Kauai South Shore Diving: 2 Tank Certified Dive

Horseshoe bay, two distinct reef zones, Hawaiian green sea turtles on most dives.

A guided two-tank scuba dive in Hanaka'ape Bay on Kauai's south shore for certified divers, with shore entry and exit, marine ecology briefing, and a surface interval with snacks. The U-shaped reef allows you to explore two separate areas in a single outing, with average depths between 27 and 45 feet and maximum depth around 50 feet. All equipment is provided and set up on the beach in a comfortable setting.

The experience

The dive site sits in a protected horseshoe-shaped bay sheltered from surf and wind, which means the entry and exit happen right off a ramp with almost no surface swim. You walk into the water steps away from where your gear is assembled on the beach. The site is known for consistent marine life: Hawaiian green sea turtles show up regularly, along with up to seven species of moray eels (including the rare dragon eel), leaf and devil scorpionfish, octopus, and hundreds of tropical fish. The reef structure itself is the draw. A large U-shaped formation that lets you explore two completely different areas across the two tanks, so the dive does not repeat itself.

Each dive includes a marine ecology briefing that covers local history, legends and the animals you are about to encounter. Average bottom time runs 45 minutes per tank depending on air consumption, with a maximum depth of around 50 feet. Between the two dives, you surface in the bay for a break with snacks and beverages, then head back down to the second area of the reef. All scuba equipment is included and ready on the beach (tanks, weights, regulators, BCD, wetsuit if needed), so you arrive and dive without assembling anything yourself.

The 4-hour outing runs from shore, which cuts out boat time and seasickness entirely. The protected bay means calm conditions even when the open ocean is rough, and the easy entry and exit matter if you have not dived in a while or prefer to avoid a long surface swim. Bottled water is provided throughout the morning.

What’s included

• All scuba equipment including tanks, regulators, BCD and weights.
• guided two-tank dive experience with a live guide in English or Spanish.
• marine ecology briefing before each dive.
• snacks and beverages during the surface interval.
• bottled water throughout the outing.

Information

Lasts 4h, runs every day at 07:30 and 12:30, from US$ 210.92 per person, with a live guide in English and Spanish, in groups of up to 12 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:30 and 12:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 12 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Dive Kauai

Is this one for you?You're a certified diver looking for a shore-based dive without a boat ride or long surface swim. The protected bay and easy beach entry suit divers who want calm conditions and minimal logistics, while the two distinct reef zones keep the experience varied across both tanks.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of marine life will I see on this Kauai dive?

Hawaiian green sea turtles appear on most dives, along with up to seven species of moray eels including the rare dragon eel, scorpionfish, octopus, hermit crabs, and hundreds of tropical fish species. The reef also holds cone snails, auger snails, helmet snails, shrimp, sea stars and urchins.

How deep does this Kauai dive go?

The average depth is between 27 and 45 feet, with a maximum depth of approximately 50 feet. Average bottom time per tank is 45 minutes, depending on your air consumption.

Do I need to arrange transportation to the dive site?

The dive site is a shore dive in Hanaka'ape Bay with easy access off a ramp. Public transportation options are available nearby, but hotel pickup is not included with this dive.

What happens during the surface interval between the two tanks?

You surface in the protected bay and rest while snacks and beverages are served. The surface interval gives you time to recover before the second dive to the other side of the U-shaped reef.

Is this dive suitable if I have not been diving recently?

The very easy entry and exit, short surface swim, and protected bay conditions make this a good choice for divers returning to the water. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, and the dive is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.