Hawaii Scuba Diving Frequently Asked Questions

808-224-7857
Honolulu, Hawaii

Frequently Asked Questions about our Hawaii scuba diving charters.

We have listed our most frequently asked questions here to better assist you on your Hawaii scuba diving experience with us. Directly below is our #1 asked question about our Honolulu Dive shop.

I see all the other Honolulu dive companies charge more money, Why is it you can charge less?

We offer Quality service at a Fair price , its that simple! If Quality PADI Scuba Instruction and the best Hawaii Scuba Diving concern you, then get the facts! Make an informed decision other than they cost more so they must be better! Ask if they own the boat they dive on as most dive companies on Oahu are no more than a website. Dive Honolulu with instructors that have dove the sites for 10+ years!

How much is scuba diving in hawaii?

The current 2021 scuba diving price for beginner first time divers on 2 shallow reefs is $150.00 including gear rental. Certified divers may choose the Shipwreck/Reef combo for $150.00 including gear rental.

Reservations/Payment Options:

Information on how to make reservations and our payment options.

How can I make a reservation?

reserve your dive online

Simply book online, This is the best way to reserve your dive tour and to check availability!

You may call us at 808-224-7857 once in Honolulu, telephone reservations are great for the last minute dive but are first come, first served!

 

How far in advance should I make my reservation?

We recommend making reservations at least a few days in advance. If there are still boat seats available, we may be able to take reservations up until an hour before the listed dive times, Please call to check!

What is your cancellation policy?

We do ask out of common courtesy that you must call us at least 48 hours in advance if you decide to cancel your dive. Because we provide staffing with you in mind, we would appreciate the advance notice so that we can schedule the staff accordingly. We need to notify our instructors in advance if they are not needed.

Do you take credit cards or checks?

Yes, we except credit cards through our secure online booking system. We only except CASH at the boat as we are not able to process cards on the boat. If you require a credit card transaction you must use our online booking prior to diving with us. Sorry but Checks are not excepted at all.

Boat Charters in Honolulu, Hawaii:

Information on the Dive charter boat & water conditions here in Hawaii.

What do you recommend for Motion/Sea Sickness?

We recommend Bonine. One pill the night before and then again one pill the morning prior to diving. Everyone who has taken it so far has been super happy with the results but, (disclaimer) as with any medication please check with your doctor prior to taking as results/reaction/dosage may vary. Available at Wallmart, ABC stores in Waikiki, and others for about $5.00

What is the boat like, and how many people will be on it?

Our catamaran, is a 36 foot twin hull vessel with a 14 foot beam and twin 2017 Yamaha 150hp engines. The Stugots charter boat is fully equipped for safety and the harbor is close to the dive sites for quick trips. Some days its only two or three people but the weekends and summertime are usually busy. The USCG had certified the vessel for 28 passengers, but we only bring out 6 scuba divers per charter.

What should I bring with me when I dive?

Wear your swimsuit, bring along a towel, sunscreen, beverages, and sunglasses. If you're a certified diver, bring your certification card and log book. If you are a student, bring your crew pack each day.

Can I bring a non-diver along on the boat when I dive?

Yes. We do allow riders to come along with a diver, but The rider will need to pay for his or her boat seat at a substantial discounted rate.

What are the diving conditions like in Hawaii?

Diving conditions are good year round. Water temperature ranges from 75°F (23°C) in winter to 80 °F (26°C) in summer. Visibility varies somewhat from day to day and from one dive site to another, but is typically 80 to 120+ feet (24.3 to 36.5+ m). If conditions are too poor at one dive site, we can often move to an alternate dive site. Because we believe the only fun diving is safe diving, we will cancel charters on the rare occasion that the surface or diving conditions present safety concerns.

Basic Scuba Diving Questions:

Information on our Hawaii dive tours.

Can you scuba dive without being certified?

Yes, Beginners or First time scuba diving participants aged 12 and older can go on two shallow (to 40 feet) introductory Discover Scuba dives, each at a different dive site. There are no study guides or tests to worry about, we'll teach you what you need to know with a few quick skill lessons before you enter the water, and an instructor will closely supervise your dives.

Is scuba diving dangerous?

