Business Details
15 Years
experience
Explore Kauai Scuba Diving Tours
Explore Kauai Scuba is a family-owned and operated scuba diving company dedicated to providing unparalleled underwater experiences off the coasts of Kauai and Ni'ihau. Established by seasoned divers Nick and Jessie, our operation prioritizes safety, environmental stewardship, and intimate group sizes limited to six passengers. With over a decade of combined experience in marine exploration, our team specializes in showcasing Hawaii's nutrient-rich waters, vibrant marine ecosystems, and unique dive sites inaccessible to larger tour operators. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our compostable materials usage and eco-friendly boat engines.We cater to both certified divers seeking challenging sites like Mana Crack and beginners discovering sea turtles at Koloa Landing, offering personalized instruction and equipment rental. Our proximity to Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor grants us the fastest access to renowned locations like the Na Pali Coast. Recognized for exceptional customer service, we maintain a 5-star reputation through tailored experiences that balance adventure with ecological responsibility.
Services
Scuba Diving Tours
Private Boat Charters
Beginner Diving Lessons
Marine Life Excursions
Eco-Friendly Diving
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- Family-owned operation with 10+ years combined diving expertise
- Smallest group sizes (6 divers max) for personalized experiences
- Eco-conscious practices with compostable materials and green engines
- Exclusive access to hidden dive sites like Koloa Landing
- Certified instructors specializing in marine life identification
What people say
Small intimate groups
Expert instructors
Eco-friendly operation
Unique dive sites
Personalized attention
Services
2 Tank Ni'ihau Dive
Explore Ni'ihau's pristine waters with two dives at this remote location. Experience crystal-clear visibility and encounters with sharks, monk seals, and large predatory fish. Recommended for divers with 15+ dives due to potential currents. Includes gear rental and expert guidance.
Private Boat Charter
Tailored excursions for up to six passengers. Choose destinations from Ni'ihau to the Na Pali Coast. Includes personalized dive planning, expert instruction, and premium equipment. Ideal for special occasions or focused marine life photography.
Beginner Shore Dive
Perfect introduction to scuba diving at Koloa Landing. Two-tank dive with patient instruction, featuring sea turtles and tropical reef fish. Includes free refresher courses for certified divers. Equipment and refreshments provided.
Whale Watching Tour
Five-hour scenic tour combining whale watching with snorkeling opportunities. Expert naturalists identify humpback whales and marine life. Includes safety equipment and personalized commentary about local ecosystems.
Na Pali Coast Tour
60-mile round trip featuring two dives at Mana Crack and Na Pali Coast exploration. Targets experienced divers seeking challenging sites with dramatic underwater topography and diverse marine ecosystems.
People
Nick
Captain & Instructor
Nick has been diving since age 12, becoming a divemaster in California before settling in Kauai in 2011. His expertise in Monterey and Kauai waters brings unique perspectives to every tour. Passionate about sustainable diving practices and marine conservation.
Jessie
Captain & Instructor
Jessie transitioned from speech sciences to professional diving, living in multiple oceanic regions before settling in Kauai since 2014. Specializes in marine life identification and creating comfortable learning environments for new divers.
Questions
What makes Explore Kauai Scuba different from other dive operators?
We limit groups to 6 divers for personalized experiences, use eco-friendly equipment, and have exclusive access to hidden dive sites like Koloa Landing.
What marine life can I expect to see?
Divers commonly encounter sharks, monk seals, rays, sea turtles, and tropical reef fish. Koloa Landing features unique moray eel species and octopus.
Are there options for beginner divers?
Our 2-tank shore dive at Koloa Landing is ideal for beginners, with instructors who provide patient guidance and free refresher courses.
How do I book a tour?
Book directly through our website or contact us at 808-977-8643. Private charters require advance reservations.
What should I bring on my dive tour?
Bring sunscreen, hat, towel, and warm clothing for surface intervals. We provide all diving equipment and refreshments.
Reviews (4)
Jolene Osterberger
Jan 22, 2022
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My husband and I dove Kauai 26 years ago and we have saved and waited to come back as a family. We were all excited to dive in Kauai and see the Napoli Coast in the same trip. Although the tide/surf was high and diving was not an option Nick offered us a very personable and knowledgeable tour to experience the Napali Coast from the water. As a captain he was extremely skilled, fun, knowledgeable and so trust worthy. His amazing ability to navigate the swells made for an extremely fun and exciting ride. We were able see sharks, dolphins, whales, a monk seal, turtles and rare birds on the excursion
Dave Saxon
Jan 15, 2022
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The best choice for diving on Kauai! Jessie and Nick are professionals and the best scuba instructors I've been with. I completed my OW certification with them and highly recommend it, and the rest of my family did a day of discover dives with them. They were able to teach all the novices the skills to have tons of fun underwater, and showed us more marine life than we can remember! Even a bonus detour for whale watching after the dives.
Jon Grieman
Dec 27, 2021
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Great dive op. Did a 2 tank with them. Nice small boat, only 6 divers + guide and captain.
Jesse was a good guide, clearly knew the sites we dove well and had a good eye for spotting interesting wildlife. No pressure to end dive early - everyone dove their air, and both dive times were over an hour. Everything was well organized. Boat is small, not a ton of extra space, didn't seem to have anywhere super safe to put a big camera rig.
Jesse was a good guide, clearly knew the sites we dove well and had a good eye for spotting interesting wildlife. No pressure to end dive early - everyone dove their air, and both dive times were over an hour. Everything was well organized. Boat is small, not a ton of extra space, didn't seem to have anywhere super safe to put a big camera rig.
Layne Vandenberg
Dec 16, 2021
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My husband and I absolutely loved diving with Nick and Jessie. All communication was professional, and information provided on dive sites, times and logistics was thorough. Jessie and Nick are excellent at surveying and choosing dive sites on the today based on conditions and visibility, so the dives themselves were incredible. You are guaranteed to have an amazing experience with these two. In comparison to other experiences we have had as advanced and rescue divers, we highly recommend Explore Kauai Scuba. We will definitely dive with them again upon returning to Kauai!
