Nautilus Reef Scuba Diving in Honolulu
Page At‑a‑Glance
- Max Depth: 30-40 ft • Difficulty: Easy • Highlights: White-tip Reef Sharks, Octopus, Turtles • Location: Ala Moana Beach Park (Boat Dive).
Ken is a master scuba instructor and licensed boat captain with over two decades of experience navigating Hawaiian waters. A contributing author, he specializes in scuba certification, advanced diving instruction, underwater asset inspection, and marine salvage.
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A Hidden Gem on the South Shore
Nautilus Reef is one of Honolulu's most vibrant and relaxing dive sites, located just offshore from Ala Moana Beach Park. Because of its shallow depth (averaging 30 to 40 feet) and proximity to the harbor, it is a favorite for both introductory divers and experienced photographers looking for long bottom times. The calm waters and excellent visibility make it an ideal location to spot some of Hawaii's most iconic marine life without the need for deep technical diving.
Watch the Dive Adventure
Encounters with Sharks and Octopus
This reef is famous among locals for its resident population of white-tip reef sharks. Unlike their aggressive cousins, these sharks are often found resting peacefully under the coral ledges during the day, allowing divers to get excellent photos. But the action doesn't stop there. As you drift over the reef, keep a sharp eye out for the masters of camouflage: the Hawaiian Octopus (Tako). You can also expect to see several species of moray eels peering out from the rocks, puffer fish, butterfly fish, and the beloved Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu) resting on the ocean floor.
Ancient Lava Formations
The topography of Nautilus Reef is distinct, featuring ancient lava fingers that stretch across the sandy bottom. These hard coral formations provide shelter for a massive variety of reef fish and invertebrates. The shallow depth ensures that the sunlight penetrates all the way to the bottom, bringing out the vibrant colors of the coral and making it a spectacular site for underwater videography.
Ready to Dive Nautilus Reef?
Whether you are looking to get certified or just want a relaxing afternoon dive, Nautilus Reef offers a perfect mix of accessibility and marine biodiversity. Join Rainbow Scuba Hawaii for a guided tour of this incredible site. Book your charter today and see the "real" Hawaii underwater.