Sunday, July 11, 2010

Hawaii Water Adventures

By Jesse Henson

The Hawaiian Islands are some of the most common and easiest locations in the world for those seeking water adventures of almost any variety. From snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking to jet skiing, parasailing, wake boarding and surfing, Hawaii offers a prime location for those in search of pristine water locations. Additional adventures include submarine tours of underwater habitats and cocktail or dinner cruises on small boats and large cruise ships. For those seeking a more extreme experience, supervised encounters may be had with dolphins, rays and sharks.

Water Sports
Experienced kayakers can rent a kayak and head out for a sightseeing adventure on their own. For the less experienced, training sessions are easy to find. Still other kayak adventures are possible for those who have no experience in kayaking, with guided kayak tours available from trained kayakers who will keep the participants safe and secure for the duration of the tour.

Jet skiing, waterskiing, and parasailing are common water sports for those visiting Hawaii and looking for a memorable adventure. Wake boarding, utilizing a board for balancing while being towed by a speedboat, gives many visitors a uniquely thrilling experience.

The sailor with experience may decide to head out to sea for the day, with small sailing vessels readily available for rental. Even those without sailing experience can spend a pleasurable, secluded afternoon at sea, with sailing adventures available from tour companies that will guide the vessel and ensure the safety of participants.

Surfers from around the world flock to Hawaii, surfing's original home. Surfing lessons are readily available, and the new surfer can count on receiving winning instruction and safety training. Surfing companies offer transportation to preferred sites and all necessary equipment in addition to the training one receives.

Bays, Beaches, Lagoons and Reefs
For those who prefer the more serene and sedate water adventure, Hawaii's coastline offers a variety of water experiences. With tons of locations to explore, the evening walk alone on the beach or the afternoon swim in the bay can be an adventure in itself. Numerous locations along Hawaii's coastline include coral reefs visible from the shore, and some spots offer visitors the ability to wade into the reef itself.

The presence of coral reefs in Hawaii means there are also gorgeous lagoons, formed by reef walls pushing up and forming pools of calm lagoon waters in the center. A sunset swim in the serenity of a lagoon could be just the perfect water adventure.

U.S. Divers Cozumel Seabreeze Dry Proflex II Mask, Fins and Snorkel Set (Large)Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
The coral reefs of Hawaii give snorkelers a peek at marine life of exotic and astounding variety. Open sea snorkeling is also available from sailing companies that offer jaunts into the more distant waters. Snorkelers and divers can encounter dolphin, turtles, and a variety of fish and other marine life on these trips. Snorkeling tour companies will often target those areas they know dolphin and other sea creatures frequent, and the dolphins often seek out visitors, enjoying the encounters as much as their human counterparts.

Scuba diving touring companies are easy to locate in Hawaii as well, with many offering open sea diving from small ships where divers can enjoy a pleasant meal or drinks in addition to their diving experience. For the seasoned scuba diver, Hawaii's gorgeous coastline has any number of spots worth visiting, including the reefs and a number of bays that bring scuba divers back for repeat visits. Scuba diving lessons are quick and easy for those interested in learning the sport and adding a brand-new experience to their water adventures.

Submarines, Sea Tours and Cruises
Small passenger submarine tours are truly unique adventures, with participants getting a fish's eye view of Hawaii's underwater habitats. One may encounter dolphin, turtles, fish, coral reefs, and any number of other sea creatures. The Atlantis Submarine in Oahu offers extensive learning experiences in addition to their beautiful and unique tours, giving visitors the chance to learn about submersible vehicles and coral reefs, including the marine life for which they provide a habitat.

An open sea tour or an afternoon sailing tour of the coastline can be a pleasant, calming adventure. Tours are given via small passenger vessels with expert sailors at the helm. Open sea tours can include dolphin, shark and whale sightings. Coastal sailing tours give participants a view of the islands that they might otherwise never have the chance to witness.

Day and night cruises aboard larger cruising vessels provide more lavish touring experiences. Cruises include dining and drinks, live music and dancing, as well as guided information on the locations viewed during the sightseeing portions of the cruise.

Sea Life Encounters
Hawaii's numerous sea and water parks give visitors the chance to encounter dolphins, rays, sea turtles and even sharks up close and personal. The parks offer educational experiences for the whole family, where visitors learn about sea habitats and sea animal anatomy, physiology, behavior and communication.

For those in search of exhilaration, North Shore Shark Adventures, located in Oahu, offers visitors the only experience of its kind in Hawaii, where participants have the opportunity to encounter sharks in their natural habitat. From the safety and security of a submersible cage, individuals are placed into the open sea, where they have the chance to come face to face with sharks as well as other sea life.

Others may enjoy the more calm adventure of whale-watching during the winter months, when humpback whales can often be sighted during sailing tours and cruises.

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