Oahu: Shallow Reef Scuba Dive for Certified Divers

Oahu’s shallow reefs offer a captivating underwater adventure for certified scuba divers. This 3-hour excursion provides guided dives at stunning sites like Kaisers and Turtle Canyons, where you’ll encounter diverse marine life including sharks, rays, and Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. With premium gear and PADI-certified instruction, it’s the perfect way to explore vibrant reefs without the hassle of equipment. But the real question is – what secrets might these reefs hold?

This experience made our article of The 16 Most Popular Scuba Diving Experiences In Oahu.

Key Points

• This 3-hour scuba dive experience in Oahu’s pristine waters is suitable for certified divers and offers the chance to encounter diverse marine life.
• Highlights include guided reef dives at notable sites like Kaisers and Turtle Canyons, with potential sightings of sharks, rays, octopus, and Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles.
• Participants can explore rare fish species like Saddleback Butterflies and Flame Angels, guided by PADI certified instructors.
• The cost is $248.81 per person, with options to add on GoPro rentals, underwater scooters, Nitrox tanks, private guides, and photographers.
• The experience requires proof of certification, a 30-minute early arrival, swimming ability, and understanding of verbal English, and is wheelchair accessible but not suitable for children under 10 or pregnant women.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The activity is titled "Oahu: Shallow Reef Scuba Dive for Certified Divers" and lasts for 3 hours.

It costs $248.81 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The instruction is in English, and the activity is wheelchair accessible.

Divers must provide proof of certification and arrive 30 minutes early for waivers and equipment fitting. Participants must be able to swim and understand verbal English.

Divers must present certification proof and arrive early for waivers and gear setup. Swimming ability and English comprehension are required.

The activity isn’t suitable for children under 10 or pregnant women.

Highlights of the Experience

Two guided reef dives in Southern Oahu’s pristine waters allow divers to encounter diverse marine life, including sharks, rays, octopus, dolphins, and Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles.

Divers can explore notable reef sites such as Kaisers and Turtle Canyons, with the opportunity to see rare fish like Saddleback Butterflies and Flame Angels.

This experience is suitable for both seasoned divers and newcomers, offering:

• Exploration of pristine reef environments

• Observation of a variety of fascinating marine creatures

• Opportunity to see unique and elusive species

• Guided tours led by PADI certified instructors

Dive Sites and Marine Life

Nestled in the pristine waters of Southern Oahu, the dive sites featured in this excursion offer a diverse array of marine life. Divers can expect to encounter sharks, rays, octopus, dolphins, and the iconic Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. Two notable reef locations, Kaisers and Turtle Canyons, are home to rare fish species like Saddleback Butterflies and Flame Angels. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a newcomer, this experience provides the opportunity to explore Oahu’s vibrant underwater world.

| Marine Species | Sightings | Habitat |

|—————-|———–|———|

| Sharks | Frequent | Reef |

| Rays | Common | Reef |

| Octopus | Occasional| Reef |

| Sea Turtles | Frequent | Reef |

Gear and Equipment

Premier gear is included in this scuba dive experience. Participants need not worry about lugging heavy equipment as dive professionals provide all the necessary gear.

This includes:

• High-quality BCD (buoyancy control device)

• Regulator with submersible pressure gauge

• Tanks with ample air supply

• Full wetsuit to keep divers warm in the cool ocean waters

Beyond the basics, divers can also opt for additional rental equipment like GoPro cameras or underwater scooters to elevate their diving adventure.

With everything taken care of, guests can focus on exploring the incredible marine life of Oahu’s pristine reefs.

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Certification and Requirements

To participate in this Oahu scuba dive experience, divers must show proof of their diving certification, such as a PADI or equivalent qualification.

Understanding verbal English is necessary, as the PADI-certified instructor will guide the tours. Participants must also be able to swim and be in good health.

Participants must be able to understand verbal English as the PADI-certified instructor will guide the tours. They must also be able to swim and be in good health.

The activity isn’t suitable for children under 10 years old or pregnant women.

The dive sites are accessible, but divers should be aware that they’ll need to navigate some stairs and uneven terrain to reach the meeting point and access the water.

Meeting Point and Preparation

Divers meet at Dive Oahu‘s location at Kewalo Basin, where parking costs $2 per hour, or at the free Ala Moana Beach Park.

Participants must arrive 30 minutes prior to the start time to complete waivers and get fitted for equipment.

What to bring includes:

• Swimwear

• Towel

• Sunscreen

• Diving certification

Divers must be able to understand verbal English and be in good health.

Children under 10 and pregnant women aren’t permitted on this activity.

Booking and Pricing Options

Though the activity is priced from $248.81 per person, customers can take advantage of the "Reserve now & pay later" option. This flexible booking allows travelers to secure their spot without the immediate need to pay.

To further enhance the experience, Dive Oahu offers various add-ons. Guests can rent a GoPro camera, utilize an underwater scooter, upgrade to a Nitrox tank, or choose a private guide or photographer. The pricing for these options is as follows:

| Add-On | Price |

| — | — |

| GoPro Rental | $50 |

| DPV Underwater Scooter | $60 |

| Nitrox Tank Rental | $20 |

| Private Guide | $100 |

| Private Photographer | $150 |

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Oahu scuba dive experience, awarding it an impressive 5/5 overall rating based on 9 reviews.

While the overall value for money was rated 3/5, reviewers highlighted several strengths:

• Exceptional encounters with diverse marine life, including sharks, rays, and Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles

• Exploration of notable reef sites like Kaisers and Turtle Canyons

• Sightings of rare fish such as Saddleback Butterflies and Flame Angels

• Suitability for both seasoned divers and newcomers, providing a memorable experience for all

Ask Away

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

The experience is not suitable for children under 10 years old. Participants must be able to swim and be in good health, with an understanding of verbal English.

Are Food and Drinks Provided During the Dive?

Yes, the activity includes snacks and refreshments for participants during the dive. The rental of premier dive gear is also provided as part of the experience.

Can I Bring My Own Dive Equipment Instead of Renting?

Yes, divers can bring their own dive equipment instead of renting. However, the activity includes premier gear rental, so using the provided equipment may be more convenient for the guided tours.

Is There an Option to Extend the Dive Duration?

While the standard dive duration is 3 hours, there may be an option to extend it for an additional fee. Customers should inquire with the dive operator about the availability and cost of extended dive sessions.

Can I Request a Specific Dive Buddy or Group Size?

Yes, you can request a specific dive buddy or group size, though they’re subject to availability. The tour operator can try to accommodate your preferences, but can’t guarantee your exact requests will be met.

Final Words

The Shallow Reef Scuba Dive for Certified Divers in Southern Oahu is an excellent opportunity to explore the vibrant underwater world. With experienced guides, premium gear, and the chance to encounter diverse marine life, this three-hour adventure is perfect for certified divers seeking an unforgettable dive experience. At $248.81 per person, it’s a fantastic way to take in the stunning reefs and canyons of the Hawaiian coastline.

You can check availability for your dates here: