Kauai: Morning 2 Tank Boat Dive for Experienced Divers

Exploring Kauai’s underwater realm is a bucket-list challenge for many seasoned divers, and this Morning 2 Tank Boat Dive offers an excellent way to do it. Tailored specifically for certified divers with at least 20 previous dives, this tour focuses on the island’s South and West side, known for its challenging drift sites and abundant marine life. With a focus on advanced dive sites at depths of 80-100 feet, this experience isn’t for the faint-hearted but promises some of Kauai’s most rewarding underwater scenery.

What really sets this tour apart is its top-tier fleet of boats, the latest and largest on the island, ensuring safety, comfort, and reliability. Plus, the opportunity to encounter large schools of fish, turtles, sharks, eels, and octopus—all in one morning—can be exhilarating. The only catch? It’s geared exclusively toward experienced divers, which ensures everyone on board has enough skill to handle the more advanced sites.

One thing to keep in mind is that this experience doesn’t include rental gear, so if you don’t have your own BCD and regulator, you’ll need to budget extra. Also, it’s not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or non-divers, making it more of a specialized adventure for serious underwater enthusiasts. Overall, if you’re looking for a thrilling, expertly guided dive in Kauai’s southern waters, this tour hits the mark.

Key Points

• For experienced divers only: Minimum 20 dives required, making it ideal for those comfortable at depths of up to 100 feet.
• Advanced sites: Includes popular spots like Turtle Bluffs, Fish Bowl, Ice Box, and Sheraton Caverns, perfect for drift and stationary dives.
• Marine life: Expect to see schools of fish, turtles, sharks, eels, and octopus, with regular sightings of large marine critters.
• All equipment included: Except for BCD and regulator, which are available for an additional fee—be prepared to bring your own if you prefer.
• Duration: Around 5 hours, including transportation and briefing, with plenty of flexibility within the schedule.
• Limited to certified divers: Not suitable for children, pregnant women, or non-swimmers, ensuring safety for all onboard.

The Experience: What to Expect on the Kauai 2 Tank Boat Dive

Starting Point and Transportation

Your adventure kicks off at Seasport Divers Dive Shop in Poipu, a reputable operation that’s proud of its modern fleet and knowledgeable guides. The first stop involves a quick 10-minute van ride to the harbor, where the boat awaits. The ride itself is a chance to meet your dive guides and get a briefing on the day’s itinerary—an important step, especially for those unfamiliar with local sites.

The Boat and Crew

Expect to be aboard the largest and newest fleet of boats on Kauai, which translates into greater stability and comfort during the approximately 30-minute trip out to the dive sites. The crew is seasoned, with guides like “Jon” and “Matt” who are praised for their professionalism and passion for sharing Kauai’s underwater secrets. They provide comprehensive site briefings, so you’re aware of marine life, safety protocols, and specific site features before donning gear.

Dive Sites and What You’ll See

The tour is designed to take you to some of Kauai’s most advanced dive sites on the South and West coasts. Sites include the famous Sheraton Caverns, known for its stunning underwater geography, and Turtle Bluffs, popular for encountering large turtles amidst vibrant coral formations.

Many reviewers mention how drift dives are common here, meaning you’ll be carried along by the current, making for a more dynamic experience. The marine critters are abundant: large schools of fish, green sea turtles, and occasionally sharks, eels, and octopus. One diver noted, “We saw a huge school of fish and a turtle that swam right past us, which was incredible.” The sites are at depths of 80 to 100 feet, perfect for divers comfortable with deeper waters.

The Dive Experience

Since the dives are at depths of 60-70 feet, you’ll need good buoyancy control and comfort with deeper environments. The guides lead complete underwater tours, pointing out marine life and interesting formations. Expect both stationary and drift dives, with the possibility of exploring hidden caves and overhangs.

Snorkeling and Marine Encounters

While this tour doesn’t include snorkeling, it’s worth noting that the marine life sightings are frequent and impressive. Expect to see large schools of fish, sea turtles often in the vicinity, and occasionally sharks—though the guides emphasize safety and respect for the animals.

Duration and Logistics

The entire experience, from start to finish, lasts about 5 hours. This includes the initial briefing, the boat trip, two dives, and transportation back to the dive shop. The timing can vary depending on the day’s conditions and site availability, so it’s best to check in advance for specific starting times.

Cost and Value

At $259 per person, this tour is priced for experienced divers seeking a premium, guided experience. Given that all equipment (except BCD and regulator) is included and the boats are state-of-the-art, the value is solid for those wanting a hassle-free, well-organized adventure. Keep in mind that if you don’t have your own gear, it’s an extra expense, but many divers find the quality of the guides and the sites well worth the extra.

What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently praise Seasport Divers for their professionalism and expertise. One noted, “The guides were informative and made us feel safe, even in the deeper waters.” Another added, “We saw so many critters—sharks, turtles, octopus—and the drift sites are just thrilling.” The fact that the fleet is the newest and biggest on the island reassures divers about safety and comfort, which is a crucial consideration for such advanced dives.

Who Should Book This?

This tour is perfect for certified divers with a good amount of experience who want to explore Kauai’s more challenging underwater sites. If you’re comfortable at depths of up to 100 feet and enjoy drift diving, this is likely to be one of your top experiences on the island. It’s not suitable for children, non-divers, or pregnant women, but if you’re looking for a thrilling, expertly guided dive adventure, you’ll find it well worth the investment.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

In terms of value, the tour offers a high-quality experience, with top-notch boats, experienced guides, and diverse marine life encounters. It’s an adventure that rewards those who are comfortable in deeper waters and want to see Kauai’s underwater world in its full glory.

If you’re serious about diving and want to explore Kauai’s more advanced sites with experts, this tour will meet and likely exceed your expectations. The marine life, the scenery, and the professionalism of Seasport Divers combine to create a memorable half-day of underwater exploration.

Summary

This Morning 2 Tank Boat Dive is best suited for experienced divers craving a deeper, more dynamic dive on Kauai’s South and West coasts. Expect fantastic marine encounters, drift dives, and expert guidance—all on the biggest and newest fleet of boats on the island. While it doesn’t include gear rental, the quality of the experience justifies the cost, making it a worthwhile investment for serious underwater explorers.

FAQs

Do I need to bring my own gear?
You should bring your own BCD and regulator if you have them, as these are not included in the price. All other equipment is supplied, or you can pay extra for rentals.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, this tour is not suitable for children under 10 years old, as it’s designed for experienced, certified divers.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant women?
No, pregnant women are advised against participating in this dive experience.

Can non-swimmers join?
No, this experience requires diving certification and a minimum of 20 prior dives, so non-swimmers are not eligible.

What marine life might I see?
You can expect to see large schools of fish, turtles, sharks, eels, and octopus. Sightings of larger marine animals are common but not guaranteed.

How long is the entire tour?
The full experience lasts approximately 5 hours, including transportation, briefing, and the two dives.

Is it possible to cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Seasport Divers Dive Shop in Poipu and ends back there after the dives.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle to stay comfortable and eco-friendly.

This detailed review highlights what makes this advanced diving experience in Kauai so special—balancing practical details with insights from fellow divers. Whether you’re after thrilling drift dives or just want to see Kauai’s vibrant marine life, this tour offers an authentic, professionally guided adventure that’s hard to beat.