What to Bring Snorkeling in Waikiki: The Complete Packing List

Heading out to snorkel in Waikiki and not sure what to throw in your bag? Packing right makes the whole day easier, from staying safe in the sun to keeping your phone dry on the boat. This simple guide covers what to bring, what to wear, and the few things first-timers always forget, so you can spend less time worrying and more time floating over the reef.

Start With the Essentials

The core of any snorkeling day is short and simple, and most of it fits in a small bag. If you are joining a Waikiki snorkeling tour, the boat usually provides the mask, snorkel, fins, and a life vest, so you do not need to buy or haul your own. What you really need to bring are the personal items that keep you comfortable in the sun and water.

• A swimsuit, worn under your clothes so you are ready to jump in
• Reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the coral
• A towel and a dry change of clothes for the ride back
• Water to drink, since a few hours in the sun is dehydrating

Get those four things right and you are most of the way to a great day. Everything else on this list simply makes the trip smoother.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen Is a Must

This one deserves its own spot, because Hawaii takes it seriously. The state has banned the sale of sunscreens that contain certain chemicals, like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can harm coral reefs. When you are floating over a living reef, the sunscreen on your skin washes into that same water, so the choice really matters.

Look for a mineral sunscreen made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and labeled reef-safe. Put it on before you board, not at the last second, so it has time to bind to your skin. A rash guard or a light long-sleeve swim shirt is an even better option, since it shades your back and shoulders without any lotion at all. The tops of your shoulders and the backs of your knees burn fastest when you are face down in the water, so cover or coat them well.

What to Wear

Comfort is the goal here. Wear your swimsuit under easy-to-remove clothes, like a tank top and shorts, so you can change quickly. A rash guard is the single best clothing upgrade for snorkeling, because it protects you from both the sun and the occasional brush against the reef. Bring a hat and sunglasses for the boat ride, and slip on sandals or water shoes that you do not mind getting wet.

Skip anything you would be sad to lose in the ocean. Leave fancy jewelry, watches, and loose items at the hotel. The water is the star of the show, and the less you have to keep track of, the more you can relax.

Smart Extras That Make the Day Better

None of these are required, but each one solves a problem snorkelers often run into. Toss them in your bag if you have room.

• A waterproof phone pouch so you can take photos without fear
• A small dry bag to keep your towel, phone, and clothes dry on deck
• Anti-fog spray or drops for your mask, though many tours provide this
• A light jacket or extra towel, since the breeze feels cool when you are wet
• Motion-sickness tablets if boats bother you, taken before you sail

A waterproof pouch in particular is a game changer, since the reef and the turtles make for unforgettable photos you will want to keep.

What You Can Leave Behind

Packing light is part of the fun. If you are on a tour, you usually do not need your own snorkel gear, a cooler, or a big beach setup. There is also no need for heavy bags, since deck space is limited and you will be in and out of the water. A small, simple bag with the essentials is far easier to manage than an overstuffed one. When in doubt, ask your tour what is included so you do not double pack.

Pack Light, Float Easy

Snorkeling in Waikiki barely needs any gear when you are on a tour, so the smart packing list is short: swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard, a towel, water, and a waterproof phone pouch. Cover your shoulders, protect the reef, leave the valuables behind, and you will be free to enjoy the turtles and tropical fish without a worry.