Certified South Shore 2-Tank Dive

Kauai's Ultimate South Shore 2 Tank Dive (Certified Divers Only) runs through Dive Kauai. Rated 4.9 across 197 reviews. Runs 4 hours (approx.). From $210.92.

Overview

This is a guided two-tank shore dive for certified divers, run by Dive Kauai from Koloa Landing on the South Shore near Poipu. It runs about four hours and does not involve a boat ride out to a reef. The maximum depth is approximately 50 feet, with an average bottom time of 45 minutes per dive depending on air consumption. Groups are capped at 12 travellers, though reviewers frequently report far smaller groups on the day.

The session includes a detailed marine ecology briefing from the guide, two guided dives, and use of all scuba equipment. Snacks and bottled water are provided. Guides are consistently praised in reviews for pointing out marine life that divers would otherwise swim past: reviewers report seeing sea turtles, with one reporting around 14 on a single dive, plus eels, stonefish, butterfly fish and surgeonfish.

It suits certified divers who want reef time without committing to a full-day boat excursion. It does not suit travellers who are not certified, and the listing advises against it for pregnant travellers or anyone with heart problems or other serious medical conditions. Hotel transport is not included, so divers make their own way to the meeting point.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Koloa LandingMeet at Koloa Landing in Poipu. From the roundabout in Poipu, take the exit signed for Spouting Horn, then take the first left onto Hoonani Road and look for a telephone pole with a dive flag reading Koloa Landing.
2. Marine ecology briefingThe guide gives a detailed marine ecology briefing covering what lives on the reef and what to watch for during the dives.
3. First tank diveEnter the water from shore for the first guided dive. Maximum depth is approximately 50 feet, with an average bottom time of 45 minutes depending on air consumption.
4. Second tank diveReturn to the water for the second guided dive along the reef at Koloa Landing. Snacks and bottled water are provided as part of the experience.
5. Finish at meeting pointThe experience ends back at Koloa Landing, the same place it started.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points help this dive go smoothly, based on the listing and what repeated reviewers report.

• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup or drop off. Divers drive themselves to Koloa Landing in Poipu, and the listing gives specific turn directions from the roundabout, including the first left onto Hoonani Road.
• Fitness and entry. The listing asks for a moderate level of physical fitness. It is a shore dive rather than a boat dive, which several reviewers liked for the convenience and for avoiding a long excursion.
• What is provided. Scuba gear, snacks and bottled water are all included, so there is no rental gear to arrange separately. One reviewer described the equipment as top level and in excellent condition.
• Marine life. Reviewers often mention sea turtles, along with eels and many reef fish. Guides actively point out creatures divers would otherwise miss, which comes up again and again in reviews.
• Visibility varies. Visibility changes with conditions.
• Group size. The maximum is 12 travellers, but some reviewers report much smaller groups on the day, in one case just two other divers. One diver travelling with a son specifically appreciated how few people were along.

Common issues. The reef itself is described by one reviewer as minimal, with beautiful life in patches, so divers expecting extensive coral should temper expectations. Visibility is not guaranteed and can fall below what some divers expect from Hawaii. There is no refund for cancellations within 24 hours of the start time, for any reason, and the dive needs both good weather and a minimum number of travellers to run; if it is cancelled for either, a different date or a full refund is offered. The experience is not wheelchair accessible, hotel transport is not included, and gratuities and trip protection are extra.

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