Oahu Snorkeling Guide
Shark's Cove
This is a summertime Oahu snorkeling favorite of ours. Looking down from the parking on the cliffs above, Shark's Cove entices you to get in the water. This small bay has a lot to offer, both in sea life and interesting underwater topography.
This is a protected reserve, so the fish are more abundant here than many other locations that are fished. There are also some big areas to the left of the cove that provide some excellent tidepool wading. But this is a popular location, so get here early, or come on a weekday.
Site Snorkeling Details - Shark's Cove
Oahu Snorkeling
Shark's Cove is definitely a highlight of the north shore. Huge waves break into this bay in the winter, but during the summer this protected cove is a delight.
The entrance into the water is mostly rocky, although you can pick your way through a little sandy trail on the left hand side of the cove. There is a slightly steep trail down to it (see picture below). Some people also like to enter from the right hand side, climbing down the rocks. If there are tons of people on the left, this may be a good idea.
After you swim through the shallow water the depths gradually get deeper. As you head a little farther out the bottom topography gets really interesting with huge boulders and channels to explore.
We did not go outside of the cove, preferring the safety inside. There can be strong currents outside the cove. There is plenty to see inside anyways. There are tons of fish, in a good variety, including huge parrotfish and small octopus. There is also a decent amount of coral, but not as much as some other close locations, like Three Tables.
We did not see any sharks, despite the name. They don't tend to enter the shallower waters of the cove.
Here are a couple of underwater fish pictures we took at this wonderful Oaho snorkeling location.
See more of our underwater pictures and videos at Shark's Cove here.
Here is a video of one of those huge Parrotfish swimming through the rocks.
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Driving Directions - Shark's Cove
Oahu Snorkeling
Driving Directions to Shark's Cove from Waikiki
You can choose to drive up the east side of the island or up the middle of the island to reach the north shore. To reach Hwy 83 on the east side heading north, you need to get on Hwy H-1 westbound then take one of the highways that crosses the Ko'olau Mountains, Hwy 61 (Pali Hwy), Hwy63 (Likelike Hwy), or Hwy H-3. When you come to the intersection with Hwy 83 (Kahekili Hwy), turn left, heading north. Alternately, to reach Hwy H-2 that leads to Hwy 99 up through the middle of the island, get on Hwy H-1 heading westbound until you reach the intersection with Hwy H-2 and head north. Hwy H-2 will turn into Hwy 99 that you follow until it comes to Hwy 83 again near Hale'iwa. Shark's Cove is northeast of Waimea Bay on Hwy 83 about a mile. Heading northeast, there is a Foodland grocery store on the right just before you will see Shark's Cove on the left. Shark's Cove is a little over two miles southwest of Sunset Beach.
See more of our Shark's Cove Pictures
Go to the next Oahu Snorkeling spot - Three Tables
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