Scuba diving in Kona, USA
Kona offers a great mix of marine life and dive-site opportunities. From reefscapes, to lava tubes, and from Mantas to indigenous butterfly fish, there truly is something for everyone.
Which Hawaiian island is best for scuba diving?
Some of the best scuba diving in Hawaii can be found on Big Island along the southwest coast of Kona, and also at sites close to Honolulu on Oahu. These sites are accessible and close to plenty of accommodation and transport links, making them the most popular in Hawaii.
How deep is the manta ray dive in Kona?
Manta rays night dive’s depth varies from place to place, but on average, manta rays can be found while diving at a depth of almost 35 feet if the water temperatures are between 75 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do you need a wetsuit to dive in Kona?
Wetsuit. Even though the waters are warm, you still need a wetsuit to scuba dive in Hawaii. However, it doesn’t need to be very thick or insulated. A 3mm thickness is just right for Hawaiian waters.
Is Kona good for scuba diving? – Related Questions
Is there shark cage diving in Kona Hawaii?
You can expect to see a large variety of shark species here at Kona Shark Diving, like Galapagos, Blacktip, Mako, Great White, Sandbar, Hammerhead, Tiger, Reef sharks, and many more. Diving certificates or diving experience is not necessary to enjoy diving with the sharks here at Kona Shark Diving.
What is the best time of year to scuba dive in Hawaii?
Diving in Hawaii can be enjoyed year-round, with average water temperature between 75-80°F (24-27°C) which reach their peak in September. A 3mm wetsuit is preferred in the winter whilst a 1mm rash vest is suffice for the summer.
Can you dive without a wetsuit?
While exposure suits are always recommended for divers, it’s not strictly necessary in every location to wear one. “It’s up to the person and what they’re comfortable with,” says Kiera Bloom, a PADI Open Water Instructor based in Barbados.
What do you wear to scuba dive in Hawaii?
Diving in Hawaii is an experience not to be missed, with the wrecks and the reefs and the caverns in between.
The Dive Sites
- Wear a full wetsuit to protect your skin from cuts and scrapes.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from the wreckage.
- Pick a light harness and fins that are made for control (not speed)
Do I need a wetsuit in Hawaii surf?
It may sound silly since Hawaii is synonymous with warm water surfing but it does get chilly sometimes. You won’t need to pack your winter 4/3 full suit by any means but a nice 1 or 2mm wetsuit top will help keep your core warm and allow you to surf longer, especially if the trade winds start to pick up.
Do you need a wetsuit in Hawaii snorkel?
Maui has some heavenly water and snorkeling conditions, but you might still benefit from wearing a wetsuit! Not only will a wetsuit keep you nice and warm, but it will also keep the sun from toasting your skin – a quick way to ruin any tropical vacation!
What to avoid while snorkeling in Hawaii?
Snorkeling Safety Tips in Hawaii
- Use a Buddy System.
- Check Weather Conditions.
- Know Your Snorkeling and Swimming Skill Level.
- Keep Your Hands Off the Turtles and the Reef.
- Check Your Surroundings.
- Avoid Alcohol Consumption and Exhaustion While Snorkeling.
- Protect Your Skin, Especially Your Back.
- Use Good Snorkeling Equipment.
Why are full face snorkels not allowed?
there is dead space ventilation in the device that seems greater than in the standard snorkel tube. That dead space can cause carbon dioxide buildup.” This CO2 buildup could cause a person to become disoriented, or, even lose consciousness.
Why are full face snorkel masks not allowed in Hawaii?
Pride of Maui recently banned full-face masks from its snorkel tours, citing the potential dangers of carbon dioxide build-up leading to dizziness, headaches or unconsciousness. The company says on its website that this can also happen with poorly designed standard snorkel tubes.
Why are snorkels not allowed in swimming pools?
During busier swimming sessions or those with lanes, the use of snorkels can restrict the vision of the wearer as their head is predominantly face down in the water and this can cause accidents and injuries to other users in the pool when the wearer inadvertently collides with them.
Can you breathe fully underwater with a snorkel?
Unlike scuba diving equipment, snorkels do not allow you to breathe deep underwater. Instead, snorkelers must exchange air at the surface of the water through the breathing tube. If the snorkel is submerged beneath the waterline, the snorkeler will not be able to breathe through the tube.
Can you breathe underwater with a dry snorkel?
You cannot breathe underwater with a dry snorkel if the snorkel is completely submerged. There is simply not enough air trapped in the tube for you to breathe with! The point of the dry snorkel is to maximize your comfort at the surface by preventing any water from getting inside the tube.
What should you not do while snorkeling?
Do not touch corals, fish or turtles. The only thing you can touch safely is sand and rock and water (that means with your fins also). Read our snorkeling etiquette page for learning how to develop skills for taking a break in the water without having to stand. Don’t use harmful sunscreen.
Why do freedivers remove snorkel?
In free diving we are typically taught to remove the snorkel from your mouth when you dive. This is a precaution, so that in case we blackout and our tongue (which is holding the water back) goes limp, the snorkel does not act as a conduit for water to enter straight into our lungs.
Should you dive with snorkel in mouth?
So water would rush into your mouth and possibly into your lungs. Diving underwater with the snorkel in your mouth violates the No. 1 rule of freediving safety — to always protect the airway.
What should you not do before diving?
Scuba Diving Don’ts
- Never drink and dive.
- Never go diving without telling someone what you are doing and when you expect to be back.
- Never eat a big meal before diving and wait for at least two hours after eating before you start scuba diving.
- Never dive outside of your comfort level.
- Never dive with broken equipment.