With the news of Hanauma Bay closing for maintenance in September, you might be wondering where to go for the best snorkeling experience on Oahu.
Hanauma Bay is Oahu’s most famous snorkeling spot. It’s an easy 20 to 30-minute drive from Waikiki.
Since the pandemic, strict time slots have been enforced, and reservations are required and go fast. This focus on preservation is a great step for the future of this beautiful bay.
At Hanauma Bay, you can rent snorkeling gear for around $30, and lifeguards are always on duty. You’ll have a chance to see the Hawaii state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapuaa, and you’ll be swimming in a bay that was famously featured in Elvis Presley’s 1961 movie, Blue Hawaii.
While Hanauma Bay is famous, it’s not the only stunning marine sanctuary on the island. In fact, we believe we have an even better option for you: Kane’ohe Bay!
While Hanauma Bay is a beautiful spot, it can often be crowded, and the marine life can be shy. When you join us for our sandbar tour in Kane’ohe Bay, you’ll discover a true hidden gem and a completely different kind of experience.
Unveiling Kaneʻohe Bay Sandbar: Location, Activities & Marine Life
What makes our Kane’ohe Bay Sandbar snorkeling tour the perfect choice for your September trip:
A Living, Breathing Reef: Our tour takes you to a vibrant underwater world with a spectacular array of living corals. You’ll get to see healthy, thriving reefs, including beautiful finger corals, intricate cauliflower corals, and unique lobe corals. This thriving ecosystem is why we have a super high chance of encountering incredible wild marine animals.
Encounter Local Marine Life: Get ready to meet some of Hawaii’s most beloved residents! Our guests frequently have up-close encounters with graceful green sea turtles, endemic Hawaiian reef fish found nowhere else in the world, and even majestic manta rays. This is a truly wild and unforgettable experience.
Perfect Conditions for Snorkeling
September in Kane’ohe Bay offers the ideal conditions for a relaxing and safe snorkel. The bay’s calm, warm waters are protected from the open ocean, providing a comfortable environment for everyone, from beginners to experienced snorkelers.
Safety is Our Priority
You can swim and explore with complete peace of mind. Our tours maintain a fantastic ratio of 10 passengers to 1 lifeguard, with our certified lifeguards actively in the water, swimming alongside you to ensure your safety and point out marine life.
FAQ: Can I participate even though I do not know how to swim?
We’ve Got You Covered
No need to worry about bringing your own gear! We provide complimentary snorkeling masks and life jackets for all our guests. Just show up and get ready for an adventure.
Why do so many of our guests return?
More Than Just Snorkeling
The beauty of a Kane’ohe Bay tour isn’t just under the water. As we cruise through the bay, you’ll be treated to some of Oahu’s most iconic scenery. Marvel at the Ko’olau Mountain Range, pass Kualoa Ranch and Chinaman’s Hat. We even get a close-up view of Coconut Island, famously known as Gilligan’s Island!
We’ve got so many returning guests because we don’t just offer a tour—we offer an amazing experience. Our crew is passionate about making sure you have a great time, and they’ll take care of you every step of the way. We keep our boats and gear super clean, so all you have to do is show up and get ready for a fantastic day on the water.
Customer Reviews
Read more reviews for Kaneohe Sandbar Tours
So, while Hanauma Bay takes a break, your opportunity to explore the incredible marine life and breathtaking scenery of Oahu is just beginning.
Join us for our tour in Kane’ohe Bay and discover an experience that is just as beautiful—if not more so—than the world-famous bay.
Select Your Kaneohe Sandbar Tour