Situated in the middle of Kaneohe Bay, the Kaneohe sandbar is a mile-long stretch of sandbar located on the southwest section of the protective barrier reef that surrounds Kaneohe Bay and its thriving lagoon.
The barrier reef not only serves as a protective feature, keeping the waves and swells from the Pacific Ocean at bay, but it provides visitors with a unique experience when it comes to snorkeling.
Snorkeling at Kaneohe Bay is unlike any other on the island of Oahu. And, head to the white sandy shores of the Kaneohe sandbar, and you’re in for a treat.
Read on to find out just why snorkeling at the sandbar is a must-do when you’re visiting Oahu.
Kaneohe Bay is Good for Beginners
Snorkeling at the sandbar is perfect for beginners due to the shallow waters surrounding it.
It’s always shallow at the Kaneohe sandbar
High tide at the Kaneohe sandbar means the water comes to your waistline (for adults), while at low tide — and depending on the time of year — it’s possible for the waters to be just ankle-deep, allowing for shallow waters that are ideal for snorkeling with the kids.
High tide vs. low tide at the Kaneohe sandbar
Depending on the time of year, your morning ocean sports cruise or afternoon ocean sports cruise will be at high tide or low tide.
High tide at the sandbar means the waters are still calm, with relatively few waves. For most adults, you’ll wade in waist-deep waters. At low tide, the water can get very low. Sometimes you’ll be able to walk on the white sand shores of the sandbar, and at others, the water will be to your ankles.
There’s really never a good or bad time to visit the sandbar for snorkeling—get your cruise tickets to the Kaneohe Bay sandbar today.
CPR certified KBOS crew
While accidents at the sandbar are few and far between, we acknowledge that they can happen. And we are always prepared. Our crew members aboard all Kaneohe Bay Ocean Sports vessels are CPR certified and ready for any event that may come their way.
What You Can See While Snorkeling at the Sandbar
Snorkeling at the sandbar is a unique experience. Expect to see colorful schools of fish, coral, marine mammals, and so much more in the tropical waters of the protected Kaneohe sandbar.
Colorful Fish
Expect everything from flounders — that love to bury themselves in the sandy bottoms — damselfish, cornetfish, schools of mahimahi, and sometimes even baby hammerhead sharks when you’re snorkeling the sandbar waters.
Beautiful Reef
The reefs by the sandbar are home to impressive species of coral, as well as the marine life that inhabits them. It’s not uncommon for our guests to spot a variety of colorful coral, including finger coral.
Sea Turtles from time to time
Commonly referred to as honu, Hawaiian green sea turtles are a protected species and equally important to the native Hawaiian people.
Honu love to make an appearance at the sandbar, so while snorkeling the clear emerald green waters of the sandbar, it’s not uncommon to run into them—just make sure to keep your distance and do not touch them. Hawaii’s wild animals are protected by state and federal laws.