Scuba diving is enjoyed safely by thousands of people around the world every day! The most common medical issues associated with scuba diving for people in good health are sunburn, seasickness and dehydration. The majority of scuba diving injuries and deaths are the result of diver error and panic.

How soon can I fly after scuba diving?

Divers Alert Network currently recommends waiting 18 hours after diving before you fly in commercial aircraft.

Do I need to be a good swimmer to go diving?

You should be able to swim, and it’s very important that you are comfortable in the water.

How many people will be on your dive boat?

You'll dive with no more than 6 other people in addition to your guide or instructor.

Location/Transportation:

Information on our location and transportation here in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Do you provide transportation from Waikiki?

No, but we suggest for transportation to/from all Waikiki hotels and Kewalo basin harbor to call Yellow Cab Taxi for discounted rates.

Were are you located?

In Honolulu, Hawaii on the island of Oahu. We are located at the Kewalo Basin boat harbor on Ala Moana blvd. and Ward Ave. We work from the boat to ensure the lowest prices for our customers. Check - Google Map link - for detailed information.

How long of a drive is it to the boat from Waikiki?

Our boat is located at Kewalo basin Harbor on the south shore of Honolulu, about a 5-10 minute drive from Waikiki. Only a 15 minute walk from the Hilton village hotels.

PADI Courses & Scuba Diving Instruction:

Information on PADI scuba diving courses and Instruction in Honolulu, Hawaii.

How much does scuba certification cost?

Price can vary as to level of certification requested, group or private lessons and experience of the scuba diving instructor.

How long does it take for scuba certification?

The standard PADI Open Water diver Certification Course takes three days (We also offer an Express 2-Day course).

Do I have to do my course on certain days?

You can start any course on any day, and multi-day courses can be spread out over time – they don’t need to be done on consecutive days. We can work with you to complete your course on a schedule that’s convenient for you.

Does SCUBA certification course require a swim test?

Yes. During the basic Open Water Certification Course, you will complete a swim test: either 200 yards using any style or 300 yards wearing mask, snorkel and fins. You will also show that you can float on the surface for 10 minutes.

I did my course work/pool, can I finish certification with you?

Yes! If you did your classroom and pool work within the last year, you can complete your 4 open water certification dives with us. You will need to bring a referral form signed by your instructor and your logbook each day.

What are the advantages of the Advanced Open Water certification?

One advantage is that Advanced divers can dive to 100 feet with a buddy. More importantly, the course will help you improve your diving skills while learning new ones, increasing your comfort levels and confidence, all which contribute to safe diving. During the Advanced Open Water Certification course, you will learn about underwater navigation and about certain types of diving, such as deep, wreck, boat, multilevel, and drift diving. You can also choose to focus on particular diving interests, such as underwater photography.

Can children become SCUBA certified?

Children aged 12+ can participate in the PADI Discover Scuba Diving Program and earn their Open Water Diver certification.

Can I get private or semi-private instruction or boat?

Yes, with time limits or comfort level demands, this is additional option is available. Please contact us for details and a price quote.

Other miscellaneous information:

Some other relevant information can be found here, But please call us if you have any questions!

Can children go scuba diving?

How old must you be to SCUBA dive? Kids aged 12 and over may participate in the PADI Discover Scuba Diving Program (First Time Diver) or enroll in the Open water Diver course for certification. Child divers who are younger than 15 may qualify for the PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification, that can be upgraded to full Open Water Diver certification at 15 years old upon completion of the open water course.

Is it OK if I don’t have a dive buddy to go with me?

Yes. That’s what we’re here for! An experienced guide or instructor who’s familiar with the dive sites will lead groups of up to 4 certified divers, students or first time divers on each dive.

How long are the dives?

Deep or Shallow dives are planned to the No Decompression Limit or air consumption, whichever comes first. We expect divers to be back on the boat with 500 psi of air left in their tank. We use tanks that hold 80 cubic feet of compressed air @ 3000 psi.

How do you decide which dive sites to visit?

The captain and your diving crew will consider the needs and wishes of our customers and evaluate the present surface and diving conditions to choose the best Hawaii dive sites for each charter.

Can we get married underwater?

Yes. Please contact us well in advance with details on the date and the number of people in your party, including the number of people who will be diving and each of their certification levels. Also, let us know of any special requests. We'll get in touch with you about the cost.