Whenever my husband and I return to Oahu, the list of things we have to do seems to get longer – shave ice here, hike there, in between. But sea turtles are always on the list.
We have lost a few times with them snorkeling, but each trip still feels just as magical.
Because many of you love Snorkeling on Maui with sea turtles Guide, I thought I would sort out the Oahu version: beaches and snorkeling locations, whether it’s a cruise in the water or hanging out on the beach.
So if you want to know Where to find sea turtles on Oahuthis is the list we always keep coming back to.
Swimming with turtles on Oahu (useful tips)
Don’t touch the turtle
- Sea turtles are protected by the Endangered Species Act. Touching a sea turtle in Hawaii is illegal and the fine involves a $10,000 fine. Turtles are considered sacred in Hawaii, so keep a minimum distance of 10 feet to avoid touching them.
The best time to see the turtle
- Do you know there is the best time to spot turtles? Try snorkeling with sea turtles from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., which will greatly improve your chances of finding them. In fact, all our sightings and encounters happened within that time frame.
Reef-safe sunscreen is a must!
Did you know that the active ingredients in traditional sunscreens are toxic to reef systems and marine life? This is (cheap) Coral reef safe sunscreen We used it on the go and it worked very well. Actually, we have repurchased 3 times.
Snorkeling with sea turtles on Essential Gear
Let’s cover with proper snorkeling gear to ensure you’re ready for success when swimming with turtles on Oahu.
A good snorkeling mask
- I bought it This mask I was very satisfied with this before I traveled. I’ve noticed a lot of people using This mask And consider buying it on my next trip.
- Nothing destroys underwater parties faster than a foggy mask. Worth spending a few dollars and buying anti-atomization sprays, This is a spray I highly recommend it.
Flip board is a must
- These are the limbs I’ve used it for the past 5 years (I actually lived in it when we visited the Virgin Islands and repurchased it with heartbeat!).
- I bought these too Snorkeling socks To prevent blisters, now reject snorkeling without them – a game-changing game!
Proper rash (laughing all you want, but I’m serious)
- Rasty guard is essential, especially when you are as cold as me. I bought it this Before we traveled, and used it many times. It’s highly praised on Amazon – another kind of allowance.
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#1: Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach)
Place: pohaku loa Way, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Listen, they don’t United NationsOfficially call this Turtle Beach! Well, I mean they actually call it Laniakea Beach, which translates to “wide sky”. But the wide sky is only half the story here, as the turtle stole the show.
Regardless of your skill level, shallow water surfing makes it an ideal place to snorkeleton with sea turtles. Based on first-hand experience, there is a lot to see here! In fact, the area is known for its turtles on Oahu, where volunteers stroll on the beach and post signs to make sure people don’t get too close to the turtles on the coast.
PS Laniakea Beach is often regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and is therefore very fast. Anyway, I highly recommend visiting, even if you are not planning to swim with the turtles as the scenery alone is worth a visit.
hint: Don’t mistake “Turtle Beach” for Turtle Bay Resort.
#2: Electrical Beach
While doing research on Hawaii trips, many friends suggested visiting electrical beaches dedicated to sea turtles. We hardly know what we are going to do! The water here creates perfect conditions for all kinds of marine life – from angel fish to clown fists, and even spiral dolphins in the distance.
But, as you know, we want to see the gentlest turtle the most! Thankfully, we found two within minutes of hitting the water, so yes – if you’re looking for turtles in Oahu, the electrical beach is definitely worth stopping.
Location: The electric beach is located on the west side of Oahu, about 40 minutes from Waikiki Beach.
#3: Makua Beach
To some extent, Makua Beach feels like a secret because not many people can drive. But the beach itself is breathtaking, with photographers flocking to the sunset for good reason. But Makua Beach is not only suitable for great photos, but it is a great place to sway with turtles!
Transparent water makes visibility easy, and playful fish is a pleasant observation. When you see the turtle move further, your chances of seeing the turtle increase, and you will not regret it when you try to move towards distance.
Turtle Oahu, the best attractions in Turtle Oahu, Oahu Turtle
#4. Haleiwa Beach
Haleiwa Beach is a stone’s throw from the stones of Laniakea Beach. This is a great place to swim with turtles on Oahu, as the water is very clear and turtles seem to visit this beach frequently.
During our visit we encountered 4 sea turtles, located on the shore around the sunrise. It was so fun to play with them for about an hour. I recommend wearing rash guards while swimming here because the further you go from the shore, the colder the water gets.
#5. Cockroach Bay (Kaupo Bay)
Near the famous Halona Blowing Hole is Cockroach Bay, another great place to snorkeling on Oahu!
Cove Cove is full of tidal pools and snorkeling opportunities, and is already ripe. The waters of the area are not very suitable for young swimmers, so if you have some experience I recommend snorkeling here and make sure to visit on a calm sunny day for the best snorkeling conditions.
Best Attractions for Oahu Turtles (Dear mention)
The five beaches mentioned above are the best places to find turtles on Oahu based on our experience. Having said that, the five beaches below are also a great place for turtles. We have seen these gentle giants on the beach below, but less frequently than the others mentioned above. Anyway, try your luck!
- Aki’s Beach
- Halona Beach Cove
- Kuilima Cove Snorkeling
- KO Olina
- Cavela
Are there turtles on Waikiki Beach?
Yes! Believe it or not. The best time to spot turtles in Waikiki Beach is sunrise and noon.
We spent a lot of time walking around Waikiki Beach as our hotel was along the coastline. During these walks we always see turtles on the pier. More importantly, while calming down after drinking at Duke Bar, we met a little guy swimming near the shore. Too cool!
Learn about Hawaiian Turtle
Hawaii is home to five different species of sea turtles. Green Turtle (Hono By far, Hawaiians are the most common in Oahu.
The second most common one is the Hawksbill turtles, but they are seen much less frequently. The remaining three tend to hang out in deeper waters, so you most likely won’t encounter an olive Ridley, Turneback, or Loggerhead.
Interesting facts: Leatherback is the largest raw sea turtle and can weigh 2,000 pounds! But don’t worry, you stimulate the seeker, you. The green turtle is also very large – see below.
Sea turtles eat algae (called “Limu” In Hawaiians)
- Limu has been found extensively around Hawaii’s coral reefs – making the reef an ideal place to find sea turtles.
- Interesting facts: Turtles sometimes cross the entire ocean before returning to their homes to feed on Fulu. For example, some Loggerhead turtles migrated from Japan to Gig Sur, California and then went home again – how crazy is that?
Turtles spend their entire lives on the sea
- Considering that the average lifespan of green turtles ranges from 30 to 80 years, this is a long time!
- Turtles adapt to the ocean, but require air breathing, and it is not uncommon to see a small head jumping on the water from time to time.
Where to see turtles on Oahu (Abstract)
All in all, this is the best place to find sea turtles on Oahu:
- Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach)
- Electrical Beach
- Makua Beach
- Haleiwa Beach
- Cockroach Beach (Kaupo Bay)
- Aki’s Beach
- Halona Beach Cove
- Kuilima Cove Snorkeling
- KO Olina
- Cavela
Need more useful information?
Hope you enjoyed snorkeling with sea turtles on Oahu!
Until next time,
Antonina
The best beach to see the turtles on Oahu,
