favorites for hilton for snorkeling/scuba?

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Jul 11, 2012, 11:21 am

#16

slidergirl

Join Date: Jul 2008

Location: Exactly where I want to be

Programs: IHG Gold,SPG Gold, HH Gold, Marriott Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Delta Kettle, AMEX Plat, DL AMEX Plat

Posts: 1,434

Quote:

Originally Posted by silviar

thanks, hawaii is a realistic option for us since we live in CA, will check this out

Use the public beach access at the Mariott Waikoloa, just down the street from the Hilton. There is some really nice snorkeling right off the beach there. Also drive up to the public beach access at the Mauna Kea - good snorkeling there, too! Hit up Hapuna Beach if you want some fun bodysurfing.
Another place that is usually my first place to snorkel on the Big Island (just to get my "snorkel legs" back) is down at Kahaluu Park, in between Kailua-Kona and Keahou. It's a little cove and has rocks that form a little barrier to keep the waves out. I've always seen sea turtles there.

Jul 11, 2012, 2:17 pm

#17

flytoeat

Join Date: Jan 2001

Posts: 2,837

Cairns Hilton. Walk 5 minutes to the docks and ride any of numerous options out to the Great Barrier Reef.

Jul 11, 2012, 7:28 pm

#18

Deemus7

Join Date: May 2011

Location: Treasure Coast of FL (MCO/MLB/PBI)

Programs: AS MVP, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum

Posts: 844

Quote:

Originally Posted by silviar

Thanks, we have this on our list too, could you snorkel from your OWB? or do you need to take a boat out somewhere? is the diving better than snorkeling? i always heard the water was colder there than say the carribean. thanks for writing.

Actually, you don't even need to be in an OWB for snorkeling...there's a long stretch of beach that leads right into the reef. You can literally start snorkeling 50 feet from the shore. It's been a while since I visited the Caribbean, but I definitely did not find the water in Moorea to be cold (we were there in May 2011). If my wife went in without complaining, you know it was quite warm!

The water around the beach and all out by the OWB's in Moorea is never deeper than 5 or 6 feet, so there's a TON of space to snorkel. Can't speak to the diving facilities...pretty sure that would be a boat ride.

The snorkeling seriously was incredible. We used to grab a couple of rolls on our way out of breakfast and feed the fish. They would literally eat right out of our hands!

I'll also give a nod to the Hilton in Cairns. The location was perfect for hopping on a tour to the Great Barrier Reef (though the day we went, it was quite rough).

Jul 12, 2012, 10:55 am

#19

Deepd1ver7

Join Date: Oct 2011

Programs: HHonors Diamond

Posts: 287

Beachfan - sorry, can't help with other chain hotels in the Maldives. I only collect HH and the Conrad has been our choice pick for a winter holiday. It ticks all our boxes.

Prior to the arrival of our son 18 months ago, we dived 4 times a year at various locations, but almost always 'liveaboard'.

We dived Tahiti years ago, but it's such a long trip from Sweden, I doubt we'd do it again. The diving was amazing. I don't have much info on snorkelling. My own personal research seem to support the fact that house reef at Conrad should be one of the best. Kuredu should also be very good, but the resort isn't anywhere near as sophisticated as Conrad