Snorkeling is a great way to see marine life without scuba diving. This activity is easy to do and requires only a snorkel, mask and swim fins.
Seeing exotic marine life is the main reason many people take snorkeling trips. Some of the most popular marine species to see while snorkeling include: the Moorish Idol, which looks like Gil from Finding Nemo; Yellow Tangs; and Picasso Triggerfish.
Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are a keystone ecosystem, supporting many species of marine life. They are found in 109 countries around the world, and are considered to be threatened or endangered in 93. Coral reef loss is most often caused by human activities, including overfishing, pollution, and coastal development. This is a serious issue, as every reef lost means the end of unique tropical marine life, and displaced indigenous communities that depend on the natural resources of their reefs.
The reefs of Hawaii are among the most beautiful and diverse on the planet, thanks to the warm waters and abundant coral species that live here. While most snorkelers go straight for the coral reefs, it is well worth taking a stroll around other marine habitats as well, such as mangrove forests or seagrass beds. These sites are sheltered and provide smart options on windy days, plus they’re full of marine life. You’ll find a variety of fish, including small pygmy angelfish (Centropyge loriculus). These hyperactive beauties dart in and out of branching corals and bottom rubble and are difficult to photograph.
Snorkelers also enjoy seeing a wide range of sea turtles, both leatherback and green. Some of the best places to spot these critters include Waikoloa Beach Park, where green sea turtles are known to breed and lay their eggs. The beach is also a good place to see spinner dolphins, and you may even catch sight of humpback whales migrating up the coast each winter.
While the reefs are certainly worth visiting, it’s important to remember that these ecosystems are fragile. They’re vulnerable to the effects of global climate change, and their survival depends on humans respecting this amazing natural world. As such, it’s a good idea to follow the instructions of the crew of your boat, and use reef-safe sunscreen when swimming in the water.
You should also wear a hat and sunglasses, especially when you’re out of the water, to help protect yourself from the tropical sun. And don’t forget to bring your camera, because you’re going to want to take pictures of all this wonderful marine life, ready to take Kona Snorkeling Trips?
Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins
The crystal-clear waters of Hawaiian snorkeling spots like Two Step and Kahalu’u Beach Park provide a glimpse into an underwater world filled with vibrant fish species. But the marine life that truly makes these spots memorable are the acrobatic Hawaiian spinner dolphins. Watching their playful leaps and spins from a boat or while snorkeling is an unforgettable experience.
The nai’a (spinner dolphins) are very easy to see in the waters around Hulopoe Bay on Lanai, as well as along the Kona Coast of the Big Island and the Waianae coast on Oahu. They enter near-shore, lagoon, and bay shallows during the day to rest, socialize, and forage. They also use the shallows for safety from shark predation at night.
Nai’a communicate using clicks and whistles. They also play with bits of seaweed and other objects that wash up on the shore, a behavior known as the “seaweed game.” Tradewinds often blow lightweight plastic grocery bags into the ocean, which the dolphins drape over their fins and pass back and forth. They are also very curious, and their elongated jaws are perfectly suited to snagging invertebrates from coral reefs and rock cracks.
They also take interest in pregnant women, observing their fetuses and emitting an audible buzzing sound to them. This is believed to be a form of sonar.
While it is very common to see nai’a in Hawaii, it’s important to respect their habitat and not swim with them. They are sensitive to human disturbances and may change their daily activities, such as aerial behaviors or residence times in essential daytime habitats. This can be stressful for the dolphins and affect their overall health and survival.
The flora and fauna of the ocean are incredibly delicate and valuable to the ecosystems they form. Every living thing has a symbiotic relationship with the water, and it is important for all humans to respect that natural world. That’s why it’s crucial to heed the guidance of the experienced crew aboard your vessel and practice reef-friendly behaviors, such as not standing on or touching coral reefs.
Manta Rays
As any diver, snorkeler, or casual observer of a nature documentary knows, another world exists beneath the water, where marine life beats to its own rhythm and humans are merely visitors. A Hawaii snorkeling tour can be a front row seat to these vibrant ecosystems.
The coral reefs along the Kona coast are home to a stunning array of marine creatures. From the acrobatic dolphins to the mysterious manta rays, there is no shortage of sealife to be seen. The best way to see the marine life of Konas Big Island is to take a snorkeling tour with a guide that specializes in marine wildlife. These local guides are more than just tour operators; they embody the spirit of Aloha, a deep respect for the land and ocean that they steward.
Snorkeling is a great way to see marine wildlife on your vacation, and it is a more accessible activity than diving. All you need is a mask and snorkel, which are available for rent at many local shops. Getting the hang of snorkeling is easy, and all you have to do is follow basic rules like staying close to the boat and not touching any animals.
While there are many snorkeling spots on the Kona coast, the best place to spot manta rays is Olowalu Reef. This site is often referred to as a “cleaning station,” as it is frequented by manta rays to be cleaned by cleaner fish that remove parasites and dead skin. The mantas are able to recognize the same cleaner fish over time, and some even return to the same cleaning stations on a regular basis.
Aside from seeing manta rays at Olowalu, snorkelers can also see them at other snorkeling sites in the area. These include Catacombs, Oz, Rainbow Reef, Pohoe Bay, and Turtle Pinnacle. Turtle Pinnacle is famous for its large number of green sea turtles that gather on the top of a coral pinnacle to be cleaned by mobs of yellow tangs, but snorkelers can often find mantas at this site as well.
Manta rays can be found in many different depths in the ocean, and research has shown that they are capable of diving as deep as 1,000 meters. These creatures have the largest brain-to-size ratio of any cold-blooded fish, and studies have shown that they are able to create mental maps of their surroundings. These are abilities that only a few other animals have, including dolphins and primates.
Sea Turtles
Sea turtles are another majestic creature that can be seen swimming through the crystal-clear waters of the Hawaiian Islands. These ancient reptiles are a symbol of good luck and longevity, and they have been revered for millennia by cultures around the world. They spend most of their lives submerged, but they also spend time at the surface to breathe air and lay eggs. This means that you may see them from the beach or while snorkeling in shallow water.
In the calm waters of Kona, you can often see green sea turtles gracefully gliding through the water. These gentle creatures are an essential part of the ocean ecosystem and are a joy to observe.
Manta rays are another marine life species worth seeing while snorkeling in the Kona area. With wing spans of up to 18 feet, these elegant creatures glide effortlessly through the waters. Watching them perform their mesmerizing underwater ballet is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you in awe.
Reef sharks are also a common sight in the waters off of the Kona coast. These scavengers feed on small fish and plankton, and they are usually not aggressive towards humans. However, they should always be approached with caution and respect.
Several types of sea turtles can be found in the tropical waters of Hawaii, including the endangered leatherback sea turtle. These sea giants can dive up to 1,000 meters (3,000 ft) in search of food, and they are unique amongst all sea turtles for having the ability to breathe oxygen from the ocean floor.
The sea turtles of the Hawaiian Islands have evolved to be able to live in both air and water, and their eyes are well adapted to the different light levels under the waves and on the surface. This allows them to detect the vibrations of prey and to see the tiny ripples of their movements.
There are a number of beaches where you can snorkel on your own, but we recommend booking a dolphin discovery tour with Dolphin Discoveries to see the best of Kona’s snorkeling spots. Not only will you be able to jump in at the most pristine reefs, but you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about the local wildlife and history from a knowledgeable captain and crew.