Aloha divers!
If you should be planning a trip to Kauai for the Holidays or 2019 here are a couple tips to set yourself up for a successful diving experience.
Kauai is unique in a number of ways when it comes to diving in Hawaii. The biggest difference is that Kauai is the only island where the primary diving is done on the south shore. All the other islands primarily dive on the leeward sides. This impacts diving primarily in terms of the surface conditions as they go hand in hand with wind conditions. Simply put, whatever the tradewinds are doing - your going to in them! While diving is generally best in the mornings throughout the Hawaiian islands when it comes to boats, it is even more so on Kauai. I would generally suggest focusing your dive plans on mornings if you plan on boat charters. Even if you have great sea legs (not prone to seasickness) dive sites are often limited by stronger winds in the afternoons.
Another suggestion is to play an active part in picking the dive(s) that are best suited for you. Don't just put everything in the hands of the shop near your hotel with the big dive flag! If you are reading this - you already have a great resource to dive suggestions throughout Hawaii. Emails and phone calls can be a great help too. Seek out the shops that spend time answering questions and show interest in setting up something to fit your personal interests. If you have the chance to book in person or just visit the shop ahead of time this can be a great opportunity as well to get more information and an overall feel for the operation. Remember, good shops won't just take your CC# and plug you in to the first slot open. Remember that you are the customer and YOU SHOULD feel very comfortable letting the dive company know what you are interested in. Obviously the ocean has the final say in terms of conditions, but at least if you express interests in advance you'll have a better chance of success. If you prefer being a group similar to your experience level, desire a certain type of diving, want a certain dive site etc... the earlier you communicate that the better.
Know that there are many options for charter boats. Often you and find pictures or at least information regarding the boats on the website, but it's always ok to ask when you are looking to book. Some boats have lots of cover/shade, some have heads on board, some troll for fish on certain charters, some have camera rinse bins, etc... Here on Kauai there are Zodiacs that take divers, 6 pack vessels, 8-11 passenger boats, and all the way up to 18-20 divers. It's always nice to know these things in advance if you are picky about any of these topics.
One of the most important considerations ... when in doubt TAKE SOMETHING FOR SEASICKNESS. It's never gonna hurt if you have any uncertainty about your sea legs to drop a couple dollars for tummy happiness. You can trust me on this one - or spend a couple hours hanging over the boat rail! Yuck! Keep in mind that metabolism is a big part in preventing sea sickness. A dose 10 min before the charter with your McDonalds is not the way to go! My humble suggestion has been to take a full dose the night before (you'll probably get better sleep) and depending on the individual a 1/2 or full dose the morning of.
Well, these are just a few thoughts for setting up diving on Kauai. There are so many great dive opportunities here on the island and a little front end work can help ensure your experience is amazing. Lots of great DM's and Instructors as well. I'm available via PM's here on the board as often as possible and happy to help with any questions regarding Hawaii diving / visits.
Aloha and Happy Dive Planning!
A
If you should be planning a trip to Kauai for the Holidays or 2019 here are a couple tips to set yourself up for a successful diving experience.
Kauai is unique in a number of ways when it comes to diving in Hawaii. The biggest difference is that Kauai is the only island where the primary diving is done on the south shore. All the other islands primarily dive on the leeward sides. This impacts diving primarily in terms of the surface conditions as they go hand in hand with wind conditions. Simply put, whatever the tradewinds are doing - your going to in them! While diving is generally best in the mornings throughout the Hawaiian islands when it comes to boats, it is even more so on Kauai. I would generally suggest focusing your dive plans on mornings if you plan on boat charters. Even if you have great sea legs (not prone to seasickness) dive sites are often limited by stronger winds in the afternoons.
Another suggestion is to play an active part in picking the dive(s) that are best suited for you. Don't just put everything in the hands of the shop near your hotel with the big dive flag! If you are reading this - you already have a great resource to dive suggestions throughout Hawaii. Emails and phone calls can be a great help too. Seek out the shops that spend time answering questions and show interest in setting up something to fit your personal interests. If you have the chance to book in person or just visit the shop ahead of time this can be a great opportunity as well to get more information and an overall feel for the operation. Remember, good shops won't just take your CC# and plug you in to the first slot open. Remember that you are the customer and YOU SHOULD feel very comfortable letting the dive company know what you are interested in. Obviously the ocean has the final say in terms of conditions, but at least if you express interests in advance you'll have a better chance of success. If you prefer being a group similar to your experience level, desire a certain type of diving, want a certain dive site etc... the earlier you communicate that the better.
Know that there are many options for charter boats. Often you and find pictures or at least information regarding the boats on the website, but it's always ok to ask when you are looking to book. Some boats have lots of cover/shade, some have heads on board, some troll for fish on certain charters, some have camera rinse bins, etc... Here on Kauai there are Zodiacs that take divers, 6 pack vessels, 8-11 passenger boats, and all the way up to 18-20 divers. It's always nice to know these things in advance if you are picky about any of these topics.
One of the most important considerations ... when in doubt TAKE SOMETHING FOR SEASICKNESS. It's never gonna hurt if you have any uncertainty about your sea legs to drop a couple dollars for tummy happiness. You can trust me on this one - or spend a couple hours hanging over the boat rail! Yuck! Keep in mind that metabolism is a big part in preventing sea sickness. A dose 10 min before the charter with your McDonalds is not the way to go! My humble suggestion has been to take a full dose the night before (you'll probably get better sleep) and depending on the individual a 1/2 or full dose the morning of.
Well, these are just a few thoughts for setting up diving on Kauai. There are so many great dive opportunities here on the island and a little front end work can help ensure your experience is amazing. Lots of great DM's and Instructors as well. I'm available via PM's here on the board as often as possible and happy to help with any questions regarding Hawaii diving / visits.
Aloha and Happy Dive Planning!
A
