Kauai diving

[davinajmyers]

A few questions for an upcoming week on Kauai at the end of December. Based on my research it seems we will not be able to get to Niihau given the time of year, which is too bad because it sounds awesome.

My husband and I are comfortable shore diving from a lot of time in Bonaire. Are there any other sites besides Koloa landing to check out?

Does shore diving require towing a flag?

Given the cooler weather and rain at that time of year, what should I expect for visibility?

Thanks!

 

[ZzzKing]

If I could piggyback on your thread, what are some good dive ops/shops on Kauai? Thanks all.

 

[Rick Brant]

At that time of year Koloa Landing is really the only good shore dive. There are other south shore dive sites but most are too far off-shore to reach easily, hence boat dives are popular. The north shore is not divable in the winter.

Re dive flags, yes they are required but at the Koloa Landing site there is almost always at least one dive shop out and they will float a moored float right in the "drop" area. So most divers will drop either at that spot or before there and will therefore benefit from the existing flag. I do tow my own flag if I stay in the shallows and stray far from the moored flags.

Viz is a total wild card. Heavy rain does trash visibility, sometimes for days or even weeks in the event of a bad storm. If you are there right after a big storm I suggest you consider a boat dive. They get much further from shore and avoid a lot of the runoff. If there have not been any storms the viz at the Landing can be quite nice.

I think all of our dive shops are very good. Kauai Scuba Adventures, SeaSport, Fathom Five, and Dive Kauai all have excellent staff and gear.

 

[davinajmyers]

Very helpful, thank you!

 

[bperc]

I would add Explore Kauai Scuba to the list. Nick and Jessie are excellent! They launch out of Kikiaoloa Small Boat Harbor.

 

[TheScubaDirectory]

There is a few more shore dives worth checking out. Here is a link with gps coords and diver reviews. Have a great trip!

Kauai Shore Dives

 

[cynthiaslvr]

Bubbles Below is amazing. My 12yo is recently certified so safety was my top concern. It is a small locally owned company. Clay, the owner, knows his stuff. He used to be a scientist and still works for NOAA. He is detail oriented, knowledge, and has a great sense of humor. We felt 100% safe diving with him. Top tier gear as well.

He knew the best dive sites and wouldn't take us out if the conditions were bad. His employees were all professional and knowledgeable as well. Booking was easy with great communication. Just email the company, and his wife Blondie will get right back to you.

We did three dives at the end of December with them. Visibility was mixed at that time but he always found us a good spot. We had planned on going to Costa Rica next year for diving but now that I have found Clay we are going back to dive with him again.

 

[freshenzo]

I would definitely recommend Explore Kauai Scuba! They're a small owner/operator dive boat run by Nick and Jesse out of the west side, but they are amazing!