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| As we start our 18th year diving the beautiful waters surrounding the island of Maui, we would like to thank the thousands of visitors who have been diving with us over that time. Many of whom return to Maui year after year to dive with us again, get certified, and have even gone on to become SCUBA instructors themselves. We must be doing something right!
We are also current members of PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), recognized world-wide for the highest standards in quality and safety. Not a PADI member?? Don`t worry... we accept every major diving association certification card including PADI, NAUI, SSI, YMCA, TDI/SDI, CMAS and more.
We specialize in beginners and have taken literally hundreds of people with absolutely no experience on their very first SCUBA diving adventure. Teaching techniques and 18 years experience on Maui, coupled with our perfect safety record, set us apart from all the rest. So if you are looking for a fun, safe, easy, memorable experience, make your first dive with us. It will definitely be the highlight of your vacation on Maui!
Certified divers can also enjoy diving with us. From the newly certified diver to even the most experienced, we offer a variety of dives to suit almost any request. In addition to our daily Turtle Reef explorations along Maui`s west coast, we also offer night dives, scooter dives, boat dives to Molokini Crater and Lana`i Cathedrals, advanced classes, specialty courses, and multi-dive packages for those who just can`t help that ``Urge to Submerge``!
Refresher lessons are available for certified divers who are looking for a little tune-up before jumping back into the water and equipment rentals are also available for certified divers who wish to explore on their own, without one of our professional guides.
INTRODUCTION:
There are three species of sea turtles native to the Hawaiian Islands: the Green, the Hawksbill, and the Leatherback. These fascinating creatures have played important roles in the environment and culture of Hawaii`s people. Of the three native sea turtles, the Green Turtle (Honu) is the most common. These turtles, which can weigh up to 400 pounds, are primarily vegetarians. They eat algae or limu (Hawaiian seaweed) growing underwater on coral reefs and on rocks close to shore. Green turtles prefer to live near large ``pastures`` of limu that are located in near shore waters around the Hawaiian Islands. The carapaces (upper shells) of adults are dark with olive or gold flecks and receive their name from the color of their body fat rather than their shell color.
Small numbers of the rare Hawksbill are found around the islands of Moloka`i and Hawaii (The Big Island), where a few females have nested in recent years. This small to medium sized sea turtle inhabits coral reefs and uses it`s long, narrow beak to probe for sponges and other bottom dwelling invertebrates.
The Leatherback does not nest on or come close to Hawaii`s shores. It is seen regularly on the open ocean where it feeds almost exclusively on jellyfish. Weighing as much as 1500 pounds, leatherbacks are the giants of the world`s sea turtles. This species is the only sea turtle without a hard shell.
All sea turtles in Hawaii are fully protected under state law in addition to the Federal Endangered Species Act. These laws prohibit harassing, harming, killing, or keeping sea turtles in captivity without a permit allowing these activities for research or educational purposes. Divers should be aware that riding turtles is illegal and puts these animals under stress. When returning from foreign countries, U.S. citizens may not enter the United States with any sea turtle products. Violators may receive penalties of up to one year in prison and a $20,000 fine.
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| Location description:
| Tropical Divers Maui offers several exciting ways to explore this very unique dive ``sight``. Dive into our intro dive program for beginners or jump in to see what we have available for certified divers too.
Come dive Turtle Reef and experience some of the best SCUBA Diving Maui has to offer. Rated one of our best and most popular shore dives, it`s easy entry, shallow depth, and encounters with a wide variety of marine life make it perfect for first-time introductory divers and certified divers alike. Maximum depth out on the reef is 45 feet, and because this is a shallow dive, bottom times average 45 to 60 minutes. This allows you plenty of time to explore the reef and encounter a wide variety of marine life.
Many different species of colorful tropical fish are seen here including Moorish Idols, butterfly fish, angel fish, damsel fish, trumpet and coronet fish, unicorn fish, puffer fish, trigger fish, tangs, and large schools of yellow stripe goat fish. Whew...we could go on forever! Oh yeah, and don`t forget our friendly Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, guaranteed on every dive!
Other marine life seen on the reef include several species of eels, the Hawaiian Day Octopus, and the occasional Spiny Lobster. We have also encountered Spotted Eagle Rays, Manta Rays, Sting Rays, and on the rare occasion, Bottlenose and Spinner Dolphins. During whale season in Maui (Dec.- May), you can even hear the haunting songs of our Pacific Humpback Whales as you dive. You won`t believe your ears!
All equipment may be provided along with our professional guides to show you right where everything lives. Please make sure you bring your certification card, log book, and any of your own gear you wish to use. C-card verification is available for those who didn`t think they were going to dive in Maui and left their certification card at home...DOH! Don`t forget to ask for our professional u/w photography or video services to document all you see.
Cost: Only $45.00 per person plus tax.
Includes tank, weight, and our professionally guided tour.
Please add $5.00 for ea. BCD, regulator, or wetsuit.
MOLOKINI - Dive in an extinct volcanic crater where visibility often exceeds 150 feet,
or drift the famous Molokini Back Wall that drops off to over 300 feet into the abyss.
Common encounters are colorful tropical fish, White Tip Reef Sharks and if you`re lucky,
a Manta Ray or a 30 to 40 foot Whale Shark. Don`t miss this great dive!
LANA`I - Explore the mysterious Lana`i Cathedrals and dive through underwater caverns formed by ancient lava flows millions of years ago. Lana`i also is known for it`s miles of extensive coral reefs,
wide varieties of marine life, and playful Spinner Dolphins that like to swim along with the boat!
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