snorkelling if you are a beginner to the sport since it offers a soft and sandy entrance into the water. The south side of Waimea Bay is also worth snorkelling and this spot is accessible by walking a quarter of a mile from Three Tables. Oahu’s North Shore has a number of great snorkelling spots accessible directly from the shore and this self-guided tour will allow you to discover them at your own pace! One of the best parts of snorkelling Shark’s Cove are the food trucks parked right across the road, so that after you work up an appetite you can head over to the food trucks and pick between all sorts of delicious options!
Before heading to the North Shore on your self-guided snorkelling tour of Shark's Cove, to prepare for your trip all you need to do is stop by the Active Oahu storefront in Kailua to pick up your gear, inclusive of a snorkel mask and fins, lifevest, dry bag, baby shampoo goggle defog, and the team’s tips for the best spots to snorkel – then you’re set!
Book your self-guided snorkelling tour of Shark’s Cove now and discover Oahu's world famous snorkel spot just waiting for you to jump in!
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Practical information
Self-guided snorkelling tour from Kailua to Shark's Cove on the North Shore of Oahu.
-Check in at Active Oahu activity storefront in Kailua
-Receive safety demo and activity briefing, including instruction on where to park at Shark's Cove, where to access the ocean safely, and snorkelling tips
-Receive equipment - snorkel mask and fins, lifevest, defog, dry bag
-Drive to Shark's Cove (1 hour) and start snorkelling!
-Explore the recommended snorkel spots
-Finish activity and return equipment to Active Oahu base in Kailua (1 hour driving)
Participants must know how to swim.
October through April is considered as surf season on the North Shore and the swell can bring pretty big waves into the area, including Shark' Cove. Please check the weather report to make sure there are no large swells on the day you visit and keep in mind that the best time to visit Shark's Cove is during the summer months.
Shark's Cove is a very popular snorkelling spot, and parking may be limited. Suggested parking can be found here: https://goo.gl/maps/jZ6HeqGDS7fZJCqNA.
- Lifevest
- Snorkel
- Mask
- Fins
- Defog
- Transportation
- Guide
- Food
- Drink
- Swimwear
- Reef safe sunscreen
- Change of clothes
- Sunglasses
- Waterbottle
- Hat
- Snacks
- Watershoes
- Rashguard
- Towel