Scuba Dive at Ni’Ihau (Forbidden Island)

Tucked away in the Hawaiian archipelago, Ni’ihau, also known as the Forbidden Island, holds a captivating underwater world that beckons adventure-seeking divers. With its pristine reefs, diverse marine life, and the chance to spot elusive creatures like sandbar sharks and Hawaiian monk seals, this exclusive scuba diving experience promises an unforgettable journey beneath the waves. Led by seasoned professionals, the small group dives ensure personalized attention and maximum safety, making it an alluring option for those seeking to push their diving boundaries.

Key Points

• Ni’ihau, also known as the "Forbidden Island," offers a premier scuba diving experience in Kauai, USA, with a 100% recommendation rate from travelers.
• Guided excursions led by professional crews provide opportunities to encounter diverse marine life, including sandbar sharks, Hawaiian monk seals, manta rays, and butterfly fish.
• The dive package includes all necessary scuba equipment, meals, and transportation, ensuring a hassle-free and focused underwater adventure.
• Participants must be experienced divers due to the remote location and specialized nature of the dives, with a maximum group size of 6 for personalized attention.
• Access to Ni’ihau is limited from October to April, with a potential 45% refund for Kauai dives during this period.

Overview and Experience

Scuba Diving at Ni’ihau, also known as the "Forbidden Island," is a premier diving experience in Kauai, USA.

It’s received 20 reviews and is recommended by 100% of travelers, earning a Badge of Excellence.

Divers explore Ni’hau with a small group and an expert crew, maximizing underwater time and minimizing travel time on a super-fast boat.

The dive requires experienced participants for safety and readiness.

Professionals guide divers, helping spot diverse marine life, including sandbar sharks, Hawaiian monk seals, manta rays, and butterfly fish.

A break at Lehua Crater allows for additional wildlife observation.

Diving Details

Each dive group participates in two guided excursions, led by professionals who assist in spotting diverse marine creatures.

Divers may encounter sandbar sharks, Hawaiian monk seals, manta rays, and vibrant butterfly fish during their underwater exploration of Ni’ihau.

A break at Lehua Crater allows for additional wildlife observation, such as seabirds and dolphins.

For safety and readiness, the dive experience requires participants to be experienced divers.

Dives are conducted with a small group, maximizing time underwater and minimizing travel time on a fast boat to the remote Ni’ihau, also known as the Forbidden Island.

Inclusions

The dive package includes use of scuba equipment, a provided lunch, snacks, and bottled water. Participants don’t need to worry about bringing their own gear or packing a meal – it’s all taken care of.

This ensures a hassle-free experience so divers can focus on the underwater adventure. Bathroom facilities are also available on-site, making it easy to prepare for and recover from the dives.

With these inclusions, the only thing left for divers to bring is a positive attitude and a sense of excitement for exploring the unique marine life of Ni’ihau.

Meeting Information

Travelers should arrive no later than 6:30 am at the Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor, located at 8932 Kekaha Rd, Kekaha, HI 96752.

Upon arrival, they should park on the right side in the grassy field, walk to the dock, and look for the scuba tanks.

Recommended attire includes:

• A hat
• Sunglasses
• Sun protection

Divers will meet the expert crew and small group at the dock.

Please be aware that this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate physical fitness level.

It’s also not suitable for individuals with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

Important Notes

Maximizing the tour’s capacity, the scuba dive at Ni’ihau accommodates a maximum of 6 travelers per group.

The experience isn’t wheelchair-accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions, as a moderate fitness level is required.

From October to April, access to Ni’ihau may be limited, leading to dives off Kauai with a 45% refund.

Certification is mandatory to dive at Ni’ihau.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, the dive package starts at $655 per person, ensuring a Lowest Price Guarantee.

Explore the Underwater Wonders of Ni’ihau

Descending into the crystal-clear waters surrounding Ni’ihau, divers embark on a captivating underwater journey. The diverse marine life of this remote island captivates the senses, from the graceful movements of Hawaiian monk seals to the vibrant schools of butterfly fish.

Divers may encounter:

• Majestic sandbar sharks gliding through the currents
• Mesmerizing manta rays performing their underwater ballet
• Vibrant coral formations teeming with vibrant tropical fish
• Elusive endemic species found nowhere else on Earth
• Playful pods of dolphins frolicking near the surface

This immersive experience allows divers to witness the breathtaking natural wonders that make Ni’ihau a true gem of the Pacific Ocean.

Encounter Diverse Marine Life

Divers can expect to encounter a dazzling array of marine life during their excursion to Ni’ihau. Led by expert guides, they’ll spot a variety of species, including the majestic Hawaiian monk seal, graceful manta rays, and vibrant butterfly fish. The area is also known for its resident population of sandbar sharks, which divers may have the chance to observe up close.

Marine Life	Description
Hawaiian Monk Seal	Endangered species, the only seal native to Hawaii
Manta Ray	Massive, winglike fins, often seen gliding through the water
Butterfly Fish	Brightly colored, reef-dwelling fish with unique patterns
Sandbar Shark	Common in Hawaiian waters, known for their docile nature

Maximize Your Dive Time With Expert Guidance

By partnering with experienced dive masters, travelers can make the most of their underwater exploration at Ni’ihau. The crew’s expertise in navigating the island’s diverse and dynamic marine environment ensures divers spend more time observing wildlife and less time searching.

Travelers can expect to:

• Spot elusive Hawaiian monk seals, manta rays, and schools of vibrant butterfly fish
• Observe the unique geology and flora of the seafloor, guided by professionals
• Maximize bottom time through efficient boat handling and dive planning
• Enjoy a relaxing surface interval with lunch and wildlife viewing at Lehua Crater
• Receive personalized attention and support from a small group size of 6 or fewer divers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Be a Certified Diver to Participate?

Yes, certification is required to dive at Ni’Ihau. The experience notes that participants must be experienced divers for safety and readiness, indicating a certification is necessary to participate in the scuba diving tour.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Dive?

There’s no minimum age requirement, but participants must be certified divers. Children under 12 are not recommended due to the physical and mental demands of the dive. Divers must be in good health and physically fit.

Are Professional Photographers Available to Capture Our Experiences?

Professional photographers are not included in the dive package. However, participants are welcome to bring their own cameras and capture their underwater experiences on the Ni’ihau dive. The tour crew can provide tips on photography during the dives.

Can I Bring My Own Scuba Equipment or Is It Provided?

The scuba dive experience provides the necessary equipment, so you don’t need to bring your own. The package includes the use of scuba gear, ensuring a hassle-free and fully-equipped diving adventure.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Price?

The price includes use of scuba equipment, lunch, snacks, and bottled water. There are no additional fees or taxes not mentioned in the price of $655 per person. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

Recap

Scuba diving at Ni’ihau, the Forbidden Island, offers an exceptional underwater adventure. Guided by experienced professionals, divers can explore diverse marine life, including sandbar sharks and Hawaiian monk seals, in a safe and personalized environment. With a 100% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this all-inclusive excursion is an ideal choice for experienced divers seeking thrilling exploration.