Snorkeling on Oahu During Your Hawaiian Vacation

When I first moved to the island of Oahu in Hawaii last year, the first water activity I tried was snorkeling.  And I quickly became hooked.  Swimming alongside rare tropical fish that can be found only in this part of the world is an amazing experience.  What's more, the entire family can enjoy snorkeling on Oahu.  It's fun, it's inexpensive, it's safe, and it's easy.  

Snorkel gear can be purchased at specialty shops anywhere on the island, or at one of Waikiki's dozens of ABC Stores.  The cost of the gear ranges in price depending on the brand name you purchase, or there are shops where you can rent your gear.  But if you go snorkeling more than once on your trip, the gear pays for itself, so you might want to shell out the cash to buy your own flippers and mask.  If you do, write your name on the gear in waterproof ink, in case someone else picks your gear up by mistake.  

The greatest hazard involved with snorkeling might just be the hot Hawaiian sun.  So, I recommend wearing a strong waterproof sunblock with at least an SPF of 15.  You'll hardly notice the sun while your flapping your fins on the surface of the cool ocean waters, but trust me, it's there.  And you and everyone else will notice your lobster-colored skin, sizzling and burning while waiting for your dinner table sipping a Mai Tai later that evening.  So, wear that sunblock and maybe try to avoid the sun between 11 and 2 p.m. when the sun's rays are particularly strong.  

I also recommend picking up a waterproof disposable camera, so that you can capture your snorkeling experience on film.  The camera is inexpensive and you can take great shots underwater of truly amazing exotic fish.