Oahu Deep Wreck and Reef Dives: Small-Group Advanced Scuba Adventure
Go beyond beginner reefs and take a small-group plunge to deep wrecks and coral walls off Oahu. This advanced dive experience pairs a 100-foot wreck dive with a shallower reef exploration—ideal for certified divers comfortable with depth, currents, and boat operations.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring your certification and logbook
Operators require Advanced certification or ~25 logged dives—carry proof and recent dive logs for site selection and safety checks.
Check your dive computer and backup
Deep wreck dives need a reliable computer and a backup timing method to manage no-decompression limits and multi-level profiles.
Watch for currents and plan your gas
Currents can be steady—plan conservative gas reserves and agree on turn pressures with your buddy before descending.
Use reef-safe sunscreen or cover up
Protect reefs by using mineral-based sunscreen or wearing a UV top during surface intervals and briefings.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Early-morning pelagic sightings on outer-channel wrecks
- •Smaller patch reefs nearshore that offer calm conditions for sensitive photographers
Wildlife
- •Green sea turtle (honu)
- •Reef sharks (blacktip/whitetip)
Conservation Note
Operators collect reef tax fees and follow local rules; divers are encouraged to avoid contact, use reef-safe sunscreen, and support reef restoration initiatives.
Many of Oahu’s offshore wrecks are mid-20th-century vessels repurposed by currents and coral growth; diving them reveals both maritime history and rapid reef colonization.
What to Bring
Dive computer (with deep-dive profile)Essential
Tracks depth, ascent rate, and no-decompression limits for safe multi-level dives.
5–7 mm wetsuit or semi-dry (season dependent)Essential
Thermal protection for Pacific waters—choose thickness by season and personal cold tolerance.
Surface signaling device (SMB/whistle)Essential
Makes you visible to the boat during surface intervals and in choppy conditions.
Primary mask and backup mask/snorkel
A well-fitting mask is crucial for comfort at depth; a backup avoids lost-dive cancellations.
Common Questions
Do I need Advanced certification to join?
Yes—operators require Advanced Open Water certification or approximately 25 logged dives due to depths near 100 ft (30 m). Bring proof of certification and logbook.
What are typical depths for the two dives?
The first dive usually reaches about 30 m (100 ft) on a wreck; the second is a shallower reef between 12–18 m (40–60 ft), depending on conditions and group preference.
Is there a risk with currents and marine life?
Currents are common; guides select sites to match group experience. You may see turtles and reef sharks; maintain buoyancy control and observe from a respectful distance.
Can I dive if I plan to fly afterward?
No—diving within 18 hours of flying is not recommended. Plan flights to allow a safe surface interval after your dives.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
3–4 hours
Location
Honolulu, Hawaii
Difficulty
challenging
Fitness Level
Moderate to strong cardiovascular fitness; comfortable with repeated heavy gear handling and boat transfers
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