Looking for suggestions for shore diving or guided dives.
Hey Snowmann,
As for shore diving, there are only 2 spots that it is easy to get to and dive. Koloa Landing on the south shore and Tunnels beach on the North Shore. Both are very different dive sites
Koloa Landing is 95% year round diving. From time to time in the summer months (May-Aug) the site will have high surf and not be good to dive. An old boat ramp walk-in is where you enter/exit. The site can get around 50ft at the deepest with most of the reef is 10-40ft. If you dive the location very slow (or with a guide) there is A LOT of life to see from turtles, eels, fish, and octopus.
Tunnels beach is only open for diving (April-Sept) when the winter surf goes away. Beach/sand walk-in. The site can get to 60ft with the reef in the 15-60ft range. Home to many swim through areas, turtles, octopus, and fish. White Tip Sharks are seen often in the early months (April-May) but can be seen from time to time throughout the rest of the season. Parking can be very bad at this location and it is really good for you to arrive early to get a spot that is close by the reef. Dive shops arrive between 6am-7am to get a parking spot for their 8am check-ins.
I am an instructor for Fathom Five. Not sure about Dr. Lector's experience with us, but I can assure you that if you request and dive with me, your gear will be taken care of like it is my own. I have been diving in Kauai since 2005 and just finished up my 5th year in this dive market. Sea Sports and Fathom Five are the two dive shops on the south shore with Bubbles Below offering great diving out of Port Allen. There are some dive operators that work with hotels and can meet you at the dive locations for guided tours. All the dive shops/operators here have their own personalities and feels. Call around to the different places and find which one will work best for you.
If you have any questions - please ask away.
Also if you choose to dive at Fathom Five request to dive with me and you will not be disappointing. Check out my young youtube channel below to see just a couple of things from this past year.