Just after passing Waimea Bay coming from on the Kamemehamea Highway you come across a great snorkel spot. Just across the highway from Foodland is Shark’s Cove. With the high surf of the winter months Shark’s Cove is just a few jagged rocks sticking out of the ocean. In the summer the cove opens up into a wonderful sheltered sea creature haven. Both snorkelers and scuba divers swarm Shark’s cove everyday.
Coming from the west you have to enter the parking via the second entrance, its a one-way moving east to west. If you arrive early enough there should be parking left within this area. However, if you find yourself without a place to park don’t fret. There is another parking lot just before the firestation to the west and also road parking to the east of the Shark’s Cove lot.
Once there you will see a large pennisula sticking out into the ocean wrapping from left to right. This is wat creates the cove. The left side of the cove is very shallow and really nice to just sit around in and relax. You may also want to start here if you have smaller children who haven’t snorkeled much before. There is a sandy entrance and the shallow water will give oyu a little more peace of mind.
On the right hand side of the cove it gets much deeper. This is the side that opens to the ocean. Be careful here, strong currents can sometimes pop up and pull you out. Just be sure to check with those more experienced people around you. This deeper half has a huge amount of fish, turtles, and if you look cose enough eels.
You can go to the right and the left of this half and see it all. Often time huge schools of fish venture in to feed and swarm all around you. We have been lucky enough to see quite a few eels in here as well. You have to really be observant when scanning the rock and coral formations below. Eels tend to hide within the holes of the coral and just stick their heads far enough out to grab unsuspectiong fish that wander to close.
After we spend a few hours hanging around and playing in the water we usually run across the road to the Shark’s Cove Cafe. It’s basically a permanent lunch wagon parked on the Kamahamea Highway. They have great teriaky burgers. Stop by if you get a chance.
Loading ...