One Tank Boat Dive – Sea Turtles & Tropical Reef

Exploring the vibrant underwater world off the Hilo coast is an extraordinary experience for any certified diver. Hilo Ocean Adventures offers a one-tank boat dive that immerses participants in a tropical reef teeming with diverse marine life. From schools of colorful fish to stunning coral formations, this dive offers an incredible opportunity to encounter Hawaii’s iconic green sea turtles, known as honu, as they graze on seagrass or rest on the reef. With comprehensive safety considerations and an expert team guiding the way, this adventure promises to captivate divers with the breathtaking beauty of the island’s subaquatic ecosystem.

Key Points

• The one-tank boat dive by Hilo Ocean Adventures offers encounters with abundant green sea turtles and a vibrant tropical reef ecosystem.
• The dive site is known for sightings of parrotfish, manini (convict tang), and octopus in a diverse underwater paradise.
• Participants must present proof of Open Water Diver certification, and a refresher course is mandatory if the last logged dive was over 2 years ago.
• The tour includes snacks, local juice, tanks, weights, and transportation, with a $1 Ocean Stewardship Fee collected upon arrival.
• The meeting point is Hilo Ocean Adventures, and check-in is required 1 hour before the 9:30 am departure, or 2 hours for refresher participants.

Tour Overview

The one-tank boat dive offered by Hilo Ocean Adventures on the Big Island of Hawaii takes guests on an adventure to explore the vibrant sea turtle population and tropical reef.

Operating daily at 9:30 am, the tour accommodates a maximum of 6 travelers, providing snacks, local juice, tanks, and weights.

Transportation to the dive site and gratuities are included, while a $1 Ocean Stewardship Fee is collected upon arrival.

The meeting point is Hilo Ocean Adventures, where participants check-in an hour before the tour’s departure, or two hours for those requiring a refresher course.

The dive site is easily accessible, and the tour returns to the same location.

Inclusions and Fees

Hilo Ocean Adventures provides an array of inclusions for their one-tank boat dive, including snacks and local juice to fuel the adventure.

Travelers can expect tanks and weights to be provided, along with transportation from the check-in location to the dive site. The tour operator also covers gratuities, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Plus, an Ocean Stewardship Fee of $1 per guest is collected upon arrival, supporting environmental conservation efforts.

Participants should arrive at the meeting point, Hilo Ocean Adventures, one hour prior to the tour’s departure time, or two hours for those requiring a refresher course.

The dive site is accessible, with the tour returning to the original meeting point.

Meeting and Pickup

Participants meet at Hilo Ocean Adventures, located at 1717 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA. Check-in is 1 hour prior to the tour’s 09:30 am departure, or 2 hours for refresher course participants. The tour returns to the original meeting point.

Meeting Point	Check-in Time	Tour Departure	End Point
Hilo Ocean Adventures 1717 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA	1 hour prior (2 hours for refresher)	09:30 am	Returns to meeting point

Participant Requirements

Upon booking, guests receive confirmation details outlining the participant requirements.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and unsuitable for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with heart conditions. Moderate physical fitness is required.

Children under 10 aren’t permitted, though certified junior divers may be accommodated with special consideration. Guests must present proof of Open Water Diver certification at check-in.

If the last logged dive was over 2 years ago, a refresher course is mandatory. To ensure safety, participants must avoid altitudes of 2500 ft or higher within 18 hours after the dive.

Diving Safety Considerations

Diving safety is of paramount importance throughout the one-tank boat dive experience. Participants must avoid altitudes of 2500 feet or higher within 18 hours after the dive. This requirement helps prevent decompression sickness, which can be a serious medical condition.

Tour operators prioritize guest safety and follow industry best practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable dive. Divers must present their Open Water Diver certification at check-in, and those who haven’t logged a dive within the past two years will need to complete a refresher course.

Exploring the Tropical Reef

As the boat gently glides across the azure waters, divers eagerly anticipate the vibrant underwater world that awaits them.

The tropical reef teems with captivating marine life, from the graceful sea turtles to the vibrant schools of tropical fish.

Divers can expect to encounter:

• Kaleidoscopic coral formations in a spectrum of hues
• Curious parrotfish munching on the reef
• Playful manini (convict tang) darting through the water
• Elusive octopus hiding in crevices

The diversity and abundance of this underwater paradise offers an unforgettable experience for divers of all skill levels, immersing them in the beauty and wonders of Hawaii’s marine ecosystem.

Encountering Sea Turtles

The dive site is renowned for its thriving population of green sea turtles, also known as honu. These majestic creatures are frequently spotted grazing on the vibrant coral reef or resting on the seafloor. Divers can expect to encounter them in various behaviors, such as:

Activity	Description	Frequency
Grazing	Turtles feed on the abundant seagrass and algae.	Common
Resting	Turtles take breaks, often in groups, on the reef.	Frequent
Surfacing	Turtles must regularly surface to breathe.	Occasional
Swimming	Turtles elegantly glide through the water.	Prevalent

Observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat is a highlight of the dive, offering a unique opportunity to appreciate the delicate marine ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Underwater Cameras Permitted on the Dive?

The tour company allows underwater cameras on the dive. Participants are encouraged to bring their own cameras to capture the sea turtles and tropical reef during the one-tank boat dive.

What Is the Maximum Depth of the Dive?

The maximum depth of the dive is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, as an open water dive, it is typically limited to a maximum depth of 60 feet, which is the standard for recreational scuba diving.

Can I Rent Any Diving Equipment On-Site?

Yes, travelers can rent diving equipment on-site. The tour provides tanks and weights, and participants must bring their own personal diving gear or rent it from Hilo Ocean Adventures prior to the tour’s departure.

Is There an Option to Extend the Dive Time?

Yes, participants can extend their dive time for an additional fee. The tour operator offers extended dive options that can be booked at the time of check-in, subject to availability and the guide’s discretion.

Can I Request Specific Dietary Accommodations for the Snacks?

Guests can request specific dietary accommodations for the snacks on this tour. The tour operator, Hilo Ocean Adventures, is happy to accommodate any dietary needs or restrictions with advance notice at the time of booking.

Recap

The one-tank boat dive with Hilo Ocean Adventures offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore a vibrant tropical reef teeming with diverse marine life. Divers can enjoy Hawaii’s breathtaking underwater ecosystem, where they’ll have the chance to observe the graceful movements of green sea turtles grazing on seagrass or resting on the reef. This adventure promises an incredible and memorable diving experience.