Oahu Diving .Com
DAY ONE
Just wanted to shout and say MAHALO Eric & Jeff for my second dive trip back to Oahu. This was by far the best 3 day dive package I have had. First up was day one. Was staying at the Hyatt Hotel in central Waikiki and was picked up promptly at 07:15 . Erik shuttle me and 2 other guests whom I believe were from Minnesota over to the east side of the island where we went out and dove the Corsair plane wreck. What a blast! Eric did a thorough briefing, made sure MY GEAR was properly connected and ready-to-go. We went out on a smaller boat due to the location of the area. The captain, Cap. Joe was excellent. Great music, light snacks and plenty of water on board. Our first dive we did was the Corsair, http://www.oahudiving.com/corsair.htm this plane wreck is deep and the times are not as good as the shipwreck dives of Oahu. Meaning, the bottom times are shorter- this because of the depth at 110 feet. Current was mild and we even got lucky and seen a Galapagos shark, not close but we seen one. Eric got a great picture of me sitting in the cockpit of this classic war-bird, but a word of caution. Watch out for the eels in the cockpit. After the Corsair wreck we visited a place called Spitting Caves. This was the first time I actually got to enter a cave underwater. BRAVO , to Eric for hooking us up with this dive- most dive companies on Oahu will not go to this length to take people to this amazing kick-in-the-pants dive location. This area too is really shallow ( 30 feet) yet feels like a really advanced Hawaii scuba dive ! No luck on the monk seals that Eric spoke of, that's ok the shark made the day! Well back to the dock it was tanks off the boat and we rinsed of gear. This particular part area is very beautiful, nice houses and quit, a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. Soon we were back in the Oahu Diving mini van, AC cranking and a smooth ride back to the Hyatt.
DAY TWO
Weather was, well sucked! Jeff got me this time at the Hyatt and it was on the southshore for the shipwreck dives of Oahu. First up was the majestic Sea Tiger shipwreck. Went out there on a beautiful catamaran that http://www.oahudiving.com Oahu Diving.Com charters. Very roomy and plenty of shade. The dive was great, lots of sea life including turtles. We spent around 25 minutes on the Sea Tiger wreck http://www.oahudiving.com/seatiger.htm . 2 rays swam right by us- Jeff made chase and got a great picture of them. But what was so great about this day, yea it was not the weather but Jeff and I penetrated the wreck. Other dive companies really frown upon doing this but Oahu Diving.Com is a small company that is very personal with you- therefore going off the "beaten path" is very likely with these guys. Anyway with our flashlights on we entered from the stern of the Sea Tiger. A dark, I mean dark hall wall greeted us. Jeff led the way and I followed. What I noticed was, Jeff every few feet or so would stop and check on me, I like that a lot. I felt safe as always and knew if I were to run into any troubles Jeff would be right with me. Down the hall we went, WAIT a toilet! LOL Funny to see this kind of stuff underwater. Times us, Jeff signaled for me to head back up. We went over to the mooring line and made nice controlled assent to 15 feet for a safety stop for 3 minutes then back on the catamaran. What a dive.
Second dive was Kewalo reef. I'll keep this short, easy 45 foot dive with plenty of fish and 3 turtles. Back on the boat and to the harbor. Jeff buzzed me back and I as in my hotel room by, 11:30! Perfect time for the beach and cocktail.
DAY THREE
Day 3, my head is still wet from the day before. Eric got me this time at the hotel at 7:15 again. We planned for the Mini Barge dives but that area of the island was a little rough- Eric elected to take me to the Yo-257 shipwreck http://www.oahudiving.com/yo_257.htm . Ahhhh twist my arm for heavens sake. The yo-257 is a cool dive; I personally think this is best entry level shipwreck dive of Oahu with tons of fish to see. Small note, the current was a little strong as Eric spoke of, use the line when going down and back up.(Eric slow down brother !) We stayed down on the yo-257 for around 28 minutes including safety stop. Great dive! Second dive was over to turtle canyons. By then I was all turtle'd out ! This shallow reef is about 40 feet deep and has lots of rocks and sand. Turtles love this place, I liked it but I kept thinking of the yo-257.
All-in-all this was a magnificent tour, planned out well with Eric's diving expertise. Oh by the way my 3 day dive price was 255 plus tax, and I got free gear usage! Eric took a bunch of photos- threw 2 Ulysses S. Grant bills, one for Eric and Jeff, this company has got the inside connections, knowledge and expertise to show any diver a good time. Thanks you Eric and Jeff. I will be back in October. read more