Elevation gain: 0-3,000 feet. Kholo Bay is also one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. What is Travelers Choice Best of the Best? Looking for the best spot in Kauai to check out some sea turtles? My husband runs every morning and mentioned there were more turtles there in the morning than in the evening. Sea Turtles in Kaua'i Waters Gracefully gliding through the ocean current, the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle or honu, is one of the oldest, and most beloved creatures in the Hawaiian Islands. No touching, feeding, riding, approaching, or handling sea turtles is allowed in Kauai. Youre guaranteed to come across turtles in Oahu as you visit its northern shores where theyll be swimming in their natural habitat. Visiting Hawaii (the Big Island)? Is there overnight parking allowed? We've rounded up some of our favorite Hawaii islands that offer amazing turtle coves where you can spot these emerald-shelled wonders in the wild. Lawai Swim with Kauai sea turtles in the turquoise waters off Lawai Beach just next to the Beach House restaurant. The best snorkeling is from shore, you don't need a tour. Flashlights, flash photography and even bright street lights are not allowed because sea birds and turtles get confused thinking that they're going towards the sea where the moonlight is, and instead go inland and get hit by cars or attacked by dogs. Bring your snorkel gear and come see the turtles! 1) Explore Waimea Canyon State Park. There are many places to see sea turtles in Kauai. In Kauai, honu can often be seen swimming in the surf, hanging around the rocky shores and even napping on the beaches. So, make sure that swimming with turtles in Waikiki Beach is among the top activities that you participate in while youre there. Show the animals your respect by watching them from afar. Description. The bay just east of Kuhio shores is a favorite sea turtle hang out due to the plants that grow among the rocks in this area. Here's a brief glimpse at some of the best places to view sea turtles, as well as the best places to swim with turtles in Maui. . Not only will you be able to see these creatures up close and personal (but from a safe distance), but you might even get the chance to swim with them if youre lucky! Guests can even grab snorkel gear from the resort or get hooked up with a local guide. However, you can pretty much go scuba diving year-round and have a great time. But if you want to be their pal, we suggest keeping your distance. too crowded in February's rainy season, can't imagine how many humans flock here in their high season! If its your life goal to spot one of these beauties in all their splendor, then this article is perfect for you. In other words: no snoozing here! These animals are protected under the Endangered Species Act as well as by the state of Hawaii. From May through September, the sea turtles head to the beaches to lay their eggs. Are you actually staying somewhere on the island of Maui? Seeing sea turtles in Kauai is a truly magical experience that many visitors put on their bucket list when they visit the island. After all, who can resist a flippered friend coming out of the blue? The two most common species of dolphins are spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. Turtles in front of Kuhio Shores feeding on the matter on the rocks. It's just a mile or so to the west of Po'ipu Beach. This is an amazing spot to see gentle waves usher turtles to the shore for some sunbathing, and it's considered one of the most reliable turtle-watching spots in Hawaii. I Snorkel Bob's has maps of where the best places are for this time of year. The northwestern-most Hawaiian island is a turtle nesting destination so they arrive to lay their eggs here from May through September, but they can be seen in water and on land pretty much year round if you know where to see turtles in Kauai. Sounds like a turtle's paradise. Summer months are ideal though; with warm weather and calmer ocean conditions, youve got yourself a higher chance of making some turtle friends while playing splish splash in the watery paradise. 3) Snorkel In The Crystalline Waters Of Tunnels Beach. Kauai is home to some of the worlds most beautiful tropical fish. Guests can grab snorkel gear from the resort or get hooked up with a local guide. Best Time and Season for Turtles at Laniakea A green sea turtle comes ashore. If you would like to move closer to a turtle, float or swim towards it as gently as possible. Youll see depictions of sea turtles in petroglyphs and in kapa cloth displays. Then just like that, she pushes off the rocks and swims toward the depths, her flippers waving like wings. See the best sights with as much or as little hiking as you desire. Its a pretty special site to see and something youll always look back on fondly. Felt like a true Hawaiian experience for us. Park at the coves public lot or along the road at Queens Bath. Look no further than the shores of Lawai Beach. Nesting season for sea turtles happens between May and September each year, so the chances of seeing turtles on the beaches are much higher. Obviously, the best places to see turtles in Kauai is on the beach or out in the water. Are you visiting the island and are wondering where Oahu sea turtles can be found? This beach is spacious, friendly and a superb place to cool off. The best time to see turtles on Laniakea Beach is from May to September. Enjoy snorkeling, sea cliffs, pristine beaches, waterfalls, and sea caves. YES! Honu is a gentle-looking creature with a heart-shaped brown shell & large flippers. Sea turtles are federally protected creatures, where touching them is considered the same as disturbing them. Summary If you want to spot some, be sure to suit up for a late afternoon swim. Snorkeling was decent though limited. Paradise. Appreciate them quietly and be gentle with your