Do I Have To Be Certified To Go Scuba Diving In Hawaii?

Not at all, in fact some of the best diving is right under the surface and can be safely explored with a little guidance from a dive professional in a few short hours. Most people aren’t even aware that you can do the same dives that certified divers do as long as you participate in an introductory program conducted by a reputable dive professional. Oahu scuba diving combines the best of all worlds. Imagine for a moment if you can a sun drenched sky. Puffy white clouds hang in the air as surfers cruise by and kids play in the warm sand and surf. If you have ever thought that there might be more to a day at the beach than reading a book or people watching then give diving in Hawaii a shot. Though scuba diving has a few risks, most people are unaware that some of the most amazing experiences are literally right under the surface. If you can breathe in and out and have a sense of exploration and adventure, Oahu diving might be just what the doctor ordered. There are a few things to consider when selecting a dive operator. Use this list to help guide your selection and take it one step further by booking one of their amazing scuba dive trips:

1) Ask if they offer Intro Dives or Discover Scuba Dives

2) Find out if you will be doing these from a boat, in a pool or from the shore

3) Are you required to fill out a medical form (if they say no, find another operator)

4) Ask what the costs are and what kind of time will be spent prior to entering the water

5) What are the scuba diving destinations? What kinds of critters are you likely to see?

Since not all Oahu scuba diving operators are created equal, think first about your safety. Do some further reading about the company. Do they have good reviews on sites like TripAdvisor or Yelp? You can learn a lot about the business by how they handle your phone calls or emails. Are they prompt with their responses and do they sound enthusiastic? After all, you want your first Oahu diving experience to be a memory that you cherish, not regret. The best Hawaii diving experience should include a safety briefing, a medical form and waiver, a presentation of the skills and diving equipment and a thorough review of all aspects in a video format or flip chart. If you have chosen your operator correctly they should be able to guide you successfully through your first breaths underwater and leave you smiling from ear to ear. Afterall, Hawaii scuba diving is all about FUN!!