A scuba diving boat is a vessel specifically equipped to support scuba diving expeditions. It includes features like gear storage areas, boarding ladders for divers entering the boat from the water, and often, a rinse tank for cleaning gear after a dive. At Fathom Five Divers, our diving boats are designed for comfort and safety, providing a seamless diving experience
With Fathom Five Divers, boat diving is more than just an underwater excursion; it’s an intimate exploration of Kauai’s vibrant marine ecosystem. Our smaller group sizes ensure personalized attention and the chance to observe marine life undisturbed. We offer an exclusive experience, diving at unique sites like Niihau and the South Shore, where you can witness the vibrant marine life and crystalline waters that make Kauai a world-class diving destination.
Diving in Kauai offers an abundant variety of underwater adventures, each unique in its natural beauty and marine life. With Fathom Five Divers as your guide, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a world teeming with vibrant marine species and explore the enchanting underwater landscapes of some of Kauai’s best diving sites.
One notable location among Kauai’s diving destinations is Niihau. Frequently referred to as the “Forbidden Island,” its waters are anything but inaccessible. Niihau’s underwater kingdom is a diver’s paradise, with its stunning coral reefs, captivating sea life, and remarkable geological formations.
Equally compelling are the diving spots along Kauai’s South Shore. Sheraton Caverns, a favorite among many, is named after the nearby Sheraton Hotel. It’s known for its series of underwater lava tubes and caves, home to a myriad of sea creatures like green sea turtles, white tip reef sharks, and an array of tropical fish. The caverns offer divers a glimpse into a mystical world beneath the waves, making it a must-visit spot for any diving enthusiast.
Brennecke’s Ledge is another extraordinary South Shore dive site. Famous for its expansive, terraced coral reef, it provides divers with the chance to observe large pelagic fish and other marine life in their natural habitat. The stunning terraces drop off dramatically into the deep blue, presenting an exhilarating experience for the more adventurous divers.
Other notable diving sites include Fast Lanes and General Store, each boasting their unique attractions. Fast Lanes is known for its strong currents and large schools of pelagic species. On the other hand, General Store is a drift dive site where you might encounter everything from eagle rays to frogfish as you glide along with the current.
However, it’s crucial to mention that not all diving sites require boat access. Some, like Tunnels Beach and Koloa Landing, can be accessed directly from the shore. While these locations offer a different experience, they’re equally rewarding in their marine life and underwater vistas.
In essence, whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting out, Kauai’s diving spots offer experiences that cater to different skill levels and interests. Whether it’s the dazzling coral reefs of Sheraton Caverns, the unique terraces of Brennecke’s, or the marine-filled caves of Niihau, there’s a diving experience waiting to mesmerize you.
Niihau, also known as the “Forbidden Island,” is a unique diving location, and our boat dives often venture to its surrounding waters. However, due to variable conditions and regulations, Niihau diving is subject to availability. We recommend checking with us for the most up-to-date information and scheduling.
Niihau, a name frequently coupled with the moniker “Forbidden Island”, carries this designation due to its private ownership by the Robinson family. The family has upheld stringent access limitations to the island with an earnest intention to conserve the indigenous lifestyle of its inhabitants and protect the integrity of its pristine natural environment.
This policy of preservation extends to the cultural practices, language, and daily life of the native population. The island’s seclusion has allowed the Niihau people to live much as their ancestors did, creating a living time capsule of Hawaiian tradition. While the land access is heavily regulated, it doesn’t imply a complete exclusion from the allure this island offers.
As it stands, the waters that surround Niihau are not subject to the same restrictions. They have gained a reputation for providing some of the most spectacular diving experiences in all of Hawaii. The aquatic biodiversity in the region is truly exceptional, featuring a stunning variety of coral reefs, marine species, and underwater geological formations.
These waters are home to an array of unique marine life, including vibrant tropical fish, sea turtles, and monk seals, often sighted during dives. The ocean floor houses an enchanting world of extensive coral formations, underwater caverns, and archways, inviting divers to explore this submerged wonderland.
Diving here is not only a journey through the incredible underwater biosphere but also a connection with the untouched, untamed, and rugged beauty of nature. It’s as close as one can get to the forbidden lands of Niihau without actually setting foot on the island.
All this makes Niihau a veritable paradise for divers, be they seasoned pros or adventurous beginners. Every dive offers an opportunity to immerse in an unrivaled marine environment, brimming with life and natural marvels waiting to be discovered.
Despite its title as the “Forbidden Island,” Niihau’s surrounding waters are far from off-limits and welcome divers to experience and explore this untouched corner of Hawaii. This underwater frontier is a tantalizing invitation for those who yearn for an authentic and extraordinary Hawaiian diving experience..
While it’s technically possible to do four dives in a day, it’s crucial to consider safety guidelines regarding surface intervals and nitrogen absorption to prevent decompression sickness. At Fathom Five Divers, we prioritize your safety and plan our dives accordingly to offer the most enjoyable and safe diving experience. We suggest limiting your dive days to 3 dives allowing for your body to recover.
Guidelines from the U.S. Navy diving tables indicate that a diver using an air tank at a depth of 100 feet must begin their ascent after 25 minutes, regardless of the amount of air remaining in their tank. Should the diver be at 60 feet, the maximum time allowed underwater would be one hour.
Utilizing Nitrox tanks alters this scenario. In these tanks, a portion of the nitrogen is substituted with extra oxygen. As a result, there is less nitrogen accessible, which permits a longer period before reaching the no-decompression limit. This principle is referred to as equivalent air depth (EAD). For instance, if a diver reaches 105 feet using 36 percent Nitrox, the effects of nitrogen dissolving into the blood and tissues resembles diving at only 80 feet. Therefore, the no-decompression limit changes from 20 minutes to 40 minutes, effectively doubling your time at the bottom.
If a diver remains shallower than 50 feet, longer bottom times are achievable, and usually, divers exhaust their air supplies before reaching their no-decompression limit. In this scenario, using Nitrox for shallow dives isn’t beneficial. However, when diving between 50 to 100 feet, Nitrox can sometimes double the amount of time divers can stay at the bottom. For example, diving with Nitrox at 60 feet, where the typical bottom time is 50 minutes, the no-decompression limit could extend to 130 minutes.
Enriched Air Nitrox (EAN) is a term used for any nitrogen/oxygen gas blend that contains an oxygen concentration higher than the 21 percent present in normal air. The most common mix includes 32 percent oxygen. This increased oxygen percentage and consequently reduced nitrogen percentage allows divers to extend their no-decompression limits, shorten their surface intervals, and add an extra safety buffer to mitigate the risk of decompression sickness.
Our Nitrox course takes approximately one and a half days to complete. The course includes full equipment, two ocean dives with a maximum oxygen concentration of 40%, and a maximum diving depth of 110 feet or 30 meters.