movements. To truly get away from the hustle and bustle, take this path and gaze upon the iconic green honu munching on ocean snacks and sunning themselves in the rays. Given its name. With a history of ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards, Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. Not only does this sandy path provide breathtaking views, but it also comes with a bit of a workout i.e., more effort than just strolling along the beach! Such a fantastic and amazing display of nature. Get ready for a morning unlike any other! Slow down the pace of your Hawaiian adventure with a turtle-watching excursion. i actually have some cool materials you can use: The islands of Oahu and Maui provide plenty of opportunities to not only spot but even swim with sea turtles. Swimming here gives you access to an old boat ramp leading to a healthy reef inhabited by lots of fish and turtles. If so what marine life can one see? Just what I was looking for. There are plenty! Sea turtles, called honu ( pronounced hoh-noo by Hawaiian locals), can be found all around Kauai throughout the year. The turquoise waters off Lawai Beach just next to the Beach House restaurant offer a picturesque spot to hang out with Hawaiian sea turtles. A friend of the Outrigger ohana (family), Holokai Catamaran offers a Turtle Canyon Snorkel Tour that brings you around Diamond Head to swim in the presence of sea turtles, dolphins and the sea's other living treasures. 10. Should you be staying in the Honolulu area, youll be excited to hear that swimming with turtles in Honolulu Hawaii is a popular thing to do there. Hear stories and legends while our crew provides a full-service experience of one of Kauais greatest highlights! True to its name, this hidden gem by Queens Bath is a spot that honus love to eat and lounge in. The green sea turtles found here should be seen to be living for up to 80 years. The Poipu Beach Park is a great place to see turtles because it is a protected area and the turtles are often seen basking in the sun on the sandy beach. The other two sea turtles you may be able to see around Kauai, the Hawksbill and the Leatherback, are both endangered. At dusk, a number of green sea turtles come out of the water in this area. Sure, you have to take a bit of a hike to get there but not only is the cove incredibly rewarding, its also worth every single step! Kuhio Shores Though a little rocky at the entrance to the water, the bay just east of Kuhio Shores is a favorite sea turtle hang out. Have a great time! Bring snorkel gear - it's much calmer in this area. We saw upwards of 40 turtles. Although you have a reasonably good chance of seeing sea turtles in Kauai whatever month of the year you visit, there are certain times when the creatures are more active or congregate in larger groups that make them easier to spot. Sea turtles are a common sight in Kauai; you may see the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill turtle or Leatherback turtle if you keep your eyes peeled. 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. So grab your binoculars and hit the brakes, because you dont want to miss out! If youre lucky, you can also spot Hawaiian monk seals which frequently visit the area. Also, are there beach chair rentals? We also saw seals on the beach and dolphins. At Brenneckes Beach, you get the best of both worlds! But it is also their will that amazes us. Brennecke's Beach. Just a stones throw away from the Beach House restaurant, you can jump right in, relax and keep an eye out for some sea turtles. Best Time to See Turtles in Kauai. Holding the animals in captivity is also prohibited under federal and state laws. 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! Whether you prefer wading shoreside or snorkeling through the depths of the reef like a turtle on a mission, this beach is sure to be the highlight of your trip. Hours: 8:00a.m. It has bathrooms, lifeguards, and is right across the street from shopping/food/shave ice. We saw turtles while snorkeling on south shore at beach right next door to Kuhio Shores. This is the period that will give you the quintessential Kauai/Hawaii experience as the temperatures are moderate (upper 70s to low 80s), the greenery is lush and dense, and the weather is sunny with little rainfall. 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. We swam with many turtles at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You and your daughter swim up for air, and burst through the surface cackling with delight. I and my 2 sons saw a lots of sea turtles hanging/playing around the "(ta && ta.queueForLoad ? During the summer, the sea is calmer, and they come ashore to bask during the day. Snorkel in areas that are safe and you may still get lucky enough to encounter a turtle. The water was shallow which made for some challenges. If you know where to look, it isnt all that difficult. This beach isnt just the perfect place to see turtles, its also great for surfing too. These islands offer great opportunities for both underwater and surface encounters with these creatures. This is a great spot for turtle watching from the shore. If you want to spot some, be sure to suit up for a late afternoon swim. 4) Enjoy A Family Day At Poipu Beach Park. These creatures spend the majority of their lives in water, especially the males, so your chances of spotting one increase when you are also at sea. These fascinating creatures have played important roles in the environment and culture of Hawaii's people. The best time to see these majestic creatures is December through March. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The 4 year old could play in the sand & calm water, while the rest of us snorkeled. It is illegal to touch or harass sea turtles as they are all protected by the Endangered Species Act. 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