WOW! 150 foot visibility today! although strong current kicked our butts at Fantasy Reef on the first dive, we still had a blast, seeing turtles, big eels, and fantastic topography! jake, at 10 years, is a great diver already, even tho this was his 1st dive as a cert! also along was dad scott, and big pete and small pete. 2nd jump was at Anglers Ledge, where we still had great viz, and much less current! big eels, lots of reef fish, and a huge conch shell crawling around looking for a seastar to eat. instructor Pete K. was also out, doing OW 1/2 with sarah, with his daughter supervising! great day !
https://i0.wp.com/www.oahuscubadiving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/octo-head.jpg?fit=2048%2C2042&ssl=120422048Larry Hoganhttps://www.oahuscubadiving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo111.pngLarry Hogan2014-03-14 05:02:322014-03-14 05:02:32jake and the fat man
We saw a TURTLE! actually, lots of them, plus eels, including a viper moray, frogfish, an octopus, and loads of reef fish. skies were blue, water was warm, with a bit of surge at Koko Craters and Turtle Canyons. TJ was teaching OW 3/4, while i had some intro divers, plus some certified ones.
Wednesday night Stu, Ryan, Brent, Nic, Mike and I all jumped into super clear water and descended on the Kahala Barge. Once again we had divers with torches in their hands that shined like the sun; its always an impressive sight. I was interested to see what crawls and swims at night on wrecks. Every hole I looked into: slipper lobster. No joke. Down inside the barge? Blue crab. Delicious. We moved onto the Sea Cave. Brilliant. A Black Trevally meets us at the entrance. Delicious. Lobster everywhere, starting to get hungry…. Surf and Turf anyone? And then Surf again?
Troops gear up to the setting sun.
Shramp!
The slipper lobster eyeballs dubiously.
Green flash?
Weather Conditions: Normal Trade Winds, Ocean Waves <1ft, 80F Air Temp
Dive Sites: Kahala Barge, Sea Cave
Dive Conditions: Visibility good, current low, depth deep
Marine Life Observed: ALL THE SHELLFISH
Staff: Capt Kendall, Crew Parker, Kellan Inst.
https://i0.wp.com/www.oahuscubadiving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/G0150343.jpg?fit=2048%2C1536&ssl=115362048Kellan Bernhardthttps://www.oahuscubadiving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo111.pngKellan Bernhardt2014-03-12 06:26:072014-03-23 19:41:04What Goes Bump in the Night? It’s Surf-n-Turf
If you’re visiting Honolulu or Waikiki and looking for great scuba diving excursions, check out Island Divers. We are a small company of experienced divers who love to share our love of underwater exploration with you, whether you are a seasoned diver or a first-timer.
Rule Number 1: Good Training Equals Safety
Island Divers puts an absolute priority on comprehensive pre-dive training in order to make dives as safe and enjoyable as possible. When you train with us, you will receive the best dive training available on the island of Oahu. We are listed as a 5-Star PADI Instructor Development Center and we offer training from introductory courses to Master Scuba Diver certification. Hawaii Scuba University, which operates parallel with Island Divers, is the most active instructor training facility in Hawaii. As part of our commitment to safety, we guarantee you that all Island Divers training occurs with the latest scuba equipment, including integrated weights and dive computers.
Beginners: Start in Confidence with the Island Divers Experts
Our afternoon dives are ideal for people who are trying diving for the first time, getting back into diving after a break, doing open water referral dives, or simply want to take their time in the morning before heading out for underwater adventure. Our expert divers and divemasters always make sure that safety and expert knowledge are integral to every dive excursion. We select an itinerary based on the day’s dive conditions, and take you to the best dive sites around Oahu. All our diving guides possess in-depth knowledge of the sites, local flora and fauna, and of course – are very experienced divers themselves. The afternoon dives generally consist of two 30- to 40-foot dives, and pick-up time is 11:30am with a 5pm drop off. You’ll want to arrive at the shop at noon if you are driving yourself. Lastly, you also have the option of doing a morning pool session to prep yourself for the afternoon charter.
A Variety of Dive Sites Around the Island
At Island Divers, we like to explore a variety of locations around Oahu and always offer new and different diving opportunities to you. This means we don’t set a rigid schedule for locations – instead, we change up the dive sites often. In order to stay safe while exploring, our divemasters always base their decisions on the diving and weather conditions of the day. They take many factors into account before deciding the day’s itineraries. Clients are always welcome to make specific scuba dive site requests when signing up for a scuba charter, and divemasters will take those requests into account. You also have the option of booking a private boat to charter a visit to a particular site. In every case, we make it a priority to provide clients the best and safest possible dive experience by taking into account the daily weather and diving conditions along with all other relevant safety considerations.
Get on Board – and Dive In!
