Frequently Asked
Questions
Q1: Can I make a reservation in an email and how far in advance
should I book my charter?
A1: We can answer many questions via email but
when it comes to the time for actually checking on availability and securing
your spot(s) on the boat you need to call us. Our toll free number is
888 333-4668. During the busy times of the year (anytime school is out)
a week advanced notice will greatly improve your chance of getting on
board for your desired dive dates.
Q2: What is your check in policy?
A2: All customers are required to come by the
shop to complete their liability releases, try on gear, and arrange for
payment prior to their first dive charter.
Q3: How do I get to the shop or boat?
A3: We have printable directions and clickable
maps to our locations on our web site at Our
Locations
Q4: When do we have to be at the boat and when do we get back?
A4: The morning charters leave the harbor around
8:30. We request that our divers arrive at the boat by 8. The boat gets
back to the harbor around 1 p.m.. For our night (a.k.a. Manta) charters
we ask that you arrive at the boat at 4. The boat leaves around 4:30.
During the winter months our evening charters leave 30 minutes earlier
so please arrive at the dock at 3:30. The boat returns from the night
charter by 9.
Q5: On the night/manta charter do we do two dives or just one?
A5: We now offer both a one tank and two tank option. The one tank charter is three hours long and is suitable for non divers as well. Snorkeling on this charter is a very popular activity. On our two tank charters we arrive at Keahole Bay
in the late afternoon. We enter the water on our first
dive and do a full tour of the reef and get our divers oriented to the
site in preparation for the night dive. After our first dive we have a
solid hour of surface interval during which time you can have some sandwich,
chips, and drinks. Your dive guide will give a detailed briefing during
this time. When it gets good and dark, we get in for the night dive. The
night dive is conducted in 35' of water while kneeling on a sandy bottom
with mantas swimming directly overhead. Outstanding!
Q6: How deep are your dives?
A6: A typical dive profile for the first dive
of either a AM or PM charter is 60' for 50 minutes. Our second dive is
usually a little shallower and a little shorter. We do not force everyone
to surface when the fastest breather needs to surface but allow our more
experienced divers to complete their dives as air supplies allow. We do
require divers to be back on the boat with a minimum of 500 psi in their
tanks.
Q7: Do you do air/hotel/dive packages?
A7: Unfortunately, we don't do air and hotel arrangements.
We do have very competitively priced dive packages for people who are
diving on multiple days and or nights. Click Package
Pricing to get the latest prices.
Q8: Where should I stay?
A8: Our completely unsolicited favorites are:
Upscale Four
Seasons Resort Hualalai
Moderately priced Sea Village Resort
More modest Kona
Seaside or Kona Tiki
Q9: Can you pick me up or do I need to rent a car?
A9: We can pick you up if your hotel is close
into town. We charge $10 per round trip per person. Cruise ship passengers
who need a lift from the pier once they come ashore are provided with
free shuttle service. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the geography
of the "Big Island", most of the upscale resorts are up on the
Kohala coast and outside of our range for shuttle service. The Kona Seaside
and Kona Tiki are good choices for accommodation if you don't plan on
renting a car.
Q10: What is Discover SCUBA Diving and how old do you have to
be?
A10: The minimum age for participating in Discover
SCUBA Diving (DSD) is 10 years of age. You must be in good health and
at least comfortable in the water. We make two dives. On the way to the
first dive, the student(s) (max. of 3 students to 1 instructor) review
a flip chart that describes some basic SCUBA knowledge and 4 skills. Once
at the dive site, the students enter the water under the direct supervision
of the instructor. The students proceed to the bow line where they decend
one at a time with the instructor and demonstrate the skills after they
have watched the instructor perform them. Once the skills have been satisfactorily
demonstrated, the students are escorted on a short dive. After relocating
to a new dive site the students then dive under the direct supervision
of the instructor with the only limitation being a 40' maximum depth.
Friends or relatives who are accompanying the student on the charter may
chose to join them on this dive for pictures or just to enjoy the experience
together.
Q11: How can I get more diving for my dollar?
A11: We offer considerable savings on our multiple
charter packages. Check Package
Pricing to get the latest prices.
Q12: What should I bring on the boat?
A12: On morning charters, sun screen, hats/sun
glasses, and light boat shoes are good items to have. Bring what ever
dive gear you have and we will have the rest waiting for you assuming
you arranged for us to provide it while you made your reservations. On
the night trip many people bring something warm to wear in between dives.
If you get motion sick some preventative medication is a good idea on
both morning and night charters but is more important on the night charter.
Towels are not supplied so most people bring one along as well.
Feel free to contact us via email or at the phone number below if you
need any additional information and we hope to dive with you soon!
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