Q. What is your ratio of divers to Instructors/Divemasters?

A. For beginner first time Discover Scuba divers, the ratio is four beginners to one Instructor. For certified divers on our boat charters, the ratio is generally six to one. 

Q. How far is your shop location from Waikiki?

A. We are located in Hawaii Kai, roughly 20 minutes from Waikiki. The dive sites are all in Manaloa Bay with views of Diamond Head and Koko Head.

Q. How far is your shop located from the North Shore?

A. We are located about an hour from the North Shore of Oahu. If you choose to take the scenic route down the east side of the island it will take longer the the views are with the trip.

Q. Do I need to know how to swim? 

A. No, as long as you're somewhat comfortable in water, can follow instructions, and kick your legs in a flutter kick, we can take you scuba diving! One of the pieces of gear the BCD acts like a life jackets on the surface and will be gone over in detail during your introduction to SCUBA diving.

Q. Do I have to be scuba certified? 

A. You don't need to be certified to experience scuba diving for the first time. Our Oahu Discover Scuba Diving Experience is designed specifically to introduce non-divers to the joy of swimming underwater with the turtles. If you choose Certification is only a three day process, which includes four scuba dives and can generally be accomplished on your vacation. Ask us how you can get certified!

Q. Is this a beach dive, or a boat dive?

A. All our scuba diving is done off boats designed to make getting on and off easy for SCUBA divers and snorkelers alike.

Q. How soon can I fly home after scuba diving? 

A. A minimum of 18 hours is required between scuba diving and flying in an airplane, for your safety. This is not a rule that should ever be broken.

Q. Are photos available? Can I purchase photos of myself diving?

A. Absolutely! We generally have dive photographers along on the Discover Scuba dives for beginners. If pictures are important to you, be sure to tell your instructor or dive master so they can make sure you get lots of attention!

Q. What kind of fish will we see? 

A. Short answer? Hundreds. Pufferfish, Angel Fish, Leaf Fish, Devil Fish, Goat fish, Sargeant Fish, etc

Q. Will we get to see turtles?

A. Absolutely! The Green Turtle is a Federally Protected Species and with the lack of human harassment they are very calm and tolerant of scuba divers. Our usual dive spots are where they like to rest on the sand for shell cleaning by cleaning fish.

Q. Do you provide wet suits? 

A. Absolutely. Wet suit rentals are included in the price of all Discover Scuba beginner dives. Wet suits are optional, because of Hawaii's famously warm water. 

Q. Can you wear contact lenses?

 A. Yes, you can! 

Q. Can I still scuba dive if I'm on my period?

A. Yes, there is no need to worry about this at all. 

Q. Should I be worried about sharks?

A. Nope, sharks have no interest in us especially in the clear waters we choose to dive and snorkel in. Occationally there are white and black tip reef sharks but they are only about 5 feet in length and pose no threat to us at all. Even on the Advanced deep, wreck and wall dives, we only occasionally see the shy reef sharks, and never the big scary ones. Sigh.

Q. What is your Cancellation Policy? 

A. Full refund if prior to 24 hours, no refund after. (This means before 7am of the day before your scheduled dive)

Q. Is it safe to scuba dive while pregnant?

A. No, we can however still take you snorkeling.

Q. I tend to get seasick on boats, what do you recommend?

A. We recommend taking a motion sickness pill the night before and the morning of your dive. 

Q. Is there a bathroom on the boat?

A. Yes, our boat has a bathroom, or in boating terms, a "head."

Q. What if I'm scuba certified, but it has been many years since I've been diving?

A. No problem! However, we strongly recommend "getting your feet wet" first with a couple easy shallow "refresher" dives to reacquaint yourself with the skills and knowledge you may have forgotten. When booking, simply note under "Special Requests" that you would like the "refresher dives on the afternoon charter."

Q. What is the minimum age for scuba diving? 

A. Kids as young as 10 can get certified.

Q. What's the best time of year to scuba dive?

A. It’s Hawaii...it's great all year round here! We will always make sure to give you the best dive experience possible. If conditions are unsafe we will cancel the dive free of charge to you.

Q. Is there free parking at your shop?

A. Yep. A whole parking lot worth of free parking!

Q. Do you offer group or Military discounts?

A. Absolutely. Just give us a call!

Q. Do you offer night diving?

A. We love night diving! However, it's only available on our advanced boat charters for certified divers.

Q. What if I'm already an Advanced or Open Water certified diver? Do I have to do the shallower beginner dives?

A. Some of our favorite dives are shallow reef dives, with lots of fish and creepy critters hiding in the reef. If deep wrecks, wall dives, and drift dives are calling your name we've got you covered.