Snorkeling the Blue Hole

Across the road from Nautilus is a large “Blue Hole” in the reef flat, halfway between the surf line and shore. Its calm waters provide an ideal place to snorkel and watch the tropical fish go about their daily business—and watch their play. There are many coral heads for the fish to play hide-and-seek in and to escape their predators. From shore, walk through the slender sea grass, but be careful as the sand is uneven. The grass gives way to sand and large flat coral heads whose tops are just short of the high tide line; from there the water starts to get deeper—its vivid blue is the indicator—and you are now in the Blue Hole.

We suggest swimming clockwise around the hole in order to optimally see the most sea life. The side of the hole is best suited to Snorklers because it slopes gently in this area, with sand running down between the coral heads. Turning the other way you’ll encounter more steep and vertical slopes, more suited to good free divers and scuba. Allow at least 2 to 3 hours to swim all the way around. Best time is on a rising tide, but anytime is suitable. If you reach the small island on the southern end look for the steps that have been carved into the coral sides. This is the area where the Kosraean Kings’ remains were deposited long ago.

Walking around the reef flat to the surf line can be rewarding—there are many shells buried beneath the sand or lurking under a coral head, but please collect only the empty, abandoned ones. (Educate yourself on which shelled creatures can pose a risk—there are a few that shouldn’t be picked up for your own safety.) There are also many stingrays and eagle rays basking in the sandy shallows, and your movement in the water should alert them to your arrival; they will be more frightened of you than you of them. There have been no reports of injury to anyone by these beautiful creatures.

You may see some women fishing with nets or sitting in the sand—they are looking for small shells to turn into handicrafts. The Blue Hole is a valuable resource for all of Kosrae, so please try to walk gently on the fragile corals and avoid walking on them at all if you can.

Hats and sunscreen are a must if walking, as the reflection from the sun and water will burn even the most tanned quite rapidly. Take some water, as dehydration can sneak up on the unwary. Sunday snorkeling is all right providing you wear a shirt. The area directly alongside the landing is also a calm swimming pool where many locals swim, you can also snorkel there.

Contact Nautilus reception for more information or to rent some snorkel gear. Kayaks can be taken over in the Blue Hole area as well.