Kauai + summer = Niihau

[AquamanKauai]

Any experienced divers out there who are planning a trip to Kauai over the summer? Kauai's (if not all of Hawaii's) best diving is just on the horizon (literally)! As a DM on trips to the Forbidden Isle I personally can't wait. I don't feel it's appropriate to advertise and that's certainly not the intent. But if you are coming to Kauai look into this magical and unforgettable diving! Hard to believe it's still a secret - but we get soooo many divers coming out that have never heard of it?? The largest caves and caverns in the state coupled with a list of critter encounters like no other spot in the islands!!! Where else can you count on diving with the endangered hawaiian monk seal? Niihau and Lehua also share critters generally only found in the Northwest Hawaiian islands. Sharks (greys & whitetips primarily though not exclusively), Manta and Eagle Rays, Lobsters, Eels, schooling jacks of various species, spinner dolphins, raining schools of butterfly fish, this list goes on and on...

Check in out - you wont regret this trip. If you have any question and want an (almost) unbiased opinion feel free to drop me an email....CaptTony2003@hotmail.com

Happy Diving and best of island wishes

 

[ch0ppersrule]

We have talked about the Niihau dive before, but haven't found anyone doing it. How much does it cost? Also, my daughter (13yo, certified diver that doesn't dive) would either have to stay at the hotel or we would have to buy her a seat on the boat. How much is it for a non-diver? She wouldn't be snorkeling either (hates salt water after her first encounter with a small white tip that was out and about swimming around where we were- she filled her mask from crying because she wanted him to leave and he just kinda stuck around until one of the guys went towards it then he finally swam off). She hasn't been in the ocean since (2 years now).

Melissa

 

[AquamanKauai]

Aloha Melissa,

Three companies make the full day trip from Kauai. You'll probably end up paying between 275-350 for the trip depending on who you go with. You can save a little by sacrificing a little if you dont mind going on a boat with 15-20 divers. Fathom Five Divers (808-742-6991), Sea Sports Divers, and Bubbles Below (808-332-REEF) all make the trip. I work as a DM for Fathom Five so I can offer the most info about us. But I'm more than happy to answer any questions about the other companies to the best of my abilities. We're a tight "dive family" here and not overly competitive. That being said... WE ARE THE BEST! lol I'd be happy to give ya a suggestion on who to request if you end up diving with one of the other companies of course.

At Fathom Five Divers we take a max of 6 diverson our 3/4 day trips - and will be offering some "premium charters" this season on a brand new boat. The premium charters will be offering the first ever overnight trips for a max of 4 divers.

Captaining these trips in Ken Bail. Ken is very well known in the dive industry here - and in fact he found/named most of the site on Niihau and Lehua. About 20yrs dive experience on Kauai.

Back to your question re: daughter... Niihau is not a good trip for riders in my opinion. It is a LONG day in the sun if you are not getting into the water at least to snorkel - and even then its a bit much for most. The smaller boats probably cant give you much of a break on price for a rider as your daughter would take a slot that would otherwise be for a diver. If she were to join you though - Sea Sports Anela Kai boat would be the best as it has lots and lots of space for her to be out of the sun. Their captains Hans and Andrew are great and have lots of sea time.

hope this helps
A

 

[jeditdog]

At Fathom Five Divers we take a max of 6 diverson

I thought you were syaing "diversion" instead of "divers on" and were saying the your customers diverted you from actually getting to dive.

 

[jzsackst]

Aquamankauai,

My husband and I are signed up for the Niihau dive with Fathom Five on 4/9/06. We are thrilled and hope we actually get to go (weather permitting.) What are our chances? What else can you tell us about this trip. When we first starting planning our trip we didn't think anyone went to Niihau in april. After talking to Fathom Five they indicated they added this trip in April. We consider it a once in a lifetime experience. Any additional information would be appreciated. If the weather doesn't permit Niihau will we still get to dive that day. Please advise. Thanks so much.

 

[www.scubamazing.com]

How easy is it to get a tour out ot Niihau? I've read the history, and the don't like you on the island if you're not already on the island.

How would it be to own a Hawaiian Island? Wow, one can dream.

 

[AquamanKauai]

Aloha jzsackst

If weather permits you will have an amazing experience at Niihau! It's a long trip but worth every bump (and there are plenty of em') on the way home. Make sure to do a dive locally first if you haven't dove in a while. You'll want to make sure you are comfortable doing your free ascents and descents. Doing a dive or two to figure out proper weighting first is soooo essential. It will maximize your dive experience out there. On occasion (which is to often) I see divers have to abort drifts because they couldnt get down having misgauged the amount of required weight. You'll likely be in a 5mm suit if you use a rental. Having to struggle to stay down on your safety stop (or worse - floating to the surface) is obviously something to avoid on these multi-dive charters. Forgive me for over stating the obvious. I actually work for Fathom Five (I think I mentioned that in a previous post on this topic). I try not to be biased but there is no way you'll go with us and not have a great time.

As far as April and your chances? Well, Sea Sports and Bubbles Below also will be chomping at the bit to go in April though I dont think they offer it in advance. If the weather is right though.... They'll be out there too.

let me know of any specific questions you may have. I dont want to write a book!

You will dive for sure even if the boat cant make a day of Niihau. There are other options for sure and you would certainly still dive. Mana Crack is a backup spot on the beautiful Napali coast that is great diving as well.

Best from the islands! WE HOPE IT STOPS RAINING HERE BY THEN!

 

[jzsackst]

Aquamankauai,

Thanks so much for the information. We are so looking forward to our first visit to Kauai but right now our thoughts and prayers are with the families that have suffered such devastation. Hopefully the rain will stop with no further tragedies.