What to Expect

The tour kicks off at a Kewalo Basin Marina just 10 minutes from the Waikiki hotel zone, where you’ll meet your dive instructor and gear up with all the equipment you need. Whether you're newly certified or still training toward your certification, this dive is structured to keep things relaxed, safe, and incredibly rewarding. Your instructor will brief you on the day’s dive plan, boat procedures, and safety protocols before heading out to explore two distinct reef sites in the waters just off Oʻahu’s south shore.

First up is Turtle Canyon, a shallow site ranging from 15 to 30 feet deep. True to its name, this area is a natural gathering point for Hawaiian green sea turtles. You’ll settle near the reef and watch as these massive, gentle creatures line up at one of the busiest turtle cleaning stations on the island with wrasses and tangs swarming to clean their shells while the turtles hover calmly, completely unfazed by divers.

The second stop might take you to Nautilus Reef, Horseshoe Reef, or Kewalo Pipe, depending on the day’s ocean conditions. Nautilus Reef offers lava rock ledges where white tip reef sharks often nap, as well as sightings of leaf scorpionfish and moray eels hiding in coral pockets. Horseshoe Reef lives up to its name with a curving coral formation rich in marine biodiversity from pincushion starfish to schools of reef fish. A short swim away lies Kewalo Pipe, an artificial reef where the coral-covered pipe creates a corridor for spotting shy octopuses, eels, and maybe even a passing spotted eagle ray.

Throughout both dives, your instructor will lead you through reef features, point out marine life, and ensure you’re always diving safely and comfortably. Expect vibrant coral formations like brain, cauliflower, mushroom, and antler coral, thriving in these nutrient-rich waters. The relatively shallow depths also mean excellent light penetration, perfect for photography and crystal-clear visibility.

After surfacing from your second tank, you'll cruise back to shore with time to debrief and share underwater sightings with your group, leaving you with salty skin, unforgettable photos, and a deeper appreciation for Oʻahu’s underwater world.

Included

• Two-tank guided boat dive at two different sites
• All necessary scuba diving equipment (you may bring your own)
• Professional dive instructor (6:1 diver-to-instructor ratio)
• Close encounters with endemic marine species
• Dive sites just minutes from Waikiki
• Coral reef ecosystems and lava rock formations
• Frequent sightings of Hawaiian green sea turtles, eels, octopus, and reef fish

Requirements

• Minimum age: 10 years old
• Must be Open Water Certified or currently training toward certification
• Basic swimming ability required
• No flying within 18 hours after diving
• Medical clearance may be needed for certain health conditions