Diving is an unforgettable experience into the incredible beauty of underwater worlds. Our trained, experienced, and certified divemasters and diving teachers at Island Divers are here to make your Hawaii vacation all the more memorable. Contact us today to schedule a dive!
https://www.oahuscubadiving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo111.png00Lauren Smithhttps://www.oahuscubadiving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo111.pngLauren Smith2014-03-11 18:11:392014-03-24 21:12:04Safe Scuba Diving Excursions Near Oahu, Hawaii
We departed on time at 8:30 on a bright sunny day. Where we took a half hour to get to our first dive site The Baby Barge. We were lucked out and had minimal current and light trade winds and good visibility. We got down to the wreck and saw at lease three turtles, with the current being so slight we got to go off shore to the cement pilings where there was a white tip reef shark and several moray eels. We did a thirty minute dive once we got back on the boat we did a thirty minute surface interval and got to do some whale watching. Our second site was Spitting Caves where we did a 40 minute dive, and had a baby turtle and a baby frog fish with some more moray eels. Eels on eels on eels they were everywhere. After our dive we got back to the dock at 11:30 on schedule like always when you dive with Max!
White tip reef shark at cement pilings off shore of Baby Barge
Not so happy to see my happy bubbles
Spitting cave adorable baby frog fish
Advanced divers descending for a drift dive
Baby barge sea life
Weather Conditions: Light trade winds, light west current and 80+ visibility
Dive Sites: Baby Barge, Spitting Caves
Dive Conditions: Baby barge 80+ vis., max dept 80 ft, time 30 minutes, water temp 76 f, West current; Spitting caves 60+ vis., max depth 56 ft, 76 f, light west current
Marine life observed: White tip reef sharks, frog fish, Moray eels, Crown of thorns, and Turtles
Staff: Captain Joe Crew Dave Instructor Maxine
Weather Conditions: Winds East 10-15, Seas choppy 2-4
Dive Sites: Corsair, LCU, and Fantasy Reef
Marine Life Observed: Green Sea turtles, moray eels, large frog fish, and sponge crabs
Staff: Capt. Joe, Amy, Everrett, and Lauren (on deck)
Aloha,
Thanks for choosing to dive with IDH today. Lauren and I were very lucky ladies and had a boat full of great divers. Captain Joe lead the Fox today. We headed out for an early morning dive on the Navy F4 Corsair. We had minimal current and great viz. Saw some soldier fish, a giant moray eel, garden eels, and a sponge crab. After some Red Vines, chocolate chip cookies, and hot chocolate, we headed back into the water for our second dive at the LCU. We saw two really nice frog fish, turtles, reef fish, and some small moray eels. We cruised around the bay during our lunch break before heading to Fantasy Reef. Saw some whales in the distance over lunch too! On our final site, Fantasy, we swam through some nice swim-throughs, saw 6 turtles, and lots of eels. Overall, it was a great day to be on the water. Thanks again for joining us. Until next time, dive easy!
Aloha,
Amy
Grumpy Frog fish
Trio of Men
Corsair
Turtle Lovin’
https://i0.wp.com/www.oahuscubadiving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_4712.jpg?fit=2048%2C1536&ssl=115362048Amy Bosslerhttps://www.oahuscubadiving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo111.pngAmy Bossler2014-03-10 00:24:372014-03-10 00:24:37Sunday Funday with Island Divers, 3/9/14
Weather Conditions: Light winds, surface was smooth like a lake
Dive Sites: LCU-Maunalua Bay/Sea cave-KoKo Head
Dive Conditions: Slight current, good viz (60-80ft)
Pulling up to the LCU it was super flat with a slight current. After tying the Sea Fox off and really getting a good look at the crystal conditions we plummeted down the water column to the wreck without a moments hesitation. Well, except for Bob Fleckenstien who still sports an old school film underwater camera and savored every minute of his dives. Thanks Bob for your positive energy from beginning to end of the our day no matter what.
Under the sea I immediately found Frog Fish Delight. SEE VIDEO CLIP- I believe that is a pregnant frog fish, please let me know what you think divers. My divers, Stu, Robert, Sam, Bill, Ronald, Kaytlyn, and Brent, were a chill group of divers as comfortable in the water as an moray eel hunting octopus. Thanks guys.
After exploring the LCU wreck, watching Sam try on boots, finding nudibranchs, and snowflake coral, we came up to grab some snacks and hot chocolate.
Sam, boot shopping
After, we motored on over to Sea Cave, dropped in negative, and found a pleasant current speed to drift with. Along the way we found nudibranch’s, huge one eyed puffer fish, turtle juniors, schools of butterfly fish, cowries and hawk fish in and out of the cave. The temperature on the dive was 74 degrees Fahrenheit so after about 50 minutes all the divers were back on the Fox for hot pours, and tea. Even after arriving back to the dock, cleaning the boat, and getting my divers back to Waikiki, Bob and I were still raving about the gorgeous dives at LCU and Sea Cave.
