Instant Reader Report on Diving
Bubbles Below/NA in
Hawaii/Kauai in
2002/06

by
Jill Rain, WA, USA
Report Number 020818164241219

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 Caribbean, Australia, Baja, Canada 

500 psi  

[None]  

Overall Rating

Bubbles below is a class operation - rates are pricy but you get a discount
after several days with them, and they have no trouble filling their boat.
Book ahead, esp. Niihau. Usuallu 8 divers max on the 35' high speed boat. 
Dive as a group, but not in tight formation; no buddies assigned which I
appreciated as a single diver.  Divers go up as individual air supply
lasts. DM stays until last diver ascends.  Over my week of diving I saw no
other dive groups above or below water. Most days dive south shore : 10 min
- 1 hr away, depends on variable currents.  2-tank dives, plenty of snacks
on board. Mornings are better than afternoons for viz though the night
dives are worth doing. Some of these local sites are good enough to dive
more than once. Dive masters, including Linda (BB owner), very informative
and enthusiatic about creatures and their natural history.  Algal reef with
some hard coral. Abundant reef fish (esp. surgeonfish, butterfly fish,
triggerfish -Linda will explain why these), eels, lobster , lots of turtles
and sharks (mostly white-tip, one hammerhead).  John P. Hoover fish and
creature books are best.  Twice weekly trips to Niihau - these get
cancelled about 30% of the time due to rough seas in open channel but if
so, they usually go around to Na Pali coast instead, with excellent diving
and terrific views from the boat.  Niihau ($250 - 3 tanks) is remote - an
all day trip with dramatic underwater topography, big pelagics, monk seals,
and lush reef communities, incl. lionfish, tiger cowries, black coral. 
Some strong currents.  Snorkel with dolphins during surface interval. No
dive shop - bring all your own gear or arrange for rental ahead.  You will
need to rent a car to get down to Port Allen marina and around Kauai in
general.  I stayed at a B&B recommended by BB in nearby Kalaheo; if you
stay on the north shore it's a 1- 1 1/2 hr drive to the dock.  2-tank dive
days get you back in time to go snorkeling or hanging out at one of the
many excellent beaches. 

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