Snorkel at the City of Refuge
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Really easy entry for a dive or snorkel. There are tons of fish in under ten feet of water
The city of refuge takes its name from the safe haven where defeated warriors and sacred lawbreakers would find sanctuary. The direction the bay faces protects it from most swells that hit the big island, making the calm water a great place to dive! The water stays shallow, around 10 feet deep before you get too far out and there's an abundance of sunlight, making visibility high if you're looking to snorkel. In the center of the bay, the depth drops to around 100 feet. The depth makes it a great place for both skin diving and scuba. This is where a lot of locals will head out to practice holding their breath and reach greater depths. Take a deep breath and dive down and see about every Hawaiian fish imaginable.
There isn't much around this beach, because it's on protected land, so be sure to pick up water, food, and maybe a couple beers and keep them in a cooler. Please don't feed, touch or alter the animal/ marine life's behavior in any way. To learn more, click here and here.
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Snorkel, swim, and kayak!
This is a well-known spot on the Big Island for snorkeling. You can get there a few ways, including kayaking, hiking, and/or driving
5.0
https://dive.site
The main reason I love scuba diving is for the adventure, you don't know what it may happen or what you may find below the water surface. In the past years I've taken a lot of pictures which I store in the https://dive.site logbook, along with all my diving logs. It's cool that I can also search new dive spots or even add my own.
5.0
bring goggles!
excellent views on the drive here if coming from the north; winding downhill roads through lush vegetation give way to views of the coast and the coastal flat lands. we came during the evening of a cloudy day and were still able to see a multitude of marine life in the water, just past the boat ramp. you would be remorseful if you come without goggles and a snorkel. would recommend water shoes if you don't have fins, urchins are rampant. brace yourself for up-close swims alongside sea turtles! gopro cameras offer the possibility of excellent shots also ;)
5.0
once in a lifetime
do this. you won't regret it.
5.0
Lots of good cave diving, and there's a chance you'll see a few reef sharks. Also check out the place of refuge park next to the bay and go on a little self-guided history tour.
4.5
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
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