God Bless & Safe Diving
Davy
Audio clip is by Funkadelic- Nappy Dugout
https://i0.wp.com/www.oahuscubadiving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/G0410932.jpg?fit=2048%2C1536&ssl=115362048Davy Eleen Vercoehttps://www.oahuscubadiving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo111.pngDavy Eleen Vercoe2014-03-08 04:47:272014-03-08 05:05:34Morning Frog Fish Delight – March 6, 2014
It was a sunny Saturday afternoon and the sea was as calm as it ever gets. All the divers on the boat were looking forward to getting into these nearly-perfect conditions. We had Jake, Scott, Steve, Mendy, Lucas, Brock, Sydney, Jessica, Brook, Peter, Bob, Joanie, amd Blake all on the boat. Some people were doing the first couple days of their certifications, some people were finishing up our brand new 2 DAY OPEN WATER COURSE, and some people were just doing what we do best, which is diving for fun. I personally was getting to work with Jake and Scott, the former of who was getting certified, and we had a great time. The video is us playing rock-paper-scissors on our 3 minute safety stop, which is a game I highly recommend any time you have time to kill under the water. If you have a slate, tic-tac-toe works well. Jake crushed me, btw. RPS world champ? Maybe.
)
Jake helps scott out with a loose tank, one of the new requirements of the PADI Open Water Course
Spotted Moray Eel (Gymnothorax isingteena)
Pete and T.J.’s Two Day Open Water students hover.
Photo Op. with the Koko Stone Warrior
Weather Conditions: Sunny, air temp 75F
Dive Sites: Koko Crater, Pa’ava
Dive Conditions: 35-40 FSW, water temp 72F, small Koko head current, small wind waves, no swell.
Marine Life Observed: Green Sea Turtles, Spotted Pacific Eel, Homo Sapiens Aquatica
Staff: Captain Joe, Kelsey, Pete, T.J., Matt N., Kellan, Everett
https://i0.wp.com/www.oahuscubadiving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo12.png?fit=120%2C26&ssl=126120Kellan Bernhardthttps://www.oahuscubadiving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo111.pngKellan Bernhardt2014-03-08 00:00:032014-03-13 01:53:00Sunny Afternoon at Koko Craters
Weather Conditions: Mild SE swell with mild SE Kona wind
Dive Sites: Skimmin’s Reef & Sea Cave
Dive Conditions: 120’+ Visibility, Mild N current
Marine Life Observed: Green Sea Turtles, Blue Dragon Nudibrach, White-mouth Morray Eels, White-Tip Reef Sharks, Giant Hairy-legged Hermit Crabs, Hawaiian Octopus
We were graced with pristine conditions this morning and decided to head out around Port Lock Point (China Wall) to Skimmin’s Reef just off of Sandy Beach in southeast Oahu. Total of total of 14 divers spent 50 excellent minutes exploring the ledge, swim-through’s, and top reef of the Skimmin’s Reef system. After nearly being ran over by a green sea turtle hiding in a swim-through we found a Hawaiian Octopus, some more sea turtles and countless varieties of reef fishes hanging out around the ledge.
After surfacing we had a quick surface interval with some refreshments and snacks with Capt. Joe on the Sea Fox before heading back down again into one of our favorite dive sites, Sea Cave. Inside the cavern we discovered some White Tip Reef Sharks tucked away just inside the entrance near the western wall. After Spending about 25 minutes exploring the cavern of the ancient lava tube the group headed out the same way we came in and drifted east along the wall where we encountered a few green sea turtles, a school of Butterfly fish chowing down on some Hawaiian Sargent Major eggs and an abundance of hard corals thriving on the sea wall.
https://i0.wp.com/www.oahuscubadiving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/GOPR0195.jpg?fit=2048%2C1536&ssl=115362048Lauren Smithhttps://www.oahuscubadiving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo111.pngLauren Smith2014-03-07 23:52:002014-03-08 05:37:53One Awesome Morning with World-Class Conditions at Skimmin’s Reef & Sea Cave – 3.7.2014
Dive Sites: LCU to Baby Barge drift and Sea Cave to Baboon Nose Drift
Dive Conditions: Moderate current and 100 ft viz
It was a wonderful day on the water off Oahu today. We had light winds and almost glassy surface conditions as we headed out to the Barges for our first dive. We decided on a Drift over a few of the wrecks with the strength of the current and great conditions. We dropped in on LCU and right away found a frogfish on the wreck. Shortly after we came across a white tip reef shark hiding out under the wreck. We then headed off to New Barge, with whale sound clearly being heard, where there were damsel and butterfly fish along the way and around the next wreck. As we were coming to the end of the dive we drifted over Baby Barge and again had fish life all bout the area.
For the second dive we drifted Sea Cave and again the viz was perfect. There was a turtle resting inside the cave and a few more swimming about outside it in the current. There were also eels all about the area and milletseed butterflyfish following us along the reef. The reefs off of this area are some of the best on Oahu with great coral growth and fish everywhere. The current moved us along at a good pace, so much so that we ended up infront of Hanauma Bay by the end of it. A great day for being out on the water.
