Business Details
20 Years
experience
Scuba Diving Charters in Pensacola, FL
Niuhi Dive Charters was founded by Captain Andrew F. Ross, a seasoned diver and licensed captain with extensive experience in recreational and technical diving. Raised in a military family, Captain Ross developed a passion for underwater exploration during his time in Guam and has since accumulated thousands of dives across diverse locations like Honduras, Belize, and the Pensacola Gulf Coast. The company operates the Kelly Rae, a 30-foot HydroCat Catamaran equipped with state-of-the-art safety features, freshwater amenities, and dedicated dive infrastructure. Our team of certified divemasters prioritizes customer safety and satisfaction, offering tailored dive experiences for recreational, technical, and spearfishing enthusiasts.With access to over 100 dive sitesincluding the USS Oriskany, natural reefs, and artificial wreckswe cater to divers of all skill levels. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our meticulous preparation protocols, complimentary amenities like water and snacks, and adherence to strict safety standards. We maintain partnerships with local dive shops for gear rentals and emphasize customer education through detailed pre-dive briefings. Our reputation as Pensacola's premier dive charter service is built on decades of combined industry experience and a dedication to creating unforgettable underwater adventures.
Services
Wreck Diving
Technical Diving
Spearfishing Charters
Recreational Diving
Nitrox Diving
Private Dive Charters
Gear Rental Assistance
Dive Site Transportation
Safety Training
Custom Dive Planning
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We offer customized dive charters for recreational, technical, and spearfishing adventures
- Our 30-foot HydroCat Catamaran features redundant safety systems and dedicated dive infrastructure
- Captain with 20+ years of Gulf Coast diving experience leads every charter
- Access to 100+ dive sites including the USS Oriskany aircraft carrier wreck
- Complimentary water, snacks, and professional divemaster support included
What people say
Professional crew
Well-maintained boat
Access to USS Oriskany
Customized dive planning
Excellent safety record
Services
Wreck Diving
Explore historic shipwrecks like the USS Oriskany aircraft carrier. Our charters provide access to 120+ foot wrecks with expert guidance. Technical divers can investigate deeper sites with appropriate certification.
Technical Diving
Specialized deep diving expeditions for certified technical divers. Access to 100+ foot natural reefs and wreck sites. Rebreather support available with advance arrangements.
Spearfishing Charters
Federally permitted spearfishing trips targeting lionfish and other species. Equipment requirements vary by target species. Specialized charters require advance planning with Captain Ross.
Recreational Diving
Two-tank dives for certified divers of all levels. Includes surface interval amenities and professional divemaster support. Shore dive site transportation available.
Private Charter
Tailored dive experiences for groups or special requirements. Options include multi-day trips, photography-focused dives, and specialized wreck exploration itineraries.
People
Captain Andrew F. Ross
Owner / Lead Captain
Military veteran with 20+ years of Gulf Coast diving experience. Certified technical diver and divemaster with thousands of logged dives across international locations.
Meagan
Divemaster
PADI-certified divemaster with expertise in recreational dive supervision. Provides in-water guidance and safety monitoring for charter guests.
Chris
Captain / Divemaster
Dual-qualified captain and divemaster with extensive local wreck diving knowledge. Assists with advanced dive planning and execution.
Rob
Divemaster
Experienced divemaster specializing in technical diver support. Ensures safety compliance during deep wreck and rebreather operations.
Joe
Divemaster
Certified dive professional with focus on recreational diver training. Provides equipment checks and in-water assistance during charter trips.
Questions
What dive sites do you visit?
We access over 100 local sites including the USS Oriskany aircraft carrier, Joe Patti Barge, YDT-14/15 dive tenders, Fort Pickens Jetty, and natural limestone reefs like Greens Hole.
What's included in charter fees?
Charter fees include boat operation, professional divemasters, freshwater shower, safety equipment, bottled water, sports drinks, and surface interval snacks.
Do you provide SCUBA gear rentals?
We coordinate with local dive shops like Dive Pros Dive Center for tank, regulator, and computer rentals. We recommend booking gear in advance through our partners.
What certification requirements exist?
Recreational divers need standard SCUBA certification. Technical divers must present appropriate trimix/rebreather certifications. Nitrox divers require Nitrox certification cards.
Can I spearfish during charters?
Yes, we offer spearfishing charters with federal reef fishing permits. Special targets require advance notice to Captain Ross for planning purposes.
What safety measures are in place?
We maintain redundant electronics, emergency oxygen, first aid kits, and VHF radio with DSC locating. All passengers complete liability waivers before departure.
Reviews (7)
Dawn Ross
Oct 23, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
The best dive operation youre going to find in Pensacola. I live in the Fl Keys and work on a dive boat. Niuhi is the only company I recommend my divers to in Pensacola. Captain Andy and good old whats his face from Canada run a tight ship. The boat is clean, safe, and reliable book with these guys for sure.
The best dive operation youre going to find in Pensacola. I live in the Fl Keys and work on a dive boat. Niuhi is the only company I recommend my divers to in Pensacola. Captain Andy and good old whats his face from Canada run a tight ship. The boat is clean, safe, and reliable book with these guys for sure.
Lance Henderson
Aug 19, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
What a great company to dive with! Capt Andy communicated quickly when the weather turned and canceled our trip. The day of the dive on the USS Oriskany, Capt Andy and DM Adam were very professional and helpful. Im so glad I did my first Oriskany dive with them! Will def be back! Keep up the good work!
What a great company to dive with! Capt Andy communicated quickly when the weather turned and canceled our trip. The day of the dive on the USS Oriskany, Capt Andy and DM Adam were very professional and helpful. Im so glad I did my first Oriskany dive with them! Will def be back! Keep up the good work!
Ian M.
Jul 27, 2021
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Had a great experience with three days of diving and lionfish hunting with Captain Andy, Adam and Niuhi! Would definitely recommend him - great knowledge of dive sites, and a safety-oriented professional attitude.
Bryan Clardy
Apr 23, 2021
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Captain of the boat is also an experienced dive master and is dedicated to making sure your trip is safe and enjoyable. Dive master is a great guy who takes the safety of his clients seriously. He is also Canadian and has heard every possible joke about that already. A 3/2 wetsuit is barely adequate in the summer and not adequate for late spring.
Steve Pear
Jan 11, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism
Captain Andy and Divemaster Adam run a great operation. They are very knowledgeable and helpful for all types of diving. Will definitely dive with them again.
Captain Andy and Divemaster Adam run a great operation. They are very knowledgeable and helpful for all types of diving. Will definitely dive with them again.
Zach G.
Aug 08, 2020
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I had an amazing time diving with Niuhi Dive Charters. Spent 4 days in a row with 2 dives diving with them. The Niuhi Teams professionalism and knowledge of the dive sites made for some very nice diving. Diving the Mighty O (I highly recommend this dive) the crew made tying in the dive boat to the Mighty O in ruff water look like it was a simple task. The dive briefings were informative and the crew took time at the end of each dive briefing to answer questions. During my dives over the 4 days I spent with Niuhi Dive Charters, the crew was able to identify good spots for the spear fishermen
Ken H.
Sep 03, 2019
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Niuhi Dive charters are simply the best in the Pensacola area. From Captain Andrew to Dive Master Adam, the operation is smooth and takes care of everyone. I now have a favorite.charter company. Try them and I'm sure you will agree. The guys are the best in the business.
