In addition to an excitingly mysterious atmosphere, night dives offer a rare look at nocturnal sea creatures like octopuses and blacktip reef sharks. Seeing a squid or shark’s illuminated eyes and vibrant coral in the glow of your light makes for a unique, unforgettable experience. But before you go scuba diving at night, keep these three tips in mind.

How to Prepare for Night Scuba Diving

1. Consider Diving at Dusk

You may want to start out diving at dusk. Although it might appear bright outside, only a small amount of light will penetrate the water’s surface. So when you swim, you’ll get a feel for what to expect when it gets darker. As an added bonus, during the transition from day to night, you can see when some creatures retire to sleep and others begin to stir. 

2. Get the Gear

You may want to head out with a scuba diving tour while you learn the ropes. Most of the time, these tours will provide the gear you need, including a primary dive light and a backup light in case of an emergency. The primary one should be larger and brighter and may vary in size based on the water’s clarity. You will need a wrist strap or lanyard as well to keep them by your side at all times. If you go without a scuba tour group, make sure you and your fellow divers have the proper equipment on hand.

3. Stay Safe

Communicating with other divers during the daytime is relatively straightforward, but nighttime presents unique challenges. When you make the agreed upon hand signals, you will need to illuminate your hands with the light. Or you can create a code by using your light; for instance, a circle could mean ‘okay,’ while a side-to-side motion might mean ‘no.’ 

Head out on an incredible night dive when you join Honolulu, Hawaii’s top scuba diving tour destination. Banzai Divers takes guests on magical, eye-opening tours “where serene meets sci-fi.” No matter your experience or certification level, they offer an up-close look at vibrant marine ecosystems in action. Find out more information about their dive tours online or by calling (808) 462-8290 today.