Diving Kaua'i: A Small Island and a Smaller World
Gary Leach Jun 21, 2026
During the writing of this newsletter article, I've been spending time in Kaua'i, Hawaii.
Yes, it's a magical place.
It's sand and lush green valleys. It's beaches and mountains. It's flatlands and forests. It's island culture mixed with visitors from around the world. In my last article, I wrote, "Diving has a way of bringing people together from all over the world and making it feel smaller, more connected, one dive at a time."
Kaua'i feels very much the same way.
It is beautiful. It attracts people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. At the same time, it has a unique culture all its own. During my visit, I took thousands of photos. I know... probably too many.
And of course, I went scuba diving.
Planning the Diving
One of the things I appreciate about being an SSI diver is the ability to find SSI-affiliated dive centers almost anywhere I travel.
Before leaving for Hawaii, I logged into the SSI website and used the SSI Center Locator. A quick search for Kaua'i identified two SSI-affiliated dive operations:
- Fathom Five Divers
- Seasport Divers
Once on the island, I spent part of a day visiting both shops, meeting the staff, and learning more about their operations. Both are located on Poipu Road in Koloa and are easy to find.
Fathom Five Divers is a smaller shop with a welcoming atmosphere and an enthusiastic staff member eager to help customers. The shop sits within a village-style shopping area that reminded me of Gruene, Texas. There are restaurants, local shops, food trucks, and even a farmers market. It's the kind of place where you can spend a few hours wandering around after your dive.
Seasport Divers is slightly larger and appeared to have more activity during my visit. Several staff members were assisting customers while others prepared for upcoming trips. As I would later discover, some of those same staff members would also be on the boat during my dives.
Choosing a Dive Operator
Both dive shops offered professional boat and shore diving programs.
Ultimately, I chose Seasport Divers.
The decision was simple.
Walking into the shop reminded me of the first time I walked into Tom's Dive & Swim many years ago. There was an immediate welcome, multiple staff members engaging with customers, and a level of activity that reflected a healthy and active dive community.
Just as importantly, the conversations I heard around me reflected the same emphasis on training, safety, and enjoyment that I associate with Tom's.
It felt familiar.
The Diving
Let's be honest.
If I traveled all the way to Kaua'i without going scuba diving, what kind of trip would that be?
Conditions in Kaua'i can vary significantly. The ocean can be rough at times, and dive operators select dive sites daily based on current conditions.
Fortunately, the day I dove brought only minor swells and excellent diving conditions. The captain mentioned that larger swells were expected the following day and that Sunday trips might be canceled altogether. That's a good reminder for anyone planning scuba diving in Kaua'i: don't schedule your dives for the final day of your trip. Give yourself flexibility in case weather or ocean conditions require adjustments.
Turtle Bluff
Our first dive site was Turtle Bluff.
The underwater terrain reflected Kaua'i's volcanic origins. Rocky formations dominated the landscape, with smaller areas of coral scattered throughout the site.
Several large schools of reef fish moved through the area, providing opportunities to swim among them and capture some enjoyable video footage. It was a beautiful introduction to Hawaiian diving.
Sheraton Caverns
Our second dive site was Sheraton Caverns.
The site reminded me of some of Cozumel's famous swim-throughs, although here the environment was shaped by volcanic rock rather than coral formations.
The marine life was fantastic.
During the dive I encountered a moray eel, a large sea turtle resting beneath a rocky overhang, a colorful sea slug, a frogfish, and another turtle swimming calmly through the water column.
The caverns, marine life, and volcanic landscape combined to create a dive that felt uniquely Hawaiian.
More Than Just the Dive Sites
Both dive sites were located only a mile or two from the harbor, making for short boat rides and plenty of time underwater.
The captain and crew were outstanding, and everyone on board appeared to be having a great time.
Then again, it's Kaua'i.
It's hard not to.
As with all of my dive trips, one of the most enjoyable parts of the experience was meeting new people. No matter where I travel, diving has a way of bringing people together. Complete strangers often become friends after sharing a boat ride, a dive, and a few stories.
It is one of the things I love most about this sport.
Because diving really does have a way of making the world feel smaller and more connected, one dive at a time.
Dive safe. Dive often.
Gary
SSI Dive Centers on Kaua'i