Oahu Boat Dives
YO-257 This is yard oiler ship that was sunk in the late 80's off of Waikiki. The maximu depth is 100ft, with most of the sigts at 80ft or above. There is a pretty good turnout of marine life in the form of the usual reef fish, turtles, eels, and the occasional eagle rays. I've personally only dove this site once and it was a night dive but it seemed like a nice site. There is another wreck (tug) not far off the YO called the San Pedro. Depending on the DM and the charter you may or may not be shown this one. It never hurts to ask though!
Sea Tiger another wreck off Waikiki. This one is a little deeper than the YO, the sand is at 125ft or so, with the main deck at 80-85. Not much in the way of sea life (atleast on my trips all I've seen are reef fish and one time an eagle ray) but still a nice dive. Watch out for the touristy "sub" as you dive...stay out of its way, but watch as it goes by. Rumor has it that a reef shark tags behind quite often...why??? pic
Kewalo Basin I probably have this spelled wrong...but this is a shallow (40ft) divesite that is often done after the above two. There is an old sewage pipe that has some good growth on it and octupus, eels, and reef fish are pretty abundant.
Turtle Canyon another shallow, 2nd dive site off Waikiki. As the name implies there are an abundance of green sea turtles as well as eels and reef fish.
Haleiwa Trench as the name implies this is a trench off the Haleiwa marina on the North Shore.Like all the sites on this side they are wonderful in the summer months, but undiveable in the winter because of the famous waves. Even in summer check the surf report before you go!!! Marine life is abundant here...take a look at some photos taken at this site on May 7th, 2000 by clicking here: PICTURES
Other sites that I haven't dove...yet!
Mahi a wreck located off the west side. A very nice dive from what I hear, lots of life.
Corsair this is an airplane wreck off the south shores (Waikiki). Not much too see, but what makes it unique is that it is a "real" wreck...not one intentionally sunk as a artificial reef. The history is a pilot was doing training and had problems and bailed out...he was fine but the plane was sunk. Many take photos of their buddies in the cockpit.
The Seaplane another plane but this was intentionally sunk. It is located near the Mahi.
General Boat Dive Info
Boat charters are numerous on the island of Oahu. Unlike some of the other islands, the prices here are a bit lower overall......they seem to compete on who has the lowest price so call around before you book. I use Hawaii Sea Adventures dive shop (please note the site is OLD but the # is still correct) because I like the staff and the prices are among the best on the island. Their 2 tanks are $45 and they offer a Friday night one tank dive for only $20 (price doesn't include tank on this one). They also offer teach tech diving so if your into that this is the place to check out.
If you are military and being stationed here it would be a great idea to join the Sealancers Dive Club. They are located on Hickam AFB, but open to all military (and retiree's I believe). They offer bi monthly dives for only $5 a dive, and their rental prices can't be beat!!!
Most of the sites are very close to shore so a long surface commute isn't likely. Some of the sites aren't accesible year round due to the waves (specificly the north shore and the windward side during certain months), so remember to be flexible in your dive site choices.
There are MANY MANY MANY other dive sites on the island. If you would like more info check out Skin Diver Magazines site map (located under dive destinations-hawaii-oahu). It offers some good info on many (still not all) sites.
Camera Page
Shore Dive Page
Hits since May 9,2000