Help me figure out the snorkeling situation please:)

[wfgamble]

Y'all I've read and googled and I'm still confused. Simple way to ask is like this: Can you snorkel at Aulani without entering Rainbow Reef and getting a pass? The kids like to swim around a bit with a snorkel, mask and vest or noodle and then they get bored. I know we will see lots of fish at Rainbow Reef but I also have read that it's freezing and with their attention span I'd like to know if they can just go out into the lagoon without having to go to Rainbow Reef (ages 8,10 and 11). I know at Castaway Cay you can snorkel around as long as you have a vest.

Thanks!

 

[Soccerluvinmama]

Yes, you can do almost anything you want in the cove.

 

[wfgamble]

Yes, you can do almost anything you want in the cove.

Thank you!

 

[happymommy]

We tend to go out very early in the coves for snorkeling. The water will be much more clear! Yes, it is chilly to me in the morning, but DD likes to see the fish!

 

[nkereina]

Anyone can swim in the lagoon/cove (the ocean). Rainbow Reef is a separate pool area full of fish reserved for those who buy the pass. If you will have your own snorkel equipment, you are free to use it in the lagoon. We had snorkel masks that we bought from Target but did not see many fish - we saw maybe 3 sporadically. DH went further out into the lagoon where it's much more deep and saw more fish and coral. I am not a strong swimmer, so I did not want to go out that far.

 

[Soccerluvinmama]

I also think that people forget that there are other coves, and that you can go to those too. When we were there in February, the Aulani cove was very congested. We will be back again in February 2017, and I'm a little worried it's going to be worse now with the 4 Seasons up and running. My plan is to maybe check out the next cove over. Might be worth the 5 minute walk to get a little more peace

 

[wfgamble]

Thanks so much! Great info...just what I was looking for.

 

[catmegs]

We're at Aulani now. The beach is pretty bad for snorkelling- we've been out every day (we're on day 6) and hardly any fish, and you have to go WAY out to see them. My kids got the length of stay pass for Rainbow Reef but you're right, they're attention span is not long enough to justify the cost. But this morning we walked to the next cove over (detailed directions are on disboards) and swam with 4 turtles!! It was AMAZING!!

 

[Julie645]

You can borrow snorkle gear to swim the Aulani cove. Kids didn't have a huge attention span for rainbow reef but felt the 20 or so min a day was worth the length of stay pass as you aren't going to see that kind of fish selection anywhere local. We had the water proof camera and everyone loved swimming and taking pictures.
But super ditto for the going to the cove next door and snorkeling with the sea turtles. That was one of the all time highlights for my family including my husband. You might see small fish there also but the turtles are amazing.

 

[wfgamble]

Again, Great Tips!! Thank you!