Scuba Dive at Ni’Ihau (Forbidden Island)

Ni’ihau, the "Forbidden Island" off the coast of Hawai’i, is a scuba diver’s dream. This exclusive tour grants experienced divers access to its stunning marine life and pristine waters. Explorers can encounter a diverse array of sea creatures, from sandbar sharks to Hawaiian monk seals and manta rays. With an expert crew leading the way, this unforgettable underwater adventure promises to be the highlight of any Hawaii vacation. But the real question is, are you ready to take the plunge?

Key Points

• Exclusive scuba diving tour to the remote and restricted Ni’ihau island, known as the "Forbidden Island."
• Opportunity to spot diverse marine life, including sandbar sharks, Hawaiian monk seals, and manta rays.
• Small group of experienced divers with an expert crew, ensuring a personalized and safe diving experience.
• Includes all necessary scuba equipment, lunch, snacks, and access to bathroom facilities.
• Limited availability from October to April, with alternative dive options off Kauai during this period.

Overview and Experience

The Scuba Dive at Ni’ihau, also known as the "Forbidden Island," is a highly sought-after experience that has earned a 100% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence based on 20 reviews.

A small group of experienced divers embark on a fast boat with an expert crew, offering two dives to spot marine life, including sandbar sharks, Hawaiian monk seals, manta rays, and butterfly fish.

Between dives, guests enjoy a break at Lehua Crater, searching for seabirds and dolphins.

This exclusive adventure provides a unique opportunity to explore the pristine waters surrounding the remote and restricted Ni’ihau.

Meeting and Logistics

Meeting participants gather at the Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor, located at 8932 Kekaha Rd, Kekaha, HI 96752, USA.

They must arrive no later than 6:30 am to park in the grassy field and walk to the dock. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

The tour includes scuba equipment, lunch, snacks, bottled water, and bathroom access, so there’s no need to overpack.

It’s limited to experienced divers with the required certification, and a moderate physical fitness level is required.

Inclusions

The scuba dive tour at Ni’ihau includes all the necessary equipment, along with a tasty lunch, refreshing snacks, and bottled water for participants.

You won’t need to overpack, as the tour provides everything required for the dive. This includes scuba gear like regulators, tanks, and wetsuits.

During the break between dives, you’ll have access to bathroom facilities.

The tour company ensures you have all the essentials covered so you can focus on enjoying the underwater adventure and spotting marine life like sandbar sharks and Hawaiian monk seals.

Health and Safety Requirements

Experienced divers are the only ones permitted on this scuba dive tour of Ni’ihau. Certification is required, as this is not a beginner-friendly activity. Guests must also be in moderate physical condition, as the dive can be strenuous. Certain medical conditions, such as back problems, pregnancy, or serious illnesses, may prevent participation for safety reasons.

Requirement	Details
Certification	PADI, NAUI, or equivalent certification required
Physical Fitness	Moderate level of fitness needed
Medical Conditions	No serious medical issues, pregnancy, or back problems
Accessibility	Not wheelchair accessible

This dive is intended for advanced divers with the necessary experience and qualifications. Safety is the top priority on this exclusive expedition to Ni’ihau.

Weather and Cancellation Policy

Bad weather may reroute the tour to local diving areas, with prices adjusted accordingly. Here are some key weather and cancellation details:

• October through April may have limited access to Ni’ihau; if the island is inaccessible, the dive will take place off Kauai with a 45% refund.

• The company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

• Should the tour be rerouted or canceled due to inclement weather, guests will receive a full refund or credit towards a future trip.

Exploring the Forbidden Island

Why venture to the remote and secretive island of Ni’ihau, often referred to as the "Forbidden Island"?

Scuba diving here offers a rare opportunity to explore the island’s pristine marine environment. Home to diverse marine life, Ni’ihau’s waters are teeming with schools of vibrant fish, Hawaiian monk seals, and even the elusive manta ray.

The island’s isolation has protected its natural beauty, allowing visitors a glimpse into an untouched underwater world. With proper certification and an experienced crew, travelers can discover the wonders of this forbidden paradise, creating unforgettable memories from their dive at Ni’ihau.

Encountering Marine Life

As divers descend into the waters surrounding Ni’ihau, they’re greeted by a vibrant underwater world teeming with diverse marine life.

Lucky explorers may spot:

• Majestic sandbar sharks gliding effortlessly through the current
• Endangered Hawaiian monk seals basking on the rocky shoreline
• Graceful manta rays and schools of butterfly fish darting among the coral

This remote island offers a rare opportunity to witness these captivating creatures in their natural habitat.

With experienced crew to guide the way, divers can enjoy the wonders of Ni’ihau’s marine ecosystem.

Discovering Lehua Crater

Where do divers go between their scuba dives?

After the first dive, divers take a break at Lehua Crater. This volcanic crater sits atop the island of Ni’ihau, also known as the "Forbidden Island".

Divers have a chance to search for seabirds and even spot dolphins during this interlude. The break provides a chance to refuel with a delicious lunch before the second dive.

This midday respite allows divers to rest, reflect on the marine life they’ve witnessed, and recharge for the next underwater adventure around the remote and pristine Ni’ihau.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Restrictions on What I Can Bring?

Participants can’t overpack, as all essential scuba equipment and supplies are provided. They don’t need to bring anything extra, as the tour includes lunch, snacks, and bottled water.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Special Dietary Meal?

Absolutely, you can request a vegetarian or special dietary meal. The tour provider includes lunch, snacks, and bottled water, and they’re happy to accommodate any dietary needs with advance notice.

Do I Need to Purchase Any Additional Insurance?

No, additional insurance is not required for this experience. All necessary equipment and safety measures are provided as part of the tour, so travelers need not purchase any supplementary insurance to participate.

Is There an Age Limit for Participating in the Dive?

There’s no age limit specified, but the activity is limited to experienced divers. Participants must have a valid scuba certification and be in moderate physical fitness to safely take part in the dive.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Dive Experience?

Guests can’t extend the dive duration, as the experience is a set itinerary. However, the tour provides two dives, allowing ample time to explore the marine life. Extending the experience would require booking an additional tour.

Sum Up

Experience the thrill of scuba diving at Ni’ihau, the "Forbidden Island," renowned for its stunning marine life and pristine waters. This exclusive tour offers an unforgettable underwater adventure with the chance to encounter a variety of captivating sea creatures. Enjoy a break at Lehua Crater, spotting seabirds and dolphins, before returning from this one-of-a-kind excursion.