Big Island Snorkeling
The first time I went snorkeling on the Big Island I couldn't believe my
eyes. Actually I wasn't expecting to snorkel
at the time. I love to long distance swim and I asked the concierge, at my
hotel where I might find a good beach to swim for distance. She
misunderstood me and sent me to a spot that was somewhat rocky with an
occasional reef. I didn't notice at first the underwater reef terrain. I
warmed up on the beach, adjusted my goggles, waded into the water and then
made my first lunge into the underwater world of the "Big
Island". I almost jumped right back out again. I just couldn't
believe what I was seeing. It was as though I had just jumped into an
aquarium. I had never before seen so many fish of so many sizes and colors
in one place in my life. It was absolutely fabulous I spent the next half
hour just marveling at the underwater sights.
The Big Island has a number of different boats that offer snorkeling. Many
of them cruise the coast off Kona down to Capt. Cook. Most of the boats
offer morning and afternoon trips and one trip even offers "night
snorkeling" to see the giant Manta Rays. Whichever one you choose you
won't be disappointed. The Big Island is simply the best spot I have found
in Hawaii for snorkeling and the very best spots are the ones that are
found by taking the boats in Hawaii's snorkel fleet. Many of these places
are found on the open ocean side of the reefs where the best accessibility
is from a boat. This is one activity that is a "must" on the Big
Island. |
