Oahu Snorkeling Guide
Sans Souci Beach
Surprisingly, there are not many good Oahu snorkeling spots close to Waikiki. Your closest bet is to try Sans Souci Beach, which is just south of Waikiki, across the street from big, beautiful, Kapiolani Park. But even though it is close, in our experience it is not very good. Still, there is a little bit of coral and some fish to check out. But you have to be cautious of currents there.
Site Snorkeling Details - Sans Souci Beach
Oahu Snorkeling
Sans Souci Beach is really very nice. It is located next to Kapiolani Park, which is a wonderful natural relief from all the crowds and shops in Waikiki.
The entrance into the water is equally nice, with soft sand and a very gradual increase in depth. But the snorkeling is mediocre at best.
Straight out from the beach there are some shallow rock formations that you can swim over if there are no waves. The visibility is generally a bit poor, but you will be able to see some tropical fish and a bit of coral. Mostly the rocks are covered in algae.
We have found a little better luck on the left hand side of the beach, following the rocky wall out. We have seen more fish on that side, and the water clarity can be better.
Be careful here though because we have experienced some pretty strong currents. And the lifeguard that we talked with said it is very common. The current we experienced was moving from the right and leaving out the channel to the left. After swimming out along the rock wall on the left hand side, we found it twice as hard to get back in because of this current.
In this picture you can see Waikiki in the background.
The park offers some facilities including restrooms, water, picnic tables, showers, shade and a lifeguard.
Driving Directions - Sans Souci Beach
Oahu Snorkeling
Driving Directions to Sans Souci Beach from Waikiki
Heading southeast on Kalakaua Ave (one-way only in that direction), pass all of the resorts and don't veer left onto Monsarrat Ave, instead continue straight on Kalakaua Ave, you will enter Kapiolani Park and see shortly on the right the Waikiki Aquarium and the Natatorium. Sans Souci Beach is on the south side of the Natatorium, in front of which you can park on the street.
Go to the next spot Kahala Beach
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