Overview

2-4 Hours • All Ages • Snorkel Experience

Duration: 2-4 Hours
Cancellation Summary: 48 hour cancelation
Meeting Point: 134b Hamakua Dr, Kailua, HI 96734
Description: The calm clear waters of Sharks Cove hold an impressive amount of sea life. The volcanic rock formations of the small bay coupled with a sea bottom made of large smooth rock formations provide a protective environment for marine life to thrive. This is no coral garden, so don’t expect rainbows of colors, but you won’t be disappointed with the lack of fish and the occasional sea turtle that ventures into the cove. Needless to say, Pupukea and more specifically, Sharks Cove, is a snorkeler’s paradise. There are several snorkeling experiences available within the area of Sharks Cove. Let our adventure guides help you choose the one that matches your skill level and sense of adventure, ensuring an unforgettable experience with vibrant marine life and stunning views all around.

What is Included: Get set for an epic adventure at the North Shore of Oahu! We provide all of the gear necessary to make for an epic day. Included in your rental for this self-guided tour are snorkel mask and fins, life vest, dry bag, biodegradable mask defog, and a map of routes and other information. Our adventure guides will give you tips on where to park, where to snorkel, and what snorkeling area might work best for your experience and with the current weather/surf conditions.

What is not Included: Please keep in mind that this is a self-guided tour and transportation to Sharks Cove is not included. Snorkeling gear will need to be picked up at our storefront in Kailua. We will provide you with all of the necessary information and gear to make for an unforgettable adventure! Please bring any items necessary for the day such as; reef-safe sunscreen, towels, and shoes that are suitable for water activities. If you do not have or have forgotten any of these items on the day of the tour, do not worry as we have them available for purchase at our storefront.

Itinerary: There are a variety of snorkeling adventures within close distance of Sharks Cove. Pick the one that best suits your level of experience and sense of adventure!

Sharks Cove: Shark’s Cove is a part of the Pupukea Beach Park on the North Shore. Not to worry if the name is not familiar; the location is nestled between Sunset Beach and Haleiwa, making it a convenient location for anyone who is exploring the north side of the island. This location alone has enough to keep you busy all day.
Sharks Cove has a rocky entry into the water. We’ll help you out by showing you the best entry point, but if you are uncomfortable with uneven ground and using your hands and feet to make your way to the water, the next snorkel spot, Three Tables, will be a better fit for you.
There are always fish hanging about, especially along the edges of the cove, along with scattered coral and sea urchins. If you are lucky you’ll also see sea turtles (more common) and stingrays (much less common).
Shark’s Cove is great for beginners and even better for more experienced snorkelers. With all sorts of lava tubes to check out and varying depths around the whole cove to dive down to, you can explore some sweet pockets of ocean life!

Pupukea Tide Pools: If some of your party decide not to snorkel, or don’t like deep water there is also a great place to wade and explore on the south side of Shark’s Cove. The Pupukea tide pools are a perfect option for families traveling with smaller children or for anyone who is not too keen on snorkeling.
All in all, Sharks cove is best for its interesting rock formations and great underwater views.

Three Tables: This location is just a short walk from Sharks Cove. For many people, Three Tables Beach is a better place to start snorkeling, especially if it’s your first time. There’s a perfect sandy entry area where you can walk into the water with your snorkel mask on and wade into the water where you can put your fins on without big waves pushing you around. The bonus for this location is that there is some live coral scattered throughout that whole area and turtles love hanging about the “table” rock formations of Three Tables.

South Side of Waimea Bay: This far side of the bay is walking accessible. It’s about a quarter-mile walk from Three tables and is an option to mix things up if you are doing the 4-hour rental. The North side of Waimea Bay is known for its cliff jumping in the summer, but the south side of Waimea Bay has some nice snorkeling. Right at the water’s edge, there’s a fun rock that fish like to hang out at. All along the water’s edge, as you snorkel further along the rocky side of the bay, there are fish moving with the tide through the rocks. If you follow the shoreline amid the large round basalt boulders, you’ll find some patches of coral reef deep down and at the end of the point, there are massive lava boulders that litter the seabed. It’s a unique place for sure.

Highlights: Great snorkel options for beginners and experienced free divers

We’ll show you some of our favorite spots to snorkel with both sandy and rocky entry snorkel spots

For those more experienced, there is plenty of free diving to get close up to the sea life

What to Bring: Apply reef safe sunscreen
Wear a swimsuit
Wear a rash-guard if you need extra sun protection
Bring/wear water shoes or sandals to get down to the beach. (It is very rocky at Pupukea; water shoes are ideal).
Towel, if preferred
Any necessary water and snacks
Please leave your valuables at home

Special Requirements: Children under 13 will need to book a private trip

Children must ride in a double or 3 seat kayak with one or more parent or guardian (one child per adult)

All paddlers should be physically fit and able to swim with a life vest